1
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Chang CH, See Too WC, Lim BH, Few LL. Identification and Characterization of Entamoeba histolytica Choline Kinase. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:426-438. [PMID: 38172465 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00763-1] [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: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Entamoeba histolytica is one of the death-causing parasites in the world. Study on its lipid composition revealed that it is predominated by phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Further study revealed that its phosphorylated metabolites might be produced by the Kennedy pathway. Here, we would like to report on the characterizations of enzymes from this pathway that would provide information for the design of novel inhibitors against these enzymes in future. METHODOLOGY E. histolytica HM-1:IMSS genomic DNA was isolated and two putative choline/ethanolamine kinase genes (EhCK1 and EhCK2) were cloned and expressed from Escherichia coli BL21 strain. Enzymatic characterizations were further carried out on the purified enzymes. RESULTS EhCK1 and EhCK2 were identified from E. histolytica genome. The deduced amino acid sequences were more identical to its homologues in human (35-48%) than other organisms. The proteins were clustered as ethanolamine kinase in the constructed phylogeny tree. Sequence analysis showed that they possessed all the conserved motifs in choline kinase family: ATP-binding loop, Brenner's phosphotransferase motif, and choline kinase motif. Here, the open reading frames were cloned, expressed, and purified to apparent homogeneity. EhCK1 showed activity with choline but not ethanolamine. The biochemical characterization showed that it had a Vmax of 1.9 ± 0.1 µmol/min/mg. Its Km for choline and ATP was 203 ± 26 µM and 3.1 ± 0.4 mM, respectively. In contrast, EhCK2 enzymatic activity was only detected when Mn2+ was used as the co-factor instead of Mg2+ like other choline/ethanolamine kinases. Highly sensitive and specific antibody against EhCK1 was developed and used to confirm the endogenous EhCK1 expression using immunoblotting. CONCLUSIONS With the understanding of EhC/EK importance in phospholipid metabolism and their unique characteristic, EhC/EK could be a potential target for future anti-amoebiasis study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiat Han Chang
- School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Wei Cun See Too
- School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
| | - Boon Huat Lim
- School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Ling Ling Few
- School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
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2
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Venice F, Spina F, Davolos D, Ghignone S, Varese GC. The genomes of Scedosporium between environmental challenges and opportunism. IMA Fungus 2023; 14:25. [PMID: 38049914 PMCID: PMC10694956 DOI: 10.1186/s43008-023-00128-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging fungal pathogens are a global challenge for humankind. Many efforts have been made to understand the mechanisms underlying pathogenicity in bacteria, and OMICs techniques are largely responsible for those advancements. By contrast, our limited understanding of opportunism and antifungal resistance is preventing us from identifying, limiting and interpreting the emergence of fungal pathogens. The genus Scedosporium (Microascaceae) includes fungi with high tolerance to environmental pollution, whilst some species can be considered major human pathogens, such as Scedosporium apiospermum and Scedosporium boydii. However, unlike other fungal pathogens, little is known about the genome evolution of these organisms. We sequenced two novel genomes of Scedosporium aurantiacum and Scedosporium minutisporum isolated from extreme, strongly anthropized environments. We compared all the available Scedosporium and Microascaceae genomes, that we systematically annotated and characterized ex novo in most cases. The genomes in this family were integrated in a Phylum-level comparison to infer the presence of putative, shared genomic traits in filamentous ascomycetes with pathogenic potential. The analysis included the genomes of 100 environmental and clinical fungi, revealing poor evolutionary convergence of putative pathogenicity traits. By contrast, several features in Microascaceae and Scedosporium were detected that might have a dual role in responding to environmental challenges and allowing colonization of the human body, including chitin, melanin and other cell wall related genes, proteases, glutaredoxins and magnesium transporters. We found these gene families to be impacted by expansions, orthologous transposon insertions, and point mutations. With RNA-seq, we demonstrated that most of these anciently impacted genomic features responded to the stress imposed by an antifungal compound (voriconazole) in the two environmental strains S. aurantiacum MUT6114 and S. minutisporum MUT6113. Therefore, the present genomics and transcriptomics investigation stands on the edge between stress resistance and pathogenic potential, to elucidate whether fungi were pre-adapted to infect humans. We highlight the strengths and limitations of genomics applied to opportunistic human pathogens, the multifactoriality of pathogenicity and resistance to drugs, and suggest a scenario where pressures other than anthropic contributed to forge filamentous human pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Venice
- Department of Life Sciences and System Biology, University of Turin, Viale Mattioli 25, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Federica Spina
- Department of Life Sciences and System Biology, University of Turin, Viale Mattioli 25, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Domenico Davolos
- Department of Technological Innovations and Safety of Plants, Products and Anthropic Settlements (DIT), INAIL, Research Area, Via R. Ferruzzi 38/40, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ghignone
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (IPSP), SS Turin-National Research Council (CNR), Viale Mattioli 25, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanna Cristina Varese
- Department of Life Sciences and System Biology, University of Turin, Viale Mattioli 25, 10125, Turin, Italy.
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3
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Kwarteng DO, Gangoda M, Kooijman EE. The effect of methylated phosphatidylethanolamine derivatives on the ionization properties of signaling phosphatidic acid. Biophys Chem 2023; 296:107005. [PMID: 36934676 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2023.107005] [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: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and Phosphatidylcholine (PC) are the most abundant glycerophospholipids in eukaryotic membranes. The differences in the physicochemical properties of their headgroups have contrasting modulatory effects on their interaction with intracellular macromolecules. As such, their overall impact on membrane structure and function differs significantly. Enzymatic methylation of PE's amine headgroup produces two methylated derivatives namely monomethyl PE (MMPE) and dimethyl PE (DMPE) which have physicochemical properties that generally range between that of PE and PC. Additionally, their influence on membrane properties differs from both PE and PC. Although variations in headgroup methylation have been reported to affect signaling pathways, the direct influence that these differences exert on the ionization properties of signaling phospholipids have not been investigated. Here, we briefly review membrane function and structure that are mediated by the differences in headgroup methylation between PE, MMPE, DMPE and PC. In addition, using 31P MAS NMR, we investigate the effect of these four phospholipids on the ionization properties of the ubiquitous signaling anionic lipid phosphatidic acid (PA). Our results show that PA's ionization properties are differentially affected by changes in phospholipid headgroup methylation. This could have important implications for PA-protein binding and hence physiological functions in cells where signaling events lead to changes in abundance of methylated PE derivatives in the membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desmond Owusu Kwarteng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, P.O. Box 5190, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
| | - Mahinda Gangoda
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Kent State University, P.O. Box 5190, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Edgar E Kooijman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, P.O. Box 5190, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
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4
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Chepngetich J, Muriithi B, Gachie B, Thiong'o K, Jepkorir M, Gathirwa J, Kimani F, Mwitari P, Kiboi D. Amodiaquine drug pressure selects nonsynonymous mutations in pantothenate kinase 1, diacylglycerol kinase, and phosphatidylinositol-4 kinase in Plasmodium berghei ANKA. OPEN RESEARCH AFRICA 2022; 5:28. [PMID: 38915420 PMCID: PMC11195610 DOI: 10.12688/openresafrica.13436.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Background: Lumefantrine (LM), piperaquine (PQ), and amodiaquine (AQ), the long-acting components of the artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), are a cornerstone of malaria treatment in Africa. Studies have shown that PQ, AQ, and LM resistance may arise independently of predicted modes of action. Protein kinases have emerged as mediators of drug action and efficacy in malaria parasites; however, the link between top druggable Plasmodium kinases with LM, PQ, and AQ resistance remains unclear. Using LM, PQ, or AQ-resistant Plasmodium berghei parasites, we have evaluated the association of choline kinase (CK), pantothenate kinase 1 (PANK1), diacylglycerol kinase (DAGK), and phosphatidylinositol-4 kinase (PI4Kβ), and calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 (CDPK1) with LM, PQ, and AQ resistance in Plasmodium berghei ANKA. Methods: We used in silico bioinformatics tools to identify ligand-binding motifs, active sites, and sequence conservation across the different parasites. We then used PCR and sequencing analysis to probe for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the predicted functional motifs in the CK, PANK1, DAGK, PI4Kβ, and CDPK1. Using qPCR analysis, we finally measured the mRNA amount of PANK1, DAGK, and PI4Kβ at trophozoites and schizonts stages. Results: We reveal sequence conservation and unique ligand-binding motifs in the CK, PANK1, DAGK, PI4Kβ, and CDPK1 across malaria species. DAGK, PANK1, and PI4Kβ possessed nonsynonymous mutations; surprisingly, the mutations only occurred in the AQr parasites. PANK1 acquired Asn394His while DAGK contained K270R and K292R mutations. PI4Kβ had Asp366Asn, Ser1367Arg, Tyr1394Asn and Asp1423Asn. We show downregulation of PANK1, DAGK, and PI4Kβ in the trophozoites but upregulation at the schizonts stages in the AQr parasites. Conclusions: The selective acquisition of the mutations and the differential gene expression in AQ-resistant parasites may signify proteins under AQ pressure. The role of the mutations in the resistant parasites and the impact on drug responses require further investigations in malaria parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Chepngetich
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation, Nairobi, 62000, 00200, Kenya
- Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, 54840, 00200, Kenya
- Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, 54840, 00200, Kenya
| | - Brenda Muriithi
- Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, 54840, 00200, Kenya
- Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, 54840, 00200, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, 62000, 00200, Kenya
| | - Beatrice Gachie
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation, Nairobi, 62000, 00200, Kenya
- Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, 54840, 00200, Kenya
- Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, 54840, 00200, Kenya
| | - Kevin Thiong'o
- Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, 54840, 00200, Kenya
| | - Mercy Jepkorir
- Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, 54840, 00200, Kenya
| | - Jeremiah Gathirwa
- Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, 54840, 00200, Kenya
| | - Francis Kimani
- Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, 54840, 00200, Kenya
| | - Peter Mwitari
- Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, 54840, 00200, Kenya
| | - Daniel Kiboi
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, 62000, 00200, Kenya
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5
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Ramaprasad A, Burda PC, Calvani E, Sait AJ, Palma-Duran SA, Withers-Martinez C, Hackett F, Macrae J, Collinson L, Gilberger TW, Blackman MJ. A choline-releasing glycerophosphodiesterase essential for phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis and blood stage development in the malaria parasite. eLife 2022; 11:82207. [PMID: 36576255 PMCID: PMC9886279 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum synthesizes significant amounts of phospholipids to meet the demands of replication within red blood cells. De novo phosphatidylcholine (PC) biosynthesis via the Kennedy pathway is essential, requiring choline that is primarily sourced from host serum lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC). LysoPC also acts as an environmental sensor to regulate parasite sexual differentiation. Despite these critical roles for host lysoPC, the enzyme(s) involved in its breakdown to free choline for PC synthesis are unknown. Here, we show that a parasite glycerophosphodiesterase (PfGDPD) is indispensable for blood stage parasite proliferation. Exogenous choline rescues growth of PfGDPD-null parasites, directly linking PfGDPD function to choline incorporation. Genetic ablation of PfGDPD reduces choline uptake from lysoPC, resulting in depletion of several PC species in the parasite, whilst purified PfGDPD releases choline from glycerophosphocholine in vitro. Our results identify PfGDPD as a choline-releasing glycerophosphodiesterase that mediates a critical step in PC biosynthesis and parasite survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinay Ramaprasad
- Malaria Biochemistry Laboratory, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Paul-Christian Burda
- Centre for Structural Systems BiologyHamburgGermany,Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical MedicineHamburgGermany,University of HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Enrica Calvani
- Metabolomics Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Aaron J Sait
- Electron Microscopy Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | | | - Fiona Hackett
- Malaria Biochemistry Laboratory, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - James Macrae
- Metabolomics Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Lucy Collinson
- Electron Microscopy Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Tim Wolf Gilberger
- Centre for Structural Systems BiologyHamburgGermany,Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical MedicineHamburgGermany,University of HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Michael J Blackman
- Malaria Biochemistry Laboratory, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom,Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
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6
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Usui M, Williamson KC. Stressed Out About Plasmodium falciparum Gametocytogenesis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:790067. [PMID: 34926328 PMCID: PMC8674873 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.790067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Blocking malaria transmission is critical to malaria control programs but remains a major challenge especially in endemic regions with high levels of asymptomatic infections. New strategies targeting the transmissible sexual stages of the parasite, called gametocytes, are needed. This review focuses on P. falciparum gametocytogenesis in vivo and in vitro. Highlighting advances made elucidating genes required for gametocyte production and identifying key questions that remain unanswered such as the factors and regulatory mechanisms that contribute to gametocyte induction, and the mechanism of sequestration. Tools available to begin to address these issues are also described to facilitate advances in our understanding of this important stage of the life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miho Usui
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Kim C Williamson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
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7
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Li DF, Cui ZH, Wang LY, Zhang KH, Cao LT, Zheng SJ, Zhang LX. Tandem mass tag (TMT)-based proteomic analysis of Cryptosporidium andersoni oocysts before and after excystation. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:608. [PMID: 34922597 PMCID: PMC8683822 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05113-6] [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: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptosporidium andersoni initiates infection by releasing sporozoites from oocysts through excystation. However, the proteins involved in excystation are unknown. Determining the proteins that participate in the excystation of C. andersoni oocysts will increase our understanding of the excystation process. Methods Cryptosporidium andersoni oocysts were collected and purified from the feces of naturally infected adult cows. Tandem mass tags (TMT), coupled with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) proteomic analysis, were used to investigate the proteomic expression profiles of C. andersoni oocysts before and after excystation. Results Proteomic analysis identified a total of 1586 proteins, of which 17 were differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) upon excystation. These included 10 upregulated and seven downregulated proteins. The 17 proteins had multiple biological functions associated with control of gene expression at the level of transcription and biosynthetic and metabolic processes. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR of eight selected genes validated the proteomic data. Conclusions This study provides information on the protein composition of C. andersoni oocysts as well as possible excystation factors. The data may be useful in identifying genes for diagnosis, vaccine development, and immunotherapy for Cryptosporidium. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-05113-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Fang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, People's Republic of China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao-Hui Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, People's Republic of China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu-Yang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, People's Republic of China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai-Hui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, People's Republic of China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Le-Tian Cao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, People's Republic of China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang-Jian Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, People's Republic of China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Long-Xian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, People's Republic of China. .,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, People's Republic of China.
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8
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Khalifa M, Few LL, Too WCS. Phage-Choline Kinase Inhibitor Combination to Control Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A Promising Combo. Mini Rev Med Chem 2021; 22:1281-1288. [PMID: 34961459 DOI: 10.2174/1389557521666211213160256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most prevalent opportunistic pathogens in humans that has thrived and proved to be difficult to control in this "post-antibiotic era." Antibiotic alternatives are necessary for fighting against this resilient bacterium. Even though phages might not be "the wonder drug" that solves everything, they still provide a viable option to combat P. aeruginosa and curb the threat it imposes. MAIN FINDINGS The combination of antibiotics with phages, however, poses a propitious treatment option for P. aeruginosa. Choline kinase (ChoK) is the enzyme that synthesizes phosphorylcholine subsequently incorporated into lipopolysaccharide located at the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria. Recently, inhibition of ChoKs has been proposed as a promising antibacterial strategy. Successful docking of Hemicholinium-3, a choline kinase inhibitor, to the model structure of P. aeruginosa ChoK also supports the use of this inhibitor or its derivatives to inhibit the growth of this microorganism. CONCLUSION Therefore, the combination of the novel antimicrobial "choline kinase inhibitors (ChoKIs)" with a phage cocktail or synthetic phages as a potential treatment for P. aeruginosa infection has been proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moad Khalifa
- School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan. Malaysia
| | - Ling Ling Few
- School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan. Malaysia
| | - Wei Cun See Too
- School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan. Malaysia
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9
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New Compounds with Bioisosteric Replacement of Classic Choline Kinase Inhibitors Show Potent Antiplasmodial Activity. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13111842. [PMID: 34834257 PMCID: PMC8621770 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111842] [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: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the fight against Malaria, new strategies need to be developed to avoid resistance of the parasite to pharmaceutics and other prevention barriers. Recently, a Host Directed Therapy approach based on the suppression of the starting materials uptake from the host by the parasite has provided excellent results. In this article, we propose the synthesis of bioisosteric compounds that are capable of inhibiting Plasmodium falciparum Choline Kinase and therefore to reduce choline uptake, which is essential for the development of the parasite. Of the 41 bioisosteric compounds reported herein, none showed any influence of the linker on the antimalarial and enzyme inhibitory activity, whereas an effect of the type of cationic heads used could be observed. SARs determined that the thienopyrimidine substituted in 4 by a pyrrolidine is the best scaffold, independently of the chosen linker. The decrease in lipophilicity seems to improve the antimalarial activity but to cause an opposite effect on the inhibition of the enzyme. While potent compounds with similar good inhibitory values have been related to the proposed mechanism of action, some of them still show discrepancies and further studies are needed to determine their specific molecular target.
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10
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Quartieri F, Nesi M, Avanzi NR, Borghi D, Casale E, Corti E, Cucchi U, Donati D, Fasolini M, Felder ER, Galvani A, Giorgini ML, Lomolino A, Menichincheri M, Orrenius C, Perrera C, Re Depaolini S, Riccardi-Sirtori F, Salsi E, Isacchi A, Gnocchi P. Identification of unprecedented ATP-competitive choline kinase inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 51:128310. [PMID: 34416377 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.128310] [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: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In this article we describe the identification of unprecedented ATP-competitive ChoKα inhibitors starting from initial hit NMS-P830 that binds to ChoKα in an ATP concentration-dependent manner. This result is confirmed by the co-crystal structure of NMS-P830 in complex with Δ75-ChoKα. NMS-P830 is able to inhibit ChoKα in cells resulting in the reduction of intracellular phosphocholine formation. A structure-based medicinal chemistry program resulted in the identification of selective compounds that have good biochemical activity, solubility and metabolic stability and are suitable for further optimization. The ChoKα inhibitors disclosed in this article demonstrate for the first time the possibility to inhibit ChoKα with ATP-competitive compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Quartieri
- Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Viale Pasteur 10, 20014 Nerviano (MI), Italy.
| | - Marcella Nesi
- Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Viale Pasteur 10, 20014 Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | - Nilla R Avanzi
- Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Viale Pasteur 10, 20014 Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | - Daniela Borghi
- Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Viale Pasteur 10, 20014 Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | - Elena Casale
- Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Viale Pasteur 10, 20014 Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | - Emiliana Corti
- Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Viale Pasteur 10, 20014 Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | - Ulisse Cucchi
- Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Viale Pasteur 10, 20014 Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | - Daniele Donati
- Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Viale Pasteur 10, 20014 Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | - Marina Fasolini
- Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Viale Pasteur 10, 20014 Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | - Eduard R Felder
- Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Viale Pasteur 10, 20014 Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | - Arturo Galvani
- Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Viale Pasteur 10, 20014 Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | - Maria L Giorgini
- Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Viale Pasteur 10, 20014 Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | - Antonio Lomolino
- Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Viale Pasteur 10, 20014 Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | | | - Christian Orrenius
- Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Viale Pasteur 10, 20014 Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | - Claudia Perrera
- Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Viale Pasteur 10, 20014 Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | | | | | - Enea Salsi
- Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Viale Pasteur 10, 20014 Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | - Antonella Isacchi
- Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Viale Pasteur 10, 20014 Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | - Paola Gnocchi
- Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Viale Pasteur 10, 20014 Nerviano (MI), Italy
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11
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Lacal JC, Zimmerman T, Campos JM. Choline Kinase: An Unexpected Journey for a Precision Medicine Strategy in Human Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:788. [PMID: 34070409 PMCID: PMC8226952 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13060788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Choline kinase (ChoK) is a cytosolic enzyme that catalyzes the phosphorylation of choline to form phosphorylcholine (PCho) in the presence of ATP and magnesium. ChoK is required for the synthesis of key membrane phospholipids and is involved in malignant transformation in a large variety of human tumours. Active compounds against ChoK have been identified and proposed as antitumor agents. The ChoK inhibitory and antiproliferative activities of symmetrical bispyridinium and bisquinolinium compounds have been defined using quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) and structural parameters. The design strategy followed in the development of the most active molecules is presented. The selective anticancer activity of these structures is also described. One promising anticancer compound has even entered clinical trials. Recently, ChoKα inhibitors have also been proposed as a novel therapeutic approach against parasites, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory processes, and pathogenic bacteria. The evidence for ChoKα as a novel drug target for approaches in precision medicine is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Lacal
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, CSIC, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital La Paz, IDIPAZ, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Tahl Zimmerman
- Food Microbiology and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, North Carolina University, 1601 East Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA;
| | - Joaquín M. Campos
- Departamento de Química Farmacéutica y Orgánica, Facultad de Farmacia, c/Campus de Cartuja, s/n, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto Biosanitario de Granada (ibs. GRANADA), SAS-Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
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12
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Arendse LB, Wyllie S, Chibale K, Gilbert IH. Plasmodium Kinases as Potential Drug Targets for Malaria: Challenges and Opportunities. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:518-534. [PMID: 33590753 PMCID: PMC7961706 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Protein and phosphoinositide kinases have been successfully exploited as drug targets in various disease areas, principally in oncology. In malaria, several protein kinases are under investigation as potential drug targets, and an inhibitor of Plasmodium phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase type III beta (PI4KIIIβ) is currently in phase 2 clinical studies. In this Perspective, we review the potential of kinases as drug targets for the treatment of malaria. Kinases are known to be readily druggable, and many are essential for parasite survival. A key challenge in the design of Plasmodium kinase inhibitors is obtaining selectivity over the corresponding human orthologue(s) and other human kinases due to the highly conserved nature of the shared ATP binding site. Notwithstanding this, there are some notable differences between the Plasmodium and human kinome that may be exploitable. There is also the potential for designed polypharmacology, where several Plasmodium kinases are inhibited by the same drug. Prior to starting the drug discovery process, it is important to carefully assess potential kinase targets to ensure that the inhibition of the desired kinase will kill the parasites in the required life-cycle stages with a sufficiently fast rate of kill. Here, we highlight key target attributes and experimental approaches to consider and summarize the progress that has been made targeting Plasmodium PI4KIIIβ, cGMP-dependent protein kinase, and cyclin-dependent-like kinase 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren B. Arendse
- Drug
Discovery and Development Centre (H3D), South African Medical Research
Council Drug Discovery and Development Research Unit, Department of
Chemistry, and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, Western Cape 7701, South Africa
| | - Susan Wyllie
- Wellcome
Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry
and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, United Kingdom
| | - Kelly Chibale
- Drug
Discovery and Development Centre (H3D), South African Medical Research
Council Drug Discovery and Development Research Unit, Department of
Chemistry, and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, Western Cape 7701, South Africa
| | - Ian H. Gilbert
- Wellcome
Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry
and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, United Kingdom
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13
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Mustière R, Vanelle P, Primas N. Plasmodial Kinase Inhibitors Targeting Malaria: Recent Developments. Molecules 2020; 25:E5949. [PMID: 33334080 PMCID: PMC7765515 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25245949] [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: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent progress in reducing malaria cases and ensuing deaths is threatened by factors like mutations that induce resistance to artemisinin derivatives. Multiple drugs are currently in clinical trials for malaria treatment, including some with novel mechanisms of action. One of these, MMV390048, is a plasmodial kinase inhibitor. This review lists the recently developed molecules which target plasmodial kinases. A systematic review of the literature was performed using CAPLUS and MEDLINE databases from 2005 to 2020. It covers a total of 60 articles and describes about one hundred compounds targeting 22 plasmodial kinases. This work highlights the strong potential of compounds targeting plasmodial kinases for future drug therapies. However, the majority of the Plasmodium kinome remains to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrice Vanelle
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, ICR UMR 7273, Equipe Pharmaco-Chimie Radicalaire, Faculté de Pharmacie, 13385 Marseille CEDEX 05, France;
| | - Nicolas Primas
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, ICR UMR 7273, Equipe Pharmaco-Chimie Radicalaire, Faculté de Pharmacie, 13385 Marseille CEDEX 05, France;
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14
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Kumar M, Skillman K, Duraisingh MT. Linking nutrient sensing and gene expression in Plasmodium falciparum blood-stage parasites. Mol Microbiol 2020; 115:891-900. [PMID: 33236377 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is one of the most life-threatening infectious diseases worldwide, caused by infection of humans with parasites of the genus Plasmodium. The complex life cycle of Plasmodium parasites is shared between two hosts, with infection of multiple cell types, and the parasite needs to adapt for survival and transmission through significantly different metabolic environments. Within the blood-stage alone, parasites encounter changing levels of key nutrients, including sugars, amino acids, and lipids, due to differences in host dietary nutrition, cellular tropism, and pathogenesis. In this review, we consider the mechanisms that the most lethal of malaria parasites, Plasmodium falciparum, uses to sense nutrient levels and elicit changes in gene expression during blood-stage infections. These changes are brought about by several metabolic intermediates and their corresponding sensor proteins. Sensing of distinct nutritional signals can drive P. falciparum to alter the key blood-stage processes of proliferation, antigenic variation, and transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kumar
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kristen Skillman
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Manoj T Duraisingh
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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15
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Rubio-Ruiz B, Serrán-Aguilera L, Hurtado-Guerrero R, Conejo-García A. Recent advances in the design of choline kinase α inhibitors and the molecular basis of their inhibition. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:902-927. [PMID: 33103259 DOI: 10.1002/med.21746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Upregulated choline metabolism, characterized by an increase in phosphocholine (PCho), is a hallmark of oncogenesis and tumor progression. Choline kinase (ChoK), the enzyme responsible for PCho synthesis, has consequently become a promising drug target for cancer therapy and as such a significant number of ChoK inhibitors have been developed over the last few decades. More recently, due to the role of this enzyme in other pathologies, ChoK inhibitors have also been used in new therapeutic approaches against malaria and rheumatoid arthritis. Here, we review research results in the field of ChoKα inhibitors from their synthesis to the molecular basis of their binding mode. Strategies for the development of inhibitors and their selectivity on ChoKα over ChoKβ, the plasticity of the choline-binding site, the discovery of new exploitable binding sites, and the allosteric properties of this enzyme are highlighted. The outcomes summarized in this review will be a useful guide to develop new multifunctional potent drugs for the treatment of various human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Rubio-Ruiz
- Department of Medicinal and Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), Granada, Spain.,Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), SAS-University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Lucía Serrán-Aguilera
- Department of Medicinal and Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Ramón Hurtado-Guerrero
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Laboratorio de Microscopías Avanzada, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,ARAID Foundation, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana Conejo-García
- Department of Medicinal and Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), SAS-University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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16
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Booth LA, Smith TK. Lipid metabolism in Trypanosoma cruzi: A review. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2020; 240:111324. [PMID: 32961207 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2020.111324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The cellular membranes of Trypanosoma cruzi, like all eukaryotes, contain varying amounts of phospholipids, sphingolipids, neutral lipids and sterols. A multitude of pathways exist for the de novo synthesis of these lipid families but Trypanosoma cruzi has also become adapted to scavenge some of these lipids from the host. Completion of the TriTryp genomes has led to the identification of many putative genes involved in lipid synthesis, revealing some interesting differences to higher eukaryotes. Although many enzymes involved in lipid synthesis have yet to be characterised, completed experiments have shown the indispensability of some lipid metabolic pathways. Furthermore, the bioactive lipids of Trypanosoma cruzi and their effects on the host are becoming increasingly studied. Further studies on lipid metabolism in Trypanosoma cruzi will no doubt reveal some attractive targets for therapeutic intervention as well as reveal the interplay between parasite lipids, host response and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh-Ann Booth
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Scotland, KY16 9ST, United Kingdom
| | - Terry K Smith
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Scotland, KY16 9ST, United Kingdom.
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17
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Khalifa M, Few LL, See Too WC. ChoK-ing the Pathogenic Bacteria: Potential of Human Choline Kinase Inhibitors as Antimicrobial Agents. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:1823485. [PMID: 32695809 PMCID: PMC7368946 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1823485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Novel antimicrobial agents are crucial to combat antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria. Choline kinase (ChoK) in bacteria catalyzes the synthesis of phosphorylcholine, which is subsequently incorporated into the cell wall or outer membrane. In certain species of bacteria, phosphorylcholine is also used to synthesize membrane phosphatidylcholine. Numerous human ChoK inhibitors (ChoKIs) have been synthesized and tested for anticancer properties. Inhibition of S. pneumoniae ChoK by human ChoKIs showed a promising effect by distorting the cell wall and retarded the growth of this pathogen. Comparison of amino acid sequences at the catalytic sites of putative choline kinases from pathogenic bacteria and human enzymes revealed striking sequence conservation that supports the potential application of currently available ChoKIs for inhibiting bacterial enzymes. We also propose the combined use of ChoKIs and nanoparticles for targeted delivery to the pathogen while shielding the human host from any possible side effects of the inhibitors. More research should focus on the verification of putative bacterial ChoK activities and the characterization of ChoKIs with active enzymes. In conclusion, the presence of ChoK in a wide range of pathogenic bacteria and the distinct function of this enzyme has made it an attractive drug target. This review highlighted the possibility of "choking" bacterial ChoKs by using human ChoKIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moad Khalifa
- School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Ling Ling Few
- School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Wei Cun See Too
- School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
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18
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Giannangelo C, Siddiqui G, De Paoli A, Anderson BM, Edgington-Mitchell LE, Charman SA, Creek DJ. System-wide biochemical analysis reveals ozonide antimalarials initially act by disrupting Plasmodium falciparum haemoglobin digestion. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008485. [PMID: 32589689 PMCID: PMC7347234 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Ozonide antimalarials, OZ277 (arterolane) and OZ439 (artefenomel), are synthetic peroxide-based antimalarials with potent activity against the deadliest malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. Here we used a "multi-omics" workflow, in combination with activity-based protein profiling (ABPP), to demonstrate that peroxide antimalarials initially target the haemoglobin (Hb) digestion pathway to kill malaria parasites. Time-dependent metabolomic profiling of ozonide-treated P. falciparum infected red blood cells revealed a rapid depletion of short Hb-derived peptides followed by subsequent alterations in lipid and nucleotide metabolism, while untargeted peptidomics showed accumulation of longer Hb-derived peptides. Quantitative proteomics and ABPP assays demonstrated that Hb-digesting proteases were increased in abundance and activity following treatment, respectively. Ozonide-induced depletion of short Hb-derived peptides was less extensive in a drug-treated K13-mutant artemisinin resistant parasite line (Cam3.IIR539T) than in the drug-treated isogenic sensitive strain (Cam3.IIrev), further confirming the association between ozonide activity and Hb catabolism. To demonstrate that compromised Hb catabolism may be a primary mechanism involved in ozonide antimalarial activity, we showed that parasites forced to rely solely on Hb digestion for amino acids became hypersensitive to short ozonide exposures. Quantitative proteomics analysis also revealed parasite proteins involved in translation and the ubiquitin-proteasome system were enriched following drug treatment, suggestive of the parasite engaging a stress response to mitigate ozonide-induced damage. Taken together, these data point to a mechanism of action involving initial impairment of Hb catabolism, and indicate that the parasite regulates protein turnover to manage ozonide-induced damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Giannangelo
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ghizal Siddiqui
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amanda De Paoli
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bethany M. Anderson
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Laura E. Edgington-Mitchell
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Susan A. Charman
- Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Darren J. Creek
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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19
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Cho HJ, Yoon H, Lee HH. Phosphatidylserine-induced dissociation of the heterodimeric PstB2p/Pbi1p complex in yeast phosphatidylserine trafficking system. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 517:285-290. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.07.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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20
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Emery SJ, Baker L, Ansell BRE, Mirzaei M, Haynes PA, McConville MJ, Svärd SG, Jex AR. Differential protein expression and post-translational modifications in metronidazole-resistant Giardia duodenalis. Gigascience 2018; 7:4931738. [PMID: 29688452 PMCID: PMC5913674 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giy024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Metronidazole (Mtz) is the frontline drug treatment for multiple anaerobic pathogens, including the gastrointestinal protist, Giardia duodenalis. However, treatment failure is common and linked to in vivo drug resistance. In Giardia, in vitro drug-resistant lines allow controlled experimental interrogation of resistance mechanisms in isogenic cultures. However, resistance-associated changes are inconsistent between lines, phenotypic data are incomplete, and resistance is rarely genetically fixed, highlighted by reversion to sensitivity after drug selection ceases or via passage through the life cycle. Comprehensive quantitative approaches are required to resolve isolate variability, fully define Mtz resistance phenotypes, and explore the role of post-translational modifications therein. Findings We performed quantitative proteomics to describe differentially expressed proteins in 3 seminal Mtz-resistant lines compared to their isogenic, Mtz-susceptible, parental line. We also probed changes in post-translational modifications including protein acetylation, methylation, ubiquitination, and phosphorylation via immunoblotting. We quantified more than 1,000 proteins in each genotype, recording substantial genotypic variation in differentially expressed proteins between isotypes. Our data confirm substantial changes in the antioxidant network, glycolysis, and electron transport and indicate links between protein acetylation and Mtz resistance, including cross-resistance to deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A in Mtz-resistant lines. Finally, we performed the first controlled, longitudinal study of Mtz resistance stability, monitoring lines after cessation of drug selection, revealing isolate-dependent phenotypic plasticity. Conclusions Our data demonstrate understanding that Mtz resistance must be broadened to post-transcriptional and post-translational responses and that Mtz resistance is polygenic, driven by isolate-dependent variation, and is correlated with changes in protein acetylation networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Emery
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Louise Baker
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Brendan R E Ansell
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia.,Australian Proteome Analysis Facility, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul A Haynes
- Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Malcom J McConville
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Staffan G Svärd
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Aaron R Jex
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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21
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Kilian N, Choi JY, Voelker DR, Ben Mamoun C. Role of phospholipid synthesis in the development and differentiation of malaria parasites in the blood. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:17308-17316. [PMID: 30287688 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.r118.003213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The life cycle of malaria parasites in both their mammalian host and mosquito vector consists of multiple developmental stages that ensure proper replication and progeny survival. The transition between these stages is fueled by nutrients scavenged from the host and fed into specialized metabolic pathways of the parasite. One such pathway is used by Plasmodium falciparum, which causes the most severe form of human malaria, to synthesize its major phospholipids, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylserine. Much is known about the enzymes involved in the synthesis of these phospholipids, and recent advances in genetic engineering, single-cell RNA-Seq analyses, and drug screening have provided new perspectives on the importance of some of these enzymes in parasite development and sexual differentiation and have identified targets for the development of new antimalarial drugs. This Minireview focuses on two phospholipid biosynthesis enzymes of P. falciparum that catalyze phosphoethanolamine transmethylation (PfPMT) and phosphatidylserine decarboxylation (PfPSD) during the blood stages of the parasite. We also discuss our current understanding of the biochemical, structural, and biological functions of these enzymes and highlight efforts to use them as antimalarial drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Kilian
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520 and
| | - Jae-Yeon Choi
- the Basic Science Section, Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado 80206
| | - Dennis R Voelker
- the Basic Science Section, Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado 80206
| | - Choukri Ben Mamoun
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520 and
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22
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Kanazawa H, Saavedra OM, Maianti JP, Young SA, Izquierdo L, Smith TK, Hanessian S, Kondo J. Structure-Based Design of a Eukaryote-Selective Antiprotozoal Fluorinated Aminoglycoside. ChemMedChem 2018; 13:1541-1548. [PMID: 29766661 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201800166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Aminoglycosides (AG) are antibiotics that lower the accuracy of protein synthesis by targeting a highly conserved RNA helix of the ribosomal A-site. The discovery of AGs that selectively target the eukaryotic ribosome, but lack activity in prokaryotes, are promising as antiprotozoals for the treatment of neglected tropical diseases, and as therapies to read-through point-mutation genetic diseases. However, a single nucleobase change A1408G in the eukaryotic A-site leads to negligible affinity for most AGs. Herein we report the synthesis of 6'-fluorosisomicin, the first 6'-fluorinated aminoglycoside, which specifically interacts with the protozoal cytoplasmic rRNA A-site, but not the bacterial A-site, as evidenced by X-ray co-crystal structures. The respective dispositions of 6'-fluorosisomicin within the bacterial and protozoal A-sites reveal that the fluorine atom acts only as a hydrogen-bond acceptor to favorably interact with G1408 of the protozoal A-site. Unlike aminoglycosides containing a 6'-ammonium group, 6'-fluorosisomicin cannot participate in the hydrogen-bonding pattern that characterizes stable pseudo-base-pairs with A1408 of the bacterial A-sites. Based on these structural observations it may be possible to shift the biological activity of aminoglycosides to act preferentially as antiprotozoal agents. These findings expand the repertoire of small molecules targeting the eukaryotic ribosome and demonstrate the usefulness of fluorine as a design element.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Kanazawa
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Sophia University, 7-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, 102-8554, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Oscar M Saavedra
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Juan Pablo Maianti
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Simon A Young
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland, KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Luis Izquierdo
- ISGlobal, Hospital-Clinic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Terry K Smith
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland, KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Stephen Hanessian
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Jiro Kondo
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Sophia University, 7-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, 102-8554, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Materials and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Sophia University, 7-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, 102-8554, Tokyo, Japan
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23
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Schiafino-Ortega S, Baglioni E, Pérez-Moreno G, Marco PR, Marco C, González-Pacanowska D, Ruiz-Pérez LM, Carrasco-Jiménez MP, López-Cara LC. 1,2-Diphenoxiethane salts as potent antiplasmodial agents. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2018; 28:2485-2489. [PMID: 29880399 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2018.05.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In this article we present a series of non-cytotoxic potent human choline kinase (CK) inhibitors that exhibit nanomolar antiplasmodial activity in vitro. The most active antiplasmodial compounds, 10a-b, bearing a pyridinium cationic head were inactive against CK, while compounds 10g and 10j with a quinolinium moiety exhibit moderate inhibition of both the parasite and the enzyme. The results point towards an additional mechanism of action unrelated to CK inhibition that remains to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Schiafino-Ortega
- Departamento de Química Farmacéutica y Orgánica, Facultad de Farmacia, Campus de Cartuja, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Eleonora Baglioni
- Departamento de Química Farmacéutica y Orgánica, Facultad de Farmacia, Campus de Cartuja, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Guiomar Pérez-Moreno
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "López-Neyra", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias de la Salud, Avenida del Conocimiento 17, 18016 Armilla, Granada, Spain
| | - Pablo Rios Marco
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular I, Facultad de Ciencias, Campus Fuentenueva, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Carmen Marco
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular I, Facultad de Ciencias, Campus Fuentenueva, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Dolores González-Pacanowska
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "López-Neyra", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias de la Salud, Avenida del Conocimiento 17, 18016 Armilla, Granada, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Ruiz-Pérez
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "López-Neyra", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias de la Salud, Avenida del Conocimiento 17, 18016 Armilla, Granada, Spain
| | - María Paz Carrasco-Jiménez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular I, Facultad de Ciencias, Campus Fuentenueva, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Luisa Carlota López-Cara
- Departamento de Química Farmacéutica y Orgánica, Facultad de Farmacia, Campus de Cartuja, 18071 Granada, Spain.
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24
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Cassilly CD, Reynolds TB. PS, It's Complicated: The Roles of Phosphatidylserine and Phosphatidylethanolamine in the Pathogenesis of Candida albicans and Other Microbial Pathogens. J Fungi (Basel) 2018; 4:jof4010028. [PMID: 29461490 PMCID: PMC5872331 DOI: 10.3390/jof4010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The phospholipids phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) play important roles in the virulence of Candida albicans and loss of PS synthesis or synthesis of PE from PS (PS decarboxylase) severely compromises virulence in C. albicans in a mouse model of systemic candidiasis. This review discusses synthesis of PE and PS in C. albicans and mechanisms by which these lipids impact virulence in this fungus. This is further compared to how PS and PE synthesis impact virulence in other fungi, parasites and bacteria. Furthermore, the impact of PS asymmetry on virulence and extracellular vesicle formation in several microbes is reviewed. Finally, the potential for PS and PE synthases as drug targets in these various kingdoms is also examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsi D Cassilly
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
| | - Todd B Reynolds
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
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25
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Brancucci NMB, De Niz M, Straub TJ, Ravel D, Sollelis L, Birren BW, Voss TS, Neafsey DE, Marti M. Probing Plasmodium falciparum sexual commitment at the single-cell level. Wellcome Open Res 2018; 3:70. [PMID: 30320226 PMCID: PMC6143928 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.14645.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Malaria parasites go through major transitions during their complex life cycle, yet the underlying differentiation pathways remain obscure. Here we apply single cell transcriptomics to unravel the program inducing sexual differentiation in Plasmodium falciparum. Parasites have to make this essential life-cycle decision in preparation for human-to-mosquito transmission. Methods: By combining transcriptional profiling with quantitative imaging and genetics, we defined a transcriptional signature in sexually committed cells. Results: We found this transcriptional signature to be distinct from general changes in parasite metabolism that can be observed in response to commitment-inducing conditions. Conclusions: This proof-of-concept study provides a template to capture transcriptional diversity in parasite populations containing complex mixtures of different life-cycle stages and developmental programs, with important implications for our understanding of parasite biology and the ongoing malaria elimination campaign.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas M B Brancucci
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mariana De Niz
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Timothy J Straub
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Deepali Ravel
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lauriane Sollelis
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Bruce W Birren
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Till S Voss
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel E Neafsey
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthias Marti
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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26
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Brancucci NMB, De Niz M, Straub TJ, Ravel D, Sollelis L, Birren BW, Voss TS, Neafsey DE, Marti M. Probing Plasmodium falciparum sexual commitment at the single-cell level. Wellcome Open Res 2018; 3:70. [PMID: 30320226 PMCID: PMC6143928 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.14645.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Malaria parasites go through major transitions during their complex life cycle, yet the underlying differentiation pathways remain obscure. Here we apply single cell transcriptomics to unravel the program inducing sexual differentiation in Plasmodium falciparum. Parasites have to make this essential life-cycle decision in preparation for human-to-mosquito transmission. Methods: By combining transcriptional profiling with quantitative imaging and genetics, we defined a transcriptional signature in sexually committed cells. Results: We found this transcriptional signature to be distinct from general changes in parasite metabolism that can be observed in response to commitment-inducing conditions. Conclusions: This proof-of-concept study provides a template to capture transcriptional diversity in parasite populations containing complex mixtures of different life-cycle stages and developmental programs, with important implications for our understanding of parasite biology and the ongoing malaria elimination campaign.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas M B Brancucci
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mariana De Niz
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Timothy J Straub
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Deepali Ravel
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lauriane Sollelis
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Bruce W Birren
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Till S Voss
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel E Neafsey
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthias Marti
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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27
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Brancucci NMB, De Niz M, Straub TJ, Ravel D, Sollelis L, Birren BW, Voss TS, Neafsey DE, Marti M. Probing Plasmodium falciparum sexual commitment at the single-cell level. Wellcome Open Res 2018; 3:70. [PMID: 30320226 PMCID: PMC6143928 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.14645.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Malaria parasites go through major transitions during their complex life cycle, yet the underlying differentiation pathways remain obscure. Here we apply single cell transcriptomics to unravel the program inducing sexual differentiation in Plasmodium falciparum. Parasites have to make this essential life-cycle decision in preparation for human-to-mosquito transmission. Methods: By combining transcriptional profiling with quantitative imaging and genetics, we defined a transcriptional signature in sexually committed cells. Results: We found this transcriptional signature to be distinct from general changes in parasite metabolism that can be observed in response to commitment-inducing conditions. Conclusions: This proof-of-concept study provides a template to capture transcriptional diversity in parasite populations containing complex mixtures of different life-cycle stages and developmental programs, with important implications for our understanding of parasite biology and the ongoing malaria elimination campaign.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas M B Brancucci
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mariana De Niz
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Timothy J Straub
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Deepali Ravel
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lauriane Sollelis
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Bruce W Birren
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Till S Voss
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel E Neafsey
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthias Marti
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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28
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Brancucci NMB, De Niz M, Straub TJ, Ravel D, Sollelis L, Birren BW, Voss TS, Neafsey DE, Marti M. Probing Plasmodium falciparum sexual commitment at the single-cell level. Wellcome Open Res 2018; 3:70. [PMID: 30320226 PMCID: PMC6143928 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.14645.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Malaria parasites go through major transitions during their complex life cycle, yet the underlying differentiation pathways remain obscure. Here we apply single cell transcriptomics to unravel the program inducing sexual differentiation in Plasmodium falciparum. Parasites have to make this essential life-cycle decision in preparation for human-to-mosquito transmission. Methods: By combining transcriptional profiling with quantitative imaging and genetics, we defined a transcriptional signature in sexually committed cells. Results: We found this transcriptional signature to be distinct from general changes in parasite metabolism that can be observed in response to commitment-inducing conditions. Conclusions: This proof-of-concept study provides a template to capture transcriptional diversity in parasite populations containing complex mixtures of different life-cycle stages and developmental programs, with important implications for our understanding of parasite biology and the ongoing malaria elimination campaign.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas M B Brancucci
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mariana De Niz
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Timothy J Straub
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Deepali Ravel
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lauriane Sollelis
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Bruce W Birren
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Till S Voss
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel E Neafsey
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthias Marti
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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29
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Brancucci NMB, Gerdt JP, Wang C, De Niz M, Philip N, Adapa SR, Zhang M, Hitz E, Niederwieser I, Boltryk SD, Laffitte MC, Clark MA, Grüring C, Ravel D, Blancke Soares A, Demas A, Bopp S, Rubio-Ruiz B, Conejo-Garcia A, Wirth DF, Gendaszewska-Darmach E, Duraisingh MT, Adams JH, Voss TS, Waters AP, Jiang RHY, Clardy J, Marti M. Lysophosphatidylcholine Regulates Sexual Stage Differentiation in the Human Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Cell 2017; 171:1532-1544.e15. [PMID: 29129376 PMCID: PMC5733390 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2017.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Transmission represents a population bottleneck in the Plasmodium life cycle and a key intervention target of ongoing efforts to eradicate malaria. Sexual differentiation is essential for this process, as only sexual parasites, called gametocytes, are infective to the mosquito vector. Gametocyte production rates vary depending on environmental conditions, but external stimuli remain obscure. Here, we show that the host-derived lipid lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC) controls P. falciparum cell fate by repressing parasite sexual differentiation. We demonstrate that exogenous LysoPC drives biosynthesis of the essential membrane component phosphatidylcholine. LysoPC restriction induces a compensatory response, linking parasite metabolism to the activation of sexual-stage-specific transcription and gametocyte formation. Our results reveal that malaria parasites can sense and process host-derived physiological signals to regulate differentiation. These data close a critical knowledge gap in parasite biology and introduce a major component of the sexual differentiation pathway in Plasmodium that may provide new approaches for blocking malaria transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas M B Brancucci
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Boston, MA 02155, USA
| | - Joseph P Gerdt
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Boston, MA 02155, USA
| | - ChengQi Wang
- Center for Global Health & Infectious Diseases Research, Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Mariana De Niz
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Boston, MA 02155, USA
| | - Nisha Philip
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK; Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Swamy R Adapa
- Center for Global Health & Infectious Diseases Research, Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Min Zhang
- Center for Global Health & Infectious Diseases Research, Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Eva Hitz
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4051 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Igor Niederwieser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4051 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sylwia D Boltryk
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4051 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marie-Claude Laffitte
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Martha A Clark
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Boston, MA 02155, USA
| | - Christof Grüring
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Boston, MA 02155, USA
| | - Deepali Ravel
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Boston, MA 02155, USA
| | - Alexandra Blancke Soares
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Allison Demas
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Boston, MA 02155, USA
| | - Selina Bopp
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Boston, MA 02155, USA
| | - Belén Rubio-Ruiz
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18010 Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Conejo-Garcia
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18010 Granada, Spain
| | - Dyann F Wirth
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Boston, MA 02155, USA
| | - Edyta Gendaszewska-Darmach
- Institute of Technical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Lodz University of Technology, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
| | - Manoj T Duraisingh
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Boston, MA 02155, USA
| | - John H Adams
- Center for Global Health & Infectious Diseases Research, Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Till S Voss
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4051 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andrew P Waters
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Rays H Y Jiang
- Center for Global Health & Infectious Diseases Research, Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Jon Clardy
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Boston, MA 02155, USA.
| | - Matthias Marti
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Boston, MA 02155, USA.
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