1
|
Suckow MA, Bolton ID, McDowell MA. Overview and Approaches for Handling of Animal Models of Leishmaniasis. Comp Med 2024; 74:148-155. [PMID: 39107941 PMCID: PMC11267445 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-24-029] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a disease of global relevance, results from infection with the protozoan parasite, Leishmania, which is transmitted to susceptible hosts through the bite of sand flies. Multiple forms of leishmaniasis may occur, including cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral. Research with animal models remains an important approach to help define basic pathophysi- ologic processes associated with infection and disease. In this regard, mice and hamsters represent the most commonly used models. The severity of leishmaniasis in animal models depends on several factors, including genotype of the host and parasite and the dose and route of administration of the parasite to the host, and severity of outcome may range from subclinical to severe illness. This review provides basic background on leishmaniasis, relevant animal models, the pathophysiology and clinical signs in animals used as models of leishmaniasis, and general approaches to mitigate risk to personnel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Suckow
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Iris D Bolton
- Freimann Life Science Center, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana; and
| | - Mary Ann McDowell
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ajakaye OG, Enabulele EE, Balogun JB, Oyeyemi OT, Grigg ME. Extant interspecific hybridization among trematodes within the Schistosoma haematobium species complex in Nigeria. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011472. [PMID: 38620029 PMCID: PMC11045100 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural interspecific hybridization between the human parasite (Schistosoma haematobium [Sh]) and bovine parasites (Schistosoma bovis [Sb], Schistosoma curassoni [Sc]) is increasingly reported in Africa. We developed a multi-locus PCR DNA-Seq strategy that amplifies two unlinked nuclear (transITS, BF) and two linked organellar genome markers (CO1, ND5) to genotype S. haematobium eggs collected from infected people in Ile Oluji/Oke Igbo, Ondo State (an agrarian community) and Kachi, Jigawa State (a pastoral community) in Southwestern and Northern Nigeria, respectively. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Out of a total of 219 urine samples collected, 57 were positive for schistosomes. All patients from Jigawa state possessed an Sh mitochondrial genome and were infected with a genetic profile consistent with an Sh x Sb hybrid based on sequences obtained at CO1, ND5, transITS and BF nuclear markers. Whereas samples collected from Ondo state were more varied. Mitonuclear discordance was observed in all 17 patients, worms possessed an Sb mitochondrial genome but one of four different genetic profiles at the nuclear markers, either admixed (heterozygous between Sh x Sc or Sh x Sb) at both markers (n = 10), Sh at BF and admixed at transITS (Sh x Sc) (n = 5), admixed (Sh x Sc) at BF and homozygous Sc at transITS (n = 1) or homozygous Sh at BF and homozygous Sc at transITS (n = 1). SIGNIFICANCE Previous work suggested that zoonotic transmission of S. bovis in pastoral communities, where humans and animals share a common water source, is a driving factor facilitating interspecific hybridization. However, our data showed that all samples were hybrids, with greater diversity identified in Southwestern Nigeria, a non-pastoral site. Further, one patient possessed an S. bovis mitochondrial genome but was homozygous for S. haematobium at BF and homozygous for S. curassoni at transITS supporting at least two separate backcrosses in its origin, suggesting that interspecific hybridization may be an ongoing process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oluwaremilekun G. Ajakaye
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Nigeria
| | - Elisha E. Enabulele
- Disease Intervention and Prevention Program, Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Joshua B. Balogun
- Department of Biological Sciences Federal University, Dutse, Nigeria
| | - Oyetunde T. Oyeyemi
- Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria
| | - Michael E. Grigg
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda Maryland, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Catta-Preta CMC, Ferreira TR, Ghosh K, Paun A, Sacks D. HOP1 and HAP2 are conserved components of the meiosis-related machinery required for successful mating in Leishmania. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7159. [PMID: 37935664 PMCID: PMC10630298 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42789-z] [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: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Whole genome analysis of Leishmania hybrids generated experimentally in sand flies supports a meiotic mechanism of genetic exchange, with Mendelian segregation of the nuclear genome. Here, we perform functional analyses through the generation of double drug-resistant hybrids in vitro and in vivo (during sand fly infections) to assess the importance of conserved meiosis-related genes in recombination and plasmogamy. We report that HOP1 and a HAP2-paralog (HAP2-2) are essential components of the Leishmania meiosis machinery and cell-to-cell fusion mechanism, respectively, since deletion of either gene in one or both parents significantly reduces or completely abrogates mating competence. These findings significantly advance our understanding of sexual reproduction in Leishmania, with likely relevance to other trypanosomatids, by formally demonstrating the involvement of a meiotic protein homolog and a distinct fusogen that mediates non-canonical, bilateral fusion in the hybridizing cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Moura Costa Catta-Preta
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tiago Rodrigues Ferreira
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kashinath Ghosh
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andrea Paun
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David Sacks
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Serafim TD, Iniguez E, Barletta ABF, Cecilio P, Doehl JSP, Short M, Lack J, Nair V, Disotuar M, Wilson T, Coutinho-Abreu IV, Meneses C, Andersen J, Alves E Silva TL, Oliveira F, Vega-Rodriguez J, Barillas-Mury C, Ribeiro JMC, Beverley SM, Kamhawi S, Valenzuela JG. Leishmania genetic exchange is mediated by IgM natural antibodies. Nature 2023; 623:149-156. [PMID: 37880367 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06655-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Host factors that mediate Leishmania genetic exchange are not well defined. Here we demonstrate that natural IgM (IgMn)1-4 antibodies mediate parasite genetic exchange by inducing the transient formation of a spherical parasite clump that promotes parasite fusion and hybrid formation. We establish that IgMn from Leishmania-free animals binds to the surface of Leishmania parasites to induce significant changes in the expression of parasite transcripts and proteins. Leishmania binding to IgMn is partially lost after glycosidase treatment, although parasite surface phosphoglycans, including lipophosphoglycan, are not required for IgMn-induced parasite clumping. Notably, the transient formation of parasite clumps is essential for Leishmania hybridization in vitro. In vivo, we observed a 12-fold increase in hybrid formation in sand flies provided a second blood meal containing IgMn compared with controls. Furthermore, the generation of recombinant progeny from mating hybrids and parental lines were only observed in sand flies provided with IgMn. Both in vitro and in vivo IgM-induced Leishmania crosses resulted in full genome hybrids that show equal patterns of biparental contribution. Leishmania co-option of a host natural antibody to facilitate mating in the insect vector establishes a new paradigm of parasite-host-vector interdependence that contributes to parasite diversity and fitness by promoting genetic exchange.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiago D Serafim
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA.
| | - Eva Iniguez
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Ana Beatriz F Barletta
- Mosquito Immunity and Vector Competence Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Pedro Cecilio
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Johannes S P Doehl
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Mara Short
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Justin Lack
- NIAID Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Vinod Nair
- Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Maria Disotuar
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Timothy Wilson
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Iliano V Coutinho-Abreu
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Claudio Meneses
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - John Andersen
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Thiago Luiz Alves E Silva
- Molecular Parasitology and Entomology Unit, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Fabiano Oliveira
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Joel Vega-Rodriguez
- Molecular Parasitology and Entomology Unit, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Carolina Barillas-Mury
- Mosquito Immunity and Vector Competence Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - José M C Ribeiro
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Stephen M Beverley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Medicine, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Shaden Kamhawi
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA.
| | - Jesus G Valenzuela
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Riyal H, Ferreira TR, Paun A, Ghosh K, Samaranayake N, Sacks DL, Karunaweera ND. First evidence of experimental genetic hybridization between cutaneous and visceral strains of Leishmania donovani within its natural vector Phlebotomus argentipes. Acta Trop 2023; 245:106979. [PMID: 37391025 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106979] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by protozoan parasites of genus Leishmania, and transmitted by different species of Phlebotomine sand flies. More than 20 species of Leishmania are known to cause disease in humans and other animals. Leishmania donovani species complex is known to have a vast diversity of clinical manifestations in humans, but underlying mechanisms for such diversity are yet unknown. Long believed to be strictly asexual, Leishmania have been shown to undergo a cryptic sexual cycle inside its sandfly vector. Natural populations of hybrid parasites have been associated with the rise of atypical clinical outcomes in the Indian subcontinent (ISC). However, formal demonstration of genetic crossing in the major endemic sandfly species in the ISC remain unexplored. Here, we investigated the ability of two distinct variants of L. donovani associated with strikingly different forms of the disease to undergo genetic exchange inside its natural vector, Phlebotomus argentipes. Clinical isolates of L. donovani either from a Sri Lankan cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) patient or an Indian visceral leishmaniasis (VL) patient were genetically engineered to express different fluorescent proteins and drug-resistance markers and subsequently used as parental strains in experimental sandfly co-infection. After 8 days of infection, sand flies were dissected and midgut promastigotes were transferred into double drug-selective media. Two double drug-resistant, dual fluorescent hybrid cell lines were recovered, which after cloning and whole genome sequencing, were shown to be full genomic hybrids. This study provides the first evidence of L. donovani hybridization within its natural vector Ph. argentipes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hasna Riyal
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Tiago R Ferreira
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andrea Paun
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kashinath Ghosh
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - David L Sacks
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Nadira D Karunaweera
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Leishmania allelic selection during experimental sand fly infection correlates with mutational signatures of oxidative DNA damage. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2220828120. [PMID: 36848551 PMCID: PMC10013807 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2220828120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosomatid pathogens are transmitted by blood-feeding insects, causing devastating human infections. These parasites show important phenotypic shifts that often impact parasite pathogenicity, tissue tropism, or drug susceptibility. The evolutionary mechanisms that allow for the selection of such adaptive phenotypes remain only poorly investigated. Here, we use Leishmania donovani as a trypanosomatid model pathogen to assess parasite evolutionary adaptation during experimental sand fly infection. Comparing the genome of the parasites before and after sand fly infection revealed a strong population bottleneck effect as judged by allele frequency analysis. Apart from random genetic drift caused by the bottleneck effect, our analyses revealed haplotype and allelic changes during sand fly infection that seem under natural selection given their convergence between independent biological replicates. Our analyses further uncovered signature mutations of oxidative DNA damage in the parasite genomes after sand fly infection, suggesting that Leishmania suffers from oxidative stress inside the insect digestive tract. Our results propose a model of Leishmania genomic adaptation during sand fly infection, with oxidative DNA damage and DNA repair processes likely driving haplotype and allelic selection. The experimental and computational framework presented here provides a useful blueprint to assess evolutionary adaptation of other eukaryotic pathogens inside their insect vectors, such as Plasmodium spp, Trypanosoma brucei, and Trypanosoma cruzi.
Collapse
|
7
|
Black JA, Reis-Cunha JL, Cruz AK, Tosi LR. Life in plastic, it's fantastic! How Leishmania exploit genome instability to shape gene expression. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1102462. [PMID: 36779182 PMCID: PMC9910336 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1102462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania are kinetoplastid pathogens that cause leishmaniasis, a debilitating and potentially life-threatening infection if untreated. Unusually, Leishmania regulate their gene expression largely post-transcriptionally due to the arrangement of their coding genes into polycistronic transcription units that may contain 100s of functionally unrelated genes. Yet, Leishmania are capable of rapid and responsive changes in gene expression to challenging environments, often instead correlating with dynamic changes in their genome composition, ranging from chromosome and gene copy number variations to the generation of extrachromosomal DNA and the accumulation of point mutations. Typically, such events indicate genome instability in other eukaryotes, coinciding with genetic abnormalities, but for Leishmania, exploiting these products of genome instability can provide selectable substrates to catalyse necessary gene expression changes by modifying gene copy number. Unorthodox DNA replication, DNA repair, replication stress factors and DNA repeats are recognised in Leishmania as contributors to this intrinsic instability, but how Leishmania regulate genome plasticity to enhance fitness whilst limiting toxic under- or over-expression of co-amplified and co-transcribed genes is unclear. Herein, we focus on fresh, and detailed insights that improve our understanding of genome plasticity in Leishmania. Furthermore, we discuss emerging models and factors that potentially circumvent regulatory issues arising from polycistronic transcription. Lastly, we highlight key gaps in our understanding of Leishmania genome plasticity and discuss future studies to define, in higher resolution, these complex regulatory interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. Black
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil,The Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Luiz. R.O. Tosi, ; Jennifer A. Black,
| | | | - Angela. K. Cruz
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Luiz. R.O. Tosi
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil,*Correspondence: Luiz. R.O. Tosi, ; Jennifer A. Black,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Genetic exchange between different Leishmania strains in the sand fly vector has been experimentally demonstrated and is supported by population genetic studies. In nature, opportunities for Leishmania interstrain mating are restricted to flies biting multiply infected hosts or through multiple bites of different hosts. In contrast, self-mating could occur in any infected sand fly. By crossing two recombinant lines derived from the same Leishmania major strain, each expressing a different drug-resistance marker, self-hybridization in L. major was confirmed in a natural sand fly vector, Phlebotomus duboscqi, and in frequencies comparable to interstrain crosses. We provide the first high resolution, whole-genome sequencing analysis of large numbers of selfing progeny, their parents, and parental subclones. Genetic exchange consistent with classical meiosis is supported by the biallelic inheritance of the rare homozygous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that arose by mutation during the generation of the parental clones. In contrast, heterozygous SNPs largely failed to be transmitted in Mendelian ratios for reasons not understood. SNPs that were heterozygous in both parents, however, recombined to produce homozygous alleles in some hybrids. For trisomic chromosomes present in both parents, transmittal to the progeny was only altered by self-hybridization, involving a gain or loss of somy in frequencies predicted by a meiotic process. Whole-genome polyploidization was also observed in the selfing progeny. Thus, self-hybridization in Leishmania, with its potential to occur in any infected sand fly, may be an important source of karyotype variation, loss of heterozygosity, and functional diversity. IMPORTANCE Leishmania are parasitic protozoa that cause a wide spectrum of diseases collectively known as the leishmaniases. Sexual reproduction in Leishmania has been proposed as an important source of genetic diversity and has been formally demonstrated to occur inside the sand fly vector midgut. Nevertheless, in the wild, opportunities for genetic exchange between different Leishmania species or strains are restricted by the capacity of different Leishmania strains to colonize the same sand fly. In this work, we report the first high resolution, whole-genome sequence analysis of intraclonal genetic exchange as a type of self-mating in Leishmania. Our data reveal that self-hybridization can occur with comparable frequency as interstrain mating under experimental lab conditions, leading to important genomic alterations that can potentially take place within every naturally infected sand fly.
Collapse
|
9
|
Laboratory diagnostics for human Leishmania infections: a polymerase chain reaction-focussed review of detection and identification methods. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:412. [PMID: 36335408 PMCID: PMC9636697 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05524-z] [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: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania infections span a range of clinical syndromes and impact humans from many geographic foci, but primarily the world's poorest regions. Transmitted by the bite of a female sand fly, Leishmania infections are increasing with human movement (due to international travel and war) as well as with shifts in vector habitat (due to climate change). Accurate diagnosis of the 20 or so species of Leishmania that infect humans can lead to the successful treatment of infections and, importantly, their prevention through modelling and intervention programs. A multitude of laboratory techniques for the detection of Leishmania have been developed over the past few decades, and although many have drawbacks, several of them show promise, particularly molecular methods like polymerase chain reaction. This review provides an overview of the methods available to diagnostic laboratories, from traditional techniques to the now-preferred molecular techniques, with an emphasis on polymerase chain reaction-based detection and typing methods.
Collapse
|
10
|
Llanes A, Cruz G, Morán M, Vega C, Pineda VJ, Ríos M, Penagos H, Suárez JA, Saldaña A, Lleonart R, Restrepo CM. Genomic diversity and genetic variation of Leishmania panamensis within its endemic range. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 103:105342. [PMID: 35878820 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Species belonging to the Leishmania (Viannia) subgenus are important causative agents of cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis in Central and South America. These parasites possess several distinctive biological features that are influenced by their genetics, population structure, and genome instability. To date, several studies have revealed varying degrees of genetic diversity within Leishmania species. Particularly, in species of the L. (Viannia) subgenus, a generalized high intraspecific genetic diversity has been reported, although, conflicting conclusions have been drawn using different molecular techniques. Despite being the most common Leishmania species circulating in Panama and Colombia, few studies have analyzed clinical samples of Leishmania panamensis using whole-genome sequencing, and their restricted number of samples has limited the information they can provide to understand the population structure of L. panamensis. Here, we used next generation sequencing (NGS) to explore the genetic diversity of L. panamensis within its endemic range, analyzing data from 43 isolates of Colombian and Panamanian origin. Our results show the occurrence of three well-defined geographically correlated groups, and suggests the possible occurrence of additional phylogeographic groups. Furthermore, these results support the existence of a mixed mode of reproduction in L. panamensis, with varying frequencies of events of genetic recombination occurring primarily within subpopulations of closely related strains. This study offers important insights into the population genetics and reproduction mode of L. panamensis, paving the way to better understand their population structure and the emergence and maintenance of key eco-epidemiological traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Llanes
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular de Enfermedades, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Panama City, Panama, Panama
| | - Génesis Cruz
- Escuela de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y Tecnología, Universidad de Panamá, Panama City, Panama, Panama
| | - Mitchelle Morán
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular de Enfermedades, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Panama City, Panama, Panama
| | - Carlos Vega
- Escuela de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y Tecnología, Universidad de Panamá, Panama City, Panama, Panama
| | - Vanessa J Pineda
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud (ICGES), Panama City, Panama, Panama
| | - Margarita Ríos
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud (ICGES), Panama City, Panama, Panama
| | - Homero Penagos
- Hospital Regional Dr. Rafael Hernández, Caja de Seguro Social, David, Chiriquí, Panama; Sistema Nacional de Investigación-Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (SNI-SENACYT), Panama City, Panama, Panama
| | - José A Suárez
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud (ICGES), Panama City, Panama, Panama; Sistema Nacional de Investigación-Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (SNI-SENACYT), Panama City, Panama, Panama
| | - Azael Saldaña
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud (ICGES), Panama City, Panama, Panama; Sistema Nacional de Investigación-Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (SNI-SENACYT), Panama City, Panama, Panama
| | - Ricardo Lleonart
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular de Enfermedades, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Panama City, Panama, Panama; Sistema Nacional de Investigación-Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (SNI-SENACYT), Panama City, Panama, Panama.
| | - Carlos M Restrepo
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular de Enfermedades, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Panama City, Panama, Panama; Sistema Nacional de Investigación-Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (SNI-SENACYT), Panama City, Panama, Panama.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Marcilla A, Sánchez-López CM. Extracellular vesicles as a horizontal gene transfer mechanism in Leishmania. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:823-825. [PMID: 35985927 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Douanne et al. recently reported horizontal gene transfer (HGT) mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs) in Leishmania; this constitutes the first report of this phenomenon in parasites. They showed that EVs facilitate the transmission of drug-resistance genes and increased cell fitness in stressful environments, indicating potential clinical application of these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Marcilla
- Área de Parasitología, Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Universitat de València, Burjassot (Valencia), Spain; Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, Health Research IIS La Fe-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Christian M Sánchez-López
- Área de Parasitología, Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Universitat de València, Burjassot (Valencia), Spain; Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, Health Research IIS La Fe-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Douanne N, Dong G, Amin A, Bernardo L, Blanchette M, Langlais D, Olivier M, Fernandez-Prada C. Leishmania parasites exchange drug-resistance genes through extracellular vesicles. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111121. [PMID: 35858561 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania are eukaryotic parasites that have retained the ability to produce extracellular vesicles (EVs) through evolution. To date, it has been unclear if different DNA entities could be associated with Leishmania EVs and whether these could constitute a mechanism of horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Herein, we investigate the DNA content of EVs derived from drug-resistant parasites, as well as the EVs' potential to act as shuttles for DNA transfer. Next-generation sequencing and PCR assays confirm the enrichment of amplicons carrying drug-resistance genes associated with EVs. Transfer assays of drug-resistant EVs highlight a significant impact on the phenotype of recipient parasites induced by the expression of the transferred DNA. Recipient parasites display an enhanced growth and better control of oxidative stress. We provide evidence that eukaryotic EVs function as efficient mediators in HGT, thereby facilitating the transmission of drug-resistance genes and increasing the fitness of cells when encountering stressful environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noélie Douanne
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, 626 CIMIA Sicotte Street, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada; The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - George Dong
- IDIGH, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 2155 Guy Street, Montreal, QC H3H 2L9, Canada
| | - Atia Amin
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University Genome Centre, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada
| | - Lorena Bernardo
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, 626 CIMIA Sicotte Street, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada; The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Mathieu Blanchette
- School of Computer Science, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0E9, Canada
| | - David Langlais
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University Genome Centre, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill Research Centre on Complex Traits, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Martin Olivier
- IDIGH, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 2155 Guy Street, Montreal, QC H3H 2L9, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill Research Centre on Complex Traits, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Christopher Fernandez-Prada
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, 626 CIMIA Sicotte Street, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada; The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill Research Centre on Complex Traits, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Martín-Escolano J, Marín C, Rosales MJ, Tsaousis AD, Medina-Carmona E, Martín-Escolano R. An Updated View of the Trypanosoma cruzi Life Cycle: Intervention Points for an Effective Treatment. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:1107-1115. [PMID: 35652513 PMCID: PMC9194904 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Chagas disease (CD)
is a parasitic, systemic, chronic, and often
fatal illness caused by infection with the protozoan Trypanosoma
cruzi. The World Health Organization classifies CD as the
most prevalent of poverty-promoting neglected tropical diseases, the
most important parasitic one, and the third most infectious disease
in Latin America. Currently, CD is a global public health issue that
affects 6–8 million people. However, the current approved treatments
are limited to two nitroheterocyclic drugs developed more than 50
years ago. Many efforts have been made in recent decades to find new
therapies, but our limited understanding of the infection process,
pathology development, and long-term nature of this disease has made
it impossible to develop new drugs, effective treatment, or vaccines.
This Review aims to provide a comprehensive update on our understanding
of the current life cycle, new morphological forms, and genetic diversity
of T. cruzi, as well as identify intervention points
in the life cycle where new drugs and treatments could achieve a parasitic
cure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Martín-Escolano
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, E41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Clotilde Marín
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - María J. Rosales
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Anastasios D. Tsaousis
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, U.K
| | - Encarnación Medina-Carmona
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, U.K
| | - Rubén Martín-Escolano
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ferreira TR, Sacks DL. Experimental Hybridization in Leishmania: Tools for the Study of Genetic Exchange. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11050580. [PMID: 35631101 PMCID: PMC9144296 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite major advances over the last decade in our understanding of Leishmania reproductive strategies, the sexual cycle in Leishmania has defied direct observation and remains poorly investigated due to experimental constraints. Here, we summarize the findings and conclusions drawn from genetic analysis of experimental hybrids generated in sand flies and highlight the recent advances in generating hybrids in vitro. The ability to hybridize between culture forms of different species and strains of Leishmania should invite more intensive investigation of the mechanisms underlying genetic exchange and provide a rich source of recombinant parasites for future genetic analyses.
Collapse
|
15
|
Kajuluri LP, Gargvanshi S, Sahasrabuddhe AA. Intracellular localization of MyosinXXI discriminates Leishmania spp and Leptomonasseymouri. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 604:70-75. [PMID: 35299073 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.02.114] [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: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The patients with the most dreaded Leishmania donovani infections are now regularly been detected with co-infecting monoxenous trypanosomatid, Leptomonas seymouri, of which pathological consequence is obscure. Due to high degree of morphological similarity, its presence remains unmarked in the culture which leads to anomalous research outcomes. The available methods to detect Leptomonas in cultures are cumbersome and are not quantitative. We report here that MyosinXXI serves as a distinguishing biomarker that can be used to mark the presence of L. seymouri in Leishmania cultures. The method uses Leishmania MyosinXXI antibodies employed in immunofluorescence microscopy that shows a specialized localization pattern in Leishmania but not in Leptomonas (Patent application No. IN201711014439). This method is not only qualitative, but can also quantify the L. seymouri load in the cultured field isolates and serves as a remarkable tool to ascertain laboratory strains of Leishmania.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shivani Gargvanshi
- Molecular and Structural Biology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Amogh A Sahasrabuddhe
- Molecular and Structural Biology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Dinç M, Yalçın T, Çavuş İ, Özbilgin A. Comparative proteomic analysis of Leishmania parasites isolated from visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis patients. Parasitology 2022; 149:298-305. [PMID: 34758895 PMCID: PMC11010476 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021001967] [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: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease in which different clinical manifestations are classified into three primary forms: visceral, cutaneous and mucocutaneous. These disease forms are associated with parasite species of the protozoan genus Leishmania. For instance, Leishmania infantum and Leishmania tropica are typically linked with visceral (VL) and cutaneous (CL) leishmaniasis, respectively; however, these two species can also cause other form to a lesser extent. What is more alarming is this characteristic, which threatens current medical diagnosis and treatment, is started to be acquired by other species. Our purpose was to address this issue; therefore, gel-based and gel-free proteomic analyses were carried out on the species L. infantum to determine the proteins differentiating between the parasites caused VL and CL. In addition, L. tropica parasites representing the typical cases for CL were included. According to our results, electrophoresis gels of parasites caused to VL were distinguishable regarding the repetitive down-regulation on some specific locations. In addition, a distinct spot of an antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase, was shown up only on the gels of CL samples regardless of the species. In the gel-free approach, 37 proteins that were verified with a second database search using a different search engine, were recognized from the comparison between VL and CL samples. Among them, 31 proteins for the CL group and six proteins for the VL group were determined differentially abundant. Two proteins from the gel-based analysis, pyruvate kinase and succinyl-coA:3-ketoacid-coenzyme A transferase analysis were encountered in the protein list of the CL group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melike Dinç
- Izmir Institute of Technology, Integrated Research Centers, National Mass Spectrometry Application and Research Center, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Talat Yalçın
- Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, Izmir Institute of Technology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - İbrahim Çavuş
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Özbilgin
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Monte-Neto RL, Fernandez-Prada C, Moretti NS. Sex under pressure: stress facilitates Leishmania in vitro hybridization. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:274-276. [PMID: 35181250 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The selection of Leishmania hybrids in axenic culture was considered rare until recently, when Louradour and Ferreira et al., demonstrated that induced DNA damage facilitates genetic exchange, resulting in full genome tetraploid progenies in vitro. Meiosis-related gene homologues HAP2, GEX1, and RAD51 were found to be involved, opening new avenues for functional genomic studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rubens L Monte-Neto
- Biotecnologia Aplicada ao Estudo de Patógenos (BAP) - Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil.
| | - Christopher Fernandez-Prada
- Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Nilmar S Moretti
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Patógenos (LBMP) - Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia - Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kay C, Peacock L, Williams TA, Gibson W. Signatures of hybridization in Trypanosoma brucei. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010300. [PMID: 35139131 PMCID: PMC8863249 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic exchange among disease-causing micro-organisms can generate progeny that combine different pathogenic traits. Though sexual reproduction has been described in trypanosomes, its impact on the epidemiology of Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) remains controversial. However, human infective and non-human infective strains of Trypanosoma brucei circulate in the same transmission cycles in HAT endemic areas in subsaharan Africa, providing the opportunity for mating during the developmental cycle in the tsetse fly vector. Here we investigated inheritance among progeny from a laboratory cross of T. brucei and then applied these insights to genomic analysis of field-collected isolates to identify signatures of past genetic exchange. Genomes of two parental and four hybrid progeny clones with a range of DNA contents were assembled and analysed by k-mer and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) frequencies to determine heterozygosity and chromosomal inheritance. Variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) genes and kinetoplast (mitochondrial) DNA maxi- and minicircles were extracted from each genome to examine how each of these components was inherited in the hybrid progeny. The same bioinformatic approaches were applied to an additional 37 genomes representing the diversity of T. brucei in subsaharan Africa and T. evansi. SNP analysis provided evidence of crossover events affecting all 11 pairs of megabase chromosomes and demonstrated that polyploid hybrids were formed post-meiotically and not by fusion of the parental diploid cells. VSGs and kinetoplast DNA minicircles were inherited biparentally, with approximately equal numbers from each parent, whereas maxicircles were inherited uniparentally. Extrapolation of these findings to field isolates allowed us to distinguish clonal descent from hybridization by comparing maxicircle genotype to VSG and minicircle repertoires. Discordance between maxicircle genotype and VSG and minicircle repertoires indicated inter-lineage hybridization. Significantly, some of the hybridization events we identified involved human infective and non-human infective trypanosomes circulating in the same geographic areas. Sexual reproduction allows genes from different individuals to be mixed up in the offspring. This is particularly important for disease-causing microbes, because new combinations of harmful traits can arise, potentially leading to more severe outbreaks of disease. Tsetse-transmitted trypanosomes are single-celled parasites that cause severe human and livestock diseases in tropical Africa. During their developmental cycle in the tsetse fly, trypanosomes can mate and produce hybrid trypanosomes, which have one set of chromosomes from each parent. But polyploid hybrids, with more than one set of chromosomes from one or both parents, are often observed too. Here we have investigated how these polyploid hybrids are formed by comparing the genomes of hybrid progeny with those of their parents. Analysis of the large, paired chromosomes of both diploid and polyploid hybrids showed frequent crossovers, which are the hallmark of meiosis, the special form of division that produces haploid gametes. This indicates that the polyploids were formed after meiosis rather than by fusion of the parental diploid cells. We also investigated the inheritance of two other features of trypanosomes: the large family of variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) genes, and the mitochondrial (kinetoplast) DNA. Hybrid clones had inherited about half the VSG genes from each parent, and also showed biparental inheritance of one component of the kinetoplast DNA, the minicircles. We assessed the relatedness of field-collected trypanosomes by comparing their VSG and minicircle repertoires, together with maxicircle genotype. While most isolates shared few VSGs or minicircles, a group of mostly human-infective strains from Uganda had a large proportion of their repertoires in common. Most of these trypanosomes were probably related by clonal descent, but we also identified that some were hybrids by the mismatch between their maxicircle genotype and their VSG and minicircle repertoires. These signals of hybridization were also detected in some of the other field-collected isolates, suggesting that genetic exchange is widespread in nature. Significantly, the hybridization events involved human infective and non-human infective trypanosomes circulating in the same geographic areas, providing a mechanism for the generation of new, potentially more pathogenic, trypanosome strains causing human disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Kay
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Lori Peacock
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Tom A. Williams
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Wendy Gibson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gutiérrez-Corbo C, Domínguez-Asenjo B, Pérez-Pertejo Y, García-Estrada C, Bello FJ, Balaña-Fouce R, Reguera RM. Axenic interspecies and intraclonal hybrid formation in Leishmania: Successful crossings between visceral and cutaneous strains. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010170. [PMID: 35139072 PMCID: PMC8827483 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Diseases caused by trypanosomatids are serious public health concerns in low-income endemic countries. Leishmaniasis is presented in two main clinical forms, visceral leishmaniasis-caused by L. infantum and L. donovani-and cutaneous leishmaniasis-caused by many species, including L. major, L. tropica and L. braziliensis. As for certain other trypanosomatids, sexual reproduction has been confirmed in these parasites, and formation of hybrids can contribute to virulence, drug resistance or adaptation to the host immune system. In the present work, the capability of intraclonal and interspecies genetic exchange has been investigated using three parental strains: L. donovani, L. tropica and L. major, which have been engineered to express different fluorescent proteins and antibiotic resistance markers in order to facilitate the phenotypic selection of hybrid parasites after mating events. Stationary and exponential-phase promastigotes of each species were used, in in vitro experiments, some of them containing LULO cells (an embryonic cell line derived from Lutzomyia longipalpis). Several intraclonal hybrids were obtained with L. tropica as crossing progenitor, but not with L. donovani or L. major. In interspecies crossings, three L. donovani x L. major hybrids and two L. donovani x L. tropica hybrids were isolated, thereby demonstrating the feasibility to obtain in vitro hybrids of parental lines causing different tropism of leishmaniasis. Ploidy analysis revealed an increase in DNA content in all hybrids compared to the parental strains, and nuclear analysis showed that interspecies hybrids are complete hybrids, i.e. each of them showing at least one chromosomal set from each parental. Regarding kDNA inheritance, discrepancies were observed between maxi and minicircle heritage. Finally, phenotypic studies showed either intermediate phenotypes in terms of growth profiles, or a decreased in vitro infection capacity compared to the parental cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that in vitro interspecies outcrossing has been demonstrated between Leishmania species with different tropism, thus contributing to shed light on the mechanisms underlying sexual reproduction in these parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camino Gutiérrez-Corbo
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | | | - Yolanda Pérez-Pertejo
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Carlos García-Estrada
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Felio J Bello
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Programa de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad de la Salle, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Rafael Balaña-Fouce
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
- * E-mail: (RB-F); (RMR)
| | - Rosa M. Reguera
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
- * E-mail: (RB-F); (RMR)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Louradour I, Ferreira TR, Duge E, Karunaweera N, Paun A, Sacks D. Stress conditions promote Leishmania hybridization in vitro marked by expression of the ancestral gamete fusogen HAP2 as revealed by single-cell RNA-seq. eLife 2022; 11:73488. [PMID: 34994687 PMCID: PMC8794473 DOI: 10.7554/elife.73488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania are protozoan parasites transmitted by the bite of sand fly vectors producing a wide spectrum of diseases in their mammalian hosts. These diverse clinical outcomes are directly associated with parasite strain and species diversity. Although Leishmania reproduction is mainly clonal, a cryptic sexual cycle capable of producing hybrid genotypes has been inferred from population genetic studies and directly demonstrated by laboratory crosses. Experimentally, mating competence has been largely confined to promastigotes developing in the sand fly midgut. The ability to hybridize culture promastigotes in vitro has been limited so far to low-efficiency crosses between two Leishmania tropica strains, L747 and MA37, that mate with high efficiency in flies. Here, we show that exposure of promastigote cultures to DNA damage stress produces a remarkably enhanced efficiency of in vitro hybridization of the L. tropica strains and extends to other species, including Leishmania donovani, Leishmania infantum, and Leishmania braziliensis, a capacity to generate intra- and interspecific hybrids. Whole-genome sequencing and total DNA content analyses indicate that the hybrids are in each case full genome, mostly tetraploid hybrids. Single-cell RNA sequencing of the L747 and MA37 parental lines highlights the transcriptome heterogeneity of culture promastigotes and reveals discrete clusters that emerge post-irradiation in which genes potentially involved in genetic exchange are expressed, including the ancestral gamete fusogen HAP2. By generating reporter constructs for HAP2, we could select for promastigotes that could either hybridize or not in vitro. Overall, this work reveals that there are specific populations involved in Leishmania hybridization associated with a discernible transcriptomic signature, and that stress facilitated in vitro hybridization can be a transformative approach to generate large numbers of hybrid genotypes between diverse species and strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Louradour
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, United States
| | - Tiago Rodrigues Ferreira
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, United States
| | - Emma Duge
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, United States
| | - Nadira Karunaweera
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Andrea Paun
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, United States
| | - David Sacks
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Glans H, Lind Karlberg M, Advani R, Bradley M, Alm E, Andersson B, Downing T. High genome plasticity and frequent genetic exchange in Leishmania tropica isolates from Afghanistan, Iran and Syria. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0010110. [PMID: 34968388 PMCID: PMC8754299 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The kinetoplastid protozoan Leishmania tropica mainly causes cutaneous leishmaniasis in humans in the Middle East, and relapse or treatment failure after treatment are common in this area. L. tropica’s digenic life cycle includes distinct stages in the vector sandfly and the mammalian host. Sexual reproduction and genetic exchange appear to occur more frequently than in other Leishmania species. Understanding these processes is complicated by chromosome instability during cell division that yields aneuploidy, recombination and heterozygosity. This combination of rare recombination and aneuploid permits may reveal signs of hypothetical parasexual mating, where diploid cells fuse to form a transient tetraploid that undergoes chromosomal recombination and gradual chromosomal loss. Methodology/principal findings The genome-wide SNP diversity from 22 L. tropica isolates showed chromosome-specific runs of patchy heterozygosity and extensive chromosome copy number variation. All these isolates were collected during 2007–2017 in Sweden from patients infected in the Middle East and included isolates from a patient possessing two genetically distinct leishmaniasis infections three years apart with no evidence of re-infection. We found differing ancestries on the same chromosome (chr36) across multiple samples: matching the reference genome with few derived alleles, followed by blocks of heterozygous SNPs, and then by clusters of homozygous SNPs with specific recombination breakpoints at an inferred origin of replication. Other chromosomes had similar marked changes in heterozygosity at strand-switch regions separating polycistronic transcriptional units. Conclusion/significance These large-scale intra- and inter-chromosomal changes in diversity driven by recombination and aneuploidy suggest multiple mechanisms of cell reproduction and diversification in L. tropica, including mitotic, meiotic and parasexual processes. It underpins the need for more genomic surveillance of Leishmania, to detect emerging hybrids that could spread more widely and to better understand the association between genetic variation and treatment outcome. Furthering our understanding of Leishmania genome evolution and ancestry will aid better diagnostics and treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L.tropica in the Middle East. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is mainly caused by Leishmania tropica in the Middle East, where it is known for treatment failure and a need for prolonged and/or multiple treatments. Several factors affect the clinical presentation and treatment outcome, such as host genetic variability and specific immune response, as well as environmental factors and the vector species. Little is known about the parasite genome and its influence on treatment response. By analysing the genome of 22 isolates of L. tropica, we have revealed extensive genomic variation and a complex population structure with evidence of genetic exchange within and among the isolates, indicating a possible presence of sexual or parasexual mechanisms. Understanding the Leishmania genome better may improve future treatment and better understanding of treatment failure and relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hedvig Glans
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Dermatology & Venerology, Dept of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Maria Lind Karlberg
- Department of Microbiology, The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Reza Advani
- Department of Microbiology, The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Bradley
- Division of Dermatology & Venerology, Dept of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Alm
- The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Björn Andersson
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tim Downing
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Negreira GH, Monsieurs P, Imamura H, Maes I, Kuk N, Yagoubat A, Van den Broeck F, Sterkers Y, Dujardin JC, Domagalska MA. High throughput single-cell genome sequencing gives insights into the generation and evolution of mosaic aneuploidy in Leishmania donovani. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 50:293-305. [PMID: 34893872 PMCID: PMC8886908 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania, a unicellular eukaryotic parasite, is a unique model
for aneuploidy and cellular heterogeneity, along with their potential role in
adaptation to environmental stresses. Somy variation within clonal populations
was previously explored in a small subset of chromosomes using fluorescence
hybridization methods. This phenomenon, termed mosaic aneuploidy (MA), might
have important evolutionary and functional implications but remains
under-explored due to technological limitations. Here, we applied and validated
a high throughput single-cell genome sequencing method to study for the first
time the extent and dynamics of whole karyotype heterogeneity in two clonal
populations of Leishmania promastigotes representing different
stages of MA evolution in vitro. We found that drastic changes
in karyotypes quickly emerge in a population stemming from an almost euploid
founder cell. This possibly involves polyploidization/hybridization at an early
stage of population expansion, followed by assorted ploidy reduction. During
further stages of expansion, MA increases by moderate and gradual karyotypic
alterations, affecting a defined subset of chromosomes. Our data provide the
first complete characterization of MA in Leishmania and pave
the way for further functional studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel H Negreira
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Pieter Monsieurs
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hideo Imamura
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ilse Maes
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nada Kuk
- MiVEGEC, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Akila Yagoubat
- MiVEGEC, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Frederik Van den Broeck
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yvon Sterkers
- MiVEGEC, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Claude Dujardin
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kaye PM, Mohan S, Mantel C, Malhame M, Revill P, Le Rutte E, Parkash V, Layton AM, Lacey CJ, Malvolti S. Overcoming roadblocks in the development of vaccines for leishmaniasis. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:1419-1430. [PMID: 34727814 PMCID: PMC9844205 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1990043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The leishmaniases represent a group of parasitic diseases caused by infection with one of several species of Leishmania parasites. Disease presentation varies because of differences in parasite and host genetics and may be influenced by additional factors such as host nutritional status or co-infection. Studies in experimental models of Leishmania infection, vaccination of companion animals and human epidemiological data suggest that many forms of leishmaniasis could be prevented by vaccination, but no vaccines are currently available for human use. AREAS COVERED We describe some of the existing roadblocks to the development and implementation of an effective leishmaniasis vaccine, based on a review of recent literature found on PubMed, BioRxiv and MedRxiv. In addition to discussing scientific unknowns that hinder vaccine candidate identification and selection, we explore gaps in knowledge regarding the commercial and public health value propositions underpinning vaccine development and provide a route map for future research and advocacy. EXPERT OPINION Despite significant progress, leishmaniasis vaccine development remains hindered by significant gaps in understanding that span the vaccine development pipeline. Increased coordination and adoption of a more holistic view to vaccine development will be required to ensure more rapid progress in the years ahead.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul M. Kaye
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Hull York Medical School, University of York, Heslington, York, UK
| | - Sakshi Mohan
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, Heslington, York, UK
| | | | | | - Paul Revill
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, Heslington, York, UK
| | - Epke Le Rutte
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vivak Parkash
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Hull York Medical School, University of York, Heslington, York, UK
| | - Alison M. Layton
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Hull York Medical School, University of York, Heslington, York, UK
| | - Charles J.N. Lacey
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Hull York Medical School, University of York, Heslington, York, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Volpedo G, Huston RH, Holcomb EA, Pacheco-Fernandez T, Gannavaram S, Bhattacharya P, Nakhasi HL, Satoskar AR. From infection to vaccination: reviewing the global burden, history of vaccine development, and recurring challenges in global leishmaniasis protection. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:1431-1446. [PMID: 34511000 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1969231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Leishmaniasis is a major public health problem and the second most lethal parasitic disease in the world due to the lack of effective treatments and vaccines. Even when not lethal, leishmaniasis significantly affects individuals and communities through life-long disabilities, psycho-sociological trauma, poverty, and gender disparity in treatment. AREAS COVERED This review discusses the most relevant and recent research available on Pubmed and GoogleScholar highlighting leishmaniasis' global impact, pathogenesis, treatment options, and lack of effective control strategies. An effective vaccine is necessary to prevent morbidity and mortality, lower health care costs, and reduce the economic burden of leishmaniasis for endemic low- and middle-income countries. Since there are several forms of leishmaniasis, a pan-Leishmania vaccine without geographical restrictions is needed. This review also focuses on recent advances and common challenges in developing prophylactic strategies against leishmaniasis. EXPERT OPINION Despite advances in pre-clinical vaccine research, approval of a human leishmaniasis vaccine still faces major challenges - including manufacturing of candidate vaccines under Good Manufacturing Practices, developing well-designed clinical trials suitable in endemic countries, and defined correlates of protection. In addition, there is a need to explore Challenge Human Infection Model to avoid large trials because of fluctuating incidence and prevalence of leishmanasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Greta Volpedo
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ryan H Huston
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Erin A Holcomb
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Thalia Pacheco-Fernandez
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sreenivas Gannavaram
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Parna Bhattacharya
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Hira L Nakhasi
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Abhay R Satoskar
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Mendoza-Roldan JA, Latrofa MS, Iatta R, R S Manoj R, Panarese R, Annoscia G, Pombi M, Zatelli A, Beugnet F, Otranto D. Detection of Leishmania tarentolae in lizards, sand flies and dogs in southern Italy, where Leishmania infantum is endemic: hindrances and opportunities. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:461. [PMID: 34493323 PMCID: PMC8423600 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04973-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmania tarentolae is a protozoan isolated from geckoes (Tarentola annularis, Tarentola mauritanica), which is considered non-pathogenic and is transmitted by herpetophilic Sergentomyia spp. sand flies. This species occurs in sympatry with Leishmania infantum in areas where canine leishmaniasis is endemic. In the present study, we investigated the circulation of L. tarentolae and L. infantum in sand flies, dogs and lizards in a dog shelter in southern Italy, where canine leishmaniasis by L. infantum is endemic. Methods Sheltered dogs (n = 100) negative for Leishmania spp. (March 2020) were screened by immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) using promastigotes of both species at two time points (June 2020 and March 2021). Whole blood from dogs, tissues of Podarcis siculus lizards (n = 28) and sand flies (n = 2306) were also sampled and tested by a duplex real-time PCR (dqPCR). Host blood meal was assessed in sand flies by PCR. Results Overall, 16 dogs became positive for L. infantum and/or L. tarentolae by IFAT at one or both sampling periods. One canine blood sample was positive for L. infantum, whilst two for L. tarentolae by dqPCR. At the cytology of lizard blood, Leishmania spp. amastigote-like forms were detected in erythrocytes. Twenty-two tissue samples, mostly lung (21.4%), scored molecularly positive for L. tarentolae, corresponding to 10 lizards (i.e., 35.7%). Of the female Sergentomyia minuta sampled (n = 1252), 158 scored positive for L. tarentolae, four for L. infantum, and one co-infected. Two Phlebotomus perniciosus (out of 29 females) were positive for L. tarentolae. Engorged S. minuta (n = 10) fed on humans, and one P. perniciosus, positive for L. tarentolae, on lagomorphs. Conclusions Dogs and lacertid lizards (Podarcis siculus) were herein found for the first time infected by L. tarentolae. The detection of both L. tarentolae and L. infantum in S. minuta and P. perniciosus suggests their sympatric circulation, with a potential overlap in vertebrate hosts. The interactions between L. tarentolae and L. infantum should be further investigated in both vectors and vertebrate hosts to understand the potential implications for the diagnosis and control of canine leishmaniasis in endemic areas. Graphical abstract ![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Stefania Latrofa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli studi Di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli studi Di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Ranju R S Manoj
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli studi Di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Rossella Panarese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli studi Di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Giada Annoscia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli studi Di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Marco Pombi
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica E Malattie Infettive, "Sapienza" Università di Roma - Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Zatelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli studi Di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Fred Beugnet
- Boehringer-Ingelheim, Avenue Tony Garnier, 29, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli studi Di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy. .,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Preclinical validation of a live attenuated dermotropic Leishmania vaccine against vector transmitted fatal visceral leishmaniasis. Commun Biol 2021; 4:929. [PMID: 34330999 PMCID: PMC8324786 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02446-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL), a potentially fatal disease is caused by Leishmania donovani parasites with no vaccine available. Here we produced a dermotropic live attenuated centrin gene deleted Leishmania major (LmCen−/−) vaccine under Good Laboratory Practices and demonstrated that a single intradermal injection confers robust and durable protection against lethal VL transmitted naturally via bites of L. donovani-infected sand flies and prevents mortality. Surprisingly, immunogenicity characteristics of LmCen−/− parasites revealed activation of common immune pathways like L. major wild type parasites. Spleen cells from LmCen−/− immunized and L. donovani challenged hamsters produced significantly higher Th1-associated cytokines including IFN-γ, TNF-α, and reduced expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10, IL-21, compared to non-immunized challenged animals. PBMCs, isolated from healthy people from non-endemic region, upon LmCen−/− infection also induced more IFN-γ compared to IL-10, consistent with our immunogenicity data in LmCen−/− immunized hamsters. This study demonstrates that the LmCen−/− parasites are safe and efficacious against VL and is a strong candidate vaccine to be tested in a human clinical trial. Karmakar et al produced a dermotropic, live attenuated centrin gene-deleted Leishmania major (LmCen−/−) vaccine against Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL). They demonstrated in hamsters that a single intradermal injection confers robust and durable protection against lethal VL that is transmitted naturally via bites of L. donovani-infected sand flies.
Collapse
|
27
|
Reproduction in Trypanosomatids: Past and Present. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10060471. [PMID: 34071741 PMCID: PMC8230138 DOI: 10.3390/biology10060471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary The reproduction of trypanosomatids is a fundamental issue for host–parasite interaction, and its biological importance lies in knowing how these species acquire new defense mechanisms against the countermeasures imposed by the host, which is consistent with the theory of the endless race or the Red Queen hypothesis for the existence of meiotic sex. Moreover, the way these species re-produce may also be at the origin of novel and more virulent clades and is relevant from a thera-peutic or vaccination point of view, as sex may contribute to increased tolerance and even to the rapid acquisition of drug resistance mechanisms. Kinetoplastids are single-celled organisms, many of them being responsible for important parasitic diseases, globally termed neglected diseases, which are endemic in low-income countries. Leishmaniasis, African (sleeping sickness) and American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) caused by trypanosomatids are among the most ne-glected tropical scourges related to poverty and poor health systems. The reproduction of these microorganisms has long been considered to be clonal due to population genetic observations. However, there is increasing evidence of true sex and genetic exchange events under laboratory conditions. We would like to highlight the importance of this topic in the field of host/parasite in-terplay, virulence, and drug resistance. Abstract Diseases caused by trypanosomatids (Sleeping sickness, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis) are a serious public health concern in low-income endemic countries. These diseases are produced by single-celled parasites with a diploid genome (although aneuploidy is frequent) organized in pairs of non-condensable chromosomes. To explain the way they reproduce through the analysis of natural populations, the theory of strict clonal propagation of these microorganisms was taken as a rule at the beginning of the studies, since it partially justified their genomic stability. However, numerous experimental works provide evidence of sexual reproduction, thus explaining certain naturally occurring events that link the number of meiosis per mitosis and the frequency of mating. Recent techniques have demonstrated genetic exchange between individuals of the same species under laboratory conditions, as well as the expression of meiosis specific genes. The current debate focuses on the frequency of genomic recombination events and its impact on the natural parasite population structure. This paper reviews the results and techniques used to demonstrate the existence of sex in trypanosomatids, the inheritance of kinetoplast DNA (maxi- and minicircles), the impact of genetic exchange in these parasites, and how it can contribute to the phenotypic diversity of natural populations.
Collapse
|
28
|
Louradour I, Ferreira TR, Ghosh K, Shaik J, Sacks D. In Vitro Generation of Leishmania Hybrids. Cell Rep 2021; 31:107507. [PMID: 32294444 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.03.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Protozoan parasites in the genus Leishmania produce a broad spectrum of diseases in their human hosts. The strain and species-specific genes controlling these diverse clinical outcomes have remained poorly tractable using reverse genetics approaches. A cryptic sexual cycle involving a meiotic-like process has been described in Leishmania but is so far confined to parasites growing in the sand fly vector. Here, we describe the reproducible in vitro generation of hybrid clones using axenic culture forms of Leishmania tropica promastigotes. Analysis of SNPs marker inheritance and whole-genome sequencing data indicate that the progeny clones are full genomic hybrids. The demonstration that mating-competent forms arise in culture should facilitate experimental study of the mating biology of Leishmania and the generation of large numbers of recombinant parasites for positional cloning of important genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Louradour
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tiago Rodrigues Ferreira
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kashinath Ghosh
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - David Sacks
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Gibson W. The sexual side of parasitic protists. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2021; 243:111371. [PMID: 33872659 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2021.111371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Much of the vast evolutionary landscape occupied by Eukaryotes is dominated by protists. Though parasitism has arisen in many lineages, there are three main groups of parasitic protists of relevance to human and livestock health: the Apicomplexa, including the malaria parasite Plasmodium and coccidian pathogens of livestock such as Eimeria; the excavate flagellates, encompassing a diverse range of protist pathogens including trypanosomes, Leishmania, Giardia and Trichomonas; and the Amoebozoa, including pathogenic amoebae such as Entamoeba. These three groups represent separate, deep branches of the eukaryote tree, underlining their divergent evolutionary histories. Here, I explore what is known about sex in these three main groups of parasitic protists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Gibson
- School of Biological Sciences, Life Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Lypaczewski P, Matlashewski G. Leishmania donovani hybridisation and introgression in nature: a comparative genomic investigation. THE LANCET MICROBE 2021; 2:e250-e258. [DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(21)00028-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
|
31
|
Schwabl P, Boité MC, Bussotti G, Jacobs A, Andersson B, Moreira O, Freitas-Mesquita AL, Meyer-Fernandes JR, Telleria EL, Traub-Csekö Y, Vaselek S, Leštinová T, Volf P, Morgado FN, Porrozzi R, Llewellyn M, Späth GF, Cupolillo E. Colonization and genetic diversification processes of Leishmania infantum in the Americas. Commun Biol 2021; 4:139. [PMID: 33514858 PMCID: PMC7846609 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01658-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania infantum causes visceral leishmaniasis, a deadly vector-borne disease introduced to the Americas during the colonial era. This non-native trypanosomatid parasite has since established widespread transmission cycles using alternative vectors, and human infection has become a significant concern to public health, especially in Brazil. A multi-kilobase deletion was recently detected in Brazilian L. infantum genomes and is suggested to reduce susceptibility to the anti-leishmanial drug miltefosine. We show that deletion-carrying strains occur in at least 15 Brazilian states and describe diversity patterns suggesting that these derive from common ancestral mutants rather than from recurrent independent mutation events. We also show that the deleted locus and associated enzymatic activity is restored by hybridization with non-deletion type strains. Genetic exchange appears common in areas of secondary contact but also among closely related parasites. We examine demographic and ecological scenarios underlying this complex L. infantum population structure and discuss implications for disease control. Philipp Schwabl, Mariana Boité, and colleagues analyze 126 Leishmania infantum genomes to determine how demographic and selective consequences of the parasite’s invasive history have contributed to intricate population genetic heterogeneity across Brazil. Their data suggest a complex interplay of population expansion, secondary contact and genetic exchange events underlying diversity patterns at short and long-distance scales. These processes also appear pivotal to the proliferation of a drug resistance-associated multi-gene deletion on chromosome 31.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Schwabl
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ, Glasgow, UK
| | - Mariana C Boité
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmaniose, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, 21040-365, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Giovanni Bussotti
- Institut Pasteur-Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub-C3BI, USR 3756 IP CNRS, 75015, Paris, France.,Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, INSERM U1201, Unité de Parasitology moléculaire et Signalisation, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Arne Jacobs
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ, Glasgow, UK
| | - Bjorn Andersson
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum 9C, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Otacilio Moreira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, 21040-365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Anita L Freitas-Mesquita
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jose Roberto Meyer-Fernandes
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Erich L Telleria
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 21040-365, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, Charles University, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Yara Traub-Csekö
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 21040-365, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Slavica Vaselek
- Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, Charles University, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Leštinová
- Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, Charles University, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Volf
- Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, Charles University, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Fernanda N Morgado
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmaniose, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, 21040-365, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Renato Porrozzi
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmaniose, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, 21040-365, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Martin Llewellyn
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ, Glasgow, UK
| | - Gerald F Späth
- Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, INSERM U1201, Unité de Parasitology moléculaire et Signalisation, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Elisa Cupolillo
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmaniose, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, 21040-365, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Leishmania Sexual Reproductive Strategies as Resolved through Computational Methods Designed for Aneuploid Genomes. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12020167. [PMID: 33530584 PMCID: PMC7912377 DOI: 10.3390/genes12020167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A cryptic sexual reproductive cycle in Leishmania has been inferred through population genetic studies revealing the presence of hybrid genotypes in natural isolates, with attempts made to decipher sexual strategies by studying complex chromosomal inheritance patterns. A more informative approach is to study the products of controlled, laboratory-based experiments where known strains or species are crossed in the sand fly vector to generate hybrid progeny. These hybrids can be subsequently studied through high resolution sequencing technologies and software suites such as PAINT that disclose inheritance patterns including ploidies, parental chromosome contributions and recombinations, all of which can inform the sexual strategy. In this work, we discuss the computational methods in PAINT that can be used to interpret the sexual strategies adopted specifically by aneuploid organisms and summarize how PAINT has been applied to the analysis of experimental hybrids to reveal meiosis-like sexual recombination in Leishmania.
Collapse
|
33
|
Telittchenko R, Descoteaux A. Study on the Occurrence of Genetic Exchange Among Parasites of the Leishmania mexicana Complex. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:607253. [PMID: 33365278 PMCID: PMC7750183 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.607253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In Leishmania, genetic exchange has been experimentally demonstrated to occur in the sand fly vector and in promastigote axenic cultures through a meiotic-like process. No evidence of genetic exchange in mammalian hosts have been reported so far, possibly due to the fact that the Leishmania species used in previous studies replicate within individual parasitophorous vacuoles. In the present work, we explored the possibility that residing in communal vacuoles may provide conditions favorable for genetic exchange for L. mexicana and L. amazonensis. Using promastigote lines of both species harboring integrated or episomal drug-resistance markers, we assessed whether genetic exchange can occur in axenic cultures, in infected macrophages as well as in infected mice. We obtained evidence of genetic exchange for L. amazonensis in both axenic promastigote cultures and infected macrophages. However, the resulting products of those putative genetic events were unstable as they did not sustain growth in subsequent sub-cultures, precluding further characterization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roman Telittchenko
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Albert Descoteaux
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Binding of Leishmania infantum Lipophosphoglycan to the Midgut Is Not Sufficient To Define Vector Competence in Lutzomyia longipalpis Sand Flies. mSphere 2020; 5:5/5/e00594-20. [PMID: 32907950 PMCID: PMC7485685 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00594-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well established that the presence of LPG is sufficient to define the vector competence of restrictive sand fly vectors with respect to Leishmania parasites. However, the permissiveness of other sand flies with respect to multiple Leishmania species suggests that other factors might define vector competence for these vectors. In this study, we investigated the underpinnings of Leishmania infantum survival and development in its natural vector, Lutzomyia longipalpis. We found that LPG-mediated midgut binding persists in late-stage parasites. This observation is of relevance for the understanding of vector-parasite molecular interactions and suggests that only a subset of infective metacyclic-stage parasites (metacyclics) lose their ability to attach to the midgut, with implications for parasite transmission dynamics. However, our data also demonstrate that LPG is not a determining factor in Leishmania infantum retention in the midgut of Lutzomyia longipalpis, a permissive vector. Rather, LPG appears to be more important in protecting some parasite strains from the toxic environment generated during blood meal digestion in the insect gut. Thus, the relevance of LPG in parasite development in permissive vectors appears to be a complex issue and should be investigated on a strain-specific basis. The major surface lipophosphoglycan (LPG) of Leishmania parasites is critical to vector competence in restrictive sand fly vectors in mediating Leishmania attachment to the midgut epithelium, considered essential to parasite survival and development. However, the relevance of LPG for sand flies that harbor multiple species of Leishmania remains elusive. We tested binding of Leishmania infantum wild-type (WT), LPG-defective (Δlpg1 mutants), and add-back (Δlpg1 + LPG1) lines to sand fly midguts in vitro and their survival in Lutzomyia longipalpis sand flies in vivo. Le. infantum WT parasites attached to the Lu. longipalpis midgut in vitro, with late-stage parasites binding to midguts in significantly higher numbers than were seen with early-stage promastigotes. Δlpg1 mutants did not bind to Lu. longipalpis midguts, and this was rescued in the Δlpg1 + LPG1 lines, indicating that midgut binding is mediated by LPG. When Lu. longipalpis sand flies were infected with the Le. infantum WT or Le. infantum Δlpg1 or Le. infantum Δlpg1 + LPG1 line of the BH46 or BA262 strains, the BH46 Δlpg1 mutant, but not the BA262 Δlpg1 mutant, survived and grew to numbers similar to those seen with the WT and Δlpg1 + LPG1 lines. Exposure of BH46 and BA262 Δlpg1 mutants to blood-engorged midgut extracts led to mortality of the BA262 Δlpg1 but not the BH46 Δlpg1 parasites. These findings suggest that Le. infantum LPG protects parasites on a strain-specific basis early in infection, likely against toxic components of blood digestion, but that it is not necessary to prevent Le. infantum evacuation along with the feces in the permissive vector Lu. longipalpis. IMPORTANCE It is well established that the presence of LPG is sufficient to define the vector competence of restrictive sand fly vectors with respect to Leishmania parasites. However, the permissiveness of other sand flies with respect to multiple Leishmania species suggests that other factors might define vector competence for these vectors. In this study, we investigated the underpinnings of Leishmania infantum survival and development in its natural vector, Lutzomyia longipalpis. We found that LPG-mediated midgut binding persists in late-stage parasites. This observation is of relevance for the understanding of vector-parasite molecular interactions and suggests that only a subset of infective metacyclic-stage parasites (metacyclics) lose their ability to attach to the midgut, with implications for parasite transmission dynamics. However, our data also demonstrate that LPG is not a determining factor in Leishmania infantum retention in the midgut of Lutzomyia longipalpis, a permissive vector. Rather, LPG appears to be more important in protecting some parasite strains from the toxic environment generated during blood meal digestion in the insect gut. Thus, the relevance of LPG in parasite development in permissive vectors appears to be a complex issue and should be investigated on a strain-specific basis.
Collapse
|
35
|
Van Bockstal L, Hendrickx S, Maes L, Caljon G. Sand Fly Studies Predict Transmission Potential of Drug-resistant Leishmania. Trends Parasitol 2020; 36:785-795. [PMID: 32713762 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania parasites have the capacity to rapidly adapt to changing environments in their digenetic life cycle which alternates between a vertebrate and an invertebrate host. Emergence of resistance following drug exposure can evoke phenotypic alterations that affect several aspects of parasite fitness in both hosts. Current studies of the impact of resistance are mostly limited to interactions with the mammalian host and characterization of in vitro parasite growth and differentiation. Development in the vector and transmission capacity have been largely ignored. This review reflects on the impact of drug resistance on its spreading potential with specific focus on the use of the sand fly infection model to evaluate parasite development in the vector and the ensuing transmission potential of drug-resistant phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lieselotte Van Bockstal
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sarah Hendrickx
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Touching the Surface: Diverse Roles for the Flagellar Membrane in Kinetoplastid Parasites. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2020; 84:84/2/e00079-19. [PMID: 32238446 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00079-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
While flagella have been studied extensively as motility organelles, with a focus on internal structures such as the axoneme, more recent research has illuminated the roles of the flagellar surface in a variety of biological processes. Parasitic protists of the order Kinetoplastida, which include trypanosomes and Leishmania species, provide a paradigm for probing the role of flagella in host-microbe interactions and illustrate that this interface between the flagellar surface and the host is of paramount importance. An increasing body of knowledge indicates that the flagellar membrane serves a multitude of functions at this interface: attachment of parasites to tissues within insect vectors, close interactions with intracellular organelles of vertebrate cells, transactions between flagella from different parasites, junctions between the flagella and the parasite cell body, emergence of nanotubes and exosomes from the parasite directed to either host or microbial targets, immune evasion, and sensing of the extracellular milieu. Recent whole-organelle or genome-wide studies have begun to identify protein components of the flagellar surface that must mediate these diverse host-parasite interactions. The increasing corpus of knowledge on kinetoplastid flagella will likely prove illuminating for other flagellated or ciliated pathogens as well.
Collapse
|
37
|
Cotton JA, Durrant C, Franssen SU, Gelanew T, Hailu A, Mateus D, Sanders MJ, Berriman M, Volf P, Miles MA, Yeo M. Genomic analysis of natural intra-specific hybrids among Ethiopian isolates of Leishmania donovani. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0007143. [PMID: 32310945 PMCID: PMC7237039 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites of the genus Leishmania (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) cause widespread and devastating human diseases. Visceral leishmaniasis due to Leishmania donovani is endemic in Ethiopia where it has also been responsible for major epidemics. The presence of hybrid genotypes has been widely reported in surveys of natural populations, genetic variation reported in a number of Leishmania species, and the extant capacity for genetic exchange demonstrated in laboratory experiments. However, patterns of recombination and the evolutionary history of admixture that produced these hybrid populations remain unclear. Here, we use whole-genome sequence data to investigate Ethiopian L. donovani isolates previously characterized as hybrids by microsatellite and multi-locus sequencing. To date there is only one previous study on a natural population of Leishmania hybrids based on whole-genome sequences. We propose that these hybrids originate from recombination between two different lineages of Ethiopian L. donovani occurring in the same region. Patterns of inheritance are more complex than previously reported with multiple, apparently independent, origins from similar parents that include backcrossing with parental types. Analysis indicates that hybrids are representative of at least three different histories. Furthermore, isolates were highly polysomic at the level of chromosomes with differences between parasites recovered from a recrudescent infection from a previously treated individual. The results demonstrate that recombination is a significant feature of natural populations and contributes to the growing body of data that shows how recombination, and gene flow, shape natural populations of Leishmania.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tesfaye Gelanew
- Faculty of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Asrat Hailu
- Faculty of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - David Mateus
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michael A. Miles
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Yeo
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Franssen SU, Durrant C, Stark O, Moser B, Downing T, Imamura H, Dujardin JC, Sanders MJ, Mauricio I, Miles MA, Schnur LF, Jaffe CL, Nasereddin A, Schallig H, Yeo M, Bhattacharyya T, Alam MZ, Berriman M, Wirth T, Schönian G, Cotton JA. Global genome diversity of the Leishmania donovani complex. eLife 2020; 9:e51243. [PMID: 32209228 PMCID: PMC7105377 DOI: 10.7554/elife.51243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Protozoan parasites of the Leishmania donovani complex - L. donovani and L. infantum - cause the fatal disease visceral leishmaniasis. We present the first comprehensive genome-wide global study, with 151 cultured field isolates representing most of the geographical distribution. L. donovani isolates separated into five groups that largely coincide with geographical origin but vary greatly in diversity. In contrast, the majority of L. infantum samples fell into one globally-distributed group with little diversity. This picture is complicated by several hybrid lineages. Identified genetic groups vary in heterozygosity and levels of linkage, suggesting different recombination histories. We characterise chromosome-specific patterns of aneuploidy and identified extensive structural variation, including known and suspected drug resistance loci. This study reveals greater genetic diversity than suggested by geographically-focused studies, provides a resource of genomic variation for future work and sets the scene for a new understanding of the evolution and genetics of the Leishmania donovani complex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Caroline Durrant
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome CampusHinxtonUnited Kingdom
| | | | | | - Tim Downing
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome CampusHinxtonUnited Kingdom
- Dublin City UniversityDublinIreland
| | | | - Jean-Claude Dujardin
- Institute of Tropical MedicineAntwerpBelgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Mandy J Sanders
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome CampusHinxtonUnited Kingdom
| | - Isabel Mauricio
- Universidade Nova de Lisboa Instituto de Higiene e MedicinaLisboaPortugal
| | - Michael A Miles
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Lionel F Schnur
- Kuvin Centre for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, IMRIC, Hebrew University-Hadassah, Medical SchoolJerusalemIsrael
| | - Charles L Jaffe
- Kuvin Centre for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, IMRIC, Hebrew University-Hadassah, Medical SchoolJerusalemIsrael
| | - Abdelmajeed Nasereddin
- Kuvin Centre for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, IMRIC, Hebrew University-Hadassah, Medical SchoolJerusalemIsrael
| | - Henk Schallig
- Amsterdam University Medical Centres – Academic Medical Centre at the University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology – Experimental ParasitologyAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Matthew Yeo
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Mohammad Z Alam
- Department of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural UniversityMymensinghBangladesh
| | - Matthew Berriman
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome CampusHinxtonUnited Kingdom
| | - Thierry Wirth
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité, ISYEB, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des AntillesParisFrance
- École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE)Paris Sciences & Lettres (PSL)ParisFrance
| | | | - James A Cotton
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome CampusHinxtonUnited Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Khan MAA, Chowdhury R, Nath R, Hansen S, Nath P, Maruf S, Abd El Wahed A, Mondal D. Imported cutaneous leishmaniasis: molecular investigation unveils Leishmania major in Bangladesh. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:527. [PMID: 31699125 PMCID: PMC6836376 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3771-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The main clinical forms of leishmaniasis in Bangladesh are visceral leishmaniasis and post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis, which are caused by Leishmania donovani. Imported cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is emerging globally due mainly to increased human mobility. In recent years, several imported CL cases have also been reported in Bangladesh. Sporadic atypical cases of CL can be challenging for diagnosis and clinical management, while occurrence of infection on a frequent basis can be alarming. We report of a case of a Bangladeshi temporary-migrant worker who, upon return, presented development of skin lesions that are characteristic of CL. Methods A serum sample was collected and tested with an rK39 immunochromatographic test. Nucleic acid from skin biopsy derived culture sample was extracted and screened with a real-time PCR assay which targets the conserved REPL repeat region of L. donovani complex. The internal transcribed spacer 2 region of the ribosomal RNA gene cluster was amplified and sequenced. Results The suspect had a history of travel in both CL and VL endemic areas and had a positive rK39 test result. Based on clinical presentation, travel history and demonstration of the parasite in the skin biopsy, CL was diagnosed and the patient underwent a combination therapy with Miltefosine and liposomal amphotericin B. While typical endemic species were not detected, we identified Leishmania major, a species that, to our knowledge, has never been reported in Bangladesh. Conclusions Proper monitoring and reporting of imported cases should be given careful consideration for both clinical and epidemiological reasons. Molecular tests should be performed in diagnosis to avoid dilemma, and identification of causative species should be prioritized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Anik Ashfaq Khan
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rajashree Chowdhury
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rupen Nath
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sören Hansen
- Division of Microbiology and Animal Hygiene, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Progga Nath
- Surya Kanta Kala-azar Research Center, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Shomik Maruf
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ahmed Abd El Wahed
- Division of Microbiology and Animal Hygiene, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Dinesh Mondal
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Pereira A, Parreira R, Cristóvão JM, Castelli G, Bruno F, Vitale F, Campino L, Maia C. Phylogenetic insights on Leishmania detected in cats as revealed by nucleotide sequence analysis of multiple genetic markers. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2019; 77:104069. [PMID: 31670155 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.104069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Cats have been found infected by the same Leishmania species that also infect dogs and humans in both the New and Old Worlds, and their role as additional reservoir hosts of L. infantum has been previously suggested. Currently, the genetic diversity of Leishmania spp. detected in cats is poorly understood. In this cross-sectional study, the partial nucleotide sequences of four gene markers (cytB, g6pdh, hsp70 and ITS-rDNA) were explored to investigate the genetic diversity and the phylogenetic relationships of Leishmania parasites detected in cats. A total of 25 cat buffy coat samples where the presence of Leishmania SSU-rDNA was revealed by PCR (from a convenience sample of 465 cats screened), as well as six Leishmania strains previously isolated from cats, were included in this study. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the majority of Leishmania parasites detected in cats did not display distinctive genetic features, sharing the same genetic types with L. infantum strains isolated from humans, dogs and phlebotomine sand flies. Unexpectedly, DNA of L. major and/or of a L. major/L. donovani sensu lato hybrid was detected in buffy coat samples of two cats from different regions of Portugal. However, a mix infection hypothesis cannot be formally excluded. To our knowledge, this study represents the first evidence for the presence of DNA of Leishmania hybrid parasites in cats. The results reported here not only reinforce the idea that cats play a role in the epidemiology of zoonotic leishmaniosis but also indicate the circulation of L. major and/or L. major/L. donovani s.l. hybrid parasites in Portugal. Also, whenever sequencing of whole Leishmania genomes regularly cannot be accomplished, and while their complete genomes remain under-represented in the nucleotide sequence databases, the combined use of multiple genetic markers, including kinetoplast maxicircle DNA, seems to be essential for typing of Leishmania parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- André Pereira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHMT), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA), 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal; Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT/NOVA, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Parreira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHMT), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA), 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal; Medical Microbiology Unit, IHMT/NOVA, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José Manuel Cristóvão
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHMT), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA), 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal; Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT/NOVA, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Germano Castelli
- OIE Leishmaniasis Reference laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Federica Bruno
- OIE Leishmaniasis Reference laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Vitale
- OIE Leishmaniasis Reference laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Lenea Campino
- Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT/NOVA, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHMT), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA), 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal; Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT/NOVA, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Global selective sweep of a highly inbred genome of the cattle parasite Neospora caninum. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:22764-22773. [PMID: 31636194 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1913531116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum, a cyst-forming apicomplexan parasite, is a leading cause of neuromuscular diseases in dogs as well as fetal abortion in cattle worldwide. The importance of the domestic and sylvatic life cycles of Neospora, and the role of vertical transmission in the expansion and transmission of infection in cattle, is not sufficiently understood. To elucidate the population genomics of Neospora, we genotyped 50 isolates collected worldwide from a wide range of hosts using 19 linked and unlinked genetic markers. Phylogenetic analysis and genetic distance indices resolved a single genotype of N. caninum Whole-genome sequencing of 7 isolates from 2 different continents identified high linkage disequilibrium, significant structural variation, but only limited polymorphism genome-wide, with only 5,766 biallelic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) total. Greater than half of these SNPs (∼3,000) clustered into 6 distinct haploblocks and each block possessed limited allelic diversity (with only 4 to 6 haplotypes resolved at each cluster). Importantly, the alleles at each haploblock had independently segregated across the strains sequenced, supporting a unisexual expansion model that is mosaic at 6 genomic blocks. Integrating seroprevalence data from African cattle, our data support a global selective sweep of a highly inbred livestock pathogen that originated within European dairy stock and expanded transcontinentally via unisexual mating and vertical transmission very recently, likely the result of human activities, including recurrent migration, domestication, and breed development of bovid and canid hosts within similar proximities.
Collapse
|
42
|
S. L. Figueiredo de Sá B, Rezende AM, de Melo Neto OP, de Brito MEF, Brandão Filho SP. Identification of divergent Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis ecotypes derived from a geographically restricted area through whole genome analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007382. [PMID: 31170148 PMCID: PMC6581274 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania braziliensis, the main etiological agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Latin America, is characterized by major differences in basic biology in comparison with better-known Leishmania species. It is also associated with a high phenotypic and possibly genetic diversity that need to be more adequately defined. Here we used whole genome sequences to evaluate the genetic diversity of ten L. braziliensis isolates from a CL endemic area from Northeastern Brazil, previously classified by Multi Locus Enzyme Electrophoresis (MLEE) into ten distinct zymodemes. These sequences were first mapped using the L. braziliensis M2904 reference genome followed by identification of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). A substantial level of diversity was observed when compared with the reference genome, with SNP counts ranging from ~95,000 to ~131,000 for the different isolates. When the genome data was used to infer relationship between isolates, those belonging to zymodemes Z72/Z75, recovered from forested environments, were found to cluster separately from the others, generally associated with more urban environments. Among the remaining isolates, those from zymodemes Z74/Z106 were also found to form a separate group. Phylogenetic analyses were also performed using Multi-Locus Sequence Analysis from genes coding for four metabolic enzymes used for MLEE as well as the gene sequence coding for the Hsp70 heat shock protein. All 10 isolates were firmly identified as L. braziliensis, including the zymodeme Z26 isolate previously classified as Leishmania shawi, with the clustering into three groups confirmed. Aneuploidy was also investigated but found in general restricted to chromosome 31, with a single isolate, from zymodeme Z27, characterized by extra copies for other chromosomes. Noteworthy, both Z72 and Z75 isolates are characterized by a much reduced heterozygosity. Our data is consistent with the existence of distinct evolutionary groups in the restricted area sampled and a substantial genetic diversity within L. braziliensis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio M. Rezende
- Department of Microbiology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute/FIOCRUZ, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Inbar E, Shaik J, Iantorno SA, Romano A, Nzelu CO, Owens K, Sanders MJ, Dobson D, Cotton JA, Grigg ME, Beverley SM, Sacks D. Whole genome sequencing of experimental hybrids supports meiosis-like sexual recombination in Leishmania. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008042. [PMID: 31091230 PMCID: PMC6519804 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hybrid genotypes have been repeatedly described among natural isolates of Leishmania, and the recovery of experimental hybrids from sand flies co-infected with different strains or species of Leishmania has formally demonstrated that members of the genus possess the machinery for genetic exchange. As neither gamete stages nor cell fusion events have been directly observed during parasite development in the vector, we have relied on a classical genetic analysis to determine if Leishmania has a true sexual cycle. Here, we used whole genome sequencing to follow the chromosomal inheritance patterns of experimental hybrids generated within and between different strains of L. major and L. infantum. We also generated and sequenced the first experimental hybrids in L. tropica. We found that in each case the parental somy and allele contributions matched the inheritance patterns expected under meiosis 97–99% of the time. The hybrids were equivalent to F1 progeny, heterozygous throughout most of the genome for the markers that were homozygous and different between the parents. Rare, non-Mendelian patterns of chromosomal inheritance were observed, including a gain or loss of somy, and loss of heterozygosity, that likely arose during meiosis or during mitotic divisions of the progeny clones in the fly or culture. While the interspecies hybrids appeared to be sterile, the intraspecies hybrids were able to produce backcross and outcross progeny. Analysis of 5 backcross and outcross progeny clones generated from an L. major F1 hybrid, as well as 17 progeny clones generated from backcrosses involving a natural hybrid of L. tropica, revealed genome wide patterns of recombination, demonstrating that classical crossing over occurs at meiosis, and allowed us to construct the first physical and genetic maps in Leishmania. Altogether, the findings provide strong evidence for meiosis-like sexual recombination in Leishmania, presenting clear opportunities for forward genetic analysis and positional cloning of important genes. Leishmania promastigotes are able to undergo genetic exchange during their growth and development in the sand fly vector, however, it is still not known if they have a true sexual cycle involving meiosis. Here, we used whole genome sequencing to follow the chromosomal inheritance patterns of 44 experimental hybrids generated between different strains of L. major, L. infantum, and L. tropica. In almost every case the number of chromosomes and the allele contributions from each parent matched the inheritance patterns expected under meiosis. Rare instances of hybrid chromosomes that did not fit Mendelian expectations were observed, including gain or loss of somy, and loss of heterozygosity. Strong evidence for a meiotic-like process was also obtained from the genome wide patterns of recombination observed in the offspring generated from backcrosses involving an experimental or natural hybrid, consistent with crossing over occurring between homologous chromosomes during meiosis. The frequency and position of the recombination breakpoints observed on each chromosome allowed us to construct the first physical and genetic maps in Leishmania. The results demonstrate that forward genetic approaches are possible for positional cloning of important genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ehud Inbar
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jahangheer Shaik
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Stefano A. Iantorno
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Audrey Romano
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Chukwunonso O. Nzelu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Katherine Owens
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Mandy J. Sanders
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah Dobson
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - James A. Cotton
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Michael E. Grigg
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Stephen M. Beverley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - David Sacks
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: ,
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Elucidating in vitro and in vivo phenotypic behaviour of L. infantum/L. major natural hybrids. Parasitology 2018; 146:580-587. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182018001993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
AbstractThe clinical manifestation and course of Leishmania infections depend on factors such as species, virulence and host-immunity. Although trypanosomatids are considered to have clonal propagation, genetic hybridization has produced successful natural hybrid lineages. Hybrids displaying strong selective advantages may have an impact on pathogenesis and the eco-epidemiology of leishmaniasis. Thus, characterization of phenotypic properties of Leishmania hybrids could bring significant insight into the biology, infectivity, pathogenicity and transmission dynamics of these atypical strains. The present study focuses on phenotypic features and survival capacity of Leishmania infantum/Leishmania major hybrid isolates as compared with representative putative parental species, L. infantum and L. major. In vitro assays (growth kinetics, susceptibility to different conditions) and in vivo infection (parasite detection and histopathological alterations) showed that hybrids present higher growth capacity and decreased susceptibility to reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, evaluation of infected spleen tissue suggests that hybrids induce a stronger immune reaction than their putative parents, leading to the development of white pulp hyperplasia in B-lymphocyte compartments. Overall, these hybrids have shown high plasticity in terms of their general behaviour within the different phenotypic parameters, suggesting that they might have acquired genetic features conferring different mechanisms to evade host cells.
Collapse
|
45
|
Zingales B. Trypanosoma cruzi genetic diversity: Something new for something known about Chagas disease manifestations, serodiagnosis and drug sensitivity. Acta Trop 2018; 184:38-52. [PMID: 28941731 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The genetic diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan agent of Chagas disease, is widely recognized. At present, T. cruzi is partitioned into seven discrete typing units (DTUs), TcI-TcVI and Tcbat. This article reviews the present knowledge on the parasite population structure, the evolutionary relationships among DTUs and their distinct, but not exclusive ecological and epidemiological associations. Different models for the origin of hybrid DTUs are examined, which agree that genetic exchange among T. cruzi populations is frequent and has contributed to the present parasite population structure. The geographic distribution of the prevalent DTUs in humans from the southern United States to Argentina is here presented and the circumstantial evidence of a possible association between T. cruzi genotype and Chagas disease manifestations is discussed. The available information suggests that parasite strains detected in patients, regardless of the clinical presentation, reflect the principal DTU circulating in the domestic transmission cycles of a particular region. In contrast, in several orally transmitted outbreaks, sylvatic strains are implicated. As a consequence of the genotypic and phenotypic differences of T. cruzi strains and the differential geographic distribution of DTUs in humans, regional variations in the sensitivity of the serological tests are verified. The natural resistance to benznidazole and nifurtimox, verified in vivo and in vitro for some parasite stocks, is not associated with any particular DTU, and does not explain the marked difference in the anti-parasitic efficacy of both drugs in the acute and chronic phases of Chagas disease. Throughout this review, it is emphasized that the interplay between parasite and host genetics should have an important role in the definition of Chagas disease pathogenesis, anti-T. cruzi immune response and chemotherapy outcome and should be considered in future investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Zingales
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
A pilot study on fingerprinting Leishmania species from the Old World using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Anal Bioanal Chem 2017; 409:6907-6923. [PMID: 29080902 PMCID: PMC5670197 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-017-0655-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania species are protozoan parasites and the causative agents of leishmaniasis, a vector borne disease that imposes a large health burden on individuals living mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. Different Leishmania species are responsible for the distinct clinical patterns, such as cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral leishmaniasis, with the latter being potentially fatal if left untreated. For this reason, it is important to perform correct species identification and differentiation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is an analytical spectroscopic technique increasingly being used as a potential tool for identification of microorganisms for diagnostic purposes. By employing mid-infrared (MIR) spectral data, it is not only possible to assess the chemical structures but also to achieve differentiation supported by multivariate statistic analysis. This work comprises a pilot study on differentiation of Leishmania species of the Old World (L. major, L. tropica, L. infantum, and L. donovani) as well as hybrids of distinct species by using vibrational spectroscopic fingerprints. Films of intact Leishmania parasites and their deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) were characterized comparatively with respect to their biochemical nature and MIR spectral patterns. The strains’ hyperspectral datasets were multivariately examined by means of variance-based principal components analysis (PCA) and distance-based hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). With the implementation of MIR spectral datasets we show that a phenotypic differentiation of Leishmania at species and intra-species level is feasible. Thus, FTIR spectroscopy can be further exploited for building up spectral databases of Leishmania parasites in view of high-throughput analysis of clinical specimens. For Leishmania species discrimination, sample films of intact parasites and their extracted DNA were analyzed by FTIR micro-spectroscopy. Hyperspectral datasets that comprise mid-infrared fingerprints were submitted to multivariate analysis tools such as principal components analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). ![]()
Collapse
|
47
|
Khan NH, Llewellyn MS, Schönian G, Sutherland CJ. Variability of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Lesions Is Not Associated with Genetic Diversity of Leishmania tropica in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 97:1489-1497. [PMID: 29016290 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania tropica is the causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Pakistan. Here, intraspecific diversity of L. tropica from northern Pakistan was investigated using multilocus microsatellite typing. Fourteen polymorphic microsatellite markers were typed in 34 recently collected L. tropica isolates from Pakistan along with 158 archival strains of diverse Afro-Eurasian origins. Previously published profiles for 145 strains of L. tropica originating from different regions of Africa, Central Asia, Iran, and Middle East were included for comparison. Six consistently well-supported genetic groups were resolved: 1) Asia, 2) Morroco A, 3) Namibia and Kenya A, 4) Kenya B/Tunisia and Galilee, 5) Morocco B, and 6) Middle East. Strains from northern Pakistan were assigned to Asian cluster except for three that were placed in a geographically distant genetic group; Morocco A. Lesion variability among these Pakistani strains was not associated with specific L. tropica genetic profile. Pakistani strains showed little genetic differentiation from strains of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria (FST = 0.00-0.06); displayed evidence of modest genetic flow with India (FST = 0.14). Furthermore, genetic structuring within these isolates was not geographically defined. Pak-Afghan cluster was in significant linkage disequilibrium (IA = 1.43), had low genetic diversity, and displayed comparatively higher heterozygosity (FIS = -0.62). Patterns of genetic diversity observed suggest dominance of a minimally diverse clonal lineage within northern Pakistan. This is surprising as a wide clinical spectrum was observed in patients, suggesting the importance of host and other factors. Further genotyping studies of L. tropica isolates displaying different clinical phenotypes are required to validate this potentially important observation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nazma Habib Khan
- Department of Zoology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.,Department of Immunology & Infection, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martin S Llewellyn
- Department of Pathogen Molecular Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriele Schönian
- Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Chariteì-University Medicine Berlin, Hindenburgdamm, Berlin, Germany
| | - Colin J Sutherland
- Department of Immunology & Infection, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
Leishmania tropica, a unicellular eukaryotic parasite present in North and East Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent, has been linked to large outbreaks of cutaneous leishmaniasis in displaced populations in Iraq, Jordan, and Syria. Here, we report the genome sequence of this pathogen and 7,863 identified protein-coding genes, and we show that the majority of clinical isolates possess high levels of allelic diversity, genetic admixture, heterozygosity, and extensive aneuploidy. By utilizing paired genome-wide high-throughput DNA sequencing (DNA-seq) with RNA-seq, we found that gene dosage, at the level of individual genes or chromosomal "somy" (a general term covering disomy, trisomy, tetrasomy, etc.), accounted for greater than 85% of total gene expression variation in genes with a 2-fold or greater change in expression. High gene copy number variation (CNV) among membrane-bound transporters, a class of proteins previously implicated in drug resistance, was found for the most highly differentially expressed genes. Our results suggest that gene dosage is an adaptive trait that confers phenotypic plasticity among natural Leishmania populations by rapid down- or upregulation of transporter proteins to limit the effects of environmental stresses, such as drug selection.IMPORTANCELeishmania is a genus of unicellular eukaryotic parasites that is responsible for a spectrum of human diseases that range from cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) to life-threatening visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Developmental and strain-specific gene expression is largely thought to be due to mRNA message stability or posttranscriptional regulatory networks for this species, whose genome is organized into polycistronic gene clusters in the absence of promoter-mediated regulation of transcription initiation of nuclear genes. Genetic hybridization has been demonstrated to yield dramatic structural genomic variation, but whether such changes in gene dosage impact gene expression has not been formally investigated. Here we show that the predominant mechanism determining transcript abundance differences (>85%) in Leishmania tropica is that of gene dosage at the level of individual genes or chromosomal somy.
Collapse
|
49
|
Kaufer A, Ellis J, Stark D, Barratt J. The evolution of trypanosomatid taxonomy. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:287. [PMID: 28595622 PMCID: PMC5463341 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2204-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosomatids are protozoan parasites of the class Kinetoplastida predominately restricted to invertebrate hosts (i.e. possess a monoxenous life-cycle). However, several genera are pathogenic to humans, animals and plants, and have an invertebrate vector that facilitates their transmission (i.e. possess a dixenous life-cycle). Phytomonas is one dixenous genus that includes several plant pathogens transmitted by phytophagous insects. Trypanosoma and Leishmania are dixenous genera that infect vertebrates, including humans, and are transmitted by hematophagous invertebrates. Traditionally, monoxenous trypanosomatids such as Leptomonas were distinguished from morphologically similar dixenous species based on their restriction to an invertebrate host. Nonetheless, this criterion is somewhat flawed as exemplified by Leptomonas seymouri which reportedly infects vertebrates opportunistically. Similarly, Novymonas and Zelonia are presumably monoxenous genera yet sit comfortably in the dixenous clade occupied by Leishmania. The isolation of Leishmania macropodum from a biting midge (Forcipomyia spp.) rather than a phlebotomine sand fly calls into question the exclusivity of the Leishmania-sand fly relationship, and its suitability for defining the Leishmania genus. It is now accepted that classic genus-defining characteristics based on parasite morphology and host range are insufficient to form the sole basis of trypanosomatid taxonomy as this has led to several instances of paraphyly. While improvements have been made, resolution of evolutionary relationships within the Trypanosomatidae is confounded by our incomplete knowledge of its true diversity. The known trypanosomatids probably represent a fraction of those that exist and isolation of new species will help resolve relationships in this group with greater accuracy. This review incites a dialogue on how our understanding of the relationships between certain trypanosomatids has shifted, and discusses new knowledge that informs the present taxonomy of these important parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Kaufer
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007 Australia
| | - John Ellis
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007 Australia
| | - Damien Stark
- Department of Microbiology, St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Australia
| | - Joel Barratt
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Rougeron V, De Meeûs T, Bañuls AL. Reproduction in Leishmania: A focus on genetic exchange. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2017; 50:128-132. [PMID: 27769896 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
One key process of the life cycle of pathogens is their mode of reproduction. Indeed, this fundamental biological process conditions the multiplication and the transmission of genes and thus the propagation of diseases in the environment. Reproductive strategies of protozoan parasites have been a subject of debate for many years, principally due to the difficulty in making direct observations of sexual reproduction (i.e. genetic recombination). Traditionally, these parasites were considered as characterized by a preeminent clonal structure. Nevertheless, with the development of elaborate culture experiments, population genetics and evolutionary and population genomics, several studies suggested that most of these pathogens were also characterized by constitutive genetic recombination events. In this opinion, we focused on Leishmania parasites, pathogens responsible of leishmaniases, a major public health issue. We first discuss the evolutionary advantages of a mixed mating reproductive strategy, then we review the evidence of genetic exchange, and finally we detail available tools to detect naturally occurring genetic recombination in Leishmania parasites and more generally in protozoan parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Rougeron
- MIVEGEC (Laboratoire Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs: Ecologie, Génétique, Evolution et Contrôle), UMR CNRS 5290-IRD 224-Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| | - T De Meeûs
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR 177 INTERTRYP IRD-CIRAD, TA A-17/G, Campus International de Baillarguet, 34398 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - A-L Bañuls
- MIVEGEC (Laboratoire Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs: Ecologie, Génétique, Evolution et Contrôle), UMR CNRS 5290-IRD 224-Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|