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Li G, Qiang Y, Li H, Li X, Buffet PA, Dao M, Karniadakis GE. A combined computational and experimental investigation of the filtration function of splenic macrophages in sickle cell disease. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1011223. [PMID: 38091361 PMCID: PMC10752522 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011223] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Being the largest lymphatic organ in the body, the spleen also constantly controls the quality of red blood cells (RBCs) in circulation through its two major filtration components, namely interendothelial slits (IES) and red pulp macrophages. In contrast to the extensive studies in understanding the filtration function of IES, fewer works investigate how the splenic macrophages retain the aged and diseased RBCs, i.e., RBCs in sickle cell disease (SCD). Herein, we perform a computational study informed by companion experiments to quantify the dynamics of RBCs captured and retained by the macrophages. We first calibrate the parameters in the computational model based on microfluidic experimental measurements for sickle RBCs under normoxia and hypoxia, as those parameters are not available in the literature. Next, we quantify the impact of key factors expected to dictate the RBC retention by the macrophages in the spleen, namely, blood flow conditions, RBC aggregation, hematocrit, RBC morphology, and oxygen levels. Our simulation results show that hypoxic conditions could enhance the adhesion between the sickle RBCs and macrophages. This, in turn, increases the retention of RBCs by as much as four-fold, which could be a possible cause of RBC congestion in the spleen of patients with SCD. Our study on the impact of RBC aggregation illustrates a 'clustering effect', where multiple RBCs in one aggregate can make contact and adhere to the macrophages, leading to a higher retention rate than that resulting from RBC-macrophage pair interactions. Our simulations of sickle RBCs flowing past macrophages for a range of blood flow velocities indicate that the increased blood velocity could quickly attenuate the function of the red pulp macrophages on detaining aged or diseased RBCs, thereby providing a possible rationale for the slow blood flow in the open circulation of the spleen. Furthermore, we quantify the impact of RBC morphology on their tendency to be retained by the macrophages. We find that the sickle and granular-shaped RBCs are more likely to be filtered by macrophages in the spleen. This finding is consistent with the observation of low percentages of these two forms of sickle RBCs in the blood smear of SCD patients. Taken together, our experimental and simulation results aid in our quantitative understanding of the function of splenic macrophages in retaining the diseased RBCs and provide an opportunity to combine such knowledge with the current knowledge of the interaction between IES and traversing RBCs to apprehend the complete filtration function of the spleen in SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guansheng Li
- Division of Applied Mathematics, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Yuhao Qiang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - He Li
- School of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Xuejin Li
- Department of Engineering Mechanics and Center for X-Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Pierre A. Buffet
- Université Paris Cité and Université des Antilles, Inserm, Biologie Intégrée du Globule Rouge, Paris, France
| | - Ming Dao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - George Em Karniadakis
- Division of Applied Mathematics, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
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Suresh RV, Deng B, Gebremicale Y, Roche K, Miura K, Long C. Mesenchymal stem cells of the bone marrow raise infectivity of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes. mBio 2023; 14:e0223223. [PMID: 37909740 PMCID: PMC10746266 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02232-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum is a parasite that causes the deadly human disease, malaria, and exhibits a complex life cycle in human and mosquito hosts. In the sexual stages of the parasite, gametocytes mature in the human body and propagate malaria when they are picked up by mosquitoes to infect new hosts. Previous research has shown that gametocytes home to the bone marrow of the host, where they complete their maturation and alter the behavior of resident mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In this study, we investigated the alternate side of this host-pathogen interaction, whether MSCs could alter the behavior of gametocytes. Gametocytes were co-cultured with MSCs until maturity and subsequently fed to mosquitoes to measure the oocysts produced. Here, we report, for the first time, that MSCs co-culture significantly elevated oocyst numbers in the infected mosquito compared to conventional culture medium. This enhancement appeared to be most effective during the early stages of gametocyte development and was not replicated by other cell types. MSC co-culture also increased the infectivity of field isolated P. falciparum parasites. This effect was partially mediated by soluble factor(s) as conditioned medium harvested from MSCs could also partially raise infectivity of gametocytes to nearly half compared to MSC co-culture. Together, this study reveals novel host-pathogen interactions, where the human MSCs are elevating the infectivity of malaria gametocytes. IMPORTANCE While prior research has established that Plasmodium gametocytes sequester in the bone marrow and can influence resident stem cells, the question of why they would choose this compartment and these cells remained a mystery. This study, for the first time, shows that being in the presence of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) alters the biology of the P. falciparum parasite and makes it more infectious to mosquitoes, hinting at novel mechanisms in its life cycle. This method also facilitates mosquito infections with field isolated parasites, affording research teams new infection models with parasites, which are challenging to infect into mosquitos using conventional culture methods. Finally, our findings that MSC-conditioned medium can also raise infectivity open avenues of investigation into mechanisms involved but can also serve as a practical tool for researchers hoping to increase oocyst yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragavan Varadharajan Suresh
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Bingbing Deng
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Yonas Gebremicale
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Kyle Roche
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Kazutoyo Miura
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Carole Long
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
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3
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Bekić V, Kilian N. Novel secretory organelles of parasite origin - at the center of host-parasite interaction. Bioessays 2023; 45:e2200241. [PMID: 37518819 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202200241] [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: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Reorganization of cell organelle-deprived host red blood cells by the apicomplexan malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum enables their cytoadherence to endothelial cells that line the microvasculature. This increases the time red blood cells infected with mature developmental stages remain within selected organs such as the brain to avoid the spleen passage, which can lead to severe complications and cumulate in patient death. The Maurer's clefts are a novel secretory organelle of parasite origin established by the parasite in the cytoplasm of the host red blood cell in order to facilitate the establishment of cytoadherence by conducting the trafficking of immunovariant adhesins to the host cell surface. Another important function of the organelle is the sorting of other proteins the parasite traffics into its host cell. Although the organelle is of high importance for the pathology of malaria, additional putative functions, structure, and genesis remain shrouded in mystery more than a century after its discovery. In this review, we highlight our current knowledge about the Maurer's clefts and other novel secretory organelles established within the host cell cytoplasm by human-pathogenic malaria parasites and other parasites that reside within human red blood cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Bekić
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nicole Kilian
- Centre for Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
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4
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Li G, Qiang Y, Li H, Li X, Dao M, Karniadakis GE. In silico and in vitro study of the adhesion dynamics of erythrophagocytosis in sickle cell disease. Biophys J 2023; 122:2590-2604. [PMID: 37231647 PMCID: PMC10323029 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Erythrophagocytosis occurring in the spleen is a critical process for removing senescent and diseased red blood cells (RBCs) from the microcirculation. Although some progress has been made in understanding how the biological signaling pathways mediate the phagocytic processes, the role of the biophysical interaction between RBCs and macrophages, particularly under pathological conditions such as sickle cell disease, has not been adequately studied. Here, we combine computational simulations with microfluidic experiments to quantify RBC-macrophage adhesion dynamics under flow conditions comparable to those in the red pulp of the spleen. We also investigate the RBC-macrophage interaction under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. First, we calibrate key model parameters in the adhesion model using microfluidic experiments for normal and sickle RBCs under normoxia and hypoxia. We then study the adhesion dynamics between the RBC and the macrophage. Our simulation illustrates three typical adhesion states, each characterized by a distinct dynamic motion of the RBCs, namely firm adhesion, flipping adhesion, and no adhesion (either due to no contact with macrophages or detachment from the macrophages). We also track the number of bonds formed when RBCs and macrophages are in contact, as well as the contact area between the two interacting cells, providing mechanistic explanations for the three adhesion states observed in the simulations and microfluidic experiments. Furthermore, we quantify, for the first time to our knowledge, the adhesive forces between RBCs (normal and sickle) and macrophages under different oxygenated conditions. Our results show that the adhesive forces between normal cells and macrophages under normoxia are in the range of 33-58 pN and 53-92 pN for sickle cells under normoxia and 155-170 pN for sickle cells under hypoxia. Taken together, our microfluidic and simulation results improve our understanding of the biophysical interaction between RBCs and macrophages in sickle cell disease and provide a solid foundation for investigating the filtration function of the splenic macrophages under physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guansheng Li
- Division of Applied Mathematics, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Yuhao Qiang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - He Li
- School of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.
| | - Xuejin Li
- Department of Engineering Mechanics and Center for X-Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ming Dao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
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Chawla J, Goldowitz I, Oberstaller J, Zhang M, Pires CV, Navarro F, Sollelis L, Wang CCQ, Seyfang A, Dvorin J, Otto TD, Rayner JC, Marti M, Adams JH. Phenotypic Screens Identify Genetic Factors Associated with Gametocyte Development in the Human Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0416422. [PMID: 37154686 PMCID: PMC10269797 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04164-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Transmission of the deadly malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum from humans to mosquitoes is achieved by specialized intraerythrocytic sexual forms called gametocytes. Though the crucial regulatory mechanisms leading to gametocyte commitment have recently come to light, networks of genes that control sexual development remain to be elucidated. Here, we report a pooled-mutant screen to identify genes associated with gametocyte development in P. falciparum. Our results categorized genes that modulate gametocyte progression as hypoproducers or hyperproducers of gametocytes, and the in-depth analysis of individual clones confirmed phenotypes in sexual commitment rates and putative functions in gametocyte development. We present a new set of genes that have not been implicated in gametocytogenesis before and demonstrate the potential of forward genetic screens in isolating genes impacting parasite sexual biology, an exciting step toward the discovery of new antimalarials for a globally significant pathogen. IMPORTANCE Blocking human-to-vector transmission is an essential step toward malaria elimination. Gametocytes are solely responsible for achieving this transmission and represent an opportunity for therapeutic intervention. While these falciform-shaped parasite stages were first discovered in the 1880s, our understanding of the genetic determinants responsible for their formation and molecular mechanisms that drive their development is limited. In this work, we developed a scalable screening methodology with piggyBac mutants to identify genes that influence the development of gametocytes in the most lethal human malaria parasite, P. falciparum. By doing so, we lay the foundation for large-scale functional genomic studies specifically designed to address remaining questions about sexual commitment, maturation, and mosquito infection in P. falciparum. Such functional genetic screens will serve to expedite the identification of essential pathways and processes for the development of novel transmission-blocking agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotsna Chawla
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Ilana Goldowitz
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jenna Oberstaller
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Min Zhang
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Camilla Valente Pires
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Francesca Navarro
- Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lauriane Sollelis
- Institute of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute of Parasitology Zurich, VetSuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chengqi C. Q. Wang
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Andreas Seyfang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jeffrey Dvorin
- Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thomas D. Otto
- Institute of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Julian C. Rayner
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Matthias Marti
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Institute of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute of Parasitology Zurich, VetSuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - John H. Adams
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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Li G, Qiang Y, Li H, Li X, Buffet PA, Dao M, Karniadakis GE. A combined computational and experimental investigation of the filtration function of splenic macrophages in sickle cell disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.31.543007. [PMID: 37398427 PMCID: PMC10312537 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.31.543007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Being the largest lymphatic organ in the body, the spleen also constantly controls the quality of red blood cells (RBCs) in circulation through its two major filtration components, namely interendothelial slits (IES) and red pulp macrophages. In contrast to the extensive studies in understanding the filtration function of IES, there are relatively fewer works on investigating how the splenic macrophages retain the aged and diseased RBCs, i.e., RBCs in sickle cell disease (SCD). Herein, we perform a computational study informed by companion experiments to quantify the dynamics of RBCs captured and retained by the macrophages. We first calibrate the parameters in the computational model based on microfluidic experimental measurements for sickle RBCs under normoxia and hypoxia, as those parameters are not available in the literature. Next, we quantify the impact of a set of key factors that are expected to dictate the RBC retention by the macrophages in the spleen, namely, blood flow conditions, RBC aggregation, hematocrit, RBC morphology, and oxygen levels. Our simulation results show that hypoxic conditions could enhance the adhesion between the sickle RBCs and macrophages. This, in turn, increases the retention of RBCs by as much as five-fold, which could be a possible cause of RBC congestion in the spleen of patients with SCD. Our study on the impact of RBC aggregation illustrates a 'clustering effect', where multiple RBCs in one aggregate can make contact and adhere to the macrophages, leading to a higher retention rate than that resulting from RBC-macrophage pair interactions. Our simulations of sickle RBCs flowing past macrophages for a range of blood flow velocities indicate that the increased blood velocity could quickly attenuate the function of the red pulp macrophages on detaining aged or diseased RBCs, thereby providing a possible rationale for the slow blood flow in the open circulation of the spleen. Furthermore, we quantify the impact of RBC morphology on their tendency to be retained by the macrophages. We find that the sickle and granular-shaped RBCs are more likely to be filtered by macrophages in the spleen. This finding is consistent with the observation of low percentages of these two forms of sickle RBCs in the blood smear of SCD patients. Taken together, our experimental and simulation results aid in our quantitative understanding of the function of splenic macrophages in retaining the diseased RBCs and provide an opportunity to combine such knowledge with the current knowledge of the interaction between IES and traversing RBCs to apprehend the complete filtration function of the spleen in SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guansheng Li
- Division of Applied Mathematics, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, 02906
| | - Yuhao Qiang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139
| | - He Li
- School of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30602
| | - Xuejin Li
- Department of Engineering Mechanics and Center for X-Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, China
| | - Pierre A. Buffet
- Université Paris Cité and Université des Antilles, Inserm, Biologie Intégrée du Globule Rouge, 75015, Paris, France
- Laboratoire d′Excellence du Globule Rouge, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Ming Dao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139
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Muema JM, Mutunga JM, Obonyo MA, Getahun MN, Mwakubambanya RS, Akala HM, Cheruiyot AC, Yeda RA, Juma DW, Andagalu B, Johnson JL, Roth AL, Bargul JL. Isoliensinine from Cissampelos pariera rhizomes exhibits potential gametocytocidal and anti-malarial activities against Plasmodium falciparum clinical isolates. Malar J 2023; 22:161. [PMID: 37208735 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04590-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The unmet demand for effective malaria transmission-blocking agents targeting the transmissible stages of Plasmodium necessitates intensive discovery efforts. In this study, a bioactive bisbenzylisoquinoline (BBIQ), isoliensinine, from Cissampelos pariera (Menispermaceae) rhizomes was identified and characterized for its anti-malarial activity. METHODS Malaria SYBR Green I fluorescence assay was performed to evaluate the in vitro antimalarial activity against D6, Dd2, and F32-ART5 clones, and immediate ex vivo (IEV) susceptibility for 10 freshly collected P. falciparum isolates. To determine the speed- and stage-of-action of isoliensinine, an IC50 speed assay and morphological analyses were performed using synchronized Dd2 asexuals. Gametocytocidal activity against two culture-adapted gametocyte-producing clinical isolates was determined using microscopy readouts, with possible molecular targets and their binding affinities deduced in silico. RESULTS Isoliensinine displayed a potent in vitro gametocytocidal activity at mean IC50gam values ranging between 0.41 and 0.69 µM for Plasmodium falciparum clinical isolates. The BBIQ compound also inhibited asexual replication at mean IC50Asexual of 2.17 µM, 2.22 µM, and 2.39 µM for D6, Dd2 and F32-ART5 respectively, targeting the late-trophozoite to schizont transition. Further characterization demonstrated a considerable immediate ex vivo potency against human clinical isolates at a geometric mean IC50IEV = 1.433 µM (95% CI 0.917-2.242). In silico analyses postulated a probable anti-malarial mechanism of action by high binding affinities for four mitotic division protein kinases; Pfnek1, Pfmap2, Pfclk1, and Pfclk4. Additionally, isoliensinine was predicted to possess an optimal pharmacokinetics profile and drug-likeness properties. CONCLUSION These findings highlight considerable grounds for further exploration of isoliensinine as an amenable scaffold for malaria transmission-blocking chemistry and target validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson M Muema
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, Kenya.
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya.
| | - James M Mutunga
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
- School of Engineering Design, Technology and Professional Programs, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Meshack A Obonyo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, Egerton, Kenya
| | - Merid N Getahun
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (Icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Hoseah M Akala
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Agnes C Cheruiyot
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Redemptah A Yeda
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Dennis W Juma
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Ben Andagalu
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Jaree L Johnson
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Amanda L Roth
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Joel L Bargul
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, Kenya.
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (Icipe), Nairobi, Kenya.
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8
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Han K, Ma S, Sun J, Xu M, Qi X, Wang S, Li L, Li X. In silico modeling of patient-specific blood rheology in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Biophys J 2023; 122:1445-1458. [PMID: 36905122 PMCID: PMC10147843 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased blood viscosity in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a risk factor for the development of insulin resistance and diabetes-related vascular complications; however, individuals with T2DM exhibit heterogeneous hemorheological properties, including cell deformation and aggregation. Using a multiscale red blood cell (RBC) model with key parameters derived from patient-specific data, we present a computational study of the rheological properties of blood from individual patients with T2DM. Specifically, one key model parameter, which determines the shear stiffness of the RBC membrane (μ) is informed by the high-shear-rate blood viscosity of patients with T2DM. At the same time, the other, which contributes to the strength of the RBC aggregation interaction (D0), is derived from the low-shear-rate blood viscosity of patients with T2DM. The T2DM RBC suspensions are simulated at different shear rates, and the predicted blood viscosity is compared with clinical laboratory-measured data. The results show that the blood viscosity obtained from clinical laboratories and computational simulations are in agreement at both low and high shear rates. These quantitative simulation results demonstrate that the patient-specific model has truly learned the rheological behavior of T2DM blood by unifying the mechanical and aggregation factors of the RBCs, which provides an effective way to extract quantitative predictions of the rheological properties of the blood of individual patients with T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keqin Han
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Department of Engineering Mechanics, and Center for X-Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuhao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Department of Engineering Mechanics, and Center for X-Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiehui Sun
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Miao Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Xiaojing Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Department of Engineering Mechanics, and Center for X-Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Department of Engineering Mechanics, and Center for X-Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, China.
| | - Xuejin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Department of Engineering Mechanics, and Center for X-Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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9
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2,3-Diphosphoglycerate and the Protective Effect of Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency against Malaria Infection-Exploring the Role of the Red Blood Cell Membrane. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021336. [PMID: 36674863 PMCID: PMC9866842 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains a major world public health problem, contributing to poverty and inequality. It is urgent to find new efficacious tools with few adverse effects. Malaria has selected red blood cell (RBC) alterations linked to resistance against infection, and understanding the protective mechanisms involved may be useful for developing host-directed tools to control Plasmodium infection. Pyruvate kinase deficiency has been associated with resistance to malaria. Pyruvate kinase-deficient RBCs display an increased concentration of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG). We recently showed that 2,3-DPG impacts in vitro intraerythrocytic parasite growth, induces a shift of the metabolic profile of infected cells (iRBCs), making it closer to that of noninfected ones (niRBCs), and decreases the number of parasite progenies that invade new RBCs. As an increase of 2,3-DPG content may also have an adverse effect on RBC membrane and, consequently, on the parasite invasion, in this study, we explored modifications of the RBC morphology, biomechanical properties, and RBC membrane on Plasmodium falciparum in vitro cultures treated with 2,3-DPG, using atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based force spectroscopy and other experimental approaches. The presence of infection by P. falciparum significantly increased the rigidity of parasitized cells and influenced the morphology of RBCs, as parasitized cells showed a decrease of the area-to-volume ratio. The extracellular addition of 2,3-DPG also slightly affected the stiffness of niRBCs, making it more similar to that of infected cells. It also changed the niRBC height, making the cells appear more elongated. Moreover, 2,3-DPG treatment influenced the cell surface charge, becoming more negative in treated RBCs than in untreated ones. The results indicate that treatment with 2,3-DPG has only a mild effect on RBCs in comparison with the effect of the presence of the parasite on the host cell. 2,3-DPG is an endogenous host metabolite, which may, in the future, originate a new antimalarial tool with few adverse effects on noninfected cells.
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10
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Dumarchey A, Lavazec C, Verdier F. Erythropoiesis and Malaria, a Multifaceted Interplay. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232112762. [PMID: 36361552 PMCID: PMC9657351 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the major pathophysiologies of malaria is the development of anemia. Although hemolysis and splenic clearance are well described as causes of malarial anemia, abnormal erythropoiesis has been observed in malaria patients and may contribute significantly to anemia. The interaction between inadequate erythropoiesis and Plasmodium parasite infection, which partly occurs in the bone marrow, has been poorly investigated to date. However, recent findings may provide new insights. This review outlines clinical and experimental studies describing different aspects of ineffective erythropoiesis and dyserythropoiesis observed in malaria patients and in animal or in vitro models. We also highlight the various human and parasite factors leading to erythropoiesis disorders and discuss the impact that Plasmodium parasites may have on the suppression of erythropoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Dumarchey
- Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, 75014 Paris, France
- Laboratoire d’Excellence GR-Ex, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Catherine Lavazec
- Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, 75014 Paris, France
- Laboratoire d’Excellence GR-Ex, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Frédérique Verdier
- Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, 75014 Paris, France
- Laboratoire d’Excellence GR-Ex, 75015 Paris, France
- Correspondence:
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11
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Maier AG, van Ooij C. The role of cholesterol in invasion and growth of malaria parasites. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:984049. [PMID: 36189362 PMCID: PMC9522969 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.984049] [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: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria parasites are unicellular eukaryotic pathogens that develop through a complex lifecycle involving two hosts, an anopheline mosquito and a vertebrate host. Throughout this lifecycle, the parasite encounters widely differing conditions and survives in distinct ways, from an intracellular lifestyle in the vertebrate host to exclusively extracellular stages in the mosquito. Although the parasite relies on cholesterol for its growth, the parasite has an ambiguous relationship with cholesterol: cholesterol is required for invasion of host cells by the parasite, including hepatocytes and erythrocytes, and for the development of the parasites in those cells. However, the parasite is unable to produce cholesterol itself and appears to remove cholesterol actively from its own plasma membrane, thereby setting up a cholesterol gradient inside the infected host erythrocyte. Overall a picture emerges in which the parasite relies on host cholesterol and carefully controls its transport. Here, we describe the role of cholesterol at the different lifecycle stages of the parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G. Maier
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra ACT, Australia
- *Correspondence: Alexander G. Maier, ; Christiaan van Ooij,
| | - Christiaan van Ooij
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Alexander G. Maier, ; Christiaan van Ooij,
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12
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Li J, Shami GJ, Cho E, Liu B, Hanssen E, Dixon MWA, Tilley L. Repurposing the mitotic machinery to drive cellular elongation and chromatin reorganisation in Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5054. [PMID: 36030238 PMCID: PMC9419145 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32579-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The sexual stage gametocytes of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, adopt a falciform (crescent) shape driven by the assembly of a network of microtubules anchored to a cisternal inner membrane complex (IMC). Using 3D electron microscopy, we show that a non-mitotic microtubule organizing center (MTOC), embedded in the parasite's nuclear membrane, orients the endoplasmic reticulum and the nascent IMC and seeds cytoplasmic microtubules. A bundle of microtubules extends into the nuclear lumen, elongating the nuclear envelope and capturing the chromatin. Classical mitotic machinery components, including centriolar plaque proteins, Pfcentrin-1 and -4, microtubule-associated protein, End-binding protein-1, kinetochore protein, PfNDC80 and centromere-associated protein, PfCENH3, are involved in the nuclear microtubule assembly/disassembly process. Depolymerisation of the microtubules using trifluralin prevents elongation and disrupts the chromatin, centromere and kinetochore organisation. We show that the unusual non-mitotic hemispindle plays a central role in chromatin organisation, IMC positioning and subpellicular microtubule formation in gametocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahong Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Gerald J Shami
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Ellie Cho
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.,Biological Optical Microscopy Platform, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Boyin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Eric Hanssen
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.,Ian Holmes Imaging Center, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Matthew W A Dixon
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Peter Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia. .,Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| | - Leann Tilley
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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13
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Circulating cell clusters aggravate the hemorheological abnormalities in COVID-19. Biophys J 2022; 121:3309-3319. [PMID: 36028998 PMCID: PMC9420024 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Microthrombi and circulating cell clusters (CCCs) are common microscopic findings in patients with COVID-19 at different stages in the disease course, implying that they may function as the primary drivers in disease progression. Inspired by a recent flow imaging cytometry study of the blood samples from patients with COVID-19, we perform computational simulations to investigate the dynamics of different types of CCCs, namely white blood cell (WBC) clusters, platelet clusters and red blood cell (RBC) clusters, over a range of shear flows and quantify their impact on the viscosity of the blood. Our simulation results indicate that the increased level of fibrinogen in patients with COVID-19 can promote the formation of RBC clusters at relatively low shear rates, thereby elevating the blood viscosity, a mechanism that also leads to an increase in viscosity in other blood diseases, such as sickle cell disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. We further discover that the presence of WBC clusters could also aggravate the abnormalities of local blood rheology. In particular, the extent of elevation of the local blood viscosity is enlarged as the size of the WBC clusters grows. On the other hand, the impact of platelet clusters on the local rheology is found to be negligible, which is likely due to the smaller size of the platelets. The difference in the impact of WBC and platelet clusters on local hemorheology provides a compelling explanation for the clinical finding that the number of WBC clusters is significantly correlated with thrombotic events in COVID-19 whereas platelet clusters do not. Overall, our study demonstrates that our computational models based on dissipative particle dynamics can serve as a powerful tool to conduct quantitative investigation of the mechanism causing the pathological alterations of hemorheology and explore their connections to the clinical manifestations in COVID-19.
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14
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Hayakawa ESH, Wayama M, Tokumasu F, Ohno N, Matsumoto M, Usukura J. Budding pouches and associated bubbles: 3D visualization of exo-membrane structures in plasmodium falciparum gametocytes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:962495. [PMID: 36072224 PMCID: PMC9441640 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.962495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes have unique morphology, metabolism, and protein expression profiles in their asexual stages of development. In addition to the striking changes in their appearance, a wide variety of “exo-membrane structures” are newly formed in the gametocyte stage. Little is known about their function, localization, or three-dimensional structural information, and only some structural data, typically two-dimensional, have been reported using conventional electron microscopy or fluorescence microscopy. For better visualization of intracellular organelle and exo-membrane structures, we previously established an unroofing technique to directly observe Maurer’s clefts (MCs) in asexual parasitized erythrocytes by removing the top part of the cell’s membrane followed by transmission electron microscopy. We found that MCs have numerous tethers connecting themselves to the host erythrocyte membrane skeletons. In this study, we investigated the intracellular structures of gametocytes using unroofing-TEM, Serial Block Face scanning electron microscopy, and fluorescence microscopy to unveil the exo-membrane structures in gametocytes. Our data showed “balloon/pouch”-like objects budding from the parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM) in gametocytes, and some balloons included multiple layers of other balloons. Furthermore, numerous bubbles appeared on the inner surface of the erythrocyte membrane or PVM; these were similar to MC-like membranes but were smaller than asexual MCs. Our study demonstrated P. falciparum reforms exo-membranes in erythrocytes to meet stage-specific biological activities during their sexual development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eri Saki H. Hayakawa
- Division of Medical Zoology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
- *Correspondence: Eri Saki H. Hayakawa, ; Fuyuki Tokumasu,
| | - Marina Wayama
- Nanostructure Characterization Group, Solution Development Department, Hitachi High-Tech Corporation, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fuyuki Tokumasu
- Department of Cellular Architecture Studies, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- *Correspondence: Eri Saki H. Hayakawa, ; Fuyuki Tokumasu,
| | - Nobuhiko Ohno
- Division of Histology and Cell Biology, Department of Anatomy, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
- Division of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Mami Matsumoto
- Section of Electron Microscopy, Supportive Center for Brain Research, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Jiro Usukura
- Institute of Material and Systems for Sustainability, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
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15
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Kumari G, Jain R, Kumar Sah R, Kalia I, Vashistha M, Singh P, Prasad Singh A, Samby K, Burrows J, Singh S. Multistage and transmission-blocking tubulin targeting potent antimalarial discovered from the open access MMV pathogen box. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 203:115154. [PMID: 35798201 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The development of resistance to current antimalarial therapies remains a significant source of concern. To address this risk,newdrugswithnoveltargetsin distinct developmental stages ofPlasmodiumparasites are required. In the current study,we have targetedP. falciparumTubulin(PfTubulin)proteins which represent some of thepotentialdrug targetsfor malaria chemotherapy. PlasmodialMicrotubules (MTs) play a crucial role during parasite proliferation, growth, and transmission, which render them highlydesirabletargets for the development ofnext-generation chemotherapeutics. Towards this,we have evaluated the antimalarial activity ofTubulintargetingcompounds received from theMedicines for Malaria Venture (MMV)"Pathogen Box"against the human malaria parasite,P. falciparumincluding 3D7 (chloroquine and artemisinin sensitive strain), RKL-9 (chloroquine-resistant strain), and R539T (artemisinin-resistant strain). At nanomolar concentrations, the filtered-out compounds exhibitedpronouncedmultistage antimalarialeffects across the parasite life cycle, including intra-erythrocytic blood stages, liver stage parasites, gametocytes, and ookinetes. Concomitantly, these compoundswere found toimpedemale gamete ex-flagellation, thus showingtheir transmission-blocking potential. Target mining of these potent compounds, by combining in silico, biochemical and biophysical assays,implicatedPfTubulinas their moleculartarget, which may possibly act bydisruptingMT assembly dynamics by binding at the interface of α-βTubulin-dimer.Further, the promising ADME profile of the parent scaffold supported its consideration as a lead compound for further development.Thus, our work highlights the potential of targetingPfTubulin proteins in discovering and developing next-generation, multistage antimalarial agents against Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) malaria parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geeta Kumari
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Ravi Jain
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Raj Kumar Sah
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | | | - Manu Vashistha
- Advanced Instrumentation Research Facility, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Pooja Singh
- National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi 110067, India
| | | | | | | | - Shailja Singh
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India.
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16
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Multiphysics and multiscale modeling of microthrombosis in COVID-19. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1009892. [PMID: 35255089 PMCID: PMC8901059 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging clinical evidence suggests that thrombosis in the microvasculature of patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) plays an essential role in dictating the disease progression. Because of the infectious nature of SARS-CoV-2, patients’ fresh blood samples are limited to access for in vitro experimental investigations. Herein, we employ a novel multiscale and multiphysics computational framework to perform predictive modeling of the pathological thrombus formation in the microvasculature using data from patients with COVID-19. This framework seamlessly integrates the key components in the process of blood clotting, including hemodynamics, transport of coagulation factors and coagulation kinetics, blood cell mechanics and adhesive dynamics, and thus allows us to quantify the contributions of many prothrombotic factors reported in the literature, such as stasis, the derangement in blood coagulation factor levels and activities, inflammatory responses of endothelial cells and leukocytes to the microthrombus formation in COVID-19. Our simulation results show that among the coagulation factors considered, antithrombin and factor V play more prominent roles in promoting thrombosis. Our simulations also suggest that recruitment of WBCs to the endothelial cells exacerbates thrombogenesis and contributes to the blockage of the blood flow. Additionally, we show that the recent identification of flowing blood cell clusters could be a result of detachment of WBCs from thrombogenic sites, which may serve as a nidus for new clot formation. These findings point to potential targets that should be further evaluated, and prioritized in the anti-thrombotic treatment of patients with COVID-19. Altogether, our computational framework provides a powerful tool for quantitative understanding of the mechanism of pathological thrombus formation and offers insights into new therapeutic approaches for treating COVID-19 associated thrombosis. Emerging clinical evidence suggests that thrombosis in the microvasculature of patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) plays an essential role in dictating the disease progression. We employ a novel multiphysics and multiscale computational framework to investigate the underlying mechanism of the pathological formation of microthrombi and circulating cell clusters in COVID-19. We quantify the contributions of many prothrombotic factors reported in the literature, such as stasis, the derangement in blood coagulation factor levels and activities, inflammatory responses of endothelial cells and leukocytes to the microthrombus formation in COVID-19, through which we identify the potential targets that should be further evaluated, and prioritized in the anti-thrombotic treatment of patients with COVID-19.
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17
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Sun J, Han K, Xu M, Li L, Qian J, Li L, Li X. Blood Viscosity in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Roles of Hyperglycemia and Elevated Plasma Fibrinogen. Front Physiol 2022; 13:827428. [PMID: 35283762 PMCID: PMC8914209 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.827428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The viscosity of blood is an indicator in the understanding and treatment of disease. An elevated blood viscosity has been demonstrated in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), which might represent a risk factor for cardiovascular complications. However, the roles of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and plasma fibrinogen levels on the elevated blood viscosity in subjects with T2DM at different chronic glycemic conditions are still not clear. Here, we evaluate the relationship between the blood viscosity and HbA1c as well as plasma fibrinogen levels in patients with T2DM. The experimental data show that the mean values of the T2DM blood viscosity are higher in groups with higher HbA1c levels, but the correlation between the T2DM blood viscosity and the HbA1c level is not obvious. Instead, when we investigate the influence of plasma fibrinogen level on the blood viscosity in T2DM subjects, we find that the T2DM blood viscosity is significantly and positively correlated with the plasma fibrinogen level. Further, to probe the combined effects of multiple factors (including the HbA1c and plasma fibrinogen levels) on the altered blood viscosity in T2DM, we regroup the experimental data based on the T2DM blood viscosity values at both the low and high shear rates, and our results suggest that the influence of the elevated HbA1c level on blood viscosity is quite limited, although it is an important indicator of glycemic control in T2DM patients. Instead, the elevated blood hematocrit, the enhanced red blood cell (RBC) aggregation induced by the increased plasma fibrinogen level, and the reduced RBC deformation play key roles in the determination of blood viscosity in T2DM. Together, these experimental results are helpful in identifying the key determinants for the altered T2DM blood viscosity, which can be used in future studies of the hemorheological disturbances of T2DM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiehui Sun
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Keqin Han
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Miao Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Lujuan Li
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jin Qian
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jin Qian
| | - Li Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, China
- Li Li
| | - Xuejin Li
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Xuejin Li
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18
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Turiel-Silva M, Wendt C, Silva EO, Rodrigues APD, de Souza W, Miranda K, Diniz J. Three-dimensional Architecture of Cyrilia lignieresi Gametocyte-stage Development Inside Red Blood Cells. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2022; 69:e12894. [PMID: 35152525 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The Haemogregarinidae family (Apicomplexa: Adeleina) comprises hemoprotozoa that infect mammals, birds, amphibians, fish and reptiles. Some morphological characteristics of the Cyrilia lignieresi have been described previously, but the parasite-erythrocyte relationship is still poorly understood. In order to understand the structural architecture of Cyrilia lignieresi-infected red blood cells, electron microscopy-based three-dimensional reconstruction was carried out using TEM as well as FIB-SEM tomography. Results showed that development of the macrogametocyte-stage inside the red blood cell is related to an increase in cleft-like structures in the host cell cytoplasm. Furthermore, other aspects related to parasite intraerythrocytic development were explored by 3D visualization techniques. We observed the invagination of a large extension of the Inner Membrane Complex on the parasite body, which results from or induces a folding of the posterior end of the parasite. Small tubular structures were seen associated with areas related to Inner Membrane Complex folding. Taken together, results provide new information on the remodeling of erythrocytes induced by the protozoan C. lignieresi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maíra Turiel-Silva
- Universidade do Estado do Pará, Centro de Ciëncias Biológicas e da Saúde, Marabá-PA, Brazil.,Instituto Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Microscopia Eletrônica, Belém-PA, Brazil
| | - Camila Wendt
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho and Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil
| | - Edilene O Silva
- Universidade Federal do Pará, Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Belém-PA, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Drummond Rodrigues
- Instituto Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Microscopia Eletrônica, Belém-PA, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil
| | - Wanderley de Souza
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho and Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil
| | - Kildare Miranda
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho and Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil
| | - José Diniz
- Instituto Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Microscopia Eletrônica, Belém-PA, Brazil
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Deng YX, Chang HY, Li H. Recent Advances in Computational Modeling of Biomechanics and Biorheology of Red Blood Cells in Diabetes. Biomimetics (Basel) 2022; 7:15. [PMID: 35076493 PMCID: PMC8788472 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics7010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus, a metabolic disease characterized by chronically elevated blood glucose levels, affects about 29 million Americans and more than 422 million adults all over the world. Particularly, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accounts for 90-95% of the cases of vascular disease and its prevalence is increasing due to the rising obesity rates in modern societies. Although multiple factors associated with diabetes, such as reduced red blood cell (RBC) deformability, enhanced RBC aggregation and adhesion to the endothelium, as well as elevated blood viscosity are thought to contribute to the hemodynamic impairment and vascular occlusion, clinical or experimental studies cannot directly quantify the contributions of these factors to the abnormal hematology in T2DM. Recently, computational modeling has been employed to dissect the impacts of the aberrant biomechanics of diabetic RBCs and their adverse effects on microcirculation. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the developments and applications of computational models in investigating the abnormal properties of diabetic blood from the cellular level to the vascular level. We expect that this review will motivate and steer the development of new models in this area and shift the attention of the community from conventional laboratory studies to combined experimental and computational investigations, aiming to provide new inspirations for the development of advanced tools to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis and pathology of T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Xiang Deng
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA;
| | - Hung-Yu Chang
- Division of Applied Mathematics, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA;
| | - He Li
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
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20
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Li H, Deng Y, Sampani K, Cai S, Li Z, Sun JK, Karniadakis GE. Computational investigation of blood cell transport in retinal microaneurysms. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1009728. [PMID: 34986147 PMCID: PMC8730408 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Microaneurysms (MAs) are one of the earliest clinically visible signs of diabetic retinopathy (DR). MA leakage or rupture may precipitate local pathology in the surrounding neural retina that impacts visual function. Thrombosis in MAs may affect their turnover time, an indicator associated with visual and anatomic outcomes in the diabetic eyes. In this work, we perform computational modeling of blood flow in microchannels containing various MAs to investigate the pathologies of MAs in DR. The particle-based model employed in this study can explicitly represent red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets as well as their interaction in the blood flow, a process that is very difficult to observe in vivo. Our simulations illustrate that while the main blood flow from the parent vessels can perfuse the entire lumen of MAs with small body-to-neck ratio (BNR), it can only perfuse part of the lumen in MAs with large BNR, particularly at a low hematocrit level, leading to possible hypoxic conditions inside MAs. We also quantify the impacts of the size of MAs, blood flow velocity, hematocrit and RBC stiffness and adhesion on the likelihood of platelets entering MAs as well as their residence time inside, two factors that are thought to be associated with thrombus formation in MAs. Our results show that enlarged MA size, increased blood velocity and hematocrit in the parent vessel of MAs as well as the RBC-RBC adhesion promote the migration of platelets into MAs and also prolong their residence time, thereby increasing the propensity of thrombosis within MAs. Overall, our work suggests that computational simulations using particle-based models can help to understand the microvascular pathology pertaining to MAs in DR and provide insights to stimulate and steer new experimental and computational studies in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Li
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Yixiang Deng
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Konstantina Sampani
- Beetham Eye Institute, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Shengze Cai
- Division of Applied Mathematics, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jennifer K. Sun
- Beetham Eye Institute, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - George E. Karniadakis
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
- Division of Applied Mathematics, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
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21
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Hitz E, Wiedemar N, Passecker A, Graça BAS, Scheurer C, Wittlin S, Brancucci NMB, Vakonakis I, Mäser P, Voss TS. The 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 is an essential upstream activator of protein kinase A in malaria parasites. PLoS Biol 2021; 19:e3001483. [PMID: 34879056 PMCID: PMC8687544 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) signalling is essential for the proliferation of Plasmodium falciparum malaria blood stage parasites. The mechanisms regulating the activity of the catalytic subunit PfPKAc, however, are only partially understood, and PfPKAc function has not been investigated in gametocytes, the sexual blood stage forms that are essential for malaria transmission. By studying a conditional PfPKAc knockdown (cKD) mutant, we confirm the essential role for PfPKAc in erythrocyte invasion by merozoites and show that PfPKAc is involved in regulating gametocyte deformability. We furthermore demonstrate that overexpression of PfPKAc is lethal and kills parasites at the early phase of schizogony. Strikingly, whole genome sequencing (WGS) of parasite mutants selected to tolerate increased PfPKAc expression levels identified missense mutations exclusively in the gene encoding the parasite orthologue of 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PfPDK1). Using targeted mutagenesis, we demonstrate that PfPDK1 is required to activate PfPKAc and that T189 in the PfPKAc activation loop is the crucial target residue in this process. In summary, our results corroborate the importance of tight regulation of PfPKA signalling for parasite survival and imply that PfPDK1 acts as a crucial upstream regulator in this pathway and potential new drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Hitz
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Natalie Wiedemar
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Armin Passecker
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Beatriz A. S. Graça
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian Scheurer
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sergio Wittlin
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas M. B. Brancucci
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ioannis Vakonakis
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Pascal Mäser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Till S. Voss
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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22
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Sanchez CP, Patra P, Chang SYS, Karathanasis C, Hanebutte L, Kilian N, Cyrklaff M, Heilemann M, Schwarz US, Kudryashev M, Lanzer M. KAHRP dynamically relocalizes to remodeled actin junctions and associates with knob spirals in Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes. Mol Microbiol 2021; 117:274-292. [PMID: 34514656 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The knob-associated histidine-rich protein (KAHRP) plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of Plasmodium falciparum malaria by forming membrane protrusions in infected erythrocytes, which anchor parasite-encoded adhesins to the membrane skeleton. The resulting sequestration of parasitized erythrocytes in the microvasculature leads to severe disease. Despite KAHRP being an important virulence factor, its physical location within the membrane skeleton is still debated, as is its function in knob formation. Here, we show by super-resolution microscopy that KAHRP initially associates with various skeletal components, including ankyrin bridges, but eventually colocalizes with remnant actin junctions. We further present a 35 Å map of the spiral scaffold underlying knobs and show that a KAHRP-targeting nanoprobe binds close to the spiral scaffold. Single-molecule localization microscopy detected ~60 KAHRP molecules/knob. We propose a dynamic model of KAHRP organization and a function of KAHRP in attaching other factors to the spiral scaffold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia P Sanchez
- Center of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pintu Patra
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,BioQuant-Center for Quantitative Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Shih-Ying Scott Chang
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysics and Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS), Goethe University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christos Karathanasis
- Institute for Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Lukas Hanebutte
- Center of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nicole Kilian
- Center of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marek Cyrklaff
- Center of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mike Heilemann
- BioQuant-Center for Quantitative Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute for Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ulrich S Schwarz
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,BioQuant-Center for Quantitative Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mikhail Kudryashev
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysics and Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS), Goethe University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Michael Lanzer
- Center of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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23
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CRISPR/Cas9-engineered inducible gametocyte producer lines as a valuable tool for Plasmodium falciparum malaria transmission research. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4806. [PMID: 34376675 PMCID: PMC8355313 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24954-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum replicates inside erythrocytes in the blood of infected humans. During each replication cycle, a small proportion of parasites commits to sexual development and differentiates into gametocytes, which are essential for parasite transmission via the mosquito vector. Detailed molecular investigation of gametocyte biology and transmission has been hampered by difficulties in generating large numbers of these highly specialised cells. Here, we engineer P. falciparum NF54 inducible gametocyte producer (iGP) lines for the routine mass production of synchronous gametocytes via conditional overexpression of the sexual commitment factor GDV1. NF54/iGP lines consistently achieve sexual commitment rates of 75% and produce viable gametocytes that are transmissible by mosquitoes. We also demonstrate that further genetic engineering of NF54/iGP parasites is a valuable tool for the targeted exploration of gametocyte biology. In summary, we believe the iGP approach developed here will greatly expedite basic and applied malaria transmission stage research.
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24
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N'Dri ME, Royer L, Lavazec C. Tadalafil impacts the mechanical properties of Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte-infected erythrocytes. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2021; 244:111392. [PMID: 34171456 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2021.111392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes modify the mechanical properties of their erythrocyte host to persist for several weeks in the blood circulation and to be available for mosquitoes. These changes are tightly regulated by the plasmodial phosphodiesterase delta that decreases both the stiffness and the permeability of the infected host cell. Here, we address the effect of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor tadalafil on deformability and permeability of gametocyte-infected erythrocytes. We show that this inhibitor drastically increases isosmotic lysis of gametocyte-infected erythrocytes and impairs their ability to circulate in an in vitro model for splenic retention. These findings indicate that tadalafil represents a novel drug lead potentially capable of blocking malaria parasite transmission by impacting gametocyte circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Esther N'Dri
- Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Ludivine Royer
- Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Lavazec
- Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, Paris, France.
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25
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Plasmodium falciparum goes bananas for sex. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2021; 244:111385. [PMID: 34062177 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2021.111385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The sexual blood stages of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum undergo a remarkable transformation from a roughly spherical shape to an elongated crescent or "falciform" morphology from which the species gets its name. In this review, the molecular events that drive this spectacular shape change are discussed and some questions that remain regarding the mechanistic underpinnings are posed. We speculate on the role of the shape changes in promoting sequestration and release of the developing gametocyte, thereby facilitating parasite survival in the host and underpinning transmission to the mosquito vector.
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26
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Chawla J, Oberstaller J, Adams JH. Targeting Gametocytes of the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum in a Functional Genomics Era: Next Steps. Pathogens 2021; 10:346. [PMID: 33809464 PMCID: PMC7999360 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquito transmission of the deadly malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is mediated by mature sexual forms (gametocytes). Circulating in the vertebrate host, relatively few intraerythrocytic gametocytes are picked up during a bloodmeal to continue sexual development in the mosquito vector. Human-to-vector transmission thus represents an infection bottleneck in the parasite's life cycle for therapeutic interventions to prevent malaria. Even though recent progress has been made in the identification of genetic factors linked to gametocytogenesis, a plethora of genes essential for sexual-stage development are yet to be unraveled. In this review, we revisit P. falciparum transmission biology by discussing targetable features of gametocytes and provide a perspective on a forward-genetic approach for identification of novel transmission-blocking candidates in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotsna Chawla
- Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, MDC 7, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Jenna Oberstaller
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research and USF Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Suite 404, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - John H. Adams
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research and USF Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Suite 404, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
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27
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Hitz E, Grüninger O, Passecker A, Wyss M, Scheurer C, Wittlin S, Beck HP, Brancucci NMB, Voss TS. The catalytic subunit of Plasmodium falciparum casein kinase 2 is essential for gametocytogenesis. Commun Biol 2021; 4:336. [PMID: 33712726 PMCID: PMC7954856 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01873-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Casein kinase 2 (CK2) is a pleiotropic kinase phosphorylating substrates in different cellular compartments in eukaryotes. In the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, PfCK2 is vital for asexual proliferation of blood-stage parasites. Here, we applied CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing to investigate the function of the PfCK2α catalytic subunit in gametocytes, the sexual forms of the parasite that are essential for malaria transmission. We show that PfCK2α localizes to the nucleus and cytoplasm in asexual and sexual parasites alike. Conditional knockdown of PfCK2α expression prevented the transition of stage IV into transmission-competent stage V gametocytes, whereas the conditional knockout of pfck2a completely blocked gametocyte maturation already at an earlier stage of sexual differentiation. In summary, our results demonstrate that PfCK2α is not only essential for asexual but also sexual development of P. falciparum blood-stage parasites and encourage studies exploring PfCK2α as a potential target for dual-active antimalarial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Hitz
- grid.416786.a0000 0004 0587 0574Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4051 Basel, Switzerland ,grid.6612.30000 0004 1937 0642University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Olivia Grüninger
- grid.416786.a0000 0004 0587 0574Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4051 Basel, Switzerland ,grid.6612.30000 0004 1937 0642University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Armin Passecker
- grid.416786.a0000 0004 0587 0574Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4051 Basel, Switzerland ,grid.6612.30000 0004 1937 0642University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Wyss
- grid.416786.a0000 0004 0587 0574Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4051 Basel, Switzerland ,grid.6612.30000 0004 1937 0642University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian Scheurer
- grid.416786.a0000 0004 0587 0574Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4051 Basel, Switzerland ,grid.6612.30000 0004 1937 0642University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sergio Wittlin
- grid.416786.a0000 0004 0587 0574Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4051 Basel, Switzerland ,grid.6612.30000 0004 1937 0642University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hans-Peter Beck
- grid.416786.a0000 0004 0587 0574Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4051 Basel, Switzerland ,grid.6612.30000 0004 1937 0642University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas M. B. Brancucci
- grid.416786.a0000 0004 0587 0574Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4051 Basel, Switzerland ,grid.6612.30000 0004 1937 0642University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Till S. Voss
- grid.416786.a0000 0004 0587 0574Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4051 Basel, Switzerland ,grid.6612.30000 0004 1937 0642University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
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28
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29
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Namvar A, Blanch AJ, Dixon MW, Carmo OMS, Liu B, Tiash S, Looker O, Andrew D, Chan LJ, Tham WH, Lee PVS, Rajagopal V, Tilley L. Surface area-to-volume ratio, not cellular viscoelasticity, is the major determinant of red blood cell traversal through small channels. Cell Microbiol 2020; 23:e13270. [PMID: 32981231 PMCID: PMC7757199 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The remarkable deformability of red blood cells (RBCs) depends on the viscoelasticity of the plasma membrane and cell contents and the surface area to volume (SA:V) ratio; however, it remains unclear which of these factors is the key determinant for passage through small capillaries. We used a microfluidic device to examine the traversal of normal, stiffened, swollen, parasitised and immature RBCs. We show that dramatic stiffening of RBCs had no measurable effect on their ability to traverse small channels. By contrast, a moderate decrease in the SA:V ratio had a marked effect on the equivalent cylinder diameter that is traversable by RBCs of similar cellular viscoelasticity. We developed a finite element model that provides a coherent rationale for the experimental observations, based on the nonlinear mechanical behaviour of the RBC membrane skeleton. We conclude that the SA:V ratio should be given more prominence in studies of RBC pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arman Namvar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adam J Blanch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew W Dixon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Olivia M S Carmo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Boyin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Snigdha Tiash
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Oliver Looker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dean Andrew
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Li-Jin Chan
- Division of Infection & Immunity, Walter & Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Wai-Hong Tham
- Division of Infection & Immunity, Walter & Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter V S Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vijay Rajagopal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leann Tilley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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30
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The Riveting Cellular Structures of Apicomplexan Parasites. Trends Parasitol 2020; 36:979-991. [PMID: 33011071 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic protozoa of the phylum Apicomplexa cause a range of human and animal diseases. Their complex life cycles - often heteroxenous with sexual and asexual phases in different hosts - rely on elaborate cytoskeletal structures to enable morphogenesis and motility, organize cell division, and withstand diverse environmental forces. This review primarily focuses on studies using Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium spp. as the best studied apicomplexans; however, many cytoskeletal adaptations are broadly conserved and predate the emergence of the parasitic phylum. After decades cataloguing the constituents of such structures, a dynamic picture is emerging of the assembly and maintenance of apicomplexan cytoskeletons, illuminating how they template and orient critical processes during infection. These observations impact our view of eukaryotic diversity and offer future challenges for cell biology.
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31
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Role of Plasmodium falciparum Protein GEXP07 in Maurer's Cleft Morphology, Knob Architecture, and P. falciparum EMP1 Trafficking. mBio 2020; 11:mBio.03320-19. [PMID: 32184257 PMCID: PMC7078486 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03320-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The trafficking of the virulence antigen PfEMP1 and its presentation at the knob structures at the surface of parasite-infected RBCs are central to severe adhesion-related pathologies such as cerebral and placental malaria. This work adds to our understanding of how PfEMP1 is trafficked to the RBC membrane by defining the protein-protein interaction networks that function at the Maurer’s clefts controlling PfEMP1 loading and unloading. We characterize a protein needed for virulence protein trafficking and provide new insights into the mechanisms for host cell remodeling, parasite survival within the host, and virulence. The malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum traffics the virulence protein P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) to the surface of infected red blood cells (RBCs) via membranous organelles, known as the Maurer’s clefts. We developed a method for efficient enrichment of Maurer’s clefts and profiled the protein composition of this trafficking organelle. We identified 13 previously uncharacterized or poorly characterized Maurer’s cleft proteins. We generated transfectants expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions of 7 proteins and confirmed their Maurer’s cleft location. Using co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry, we generated an interaction map of proteins at the Maurer’s clefts. We identified two key clusters that may function in the loading and unloading of PfEMP1 into and out of the Maurer’s clefts. We focus on a putative PfEMP1 loading complex that includes the protein GEXP07/CX3CL1-binding protein 2 (CBP2). Disruption of GEXP07 causes Maurer’s cleft fragmentation, aberrant knobs, ablation of PfEMP1 surface expression, and loss of the PfEMP1-mediated adhesion. ΔGEXP07 parasites have a growth advantage compared to wild-type parasites, and the infected RBCs are more deformable and more osmotically fragile.
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32
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Kiio TM, Park S. Nano-scientific Application of Atomic Force Microscopy in Pathology: from Molecules to Tissues. Int J Med Sci 2020; 17:844-858. [PMID: 32308537 PMCID: PMC7163363 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.41805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The advantages of atomic force microscopy (AFM) in biological research are its high imaging resolution, sensitivity, and ability to operate in physiological conditions. Over the past decades, rigorous studies have been performed to determine the potential applications of AFM techniques in disease diagnosis and prognosis. Many pathological conditions are accompanied by alterations in the morphology, adhesion properties, mechanical compliances, and molecular composition of cells and tissues. The accurate determination of such alterations can be utilized as a diagnostic and prognostic marker. Alteration in cell morphology represents changes in cell structure and membrane proteins induced by pathologic progression of diseases. Mechanical compliances are also modulated by the active rearrangements of cytoskeleton or extracellular matrix triggered by disease pathogenesis. In addition, adhesion is a critical step in the progression of many diseases including infectious and neurodegenerative diseases. Recent advances in AFM techniques have demonstrated their ability to obtain molecular composition as well as topographic information. The quantitative characterization of molecular alteration in biological specimens in terms of disease progression provides a new avenue to understand the underlying mechanisms of disease onset and progression. In this review, we have highlighted the application of diverse AFM techniques in pathological investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soyeun Park
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeoldaero, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
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33
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Venugopal K, Hentzschel F, Valkiūnas G, Marti M. Plasmodium asexual growth and sexual development in the haematopoietic niche of the host. Nat Rev Microbiol 2020; 18:177-189. [PMID: 31919479 PMCID: PMC7223625 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-019-0306-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium spp. parasites are the causative agents of malaria in humans and animals, and they are exceptionally diverse in their morphology and life cycles. They grow and develop in a wide range of host environments, both within blood-feeding mosquitoes, their definitive hosts, and in vertebrates, which are intermediate hosts. This diversity is testament to their exceptional adaptability and poses a major challenge for developing effective strategies to reduce the disease burden and transmission. Following one asexual amplification cycle in the liver, parasites reach high burdens by rounds of asexual replication within red blood cells. A few of these blood-stage parasites make a developmental switch into the sexual stage (or gametocyte), which is essential for transmission. The bone marrow, in particular the haematopoietic niche (in rodents, also the spleen), is a major site of parasite growth and sexual development. This Review focuses on our current understanding of blood-stage parasite development and vascular and tissue sequestration, which is responsible for disease symptoms and complications, and when involving the bone marrow, provides a niche for asexual replication and gametocyte development. Understanding these processes provides an opportunity for novel therapies and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kannan Venugopal
- Wellcome Center for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Franziska Hentzschel
- Wellcome Center for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Matthias Marti
- Wellcome Center for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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34
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Asaro RJ, Zhu Q. Vital erythrocyte phenomena: what can theory, modeling, and simulation offer? Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2020; 19:1361-1388. [DOI: 10.1007/s10237-020-01302-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Depond M, Henry B, Buffet P, Ndour PA. Methods to Investigate the Deformability of RBC During Malaria. Front Physiol 2020; 10:1613. [PMID: 32038293 PMCID: PMC6990122 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite a 30% decline in mortality since 2000, malaria still affected 219 million subjects and caused 435,000 deaths in 2017. Red blood cells (RBC) host Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria, of which Plasmodium falciparum is the most pathogenic. The deformability of RBC is markedly modified by invasion and development of P. falciparum. Surface membrane area is potentially impacted by parasite entry and development, the cytoskeleton is modified by parasite proteins and cytosol viscosity is altered by parasite metabolism. RBC hosting mature parasites (second half of the asexual erythrocytic cycle) are abnormally stiff but the main reason for their absence from the circulation is their adherence to endothelial cells, mediated by parasite proteins exposed at the infected-RBC surface. By contrast, the circulation of non-adherent rings and gametocytes, depends predominantly on deformability. Altered deformability of rings and of uninfected-RBC altered by malaria infection is an important determinant of malaria pathogenesis. It also impacts the response to antimalarial therapy. Unlike conventional antimalarials that target mature stages, currently recommended first-line artemisinin derivatives and the emerging spiroindolones act on circulating rings. Methods to investigate the deformability of RBC are therefore critical to understand the clearance of infected- and uninfected-RBC in malaria. Herein, we review the main methods to assess the deformability of P. falciparum infected-RBC, and their contribution to the understanding of how P. falciparum infection causes disease, how the parasite is transmitted and how antimalarial drugs induce parasite clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallorie Depond
- UMR_S1134, BIGR, Inserm, Universit de Paris, Paris, France.,Institut National de la Transfusion Sanguine, Paris, France.,Laboratory of Excellence GR-Ex, Paris, France
| | - Benoit Henry
- UMR_S1134, BIGR, Inserm, Universit de Paris, Paris, France.,Institut National de la Transfusion Sanguine, Paris, France.,Laboratory of Excellence GR-Ex, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Buffet
- UMR_S1134, BIGR, Inserm, Universit de Paris, Paris, France.,Institut National de la Transfusion Sanguine, Paris, France.,Laboratory of Excellence GR-Ex, Paris, France
| | - Papa Alioune Ndour
- UMR_S1134, BIGR, Inserm, Universit de Paris, Paris, France.,Institut National de la Transfusion Sanguine, Paris, France.,Laboratory of Excellence GR-Ex, Paris, France
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36
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Neveu G, Lavazec C. Erythrocyte Membrane Makeover by Plasmodium falciparum Gametocytes. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2652. [PMID: 31787966 PMCID: PMC6856072 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum sexual parasites, called gametocytes, are the only parasite stages responsible for transmission from humans to Anopheles mosquitoes. During their maturation, P. falciparum gametocytes remodel the structural and mechanical properties of the membrane of their erythrocyte host. This remodeling is induced by the export of several parasite proteins and a dynamic reorganization of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton. Some of these modifications are specific for sexual stages and play a key role for gametocyte maturation, sequestration in internal organs, subsequent release in the bloodstream and ability to persist in circulation. Here we discuss the mechanisms developed by gametocytes to remodel their host cell and the functional relevance of these modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëlle Neveu
- Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, Paris, France.,Laboratoire d'Excellence GR-Ex, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Lavazec
- Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, Paris, France.,Laboratoire d'Excellence GR-Ex, Paris, France
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Warncke JD, Passecker A, Kipfer E, Brand F, Pérez-Martínez L, Proellochs NI, Kooij TWA, Butter F, Voss TS, Beck HP. The PHIST protein GEXP02 targets the host cytoskeleton during sexual development of Plasmodium falciparum. Cell Microbiol 2019; 22:e13123. [PMID: 31652487 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A hallmark of the biology of Plasmodium falciparum blood stage parasites is their extensive host cell remodelling, facilitated by parasite proteins that are exported into the erythrocyte. Although this area has received extensive attention, only a few exported parasite proteins have been analysed in detail, and much of this remodelling process remains unknown, particularly for gametocyte development. Recent advances to induce high rates of sexual commitment enable the production of large numbers of gametocytes. We used this approach to study the Plasmodium helical interspersed subtelomeric (PHIST) protein GEXP02, which is expressed during sexual development. We show by immunofluorescence that GEXP02 is exported to the gametocyte-infected host cell periphery. Co-immunoprecipitation revealed potential interactions between GEXP02 and components of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton as well as other exported parasite proteins. This indicates that GEXP02 targets the erythrocyte cytoskeleton and is likely involved in its remodelling. GEXP02 knock-out parasites show no obvious phenotype during gametocyte maturation, transmission through mosquitoes, and hepatocyte infection, suggesting auxiliary or redundant functions for this protein. In summary, we performed a detailed cellular and biochemical analysis of a sexual stage-specific exported parasite protein using a novel experimental approach that is broadly applicable to study the biology of P. falciparum gametocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan D Warncke
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Armin Passecker
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Enja Kipfer
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Françoise Brand
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lara Pérez-Martínez
- Proteomics Core Facility, Quantitative Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, Germany
| | - Nicholas I Proellochs
- Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Taco W A Kooij
- Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Falk Butter
- Proteomics Core Facility, Quantitative Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, Germany
| | - Till S Voss
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hans-Peter Beck
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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38
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Host Cytoskeleton Remodeling throughout the Blood Stages of Plasmodium falciparum. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2019; 83:83/4/e00013-19. [PMID: 31484690 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00013-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The asexual intraerythrocytic development of Plasmodium falciparum, causing the most severe form of human malaria, is marked by extensive host cell remodeling. Throughout the processes of invasion, intracellular development, and egress, the erythrocyte membrane skeleton is remodeled by the parasite as required for each specific developmental stage. The remodeling is facilitated by a plethora of exported parasite proteins, and the erythrocyte membrane skeleton is the interface of most of the observed interactions between the parasite and host cell proteins. Host cell remodeling has been extensively described and there is a vast body of information on protein export or the description of parasite-induced structures such as Maurer's clefts or knobs on the host cell surface. Here we specifically review the molecular level of each host cell-remodeling step at each stage of the intraerythrocytic development of P. falciparum We describe key events, such as invasion, knob formation, and egress, and identify the interactions between exported parasite proteins and the host cell cytoskeleton. We discuss each remodeling step with respect to time and specific requirement of the developing parasite to explain host cell remodeling in a stage-specific manner. Thus, we highlight the interaction with the host membrane skeleton as a key event in parasite survival.
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39
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Ngotho P, Soares AB, Hentzschel F, Achcar F, Bertuccini L, Marti M. Revisiting gametocyte biology in malaria parasites. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2019; 43:401-414. [PMID: 31220244 PMCID: PMC6606849 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuz010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Gametocytes are the only form of the malaria parasite that is transmissible to the mosquito vector. They are present at low levels in blood circulation and significant knowledge gaps exist in their biology. Recent reductions in the global malaria burden have brought the possibility of elimination and eradication, with renewed focus on malaria transmission biology as a basis for interventions. This review discusses recent insights into gametocyte biology in the major human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum and related species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Ngotho
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, 120 University Road, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Alexandra Blancke Soares
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, 120 University Road, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Franziska Hentzschel
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, 120 University Road, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Fiona Achcar
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, 120 University Road, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Lucia Bertuccini
- Core Facilities, Microscopy Area, Instituto Superiore di Sanita, Via Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Matthias Marti
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, 120 University Road, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston 02115, MA, USA
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40
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Li H, Yang J, Chu TT, Naidu R, Lu L, Chandramohanadas R, Dao M, Karniadakis GE. Cytoskeleton Remodeling Induces Membrane Stiffness and Stability Changes of Maturing Reticulocytes. Biophys J 2019; 114:2014-2023. [PMID: 29694877 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Reticulocytes, the precursors of erythrocytes, undergo drastic alterations in cell size, shape, and deformability during maturation. Experimental evidence suggests that young reticulocytes are stiffer and less stable than their mature counterparts; however, the underlying mechanism is yet to be fully understood. Here, we develop a coarse-grained molecular-dynamics reticulocyte membrane model to elucidate how the membrane structure of reticulocytes contributes to their particular biomechanical properties and pathogenesis in blood diseases. First, we show that the extended cytoskeleton in the reticulocyte membrane is responsible for its increased shear modulus. Subsequently, we quantify the effect of weakened cytoskeleton on the stiffness and stability of reticulocytes, via which we demonstrate that the extended cytoskeleton along with reduced cytoskeleton connectivity leads to the seeming paradox that reticulocytes are stiffer and less stable than the mature erythrocytes. Our simulation results also suggest that membrane budding and the consequent vesiculation of reticulocytes can occur independently of the endocytosis-exocytosis pathway, and thus, it may serve as an additional means of removing unwanted membrane proteins from reticulocytes. Finally, we find that membrane budding is exacerbated when the cohesion between the lipid bilayer and the cytoskeleton is compromised, which is in accord with the clinical observations that erythrocytes start shedding membrane surface at the reticulocyte stage in hereditary spherocytosis. Taken together, our results quantify the stiffness and stability change of reticulocytes during their maturation and provide, to our knowledge, new insights into the pathogenesis of hereditary spherocytosis and malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Li
- Division of Applied Mathematics, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Trang T Chu
- Pillar of Engineering Product Development, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore, Singapore; Interdisciplinary Research Group of Infectious Diseases, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Renugah Naidu
- Pillar of Engineering Product Development, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lu Lu
- Division of Applied Mathematics, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Rajesh Chandramohanadas
- Pillar of Engineering Product Development, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ming Dao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Interdisciplinary Research Group of Infectious Diseases, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology Centre, Singapore, Singapore
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Looker O, Blanch AJ, Liu B, Nunez-Iglesias J, McMillan PJ, Tilley L, Dixon MWA. The knob protein KAHRP assembles into a ring-shaped structure that underpins virulence complex assembly. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1007761. [PMID: 31071194 PMCID: PMC6529015 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum mediates adhesion of infected red blood cells (RBCs) to blood vessel walls by assembling a multi-protein complex at the RBC surface. This virulence-mediating structure, called the knob, acts as a scaffold for the presentation of the major virulence antigen, P. falciparum Erythrocyte Membrane Protein-1 (PfEMP1). In this work we developed correlative STochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy–Scanning Electron Microscopy (STORM-SEM) to spatially and temporally map the delivery of the knob-associated histidine-rich protein (KAHRP) and PfEMP1 to the RBC membrane skeleton. We show that KAHRP is delivered as individual modules that assemble in situ, giving a ring-shaped fluorescence profile around a dimpled disk that can be visualized by SEM. Electron tomography of negatively-stained membranes reveals a previously observed spiral scaffold underpinning the assembled knobs. Truncation of the C-terminal region of KAHRP leads to loss of the ring structures, disruption of the raised disks and aberrant formation of the spiral scaffold, pointing to a critical role for KAHRP in assembling the physical knob structure. We show that host cell actin remodeling plays an important role in assembly of the virulence complex, with cytochalasin D blocking knob assembly. Additionally, PfEMP1 appears to be delivered to the RBC membrane, then inserted laterally into knob structures. The human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum causes severe disease, which is initiated by the adhesion of parasite-infected RBCs to receptors on the walls of the host’s capillaries. Adhesion is mediated by a structure called the knob, which acts as a scaffold for the presentation of the virulence protein, P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein-1 (PfEMP1). In this work we investigate the assembly of this complex at different stages of parasite development using a multimodal imaging approach that combines dSTORM localization microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (STORM-SEM). We show that the knob-associated histidine-rich protein (KAHRP) is delivered to the RBC membrane skeleton as individual protein modules that assemble into a ring-shaped complex. We provide evidence that host cell remodeling, driven by association of KAHRP with spectrin and the reorganization of actin, is required for assembly of the ring complex, which in turn supports a spiral scaffold that is required for correct knob morphology. Finally, we provide evidence that PfEMP1 is delivered to the RBC membrane before associating with knob complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Looker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Adam J. Blanch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Boyin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Juan Nunez-Iglesias
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Paul J. McMillan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Biological Optical Microscopy Platform, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Leann Tilley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Matthew W. A. Dixon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- * E-mail:
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42
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Liu B, Blanch AJ, Namvar A, Carmo O, Tiash S, Andrew D, Hanssen E, Rajagopal V, Dixon MW, Tilley L. Multimodal analysis of
Plasmodium knowlesi
‐infected erythrocytes reveals large invaginations, swelling of the host cell, and rheological defects. Cell Microbiol 2019; 21:e13005. [PMID: 30634201 PMCID: PMC6593759 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The simian parasite Plasmodium knowlesi causes severe and fatal malaria infections in humans, but the process of host cell remodelling that underpins the pathology of this zoonotic parasite is only poorly understood. We have used serial block‐face scanning electron microscopy to explore the topography of P. knowlesi‐infected red blood cells (RBCs) at different stages of asexual development. The parasite elaborates large flattened cisternae (Sinton Mulligan's clefts) and tubular vesicles in the host cell cytoplasm, as well as parasitophorous vacuole membrane bulges and blebs, and caveolar structures at the RBC membrane. Large invaginations of host RBC cytoplasm are formed early in development, both from classical cytostomal structures and from larger stabilised pores. Although degradation of haemoglobin is observed in multiple disconnected digestive vacuoles, the persistence of large invaginations during development suggests inefficient consumption of the host cell cytoplasm. The parasite eventually occupies ~40% of the host RBC volume, inducing a 20% increase in volume of the host RBC and an 11% decrease in the surface area to volume ratio, which collectively decreases the ability of the P. knowlesi‐infected RBCs to enter small capillaries of a human erythrocyte microchannel analyser. Ektacytometry reveals a markedly decreased deformability, whereas correlative light microscopy/scanning electron microscopy and python‐based skeleton analysis (Skan) reveal modifications to the surface of infected RBCs that underpin these physical changes. We show that P. knowlesi‐infected RBCs are refractory to treatment with sorbitol lysis but are hypersensitive to hypotonic lysis. The observed physical changes in the host RBCs may underpin the pathology observed in patients infected with P. knowlesi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Adam J. Blanch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Arman Namvar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Olivia Carmo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Snigdha Tiash
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Dean Andrew
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Eric Hanssen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Advanced Microscopy Facility Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Vijay Rajagopal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Matthew W.A. Dixon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Leann Tilley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute Melbourne Victoria Australia
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43
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Duez J, Carucci M, Garcia-Barbazan I, Corral M, Perez O, Presa JL, Henry B, Roussel C, Ndour PA, Rosa NB, Sanz L, Gamo FJ, Buffet P. High-throughput microsphiltration to assess red blood cell deformability and screen for malaria transmission–blocking drugs. Nat Protoc 2018; 13:1362-1376. [DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2018.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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44
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Bunnik EM, Cook KB, Varoquaux N, Batugedara G, Prudhomme J, Cort A, Shi L, Andolina C, Ross LS, Brady D, Fidock DA, Nosten F, Tewari R, Sinnis P, Ay F, Vert JP, Noble WS, Le Roch KG. Changes in genome organization of parasite-specific gene families during the Plasmodium transmission stages. Nat Commun 2018; 9:1910. [PMID: 29765020 PMCID: PMC5954139 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04295-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of malaria parasites throughout their various life cycle stages is coordinated by changes in gene expression. We previously showed that the three-dimensional organization of the Plasmodium falciparum genome is strongly associated with gene expression during its replication cycle inside red blood cells. Here, we analyze genome organization in the P. falciparum and P. vivax transmission stages. Major changes occur in the localization and interactions of genes involved in pathogenesis and immune evasion, host cell invasion, sexual differentiation, and master regulation of gene expression. Furthermore, we observe reorganization of subtelomeric heterochromatin around genes involved in host cell remodeling. Depletion of heterochromatin protein 1 (PfHP1) resulted in loss of interactions between virulence genes, confirming that PfHP1 is essential for maintenance of the repressive center. Our results suggest that the three-dimensional genome structure of human malaria parasites is strongly connected with transcriptional activity of specific gene families throughout the life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelien M Bunnik
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Kate B Cook
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Nelle Varoquaux
- Department of Statistics, University of California, 367 Evans Hall, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Berkeley Institute for Data Science, 190 Doe Library, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- MINES ParisTech, PSL Research University, CBIO-Centre for Computational Biology, 60 boulevard Saint-Michel, 75006, Paris, France
- Institut Curie, 75248, Paris, France
- U900, INSERM, Paris, 75248, France
| | - Gayani Batugedara
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Jacques Prudhomme
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Anthony Cort
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Lirong Shi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615N. Wolfe Street, E5132, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Chiara Andolina
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine Research building, University of Oxford, Old Road campus, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, 63110, Thailand
| | - Leila S Ross
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, 701W. 168 St., HHSC 1208, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Declan Brady
- School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - David A Fidock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, 701W. 168 St., HHSC 1208, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Francois Nosten
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine Research building, University of Oxford, Old Road campus, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, 63110, Thailand
| | - Rita Tewari
- School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Photini Sinnis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615N. Wolfe Street, E5132, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Ferhat Ay
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology, 9420 Athena Cir, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Jean-Philippe Vert
- MINES ParisTech, PSL Research University, CBIO-Centre for Computational Biology, 60 boulevard Saint-Michel, 75006, Paris, France
- Institut Curie, 75248, Paris, France
- U900, INSERM, Paris, 75248, France
- Département de mathématiques et applications, École normale supérieure, CNRS, PSL Research University, Paris, 75005, France
| | - William Stafford Noble
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - Karine G Le Roch
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.
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45
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De Niz M, Meibalan E, Mejia P, Ma S, Brancucci NMB, Agop-Nersesian C, Mandt R, Ngotho P, Hughes KR, Waters AP, Huttenhower C, Mitchell JR, Martinelli R, Frischknecht F, Seydel KB, Taylor T, Milner D, Heussler VT, Marti M. Plasmodium gametocytes display homing and vascular transmigration in the host bone marrow. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2018; 4:eaat3775. [PMID: 29806032 PMCID: PMC5966192 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aat3775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Transmission of Plasmodium parasites to the mosquito requires the formation and development of gametocytes. Studies in infected humans have shown that only the most mature forms of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes are present in circulation, whereas immature forms accumulate in the hematopoietic environment of the bone marrow. We used the rodent model Plasmodium berghei to study gametocyte behavior through time under physiological conditions. Intravital microscopy demonstrated preferential homing of early gametocyte forms across the intact vascular barrier of the bone marrow and the spleen early during infection and subsequent development in the extravascular environment. During the acute phase of infection, we observed vascular leakage resulting in further parasite accumulation in this environment. Mature gametocytes showed high deformability and were found entering and exiting the intact vascular barrier. We suggest that extravascular gametocyte localization and mobility are essential for gametocytogenesis and transmission of Plasmodium to the mosquito.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana De Niz
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 4, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8TA Scotland, UK
| | - Elamaran Meibalan
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Pedro Mejia
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Siyuan Ma
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nicolas M. B. Brancucci
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8TA Scotland, UK
| | - Carolina Agop-Nersesian
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Rebecca Mandt
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Priscilla Ngotho
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8TA Scotland, UK
| | - Katie R. Hughes
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8TA Scotland, UK
| | - Andrew P. Waters
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8TA Scotland, UK
| | - Curtis Huttenhower
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - James R. Mitchell
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Roberta Martinelli
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Friedrich Frischknecht
- Parasitology Centre for Infectious Diseases, University of Heidelberg Medical School, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Karl B. Seydel
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre 3, Malawi
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Terrie Taylor
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre 3, Malawi
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Danny Milner
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Volker T. Heussler
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 4, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Corresponding authors. (M.M.); (V.T.H.)
| | - Matthias Marti
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8TA Scotland, UK
- Corresponding authors. (M.M.); (V.T.H.)
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46
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Zhang Y, Meng Z, Qin X, Keten S. Ballistic impact response of lipid membranes. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:4761-4770. [PMID: 29465729 DOI: 10.1039/c7nr08879e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic agent loaded micro and nanoscale particles as high-velocity projectiles can penetrate cells and tissues, thereby serving as gene and drug delivery vehicles for direct and rapid internalization. Despite recent progress in developing micro/nanoscale ballistic tools, the underlying biophysics of how fast projectiles deform and penetrate cell membranes is still poorly understood. To understand the rate and size-dependent penetration processes, we present coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of the ballistic impact of spherical projectiles on lipid membranes. Our simulations reveal that upon impact, the projectile can pursue one of three distinct pathways. At low velocities below the critical penetration velocity, projectiles rebound off the surface. At intermediate velocities, penetration occurs after the projectile deforms the membrane into a tubular thread. At very high velocities, rapid penetration occurs through localized membrane deformation without tubulation. Membrane tension, projectile velocity and size govern which phenomenon occurs, owing to their positive correlation with the reaction force generated between the projectile and the membrane during impact. Two critical membrane tension values dictate the boundaries among the three pathways for a given system, due to the rate dependence of the stress generated in the membrane. Our findings provide broad physical insights into the ballistic impact response of soft viscous membranes and guide design strategies for drug delivery through lipid membranes using micro/nanoscale ballistic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.
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47
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Nunez-Iglesias J, Blanch AJ, Looker O, Dixon MW, Tilley L. A new Python library to analyse skeleton images confirms malaria parasite remodelling of the red blood cell membrane skeleton. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4312. [PMID: 29472997 PMCID: PMC5816961 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We present Skan (Skeleton analysis), a Python library for the analysis of the skeleton structures of objects. It was inspired by the “analyse skeletons” plugin for the Fiji image analysis software, but its extensive Application Programming Interface (API) allows users to examine and manipulate any intermediate data structures produced during the analysis. Further, its use of common Python data structures such as SciPy sparse matrices and pandas data frames opens the results to analysis within the extensive ecosystem of scientific libraries available in Python. We demonstrate the validity of Skan’s measurements by comparing its output to the established Analyze Skeletons Fiji plugin, and, with a new scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-based method, we confirm that the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum remodels the host red blood cell cytoskeleton, increasing the average distance between spectrin-actin junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adam J Blanch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Oliver Looker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Matthew W Dixon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Leann Tilley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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48
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Lavazec C. Molecular mechanisms of deformability of Plasmodium -infected erythrocytes. Curr Opin Microbiol 2017; 40:138-144. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2017.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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49
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Chu TTT, Sinha A, Malleret B, Suwanarusk R, Park JE, Naidu R, Das R, Dutta B, Ong ST, Verma NK, Chan JK, Nosten F, Rénia L, Sze SK, Russell B, Chandramohanadas R. Quantitative mass spectrometry of human reticulocytes reveal proteome-wide modifications during maturation. Br J Haematol 2017; 180:118-133. [PMID: 29094334 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.14976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Erythropoiesis is marked by progressive changes in morphological, biochemical and mechanical properties of erythroid precursors to generate red blood cells (RBC). The earliest enucleated forms derived in this process, known as reticulocytes, are multi-lobular and spherical. As reticulocytes mature, they undergo a series of dynamic cytoskeletal re-arrangements and the expulsion of residual organelles, resulting in highly deformable biconcave RBCs (normocytes). To understand the significant, yet neglected proteome-wide changes associated with reticulocyte maturation, we undertook a quantitative proteomics approach. Immature reticulocytes (marked by the presence of surface transferrin receptor, CD71) and mature RBCs (devoid of CD71) were isolated from human cord blood using a magnetic separation procedure. After sub-fractionation into triton-extracted membrane proteins and luminal samples (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation), quantitative mass spectrometry was conducted to identify more than 1800 proteins with good confidence and coverage. While most structural proteins (such as Spectrins, Ankyrin and Band 3) as well as surface glycoproteins were conserved, proteins associated with microtubule structures, such as Talin-1/2 and ß-Tubulin, were detected only in immature reticulocytes. Atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based imaging revealed an extended network of spectrin filaments in reticulocytes (with an average length of 48 nm), which shortened during reticulocyte maturation (average spectrin length of 41 nm in normocytes). The extended nature of cytoskeletal network may partly account for increased deformability and shape changes, as reticulocytes transform to normocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trang T T Chu
- Pillar of Engineering Product Development (EPD), Singapore University of Technology & Design (SUTD), Singapore
| | - Ameya Sinha
- Pillar of Engineering Product Development (EPD), Singapore University of Technology & Design (SUTD), Singapore
| | - Benoit Malleret
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science & Technology, Singapore
| | - Rossarin Suwanarusk
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science & Technology, Singapore
| | - Jung E Park
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Renugah Naidu
- Pillar of Engineering Product Development (EPD), Singapore University of Technology & Design (SUTD), Singapore
| | - Rupambika Das
- Pillar of Engineering Product Development (EPD), Singapore University of Technology & Design (SUTD), Singapore
| | - Bamaprasad Dutta
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Seow Theng Ong
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Navin K Verma
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Jerry K Chan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - François Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Laurent Rénia
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science & Technology, Singapore
| | - Siu K Sze
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Bruce Russell
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Otago University, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Rajesh Chandramohanadas
- Pillar of Engineering Product Development (EPD), Singapore University of Technology & Design (SUTD), Singapore.,Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
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50
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Parkyn Schneider M, Liu B, Glock P, Suttie A, McHugh E, Andrew D, Batinovic S, Williamson N, Hanssen E, McMillan P, Hliscs M, Tilley L, Dixon MWA. Disrupting assembly of the inner membrane complex blocks Plasmodium falciparum sexual stage development. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006659. [PMID: 28985225 PMCID: PMC5646874 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmission of malaria parasites relies on the formation of a specialized blood form called the gametocyte. Gametocytes of the human pathogen, Plasmodium falciparum, adopt a crescent shape. Their dramatic morphogenesis is driven by the assembly of a network of microtubules and an underpinning inner membrane complex (IMC). Using super-resolution optical and electron microscopies we define the ultrastructure of the IMC at different stages of gametocyte development. We characterize two new proteins of the gametocyte IMC, called PhIL1 and PIP1. Genetic disruption of PhIL1 or PIP1 ablates elongation and prevents formation of transmission-ready mature gametocytes. The maturation defect is accompanied by failure to form an enveloping IMC and a marked swelling of the digestive vacuole, suggesting PhIL1 and PIP1 are required for correct membrane trafficking. Using immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry we reveal that PhIL1 interacts with known and new components of the gametocyte IMC. Transmission of the malaria parasite from humans to mosquitoes relies on the formation of the specialised blood stage gametocyte. Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes mature over about 10 days, during which time they undergo a remarkable morphological transformation, eventually adopting a characteristic crescent shape. The shape changes are thought to facilitate the mechanical sequestration of maturing gametocytes within the bone marrow and spleen, as well as the eventual release into the circulation. Failure to mature correctly leads to a failure to transmit. Despite the importance of this process, little is known about the molecular basis of elongation. In this work, we introduce 3D Electron Microscopy of P. falciparum gametocytes and use it, in a combination with super-resolution optical microscopy, to elucidate the genesis and expansion of the molecular structures that drive gametocyte elongation. We use protein interaction profiling to identify some of the proteins that help drive the shape change and employ inducible gene knockdown strategies to show that these proteins play a role in remodeling membranes, and are needed for gametocyte elongation. This work points to potential targets for the development of transmission-blocking therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Parkyn Schneider
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Boyin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Philipp Glock
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Annika Suttie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emma McHugh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dean Andrew
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven Batinovic
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicholas Williamson
- Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric Hanssen
- Melbourne Advance Microscopy Facility, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul McMillan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Advance Microscopy Facility, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Biological Optical Microscopy Platform, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marion Hliscs
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leann Tilley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew W. A. Dixon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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