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Wu F, Wei H, Chen X, Du Z, Huang Y, Shi H, Yang Y, Du A, Ma G. Fatty acid- and retinol-binding protein 6 does not control worm fatty acid content in Caenorhabditis elegans but might play a role in Haemonchus contortus parasitism. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:230. [PMID: 37430357 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05836-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nematodes have lost the ability to synthesise necessary lipids de novo and have complementally evolved the capacity to acquire fatty acids and their derivatives from a diet or host animal. Nematode-specific fatty acid- and retinol-binding protein (FAR) family is one approach that facilitates lipid acquisition, representing an Achilles heel and potential target against roundworms of socioeconomic significance. However, little is known about their detailed functional roles in either free-living or parasitic nematodes. METHODS A genome-wide identification and curation were performed to screen the FAR family members of Haemonchus contortus. Their transcription patterns in worms were also analysed to identify the targets. Ligand binding assay and molecular docking were conducted to verify the fatty acid binding activities of FAR proteins of interest. RNA interference (RNAi) and heterologous expression (rescuing) experiments were designed to explore the potential roles of the selected FAR protein in nematodes. Localisation of the protein was shown in sections of paraffin-embedded worms after an immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay. RESULTS Here, an orthologue of far-6 in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (Ce-far-6) was functionally characterised in a parasitic nematode, H. contortus (Hc-far-6). It is demonstrated that knockdown of Ce-far-6 gene did not affect worm fat content, reproduction, or lifespan, but decreased worm body length at an early life stage of C. elegans. In particular, the Ce-far-6 mutant associated phenotype was completely rescued by Hc-far-6, suggesting a conserved functional role. Surprisingly, there were distinct tissue expression patterns of FAR-6 in the free-living C. elegans and parasitic H. contortus. High transcriptional level of Hc-far-6 and dominant expression of FAR-6 in the intestine of the parasitic stage of H. contortus link this gene/protein to nematode parasitism. CONCLUSIONS These findings substantially enhance our understanding of far genes and the associated lipid biology of this important parasitic nematode at a molecular level, and the approaches established are readily applicable to the studies of far genes in a broad range of parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Haidian Wei
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Guangxi Veterinary Research Institute, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Xueqiu Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhendong Du
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yan Huang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Hengzhi Shi
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yi Yang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Aifang Du
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Guangxu Ma
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Abstract
Fatty acid–and retinol-binding proteins (FARs) belong to a unique family of excreted/secreted proteins (ESPs) found exclusively in nematodes. Much of our understanding of these proteins, however, is limited to their in vitro binding characteristics toward various fatty acids and retinol and has provided little insight into their in vivo functions or mechanisms. Recent research, however, has shown that FARs elicit an immunomodulatory role in plant and animal model systems, likely by sequestering lipids involved in immune signaling. This alludes to the intricate relationship between parasitic nematode effectors and their hosts.
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3
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Sürmen MG, Sürmen S, Cansız D, Ünal İ, Üstündağ ÜV, Alturfan AA, Büyükkayhan D, Emekli-Alturfan E. Amelioration of rotenone-induced alterations in energy/redox system, stress response and cytoskeleton proteins by octanoic acid in zebrafish: A proteomic study. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2022; 36:e23024. [PMID: 35218269 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Rotenone is used to generate Parkinson's disease (PD)-like symptoms in experimental animals. Octanoic acid (C8), is the principal fatty acid of medium-chain triglycerides in ketogenic diets. Beneficial effects of ketogenic diets were shown in PD. We applied proteomic methods to reveal the effects of octanoic acid in rotenone toxicity in zebrafish to gain information on the use of ketogenic diets in PD. Zebrafish were exposed to 5 μg/ml rotenone and octanoic acid (20 and 60 mg/ml) for 30 days. LC-MS/MS analysis was performed. Raw files were analyzed by Proteome Discoverer 2.4 software, peptide lists were searched against Danio rerio proteins. STRING database was used for protein annotations or interactions. 2317 unique proteins were quantified, 302 proteins were differentially expressed. Proteins involved in cell organization, biogenesis, transport, response to stimulus were most frequently expressed. Our study is first to report that the alterations in the expressions of proteins related to energy and redox system, stress response, and cytoskeleton proteins caused by rotenone exposure were normalized by octanoic acid treatment in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa G Sürmen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Hamidiye Institute of Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Saime Sürmen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University-Çapa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Derya Cansız
- Department Medipol University, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Biochemistry, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - İsmail Ünal
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Health Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ünsal V Üstündağ
- Department Medipol University, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Biochemistry, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmet A Alturfan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Derya Büyükkayhan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ebru Emekli-Alturfan
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
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4
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Function of lipid binding proteins of parasitic helminths: still a long road. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1117-1129. [PMID: 35169885 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07463-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Infections with parasitic helminths cause severe debilitating and sometimes lethal diseases in humans and domestic animals on a global scale. Unable to synthesize de novo their own fatty acids and sterols, helminth parasites (nematodes, trematodes, cestodes) rely on their hosts for their supply. These organisms produce and secrete a wide range of lipid binding proteins that are, in most cases, structurally different from the ones found in their hosts, placing them as possible novel therapeutic targets. In this sense, a lot of effort has been made towards the structure determination of these proteins, but their precise function is still unknown. In this review, we aim to present the current knowledge on the functions of LBPs present in parasitic helminths as well as novel members of this highly heterogeneous group of proteins.
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5
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Lubisch M, Moyzio S, Kaiser CS, Krafeld I, Leusder D, Scholz M, Hoepfner L, Hippler M, Liebau E, Kahl J. Using Caenorhabditis elegans to produce functional secretory proteins of parasitic nematodes. Acta Trop 2022; 225:106176. [PMID: 34627755 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106176] [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: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The expression of antigens in their immunologically-active form remains a challenge, both in the analysis of regulatory pathways exploited by parasitic nematodes or in the development of vaccines. Despite the success of native proteins to induce protective immunity, recombinant proteins expressed in bacteria, yeast or insect cells offer only limited protective capacities, presumably due to incorrect folding or missing complex posttranslational modifications. The present study investigates the feasibility of using the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as an alternative expression system for proteins found in the secretome of parasitic nematodes. Exemplified by the expression of the extracellular superoxide dismutase from Haemonchus contortus (HcSODe) and the extracellular and glycosylated glutathione S-transferase from the filarial parasite Onchocerca volvulus (OvGST1), we continue our efforts to improve production and purification of recombinant proteins expressed in C. elegans. We demonstrate that sufficient quantities of functional proteins can be expressed in C. elegans for subsequent immunological and biochemical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Lubisch
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Sven Moyzio
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Charlotte Sophia Kaiser
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Isabel Krafeld
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Dustin Leusder
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Scholz
- Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Lara Hoepfner
- Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Hippler
- Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Eva Liebau
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany.
| | - Janina Kahl
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
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Parks SC, Nguyen S, Nasrolahi S, Bhat C, Juncaj D, Lu D, Ramaswamy R, Dhillon H, Fujiwara H, Buchman A, Akbari OS, Yamanaka N, Boulanger MJ, Dillman AR. Parasitic nematode fatty acid- and retinol-binding proteins compromise host immunity by interfering with host lipid signaling pathways. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1010027. [PMID: 34714893 PMCID: PMC8580252 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes cause significant morbidity and mortality globally. Excretory/secretory products (ESPs) such as fatty acid- and retinol- binding proteins (FARs) are hypothesized to suppress host immunity during nematode infection, yet little is known about their interactions with host tissues. Leveraging the insect parasitic nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae, we describe here the first in vivo study demonstrating that FARs modulate animal immunity, causing an increase in susceptibility to bacterial co-infection. Moreover, we show that FARs dampen key components of the fly immune response including the phenoloxidase cascade and antimicrobial peptide (AMP) production. Our data also reveal that FARs deplete lipid signaling precursors in vivo as well as bind to these fatty acids in vitro, suggesting that FARs elicit their immunomodulatory effects by altering the availability of lipid signaling molecules necessary for an efficient immune response. Collectively, these data support a complex role for FARs in immunosuppression in animals and provide detailed mechanistic insight into parasitism in phylum Nematoda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia C. Parks
- Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Susan Nguyen
- Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Shyon Nasrolahi
- Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Chaitra Bhat
- Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Damian Juncaj
- Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Dihong Lu
- Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Raghavendran Ramaswamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Harpal Dhillon
- Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Hideji Fujiwara
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Lipid Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Anna Buchman
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Omar S. Akbari
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Naoki Yamanaka
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Martin J. Boulanger
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Adler R. Dillman
- Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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7
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Mining nematode protein secretomes to explain lifestyle and host specificity. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009828. [PMID: 34587193 PMCID: PMC8504978 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes are highly successful pathogens, inflicting disease on humans, animals and plants. Despite great differences in their life cycles, host preference and transmission modes, these parasites share a common capacity to manipulate their host's immune system. This is at least partly achieved through the release of excretory/secretory proteins, the most well-characterized component of nematode secretomes, that are comprised of functionally diverse molecules. In this work, we analyzed published protein secretomes of parasitic nematodes to identify common patterns as well as species-specific traits. The 20 selected organisms span 4 nematode clades, including plant pathogens, animal parasites, and the free-living species Caenorhabditis elegans. Transthyretin-like proteins were the only component common to all adult secretomes; many other protein classes overlapped across multiple datasets. The glycolytic enzymes aldolase and enolase were present in all parasitic species, but missing from C. elegans. Secretomes from larval stages showed less overlap between species. Although comparison of secretome composition across species and life-cycle stages is challenged by the use of different methods and depths of sequencing among studies, our workflow enabled the identification of conserved protein families and pinpointed elements that may have evolved as to enable parasitism. This strategy, extended to more secretomes, may be exploited to prioritize therapeutic targets in the future.
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8
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Yuan D, Li S, Shang Z, Wan M, Lin Y, Zhang Y, Feng Y, Xu L, Xiao L. Genus-level evolutionary relationships of FAR proteins reflect the diversity of lifestyles of free-living and parasitic nematodes. BMC Biol 2021; 19:178. [PMID: 34461887 PMCID: PMC8407040 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01111-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nematodes are a widespread and diverse group comprising free-living and parasitic species, some of which have major detrimental effects on crops, animals, and human health. Genomic comparisons of nematodes may help reveal the genetic bases for the evolution of parasitic lifestyles. Fatty acid and retinol-binding proteins (FARs) are thought to be unique to nematodes and play essential roles in their development, reproduction, infection, and possibly parasitism through promoting the uptake, transport, and distribution of lipid and retinol. However, the evolution of FAR family proteins across the phylum Nematoda remains elusive. Results We report here the evolutionary relationship of the FAR gene family across nematodes. No FAR was found in Trichocephalida species and Romanomermis culicivorax from Clade I, and FAR could be found in species from Clades III, IV, and V. FAR proteins are conserved in Clade III species and separated into three clusters. Tandem duplications and high divergence events lead to variable richness and low homology of FARs in Steinernema of Clade IVa, Strongyloides of Clade IVb, and intestinal parasitic nematodes from Clades Vc and Ve. Moreover, different richness and sequence variations of FARs in pine wood, root-knot, stem, and cyst nematodes might be determined by reproduction mode or parasitism. However, murine lungworm Angiostrongylus and bovine lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus from Clade Vd have only 3–4 orthologs of FAR. RNA-seq data showed that far genes, especially far-1 and far-2, were highly expressed in most nematodes. Angiostrongylus cantonensis FAR-1 and FAR-3 have low sequence homology and distinct ligand-binding properties, leading to differences in the cavity volume of proteins. These data indicate that FAR proteins diverged early and experienced low selective pressure to form genus-level diversity. The far genes are present in endophyte or root-colonized bacteria of Streptomyces, Kitasatospora sp., Bacillus subtilis, and Lysobacter, suggesting that bacterial far genes might be derived from plant-parasitic nematodes by horizontal gene transfer. Conclusions Data from these comparative analyses have provided insights into genus-level diversity of FAR proteins in the phylum Nematoda. FAR diversification provides a glimpse into the complicated evolution history across free-living and parasitic nematodes. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-01111-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjuan Yuan
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Song Li
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Ziyu Shang
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Muchun Wan
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yu Lin
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yanhua Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Lian Xu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China.
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China. .,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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9
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Barletta GP, Franchini G, Corsico B, Fernandez-Alberti S. Fatty Acid and Retinol-Binding Protein: Unusual Protein Conformational and Cavity Changes Dictated by Ligand Fluctuations. J Chem Inf Model 2019; 59:3545-3555. [PMID: 31365253 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.9b00364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Lipid-binding proteins (LBPs) are soluble proteins responsible for the uptake, transport, and storage of a large variety of hydrophobic lipophilic molecules including fatty acids, steroids, and other lipids in the cellular environment. Among the LBPs, fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) present preferential binding affinities for long-chain fatty acids. While most of FABPs in vertebrates and invertebrates present similar β-barrel structures with ligands accommodated in their central cavity, parasitic nematode worms exhibit additional unusual α-helix rich fatty acid- and retinol-binding proteins (FAR). Herein, we report the comparison of extended molecular dynamics (MD) simulations performed on the ligand-free and palmitic acid-bond states of the Necator americanus FAR-1 (Na-FAR-1) with respect to other classical β-barrel FABPs. Principal component analysis (PCA) has been used to identify the different conformations adopted by each system during MD simulations. The α-helix fold encompasses a complex internal ligand-binding cavity with a remarkable conformational plasticity that allows reversible switching between distinct states in the holo-Na-FAR-1. The cavity can change up to one-third of its size affected by conformational changes of the protein-ligand complex. Besides, the ligand inside the cavity is not fixed but experiences large conformational changes between bent and stretched conformations. These changes in the ligand conformation follow changes in the cavity size dictated by the transient protein conformation. On the contrary, protein-ligand complex in β-barrel FABPs fluctuates around a unique conformation. The significantly more flexible holo-Na-FAR-1 ligand-cavity explains its larger ligand multiplicity respect to β-barrel FABPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- G P Barletta
- Universidad Nacional de Quilmes/CONICET , Roque Saenz Peña 352 , B1876BXD Bernal , Argentina
| | - G Franchini
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata , CONICET-UNLP, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas , calles 60 y 120 s/n , 1900 La Plata , Argentina
| | - B Corsico
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata , CONICET-UNLP, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas , calles 60 y 120 s/n , 1900 La Plata , Argentina
| | - S Fernandez-Alberti
- Universidad Nacional de Quilmes/CONICET , Roque Saenz Peña 352 , B1876BXD Bernal , Argentina
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10
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Zhan B, Arumugam S, Kennedy MW, Tricoche N, Lian LY, Asojo OA, Bennuru S, Bottazzi ME, Hotez PJ, Lustigman S, Klei TR. Ligand binding properties of two Brugia malayi fatty acid and retinol (FAR) binding proteins and their vaccine efficacies against challenge infection in gerbils. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006772. [PMID: 30296268 PMCID: PMC6193737 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes produce an unusual class of fatty acid and retinol (FAR)-binding proteins that may scavenge host fatty acids and retinoids. Two FARs from Brugia malayi (Bm-FAR-1 and Bm-FAR-2) were expressed as recombinant proteins, and their ligand binding, structural characteristics, and immunogenicities examined. Circular dichroism showed that rBm-FAR-1 and rBm-FAR-2 are similarly rich in α-helix structure. Unexpectedly, however, their lipid binding activities were found to be readily differentiated. Both FARs bound retinol and cis-parinaric acid similarly, but, while rBm-FAR-1 induced a dramatic increase in fluorescence emission and blue shift in peak emission by the fluorophore-tagged fatty acid (dansyl-undecanoic acid), rBm-FAR-2 did not. Recombinant forms of the related proteins from Onchocerca volvulus, rOv-FAR-1 and rOv-FAR-2, were found to be similarly distinguishable. This is the first FAR-2 protein from parasitic nematodes that is being characterized. The relative protein abundance of Bm-FAR-1 was higher than Bm-FAR-2 in the lysates of different developmental stages of B. malayi. Both FAR proteins were targets of strong IgG1, IgG3 and IgE antibody in infected individuals and individuals who were classified as endemic normal or putatively immune. In a B. malayi infection model in gerbils, immunization with rBm-FAR-1 and rBm-FAR-2 formulated in a water-in-oil-emulsion (®Montanide-720) or alum elicited high titers of antigen-specific IgG, but only gerbils immunized with rBm-FAR-1 formulated with the former produced a statistically significant reduction in adult worms (68%) following challenge with B. malayi infective larvae. These results suggest that FAR proteins may play important roles in the survival of filarial nematodes in the host, and represent potential candidates for vaccine development against lymphatic filariasis and related filarial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhan
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Departments of Pediatric Tropical Medicine and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Sridhar Arumugam
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
| | - Malcolm W. Kennedy
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, Graham Kerr Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Nancy Tricoche
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Lu-Yun Lian
- NMR Centre for Structural Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Oluwatoyin A. Asojo
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Departments of Pediatric Tropical Medicine and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Sasisekhar Bennuru
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States of America
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Departments of Pediatric Tropical Medicine and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Peter J. Hotez
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Departments of Pediatric Tropical Medicine and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Sara Lustigman
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Thomas R. Klei
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
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Farias-Pereira R, Oshiro J, Kim KH, Park Y. Green coffee bean extract and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid regulate fat metabolism in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Funct Foods 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2018.07.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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Tan QQ, Liu W, Zhu F, Lei CL, Hahn DA, Wang XP. Describing the Diapause-Preparatory Proteome of the Beetle Colaphellus bowringi and Identifying Candidates Affecting Lipid Accumulation Using Isobaric Tags for Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteome Quantification (iTRAQ). Front Physiol 2017; 8:251. [PMID: 28491041 PMCID: PMC5405119 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Prior to entering diapause, insects must prepare themselves physiologically to withstand the stresses of arresting their development for a lengthy period. While studies describing the biochemical and cellular milieu of the maintenance phase of diapause are accumulating, few studies have taken an “omics” approach to describing molecular events during the diapause preparatory phase. We used isobaric tags and mass spectrometry (iTRAQ) to quantitatively compare the expression profiles of proteins identified during the onset of diapause preparation phase in the heads of adult female cabbage beetles, Colaphellus bowringi. A total of 3,175 proteins were identified, 297 of which were differentially expressed between diapause-destined and non-diapause-destined female adults and could therefore be involved in diapause preparation in this species. Comparison of identified proteins with protein function databases shows that many of these differentially expressed proteins enhanced in diapause destined beetles are involved in energy production and conversion, carbohydrate metabolism and transport, and lipid metabolism. Further hand annotation of differentially abundant peptides nominates several associated with stress hardiness, including HSPs and antioxidants, as well as neural development. In contrast, non-diapause destined beetles show substantial increases in cuticle proteins, suggesting additional post-emergence growth. Using RNA interference to silence a fatty acid-binding protein (FABP) that was highly abundant in the head of diapause-destined females prevented the accumulation of lipids in the fat body, a common product of diapause preparation in this species and others. Surprisingly, RNAi against the FABP also affected the transcript abundance of several heat shock proteins. These results suggest that the identified differentially expressed proteins that play vital roles in lipid metabolism may also contribute somehow to enhanced hardiness to environmental stress that is characteristic of diapause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Qian Tan
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
| | - Wen Liu
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
| | - Fen Zhu
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
| | - Chao-Liang Lei
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
| | - Daniel A Hahn
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of FloridaGainesville, FL, USA
| | - Xiao-Ping Wang
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
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Le X, Wang X, Guan T, Ju Y, Li H. Isolation and characterization of a fatty acid- and retinoid-binding protein from the cereal cyst nematode Heterodera avenae. Exp Parasitol 2016; 167:94-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2016.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Qiao F, Luo L, Peng H, Luo S, Huang W, Cui J, Li X, Kong L, Jiang D, Chitwood DJ, Peng D. Characterization of Three Novel Fatty Acid- and Retinoid-Binding Protein Genes (Ha-far-1, Ha-far-2 and Hf-far-1) from the Cereal Cyst Nematodes Heterodera avenae and H. filipjevi. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160003. [PMID: 27479008 PMCID: PMC4968833 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterodera avenae and H. filipjevi are major parasites of wheat, reducing production worldwide. Both are sedentary endoparasitic nematodes, and their development and parasitism depend strongly on nutrients obtained from hosts. Secreted fatty acid- and retinol-binding (FAR) proteins are nematode-specific lipid carrier proteins used for nutrient acquisition as well as suppression of plant defenses. In this study, we obtained three novel FAR genes Ha-far-1 (KU877266), Ha-far-2 (KU877267), Hf-far-1 (KU877268). Ha-far-1 and Ha-far-2 were cloned from H. avenae, encoding proteins of 191 and 280 amino acids with molecular masses about 17 and 30 kDa, respectively and sequence identity of 28%. Protein Blast in NCBI revealed that Ha-FAR-1 sequence is 78% similar to the Gp-FAR-1 protein from Globodera pallida, while Ha-FAR-2 is 30% similar to Rs-FAR-1 from Radopholus similis. Only one FAR protein Hf-FAR-1was identified in H. filipjevi; it had 96% sequence identity to Ha-FAR-1. The three proteins are alpha-helix-rich and contain the conserved domain of Gp-FAR-1, but Ha-FAR-2 had a remarkable peptide at the C-terminus which was random-coil-rich. Both Ha-FAR-1 and Hf-FAR-1 had casein kinase II phosphorylation sites, while Ha-FAR-2 had predicted N-glycosylation sites. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the three proteins clustered together, though Ha-FAR-1 and Hf-FAR-1 adjoined each other in a plant-parasitic nematode branch, but Ha-FAR-2 was distinct from the other proteins in the group. Fluorescence-based ligand binding analysis showed the three FAR proteins bound to a fluorescent fatty acid derivative and retinol and with dissociation constants similar to FARs from other species, though Ha-FAR-2 binding ability was weaker than that of the two others. In situ hybridization detected mRNAs of Ha-far-1 and Ha-far-2 in the hypodermis. The qRT-PCR results showed that the Ha-far-1and Ha-far-2 were expressed in all developmental stages; Ha-far-1 expressed 70 times more than Ha-far-2 in all stages. The highest expression level of Ha-far-1 was observed in fourth-stage juvenile (J4), whereas the highest expression level of Ha-far-2 occurred in second-stage juvenile (J2). In conclusion, we have identified two novel far genes from H. avenae and one from H. filipjevi and have provided further indication that nematode far genes are present in a variety of nematode species, where the FAR proteins share similar basic structure, expression pattern and biochemical activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen Qiao
- The State Key Laboratory for Biology of Insect Pests and Plant Disease, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China
| | - Lilian Luo
- The State Key Laboratory for Biology of Insect Pests and Plant Disease, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China
- College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Huan Peng
- The State Key Laboratory for Biology of Insect Pests and Plant Disease, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China
| | - Shujie Luo
- The State Key Laboratory for Biology of Insect Pests and Plant Disease, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China
| | - Wenkun Huang
- The State Key Laboratory for Biology of Insect Pests and Plant Disease, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China
| | - Jiangkuan Cui
- The State Key Laboratory for Biology of Insect Pests and Plant Disease, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China
| | - Xin Li
- The State Key Laboratory for Biology of Insect Pests and Plant Disease, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China
| | - Lingan Kong
- The State Key Laboratory for Biology of Insect Pests and Plant Disease, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China
| | - Daohong Jiang
- College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - David J. Chitwood
- Nematology Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Building 011A, BARC-West, Beltsville, Maryland, 20705, United States of America
| | - Deliang Peng
- The State Key Laboratory for Biology of Insect Pests and Plant Disease, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China
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Diversity in the structures and ligand-binding sites of nematode fatty acid and retinol-binding proteins revealed by Na-FAR-1 from Necator americanus. Biochem J 2015; 471:403-14. [PMID: 26318523 PMCID: PMC4613501 DOI: 10.1042/bj20150068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Fatty acid and retinol-binding proteins (FARs) comprise a family of unusual α-helix rich lipid-binding proteins found exclusively in nematodes. They are secreted into host tissues by parasites of plants, animals and humans. The structure of a FAR protein from the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is available, but this protein [C. elegans FAR-7 (Ce-FAR-7)] is from a subfamily of FARs that does not appear to be important at the host/parasite interface. We have therefore examined [Necator americanus FAR-1 (Na-FAR-1)] from the blood-feeding intestinal parasite of humans, N. americanus. The 3D structure of Na-FAR-1 in its ligand-free and ligand-bound forms, determined by NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography respectively, reveals an α-helical fold similar to Ce-FAR-7, but Na-FAR-1 possesses a larger and more complex internal ligand-binding cavity and an additional C-terminal α-helix. Titration of apo-Na-FAR-1 with oleic acid, analysed by NMR chemical shift perturbation, reveals that at least four distinct protein-ligand complexes can be formed. Na-FAR-1 and possibly other FARs may have a wider repertoire for hydrophobic ligand binding, as confirmed in the present study by our finding that a range of neutral and polar lipids co-purify with the bacterially expressed recombinant protein. Finally, we show by immunohistochemistry that Na-FAR-1 is present in adult worms with a tissue distribution indicative of possible roles in nutrient acquisition by the parasite and in reproduction in the male.
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Iberkleid I, Sela N, Brown Miyara S. Meloidogyne javanica fatty acid- and retinol-binding protein (Mj-FAR-1) regulates expression of lipid-, cell wall-, stress- and phenylpropanoid-related genes during nematode infection of tomato. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:272. [PMID: 25886179 PMCID: PMC4450471 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1426-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The secreted Meloidogyne javanica fatty acid- and retinol-binding (FAR) protein Mj-FAR-1 is involved in nematode development and reproduction in host tomato roots. To gain further insight into the role of Mj-FAR-1 in regulating disease development, local transcriptional changes were monitored in tomato hairy root lines with constitutive mj-far-1 expression compared with control roots without inoculation, and 2, 5 and 15 days after inoculation (DAI), using mRNA sequencing analysis. RESULTS Gene-expression profiling revealed a total of 3970 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two lines. Among the DEGs, 1093, 1039, 1959, and 1328 genes were up- or downregulated 2-fold with false discovery rate < 0.001 in noninoculated roots, and roots 2, 5, and 15 DAI compared with control roots, respectively. Four main groups of genes that might be associated with Mj-FAR-1-mediated susceptibility were identified: 1) genes involved in biotic stress responses such as pathogen-defense mechanisms and hormone metabolism; 2) genes involved in phenylalanine and phenylpropanoid metabolism; 3) genes associated with cell wall synthesis, modification or degradation; and 4) genes associated with lipid metabolism. All of these genes were overrepresented among the DEGs. Studying the distances between the treatments, samples from noninoculated roots and roots at 2 DAI clustered predominantly according to the temporal dynamics related to nematode infection. However, at the later time points (5 and 15 DAI), samples clustered predominantly according to mj-far-1 overexpression, indicating that at these time points Mj-FAR-1 is more important in defining a common transcriptome. CONCLUSIONS The presence of four groups of DEGs demonstrates a network of molecular events is mediated by Mj-FAR-1 that leads to highly complex manipulation of plant defense responses against nematode invasion. The results shed light on the in vivo role of secreted FAR proteins in parasitism, and add to the mounting evidence that secreted FAR proteins play a major role in nematode parasitism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ionit Iberkleid
- Department of Entomology, Nematology and Chemistry Units, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, P.O. Box 6, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel.
| | - Noa Sela
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 76100, Israel.
| | - Sigal Brown Miyara
- Department of Entomology, Nematology and Chemistry Units, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, P.O. Box 6, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel.
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17
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Franchini GR, Pórfido JL, Ibáñez Shimabukuro M, Rey Burusco MF, Bélgamo JA, Smith BO, Kennedy MW, Córsico B. The unusual lipid binding proteins of parasitic helminths and their potential roles in parasitism and as therapeutic targets. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2015; 93:31-6. [PMID: 25282399 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2014.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Revised: 08/17/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
In this review paper we aim at presenting the current knowledge on structural aspects of soluble lipid binding proteins (LBPs) found in parasitic helminths and to discuss their potential role as novel drug targets. Helminth parasites produce and secrete a great variety of LBPs that may participate in the acquisition of nutrients from their host, such as fatty acids and cholesterol. It is also postulated that LBPs might interfere in the regulation of the host׳s immune response by sequestering lipidic intermediates or delivering bioactive lipids. A detailed comprehension of the structure of these proteins, as well as their interactions with ligands and membranes, is important to understand host-parasite relationships that they may mediate. This information could also contribute to determining the role that these proteins may play in the biology of parasitic helminths and how they modulate the immune systems of their hosts, and also towards the development of new therapeutics and prevention of the diseases caused by these highly pathogenic parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela R Franchini
- INIBIOLP, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 120, 1900 La Plata, Argentina.
| | - Jorge L Pórfido
- INIBIOLP, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 120, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - Marina Ibáñez Shimabukuro
- INIBIOLP, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 120, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - María F Rey Burusco
- INIBIOLP, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 120, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - Julián A Bélgamo
- INIBIOLP, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 120, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - Brian O Smith
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology & School of Life Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, UK
| | - Malcolm W Kennedy
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology & School of Life Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, UK
| | - Betina Córsico
- INIBIOLP, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 120, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
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Khor BY, Tye GJ, Lim TS, Noordin R, Choong YS. The structure and dynamics of BmR1 protein from Brugia malayi: in silico approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:11082-99. [PMID: 24950179 PMCID: PMC4100200 DOI: 10.3390/ijms150611082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Revised: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Brugia malayi is a filarial nematode, which causes lymphatic filariasis in humans. In 1995, the disease has been identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the second leading causes of permanent and long-term disability and thus it is targeted for elimination by year 2020. Therefore, accurate filariasis diagnosis is important for management and elimination programs. A recombinant antigen (BmR1) from the Bm17DIII gene product was used for antibody-based filariasis diagnosis in "Brugia Rapid". However, the structure and dynamics of BmR1 protein is yet to be elucidated. Here we study the three dimensional structure and dynamics of BmR1 protein using comparative modeling, threading and ab initio protein structure prediction. The best predicted structure obtained via an ab initio method (Rosetta) was further refined and minimized. A total of 5 ns molecular dynamics simulation were performed to investigate the packing of the protein. Here we also identified three epitopes as potential antibody binding sites from the molecular dynamics average structure. The structure and epitopes obtained from this study can be used to design a binder specific against BmR1, thus aiding future development of antigen-based filariasis diagnostics to complement the current diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bee Yin Khor
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang 11800, Malaysia.
| | - Gee Jun Tye
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang 11800, Malaysia.
| | - Theam Soon Lim
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang 11800, Malaysia.
| | - Rahmah Noordin
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang 11800, Malaysia.
| | - Yee Siew Choong
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang 11800, Malaysia.
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Furdui CM, Poole LB. Chemical approaches to detect and analyze protein sulfenic acids. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2014; 33:126-46. [PMID: 24105931 PMCID: PMC3946320 DOI: 10.1002/mas.21384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Revised: 04/03/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Orchestration of many processes relying on intracellular signal transduction is recognized to require the generation of hydrogen peroxide as a second messenger, yet relatively few molecular details of how this oxidant acts to regulate protein function are currently understood. This review describes emerging chemical tools and approaches that can be applied to study protein oxidation in biological systems, with a particular emphasis on a key player in protein redox regulation, cysteine sulfenic acid. While sulfenic acids (within purified proteins or simple mixtures) are detectable by physical approaches like X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry, the propensity of these moieties to undergo further modification in complex biological systems has necessitated the development of chemical probes, reporter groups and analytical approaches to allow for their selective detection and quantification. Provided is an overview of techniques that are currently available for the study of sulfenic acids, and some of the biologically meaningful data that have been collected using such approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina M. Furdui
- Section on Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157
| | - Leslie B. Poole
- Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157
- Correspondence to: Leslie B. Poole, Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157; ; telephone: 336-716-6711
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Ansell BRE, Schnyder M, Deplazes P, Korhonen PK, Young ND, Hall RS, Mangiola S, Boag PR, Hofmann A, Sternberg PW, Jex AR, Gasser RB. Insights into the immuno-molecular biology of Angiostrongylus vasorum through transcriptomics--prospects for new interventions. Biotechnol Adv 2013; 31:1486-500. [PMID: 23895945 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2013.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Revised: 06/28/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus vasorum is a metastrongyloid nematode of dogs and other canids of major clinical importance in many countries. In order to gain first insights into the molecular biology of this worm, we conducted the first large-scale exploration of its transcriptome, and predicted essential molecules linked to metabolic and biological processes as well as host immune responses. We also predicted and prioritized drug targets and drug candidates. Following Illumina sequencing (RNA-seq), 52.3 million sequence reads representing adult A. vasorum were assembled and annotated. The assembly yielded 20,033 contigs, which encoded proteins with 11,505 homologues in Caenorhabditis elegans, and additional 2252 homologues in various other parasitic helminths for which curated data sets were publicly available. Functional annotation was achieved for 11,752 (58.6%) proteins predicted for A. vasorum, including peptidases (4.5%) and peptidase inhibitors (1.6%), protein kinases (1.7%), G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) (1.5%) and phosphatases (1.2%). Contigs encoding excretory/secretory and immuno-modulatory proteins represented some of the most highly transcribed molecules, and encoded enzymes that digest haemoglobin were conserved between A. vasorum and other blood-feeding nematodes. Using an essentiality-based approach, drug targets, including neurotransmitter receptors, an important chemosensory ion channel and cysteine proteinase-3 were predicted in A. vasorum, as were associated small molecular inhibitors/activators. Future transcriptomic analyses of all developmental stages of A. vasorum should facilitate deep explorations of the molecular biology of this important parasitic nematode and support the sequencing of its genome. These advances will provide a foundation for exploring immuno-molecular aspects of angiostrongylosis and have the potential to underpin the discovery of new methods of intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan R E Ansell
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Kim SH, Bae YA, Yang HJ, Shin JH, Diaz-Camacho SP, Nawa Y, Kang I, Kong Y. Structural and binding properties of two paralogous fatty acid binding proteins of Taenia solium metacestode. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1868. [PMID: 23150743 PMCID: PMC3493614 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fatty acid (FA) binding proteins (FABPs) of helminths are implicated in acquisition and utilization of host-derived hydrophobic substances, as well as in signaling and cellular interactions. We previously demonstrated that secretory hydrophobic ligand binding proteins (HLBPs) of Taenia solium metacestode (TsM), a causative agent of neurocysticercosis (NC), shuttle FAs in the surrounding host tissues and inwardly transport the FAs across the parasite syncytial membrane. However, the protein molecules responsible for the intracellular trafficking and assimilation of FAs have remained elusive. Methodology/Principal Findings We isolated two novel TsMFABP genes (TsMFABP1 and TsMFABP2), which encoded 133- and 136-amino acid polypeptides with predicted molecular masses of 14.3 and 14.8 kDa, respectively. They shared 45% sequence identity with each other and 15–95% with other related-members. Homology modeling demonstrated a characteristic β-barrel composed of 10 anti-parallel β-strands and two α-helices. TsMFABP2 harbored two additional loops between β-strands two and three, and β-strands six and seven, respectively. TsMFABP1 was secreted into cyst fluid and surrounding environments, whereas TsMFABP2 was intracellularly confined. Partially purified native proteins migrated to 15 kDa with different isoelectric points of 9.2 (TsMFABP1) and 8.4 (TsMFABP2). Both native and recombinant proteins bound to 11-([5-dimethylaminonaphthalene-1-sulfonyl]amino)undecannoic acid, dansyl-DL-α-amino-caprylic acid, cis-parinaric acid and retinol, which were competitively inhibited by oleic acid. TsMFABP1 exhibited high affinity toward FA analogs. TsMFABPs showed weak binding activity to retinol, but TsMFABP2 showed relatively high affinity. Isolation of two distinct genes from an individual genome strongly suggested their paralogous nature. Abundant expression of TsMFABP1 and TsMFABP2 in the canal region of worm matched well with the histological distributions of lipids and retinol. Conclusions/Significance The divergent biochemical properties, physiological roles and cellular distributions of the TsMFABPs might be one of the critical mechanisms compensating for inadequate de novo FA synthesis. These proteins might exert harmonized or independent roles on lipid assimilation and intracellular signaling. The specialized distribution of retinol in the canal region further implies that cells in this region might differentiate into diverse cell types during metamorphosis into an adult worm. Identification of bioactive systems pertinent to parasitic homeostasis may provide a valuable target for function-related drug design. Neurocysticercosis (NC), an infection of the central nervous system with Taenia solium metacestode (TsM), constitutes a leading cause of adult-onset seizures in endemic areas. Like other helminths, TsM is incapable of synthesizing lipid molecules. It should be equipped with a specialized system for lipid transportation from the host to ensure its long-survival. Such a transport system may be a target for function-associated drug design. We characterized two novel fatty-acid (FA)-binding TsM proteins (TsMFABP1 and TsMFABP2). Native and recombinant proteins bound to several FA analogs and retinol at micromolar and millimolar concentrations. Their binding was specifically inhibited by oleic acid. TsMFABP1exhibited high affinity toward FA analogs, while TsMFABP2 showed preferential affinity to retinol. Both TsMFABPs were predominantly expressed in the canal region of the worm, where lipids and retinol were abundantly distributed. The two paralogous TsMFABPs have undergone (or are still undergoing) structural diversification and following functional divergence to act as FABP or retinol binding protein, similar to the intracellular lipid binding proteins of deuterostomian animals. The canal region specific distribution of lipids, retinol and FABPs further suggested that cells in this area might differentiate into diverse cells to compose huge numbers of the proglottids, thereby playing vital roles in the parasite growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seon-Hee Kim
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine, Samsung Biomedical Research Center, Suwon, Korea
| | - Young-An Bae
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine, Samsung Biomedical Research Center, Suwon, Korea
- Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Gachon University, Inchon, Korea
| | - Hyun-Jong Yang
- Department of Parasitology, Ewha Womans University, School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joo-Ho Shin
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine, Samsung Biomedical Research Center, Suwon, Korea
| | - Sylvia Paz Diaz-Camacho
- Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, Sinaloa, México
| | - Yukifumi Nawa
- Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Insug Kang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoon Kong
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine, Samsung Biomedical Research Center, Suwon, Korea
- * E-mail:
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Gabrielsen M, Rey-Burusco MF, Griffiths K, Roe AJ, Cooper A, Smith BO, Kennedy MW, Corsico B. Two crystal forms of a helix-rich fatty acid- and retinol-binding protein, Na-FAR-1, from the parasitic nematode Necator americanus. Acta Crystallogr Sect F Struct Biol Cryst Commun 2012; 68:835-8. [PMID: 22750878 PMCID: PMC3388935 DOI: 10.1107/s1744309112023597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Na-FAR-1 is an unusual α-helix-rich fatty acid- and retinol-binding protein from Necator americanus, a blood-feeding intestinal parasitic nematode of humans. It belongs to the FAR protein family, which is unique to nematodes; no structural information is available to date for FAR proteins from parasites. Crystals were obtained with two different morphologies that corresponded to different space groups. Crystal form 1 exhibited space group P432 (unit-cell parameters a = b = c = 120.80 Å, α = β = γ = 90°) and diffracted to 2.5 Å resolution, whereas crystal form 2 exhibited space group F23 (unit-cell parameters a = b = c = 240.38 Å, α = β = γ = 90°) and diffracted to 3.2 Å resolution. Crystal form 2 showed signs of significant twinning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mads Gabrielsen
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - M. Florencia Rey-Burusco
- Instituto de Investifaciones Bioquimicas de La Plata, CONICET–UNLP, Facultad de Ciencias Medicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Kate Griffiths
- Insitute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Andrew J. Roe
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Alan Cooper
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Brian O. Smith
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Malcolm W. Kennedy
- Insitute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Betina Corsico
- Instituto de Investifaciones Bioquimicas de La Plata, CONICET–UNLP, Facultad de Ciencias Medicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
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Kennedy MW. The polyprotein allergens of nematodes (NPAs) – Structure at last, but still mysterious. Exp Parasitol 2011; 129:81-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2011.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2011] [Revised: 06/14/2011] [Accepted: 06/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Solution structure of a repeated unit of the ABA-1 nematode polyprotein allergen of Ascaris reveals a novel fold and two discrete lipid-binding sites. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2011; 5:e1040. [PMID: 21526216 PMCID: PMC3079579 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2010] [Accepted: 03/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nematode polyprotein allergens (NPAs) are an unusual class of lipid-binding proteins found only in nematodes. They are synthesized as large, tandemly repetitive polyproteins that are post-translationally cleaved into multiple copies of small lipid binding proteins with virtually identical fatty acid and retinol (Vitamin A)-binding characteristics. They are probably central to transport and distribution of small hydrophobic compounds between the tissues of nematodes, and may play key roles in nutrient scavenging, immunomodulation, and IgE antibody-based responses in infection. In some species the repeating units are diverse in amino acid sequence, but, in ascarid and filarial nematodes, many of the units are identical or near-identical. ABA-1A is the most common repeating unit of the NPA of Ascaris suum, and is closely similar to that of Ascaris lumbricoides, the large intestinal roundworm of humans. Immune responses to NPAs have been associated with naturally-acquired resistance to infection in humans, and the immune repertoire to them is under strict genetic control. Methodology/Principal Findings The solution structure of ABA-1A was determined by protein nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The protein adopts a novel seven-helical fold comprising a long central helix that participates in two hollow four-helical bundles on either side. Discrete hydrophobic ligand-binding pockets are found in the N-terminal and C-terminal bundles, and the amino acid sidechains affected by ligand (fatty acid) binding were identified. Recombinant ABA-1A contains tightly-bound ligand(s) of bacterial culture origin in one of its binding sites. Conclusions/Significance This is the first mature, post-translationally processed, unit of a naturally-occurring tandemly-repetitive polyprotein to be structurally characterized from any source, and it belongs to a new structural class. NPAs have no counterparts in vertebrates, so represent potential targets for drug or immunological intervention. The nature of the (as yet) unidentified bacterial ligand(s) may be pertinent to this, as will our characterization of the unusual binding sites. Parasitic nematode worms cause serious health problems in humans and other animals. They can induce allergic-type immune responses, which can be harmful but may at the same time protect against the infections. Allergens are proteins that trigger allergic reactions and these parasites produce a type that is confined to nematodes, the nematode polyprotein allergens (NPAs). These are synthesized as large precursor proteins comprising repeating units of similar amino acid sequence that are subsequently cleaved into multiple copies of the allergen protein. NPAs bind small lipids such as fatty acids and retinol (Vitamin A) and probably transport these sensitive and insoluble compounds between the tissues of the worms. Nematodes cannot synthesize these lipids, so NPAs may also be crucial for extracting nutrients from their hosts. They may also be involved in altering immune responses by controlling the lipids by which the immune and inflammatory cells communicate. We describe the molecular structure of one unit of an NPA, the well-known ABA-1 allergen of Ascaris, and find its structure to be of a type not previously found for lipid-binding proteins, and we describe the unusual sites where lipids bind within this structure.
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Elle IC, Olsen LCB, Pultz D, Rødkaer SV, Faergeman NJ. Something worth dyeing for: molecular tools for the dissection of lipid metabolism in Caenorhabditis elegans. FEBS Lett 2010; 584:2183-93. [PMID: 20371247 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2010.03.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2010] [Revised: 03/30/2010] [Accepted: 03/30/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) has during the last decade emerged as an invaluable eukaryotic model organism to understand the metabolic and neuro-endocrine regulation of lipid accumulation. The fundamental pathways of food intake, digestion, metabolism, and signalling are evolutionary conserved between mammals and worms making C. elegans a genetically and metabolically extremely tractable model to decipher new regulatory mechanisms of lipid storage and to understand how nutritional and genetic perturbations can lead to obesity and other metabolic diseases. Besides providing an overview of the most important regulatory mechanisms of lipid accumulation in C. elegans, we also critically assess the current methodologies to monitor lipid storage and content as various methods differ in their applicability, consistency, and simplicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Coordt Elle
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
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Bath JL, Robinson M, Kennedy MW, Agbasi C, Linz L, Maetzold E, Scheidt M, Knox M, Ram D, Hein J, Clark C, Drees J. Identification of a secreted fatty acid and retinol-binding protein (Hp-FAR-1) from Heligmosomoides polygyrus. J Nematol 2009; 41:228-33. [PMID: 22736819 PMCID: PMC3380493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2009] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hp-FAR-1 is a major, secreted antigen of the parasitic nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus, a laboratory mouse model frequently used to study the cellular mechanisms of chronic helminth infections. The DNA encoding Hp-FAR-1 was recovered by screening a fourth larval (L₄) H. polygyrus cDNA expression library using antibodies raised against L₄ stage excretory/secretory (E/S) proteins. Predictions of secondary structure based on the Hp-FAR-1 amino acid sequence indicated that an alpha-helix predominates in Hp-FAR-1, possibly with some coiled-coil conformation, with no beta-structure. Fluorescence-based ligand binding analysis confirmed that the recombinant Hp-FAR-1 (rHp-FAR-1) binds the fluorescent fatty acid analog 11-((5-[dimethylaminoaphthalene-1-sulfonyl)amino)undecanoic acid (DAUDA), and by competition oleic acid. RT-PCR amplification of the hp-far-1 gene indicated that the gene is transcribed in all parasitic stages of the organism's life cycle. The presence of a secreted FAR protein in the well-defined laboratory model of H. polygyrus provides an excellent model for the further study and analysis of the in vivo role of secreted FAR proteins in parasitism, and supports the mounting evidence that secreted FAR proteins play a major role in nematode parasitism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Bath
- Department of Biology, Concordia College, Moorhead, MN 56562, USA
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