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Rosa BA, Curtis K, Erdmann Gilmore P, Martin J, Zhang Q, Sprung R, Weil GJ, Townsend RR, Fischer PU, Mitreva M. Direct Proteomic Detection and Prioritization of 19 Onchocerciasis Biomarker Candidates in Humans. Mol Cell Proteomics 2022; 22:100454. [PMID: 36435333 PMCID: PMC9792368 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2022.100454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Onchocerca volvulus, the causative agent of onchocerciasis, infects over 20 million people and can cause severe dermatitis and ocular conditions including blindness. Current treatments employed in mass drug administration programs do not kill adult female worms, and common diagnostic tests cannot reliably assess viability of adult worms. There is an urgent need for better diagnostic tests to facilitate monitoring the efficacy of new treatments and disease elimination efforts. Here, eight plasma samples collected from individuals infected with O. volvulus and seven from uninfected individuals were analyzed by MS/MS spectrometry to directly identify O. volvulus proteins present in infected but absent in uninfected control samples. This direct proteomic approach for biomarker discovery had not been previously employed for onchocerciasis. Among all detected proteins, 19 biomarker candidates were supported by two or more unique peptides, identified in the plasma of at least three O. volvulus-infected human samples and absent in all control samples. Comprehensive analysis and ranking of these candidates included detailed functional annotation and a review of RNA-seq gene expression profiles. Isotope-labeled standard peptides were run in parallel and validated MS/MS peptide identifications for 15 peptides from 11 of the 19 proteins, and two infected urine and one uninfected urine sample was used for additional validation. A major antigen/OVOC11613 was identified as the most promising candidate with eight unique peptides across five plasma samples and one urine sample. Additional strong candidates included OVOC1523/ATP synthase, OVOC247/laminin and OVOC11626/PLK5, and along with OVOC11613, and were also detected in urine samples from onchocerciasis patients. This study has identified a promising novel set of proteins that will be carried forward to develop assays that can be used for diagnosis of O. volvulus infections and for monitoring treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce A. Rosa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kurt Curtis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Petra Erdmann Gilmore
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - John Martin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Robert Sprung
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Gary J. Weil
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - R. Reid Townsend
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Peter U. Fischer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Makedonka Mitreva
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA,Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA,McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA,For correspondence: Makedonka Mitreva
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2
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Ajendra J, Allen JE. Neutrophils: Friend or Foe in Filariasis? Parasite Immunol 2022; 44:e12918. [DOI: 10.1111/pim.12918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jesuthas Ajendra
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology University Hospital of Bonn Bonn Germany
| | - Judith E. Allen
- Lydia Becker Institute for Immunology & Infection, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Wellcome Centre for Cell‐Matrix Research, Manchester Academic Health Science Center University of Manchester Manchester UK
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3
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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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Wang T, Gasser RB. Prospects of Using High-Throughput Proteomics to Underpin the Discovery of Animal Host-Nematode Interactions. Pathogens 2021; 10:825. [PMID: 34209223 PMCID: PMC8308620 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes impose a significant public health burden, and cause major economic losses to agriculture worldwide. Due to the widespread of anthelmintic resistance and lack of effective vaccines for most nematode species, there is an urgent need to discover novel therapeutic and vaccine targets, informed through an understanding of host-parasite interactions. Proteomics, underpinned by genomics, enables the global characterisation proteins expressed in a particular cell type, tissue and organism, and provides a key to insights at the host-parasite interface using advanced high-throughput mass spectrometry-based proteomic technologies. Here, we (i) review current mass-spectrometry-based proteomic methods, with an emphasis on a high-throughput 'bottom-up' approach; (ii) summarise recent progress in the proteomics of parasitic nematodes of animals, with a focus on molecules inferred to be involved in host-parasite interactions; and (iii) discuss future research directions that could enhance our knowledge and understanding of the molecular interplay between nematodes and host animals, in order to work toward new, improved methods for the treatment, diagnosis and control of nematodiases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
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5
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Brattig NW, Cheke RA, Garms R. Onchocerciasis (river blindness) - more than a century of research and control. Acta Trop 2021; 218:105677. [PMID: 32857984 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review summarises more than a century of research on onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, and its control. River blindness is an infection caused by the tissue filaria Onchocerca volvulus affecting the skin, subcutaneous tissue and eyes and leading to blindness in a minority of infected persons. The parasite is transmitted by its intermediate hosts Simulium spp. which breed in rivers. Featured are history and milestones in onchocerciasis research and control, state-of-the-art data on the parasite, its endobacteria Wolbachia, on the vectors, previous and current prevalence of the infection, its diagnostics, the interaction between the parasite and its host, immune responses and the pathology of onchocerciasis. Detailed information is documented on the time course of control programmes in the afflicted countries in Africa and the Americas, a long road from previous programmes to current successes in control of the transmission of this infectious disease. By development, adjustment and optimization of the control measures, transmission by the vector has been interrupted in foci of countries in the Americas, in Uganda, in Sudan and elsewhere, followed by onchocerciasis eliminations. The current state and future perspectives for control, elimination and eradication within the next 20-30 years are described and discussed. This review contributes to a deeper comprehension of this disease by a tissue-dwelling filaria and it will be helpful in efforts to control and eliminate other filarial infections.
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Ngwasiri NN, Brattig NW, Ndjonka D, Liebau E, Paguem A, Leusder D, Kingsley MT, Eisenbarth A, Renz A, Daniel AM. Galectins from Onchocerca ochengi and O. volvulus and their immune recognition by Wistar rats, Gudali zebu cattle and human hosts. BMC Microbiol 2021; 21:5. [PMID: 33407120 PMCID: PMC7788699 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-020-02064-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During the last two decades research on animal filarial parasites, especially Onchocerca ochengi, infecting cattle in savanna areas of Africa revealed that O. ochengi as an animal model has biological features that are similar to those of O. volvulus, the aetiological agent of human onchocerciasis. There is, however, a paucity of biochemical, immunological and pathological data for O. ochengi. Galectins can be generated by parasites and their hosts. They are multifunctional molecules affecting the interaction between filarial parasites and their mammalian hosts including immune responses. This study characterized O. ochengi galectin, verified its immunologenicity and established its immune reactivity and that of Onchocerca volvulus galectin. Results The phylogenetic analysis showed the high degree of identity between the identified O. ochengi and the O. volvulus galectin-1 (ß-galactoside-binding protein-1) consisting only in one exchange of alanine for serine. O. ochengi galectin induced IgG antibodies during 28 days after immunization of Wistar rats. IgG from O. ochengi-infected cattle and O. volvulus-infected humans cross-reacted with the corresponding galectins. Under the applied experimental conditions in a cell proliferation test, O. ochengi galectin failed to significantly stimulate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from O. ochengi-infected cattle, regardless of their parasite load. Conclusion An O. ochengi galectin gene was identified and the recombinantly expressed protein was immunogenic. IgG from Onchocerca-infected humans and cattle showed similar cross-reaction with both respective galectins. The present findings reflect the phylogenetic relationship between the two parasites and endorse the appropriateness of the cattle O. ochengi model for O. volvulus infection research. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-020-02064-3.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Norbert W Brattig
- Department Molecular Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute of Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Eva Liebau
- University of Muenster, Münster, Germany
| | - Archile Paguem
- University of Ngaoundéré, Ngaoundéré, Cameroon.,Department Comparative Zoology, Eberhard Karls University, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | | | - Manchang Tanyi Kingsley
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.,Veterinary Research Laboratory, IRAD Wakwa Regional Centre, Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
| | - Albert Eisenbarth
- Department Comparative Zoology, Eberhard Karls University, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, Tübingen, Germany.,Programme Onchocercoses, Station of the University of Tübingen, Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
| | - Alfons Renz
- Department Comparative Zoology, Eberhard Karls University, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, Tübingen, Germany.,Programme Onchocercoses, Station of the University of Tübingen, Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
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Wang T, Ma G, Nie S, Williamson NA, Reid GE, Gasser RB. Lipid composition and abundance in the reproductive and alimentary tracts of female Haemonchus contortus. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:338. [PMID: 32631412 PMCID: PMC7339462 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04208-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lipids play essential structural and functional roles in the biology of animals. Studying the composition and abundance of lipids in parasites should assist in gaining a better understanding of their molecular biology, biochemistry and host-parasite interactions. METHODS Here, we used a combination of high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometric analyses, combined with bioinformatics, to explore the lipid composition and abundance in the reproductive (Rt) and alimentary (At) tracts of Haemonchus contortus. RESULTS We identified and quantified 320 unique lipid species representing four categories: glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and steroid lipids. Glycerolipids (i.e. triradylglycerols) and glycerophospholipids (i.e. glycerophosphocholines) were the most commonly and abundant lipid classes identified and were significantly enriched in Rt and At, respectively. We propose that select parasite-derived lipids in Rt and At of adult female H. contortus are required as an energy source (i.e. triradylglycerol) or are involved in phospholipid biosynthesis (i.e. incorporated fatty acids) and host-parasite interactions (i.e. phospholipids and lysophospholipids). CONCLUSIONS This work provides a first foundation to explore lipids at the organ-specific and tissue-specific levels in nematodes, and to start to unravel aspects of lipid transport, synthesis and metabolism, with a perspective on discovering new intervention targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Guangxu Ma
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Shuai Nie
- Bio21 Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Nicholas A. Williamson
- Bio21 Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Gavin E. Reid
- School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
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8
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Quintana JF, Kumar S, Ivens A, Chow FWN, Hoy AM, Fulton A, Dickinson P, Martin C, Taylor M, Babayan SA, Buck AH. Comparative analysis of small RNAs released by the filarial nematode Litomosoides sigmodontis in vitro and in vivo. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007811. [PMID: 31770367 PMCID: PMC6903752 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The release of small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) has been reported in parasitic nematodes, trematodes and cestodes of medical and veterinary importance. However, little is known regarding the diversity and composition of sRNAs released by different lifecycle stages and the portion of sRNAs that persist in host tissues during filarial infection. This information is relevant to understanding potential roles of sRNAs in parasite-to-host communication, as well as to inform on the location within the host and time point at which they can be detected. Methodology and principal findings We have used small RNA (sRNA) sequencing analysis to identify sRNAs in replicate samples of the excretory-secretory (ES) products of developmental stages of the filarial nematode Litomosoides sigmodontis in vitro and compare this to the parasite-derived sRNA detected in host tissues. We show that all L. sigmodontis developmental stages release RNAs in vitro, including ribosomal RNA fragments, 5’-derived tRNA fragments (5’-tRFs) and, to a lesser extent, microRNAs (miRNAs). The gravid adult females (gAF) produce the largest diversity and abundance of miRNAs in the ES compared to the adult males or microfilariae. Analysis of sRNAs detected in serum and macrophages from infected animals reveals that parasite miRNAs are preferentially detected in vivo, compared to their low levels in the ES products, and identifies miR-92-3p and miR-71-5p as L. sigmodontis miRNAs that are stably detected in host cells in vivo. Conclusions Our results suggest that gravid adult female worms secrete the largest diversity of extracellular sRNAs compared to adult males or microfilariae. We further show differences in the parasite sRNA biotype distribution detected in vitro versus in vivo. We identify macrophages as one reservoir for parasite sRNA during infection, and confirm the presence of parasite miRNAs and tRNAs in host serum during patent infection. Lymphatic and visceral filariasis, as well as loiasis and onchocerciasis, are parasitic infections caused by filarial nematodes that can cause extensive and diverse clinical manifestations, including edemas of the lower limbs and visual impairment. These parasites successfully maintain a crosstalk with the immune system of their host and one potential mediator of this communication is extracellular small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) released by the parasite. However, little is known of the mechanisms of sRNA export, how the exported sRNAs differ between lifecycle stages, and how the parasite microenvironment (e.g. in vitro vs. in vivo) contributes to the composition of sRNAs that can be detected. In this report, we show that all the developmental stages of the filarial parasite Litomosoides sigmodontis release sRNAs, which include tRNA fragments and miRNAs, in vitro. A subset of the miRNAs are differentially represented in the ES products between adult stages (males and gravid females) and larval stages (microfilariae) in vitro, however all of the miRNAs detected in serum or macrophages in vivo are present in the ES from all life stages. We show that the parasite-derived miRNAs are protected from degradation in vitro and are stable in vivo, as they are readily detectable in the serum of infected jirds. Several parasite miRNAs are also detected within macrophages purified from infected hosts, consistent with parasite RNAs having a yet unidentified functional role in host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan F. Quintana
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research and Centre for Immunity, Infection & Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sujai Kumar
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research and Centre for Immunity, Infection & Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Alasdair Ivens
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research and Centre for Immunity, Infection & Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Franklin W. N. Chow
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research and Centre for Immunity, Infection & Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Anna M. Hoy
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research and Centre for Immunity, Infection & Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Fulton
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research and Centre for Immunity, Infection & Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Dickinson
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research and Centre for Immunity, Infection & Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Coralie Martin
- Unite Molecules de Communication et Adaptation des Microorganismes (MCAM, UMR 7245), Sorbonne Universites, Museum national d’Histoire naturelle, CNRS, CP52, Paris, France
| | - Matthew Taylor
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research and Centre for Immunity, Infection & Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Simon A. Babayan
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Amy H. Buck
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research and Centre for Immunity, Infection & Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Characterization of a novel glycosylated glutathione transferase of Onchocerca ochengi, closest relative of the human river blindness parasite. Parasitology 2019; 146:1773-1784. [PMID: 31190665 PMCID: PMC6939172 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182019000763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Filarial nematodes possess glutathione transferases (GSTs), ubiquitous enzymes with the potential to detoxify xenobiotic and endogenous substrates, and modulate the host immune system, which may aid worm infection establishment, maintenance and survival in the host. Here we have identified and characterized a σ class glycosylated GST (OoGST1), from the cattle-infective filarial nematode Onchocerca ochengi, which is homologous (99% amino acid identity) with an immunodominant GST and potential vaccine candidate from the human parasite, O. volvulus, (OvGST1b). Onchocerca ochengi native GSTs were purified using a two-step affinity chromatography approach, resolved by 2D and 1D SDS-PAGE and subjected to enzymic deglycosylation revealing the existence of at least four glycoforms. A combination of lectin-blotting and mass spectrometry (MS) analyses of the released N-glycans indicated that OoGST1 contained mainly oligomannose Man5GlcNAc2 structure, but also hybrid- and larger oligommanose-type glycans in a lower proportion. Furthermore, purified OoGST1 showed prostaglandin synthase activity as confirmed by Liquid Chromatography (LC)/MS following a coupled-enzyme assay. This is only the second reported and characterized glycosylated GST and our study highlights its potential role in host-parasite interactions and use in the study of human onchocerciasis.
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Cho-Ngwa F, Mbah GE, Ayiseh RB, Ndi EM, Monya E, Tumanjong IM, Mainsah EN, Sakanari J, Lustigman S. Development and validation of an Onchocerca ochengi adult male worm gerbil model for macrofilaricidal drug screening. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007556. [PMID: 31260456 PMCID: PMC6625737 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Onchocerciasis currently afflicts an estimated 15 million people and is the second leading infectious cause of blindness world-wide. The development of a macrofilaricide to cure the disease has been hindered by the lack of appropriate small laboratory animal models. This study therefore, was aimed at developing and validating the Mongolian gerbil, as an Onchocerca ochengi (the closest in phylogeny to O. volvulus) adult male worm model. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) were each implanted with 20 O. ochengi male worms (collected from infected cattle), in the peritoneum. Following drug or placebo treatments, the implanted worms were recovered from the animals and analyzed for burden, motility and viability. Worm recovery in control gerbils was on average 35%, with 89% of the worms being 100% motile. Treatment of the gerbils implanted with male worms with flubendazole (FBZ) resulted in a significant reduction (p = 0.0021) in worm burden (6.0% versus 27.8% in the control animals); all recovered worms from the treated group had 0% worm motility versus 91.1% motility in control animals. FBZ treatment had similar results even after four different experiments. Using this model, we tested a related drug, oxfendazole (OFZ), and found it to also significantly (p = 0.0097) affect worm motility (22.7% versus 95.0% in the control group). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE We have developed and validated a novel gerbil O. ochengi adult male worm model for testing new macrofilaricidal drugs in vivo. It was also used to determine the efficacy of oxfendazole in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fidelis Cho-Ngwa
- ANDI Centre of Excellence for Onchocerciasis Drug Research, Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Glory Enjong Mbah
- ANDI Centre of Excellence for Onchocerciasis Drug Research, Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Rene Bilingwe Ayiseh
- ANDI Centre of Excellence for Onchocerciasis Drug Research, Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Emmanuel Menang Ndi
- ANDI Centre of Excellence for Onchocerciasis Drug Research, Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Elvis Monya
- ANDI Centre of Excellence for Onchocerciasis Drug Research, Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Irene Memeh Tumanjong
- ANDI Centre of Excellence for Onchocerciasis Drug Research, Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Evans Ngandung Mainsah
- ANDI Centre of Excellence for Onchocerciasis Drug Research, Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Judy Sakanari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Sara Lustigman
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York City, New York, United States of America
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11
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Wang T, Ma G, Ang CS, Korhonen PK, Xu R, Nie S, Koehler AV, Simpson RJ, Greening DW, Reid GE, Williamson NA, Gasser RB. Somatic proteome of Haemonchus contortus. Int J Parasitol 2019; 49:311-320. [PMID: 30771357 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Currently, there is a dearth of proteomic data to underpin fundamental investigations of parasites and parasitism at the molecular level. Here, using a high throughput LC-MS/MS-based approach, we undertook the first reported comprehensive, large-scale proteomic investigation of the barber's pole worm (Haemonchus contortus) - one of the most important parasitic nematodes of livestock animals worldwide. In total, 2487 unique H. contortus proteins representing different developmental stages/sexes (i.e. eggs, L3s and L4s, female (Af) and male (Am) adults) were identified and quantified with high confidence. Bioinformatic analyses of this proteome revealed substantial alterations in protein profiles during the life cycle, particularly in the transition from the free-living to the parasitic phase, and key groups of proteins involved specifically in feeding, digestion, metabolism, development, parasite-host interactions (including immunomodulation), structural remodelling of the body wall and adaptive processes during parasitism. This proteomic data set will facilitate future molecular, biochemical and physiological investigations of H. contortus and related nematodes, and the discovery of novel intervention targets against haemonchosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Guangxu Ma
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Ching-Seng Ang
- Bio21 Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Pasi K Korhonen
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Rong Xu
- Department of Biochemistry, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS), La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Shuai Nie
- Bio21 Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Anson V Koehler
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Richard J Simpson
- Department of Biochemistry, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS), La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - David W Greening
- Department of Biochemistry, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS), La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Gavin E Reid
- School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute. The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Nicholas A Williamson
- Bio21 Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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12
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Bah SY, Morang'a CM, Kengne-Ouafo JA, Amenga-Etego L, Awandare GA. Highlights on the Application of Genomics and Bioinformatics in the Fight Against Infectious Diseases: Challenges and Opportunities in Africa. Front Genet 2018; 9:575. [PMID: 30538723 PMCID: PMC6277583 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomics and bioinformatics are increasingly contributing to our understanding of infectious diseases caused by bacterial pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and parasites such as Plasmodium falciparum. This ranges from investigations of disease outbreaks and pathogenesis, host and pathogen genomic variation, and host immune evasion mechanisms to identification of potential diagnostic markers and vaccine targets. High throughput genomics data generated from pathogens and animal models can be combined with host genomics and patients’ health records to give advice on treatment options as well as potential drug and vaccine interactions. However, despite accounting for the highest burden of infectious diseases, Africa has the lowest research output on infectious disease genomics. Here we review the contributions of genomics and bioinformatics to the management of infectious diseases of serious public health concern in Africa including tuberculosis (TB), dengue fever, malaria and filariasis. Furthermore, we discuss how genomics and bioinformatics can be applied to identify drug and vaccine targets. We conclude by identifying challenges to genomics research in Africa and highlighting how these can be overcome where possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saikou Y Bah
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.,Vaccine and Immunity Theme, MRC Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | - Collins Misita Morang'a
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jonas A Kengne-Ouafo
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Lucas Amenga-Etego
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Gordon A Awandare
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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13
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Huang S, Cao S, Zhou T, Kong L, Liang G. 4-tert-octylphenol injures motility and viability of human sperm by affecting cAMP-PKA/PKC-tyrosine phosphorylation signals. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2018; 62:234-243. [PMID: 30098580 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2018.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
4-tert-octylphenol (4t-OP) is a well-known xenoestrogen. Our objective was to explore the effects and molecular mechanisms of 4t-OP on human sperm. Sperm samples were exposed to 0, 0.1, or 0.3 mM 4t-OP for two hours. Results showed that both sperm viability and motility were significantly injured by 0.3 mM 4t-OP. We applied comparative proteomics to explore the molecular targets affected by 4t-OP. 81 differentially expressed (DE) proteins were identified. Bioinformatic analysis showed that these proteins were highly associated with motility and apoptosis, and were mostly enriched in cAMP-PKA/PKC-phosphorylation-associated pathway. We further verified that 0.1 mM and 0.3 mM 4t-OP significantly decreased cAMP activity of sperm. Expression of RACK1 and PRDX6 were detected by western blot (WB) to verify their tendencies in gels; antiapoptotic factor BCL2 was also detected by WB. The data indicated that 4-tert-octylphenol injures the motility and viability of human sperm probably by affecting cAMP-PKA/PKC-tyrosine phosphorylation signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoping Huang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Senyang Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, China; Center of Reproductive Medicine, Yancheng Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Yancheng 224002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, China; Central Laboratory, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital affiliated to Nanjing Medical University 214002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lu Kong
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Geyu Liang
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
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14
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Boursou D, Ndjonka D, Eisenbarth A, Manchang K, Paguem A, Ngwasiri NN, Vildina JD, Abanda B, Krumkamp R, van Hoorn S, Renz A, Achukwi MD, Liebau E, Brattig NW. Onchocerca - infected cattle produce strong antibody responses to excretory-secretory proteins released from adult male Onchocerca ochengi worms. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:200. [PMID: 29716541 PMCID: PMC5930424 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3109-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The front line molecules from filarial worms and other nematodes or helminthes are their Excretory-Secretory (ES) products. Their interaction with the host cells, proteins and immune system accounts for the skin and eye pathology or hyposensitivity observed in human onchocerciasis. ES products and adult worms’ crude extracts from Onchocerca ochengi, a filarial nematode that infects the African zebu cattle, were utilized in the present study as a model for studying Onchocerca volvulus that causes river blindness in man. Methods The ES products were generated from adult male and female worms in vitro and analyzed with poly acrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using sera from Onchocerca-infected cattle and humans. The cattle sera were collected from a herd that had been exposed for six years to natural transmission of Onchocerca spp. The expressed reactivity was evaluated and differences analyzed statistically using Kruskal-Wallis rank and Chi-square tests. Results The gel electrophoretic analyses of 156 ES products from O. ochengi female and male worms and of two somatic extracts from three females and 25 males revealed differences in the protein pattern showing pronounced bands at 15, 30–50 and 75 kDa for male ES proteins and 15, 25 and 40–75 kDa for somatic extracts, respectively and less than 100 kDa for female worms. Proteins in the ES products and somatic extracts from female and male Onchocerca ochengi worms were recognized by IgG in sera from both Onchocerca-exposed cattle and humans. Bovine serum antibodies reacted more strongly with proteins in the somatic extracts than with those in the ES products. Interestingly, the reaction was higher with male ES products than with ES products from female worms, suggesting that the males which migrate from one nodule to another are more exposed to the host immune system than the females which remain encapsulated in intradermal nodules. Conclusions This study demonstrates that O. ochengi ES products and, in particular, extracts from male filariae may represent a good source of immunogenic proteins and potential vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djafsia Boursou
- University of Ngaoundéré, Faculty of Science, Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
| | | | - Albert Eisenbarth
- Programme Onchocercoses, Field research station of the University of Tübingen, Ngaoundéré, Cameroon.,Eberhard Karls University, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, Comparative Zoology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kingsley Manchang
- Veterinary Research Laboratory, IRAD Wakwa Regional Centre, Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
| | - Archille Paguem
- University of Ngaoundéré, Faculty of Science, Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
| | | | | | - Babette Abanda
- University of Ngaoundéré, Faculty of Science, Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
| | - Ralf Krumkamp
- Bernhard Nocht Institute of Tropical Medicine, Disease Epidemiology Department, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Silke van Hoorn
- Bernhard Nocht Institute of Tropical Medicine, Disease Epidemiology Department, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alfons Renz
- Eberhard Karls University, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, Comparative Zoology, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | - Norbert W Brattig
- Bernhard Nocht Institute of Tropical Medicine, Disease Epidemiology Department, Hamburg, Germany
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15
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Lustigman S, Makepeace BL, Klei TR, Babayan SA, Hotez P, Abraham D, Bottazzi ME. Onchocerca volvulus: The Road from Basic Biology to a Vaccine. Trends Parasitol 2017; 34:64-79. [PMID: 28958602 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2017.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Human onchocerciasis - commonly known as river blindness - is one of the most devastating yet neglected tropical diseases, leaving many millions in sub-Saharan Africa blind and/or with chronic disabilities. Attempts to eliminate onchocerciasis, primarily through the mass drug administration of ivermectin, remains challenging and has been heightened by the recent news that drug-resistant parasites are developing in some populations after years of drug treatment. Needed, and needed now, in the fight to eliminate onchocerciasis are new tools, such as preventive and therapeutic vaccines. This review summarizes the progress made to advance the onchocerciasis vaccine from the research laboratory into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Lustigman
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, Lindsley F Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Benjamin L Makepeace
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Thomas R Klei
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Simon A Babayan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow and Moredun Research Institute, Glasgow, UK
| | - Peter Hotez
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David Abraham
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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16
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Globisch D, Eubanks LM, Shirey RJ, Pfarr KM, Wanji S, Debrah AY, Hoerauf A, Janda KD. Validation of onchocerciasis biomarker N-acetyltyramine-O-glucuronide (NATOG). Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2017; 27:3436-3440. [PMID: 28600214 PMCID: PMC5510726 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2017.05.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The Neglected Tropical Disease onchocerciasis is a parasitic disease. Despite many control programmes by the World Health Organization (WHO), large communities in West and Central Africa are still affected. Besides logistic challenges during biannual mass drug administration, the lack of a robust, point-of-care diagnostic is limiting successful eradication of onchocerciasis. Towards the implementation of a non-invasive and point-of-care diagnostic, we have recently reported the discovery of the biomarker N-acetyltyramine-O-glucuronide (NATOG) in human urine samples using a metabolomics-mining approach. NATOG's biomarker value was enhanced during an investigation in a rodent model. Herein, we further detail the specificity of NATOG in active onchocerciasis infections as well as the co-infecting parasites Loa loa and Mansonella perstans. Our results measured by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) reveal elevated NATOG values in mono- and co-infection samples only in the presence of the nematode Onchocerca volvulus. Metabolic pathway investigation of l-tyrosine/tyramine in all investigated nematodes uncovered an important link between the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia and O. volvulus for the biosynthesis of NATOG. Based on these extended studies, we suggest NATOG as a biomarker for tracking active onchocerciasis infections and provide a threshold concentration value of NATOG for future diagnostic tool development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Globisch
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States; Department of Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Worm Institute of Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States.
| | - Lisa M Eubanks
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States; Department of Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Worm Institute of Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
| | - Ryan J Shirey
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States; Department of Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Worm Institute of Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
| | - Kenneth M Pfarr
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund Freud Straße 25, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Samuel Wanji
- Research Foundation in Tropical Diseases and Environment (REFOTDE), P.O Box 474, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Alexander Y Debrah
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Achim Hoerauf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund Freud Straße 25, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Kim D Janda
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States; Department of Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Worm Institute of Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
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17
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Wewer V, Makepeace BL, Tanya VN, Peisker H, Pfarr K, Hoerauf A, Dörmann P. Lipid profiling of the filarial nematodes Onchocerca volvulus, Onchocerca ochengi and Litomosoides sigmodontis reveals the accumulation of nematode-specific ether phospholipids in the host. Int J Parasitol 2017; 47:903-912. [PMID: 28743489 PMCID: PMC5716430 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Onchocerciasis is an infectious disease caused by filarial nematodes. Three different filarial nematodes infecting cattle, humans and jirds were studied. Phospholipids in nematodes and hosts were determined by mass spectrometry. Filaria-specific ether phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) lipids accumulate in the host. These ether PE lipids could serve as potential biomarkers for onchocerciasis.
Onchocerciasis, a neglected tropical disease prevalent in western and central Africa, is a major health problem and has been targeted for elimination. The causative agent for this disease is the human parasite Onchocerca volvulus. Onchocerca ochengi and Litomosoides sigmodontis, infectious agents of cattle and rodents, respectively, serve as model organisms to study filarial nematode infections. Biomarkers to determine infection without the use of painful skin biopsies and microscopic identification of larval worms are needed and their discovery is facilitated by an improved knowledge of parasite-specific metabolites. In addition to proteins and nucleic acids, lipids may be suitable candidates for filarial biomarkers that are currently underexplored. To fill this gap, we present the phospholipid profile of the filarial nematodes O. ochengi, O. volvulus and L. sigmodontis. Direct infusion quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-TOF) mass spectrometry was employed to analyze the composition of phospholipids and their molecular species in the three nematode species. Analysis of the phospholipid profiles of plasma or serum of uninfected and infected hosts showed that nematode-specific phospholipids were below detection limits. However, several phospholipids, in particular ether lipids of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), were abundant in O. ochengi worms and in bovine nodule fluid, suggesting that these phospholipids might be released from O. ochengi into the host, and could serve as potential biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Wewer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Benjamin L Makepeace
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK
| | - Vincent N Tanya
- Institut de Recherche Agricole pour le Développement, Regional Centre of Wakwa, BP65 Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
| | - Helga Peisker
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Plants, University of Bonn, Karlrobert-Kreiten-Str. 13, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Kenneth Pfarr
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany..
| | - Achim Hoerauf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany..
| | - Peter Dörmann
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Plants, University of Bonn, Karlrobert-Kreiten-Str. 13, 53115 Bonn, Germany.
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18
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Lustigman
- Molecular Parasitology, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Alexandra Grote
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Elodie Ghedin
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, United States of America
- College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States of America
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19
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Stage-Specific Transcriptome and Proteome Analyses of the Filarial Parasite Onchocerca volvulus and Its Wolbachia Endosymbiont. mBio 2016; 7:mBio.02028-16. [PMID: 27881553 PMCID: PMC5137501 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02028-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Onchocerciasis (river blindness) is a neglected tropical disease that has been successfully targeted by mass drug treatment programs in the Americas and small parts of Africa. Achieving the long-term goal of elimination of onchocerciasis, however, requires additional tools, including drugs, vaccines, and biomarkers of infection. Here, we describe the transcriptome and proteome profiles of the major vector and the human host stages (L1, L2, L3, molting L3, L4, adult male, and adult female) of Onchocerca volvulus along with the proteome of each parasitic stage and of its Wolbachia endosymbiont (wOv). In so doing, we have identified stage-specific pathways important to the parasite’s adaptation to its human host during its early development. Further, we generated a protein array that, when screened with well-characterized human samples, identified novel diagnostic biomarkers of O. volvulus infection and new potential vaccine candidates. This immunomic approach not only demonstrates the power of this postgenomic discovery platform but also provides additional tools for onchocerciasis control programs. The global onchocerciasis (river blindness) elimination program will have to rely on the development of new tools (drugs, vaccines, biomarkers) to achieve its goals by 2025. As an adjunct to the completed genomic sequencing of O. volvulus, we used a comprehensive proteomic and transcriptomic profiling strategy to gain a comprehensive understanding of both the vector-derived and human host-derived parasite stages. In so doing, we have identified proteins and pathways that enable novel drug targeting studies and the discovery of novel vaccine candidates, as well as useful biomarkers of active infection.
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20
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Stoltzfus JD, Pilgrim AA, Herbert DR. Perusal of parasitic nematode 'omics in the post-genomic era. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2016; 215:11-22. [PMID: 27887974 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The advent of high-throughput, next-generation sequencing methods combined with advances in computational biology and bioinformatics have greatly accelerated discovery within biomedical research. This "post-genomics" era has ushered in powerful approaches allowing one to quantify RNA transcript and protein abundance for every gene in the genome - often for multiple conditions. Herein, we chronicle how the post-genomics era has advanced our overall understanding of parasitic nematodes through transcriptomics and proteomics and highlight some of the important advances made in each major nematode clade. We primarily focus on organisms relevant to human health, given that nematode infections significantly impact disability-adjusted life years (DALY) scores within the developing world, but we also discuss organisms of veterinary importance as well as those used as laboratory models. As such, we envision that this review will serve as a comprehensive resource for those seeking a better understanding of basic parasitic nematode biology as well as those interested in targets for vaccination and pharmacological intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Stoltzfus
- Department of Biology, Millersville University, Millersville, PA, United States.
| | - Adeiye A Pilgrim
- Emory University School of Medicine MD/PhD Program, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - De'Broski R Herbert
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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21
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25 Years of the Onchocerca ochengi Model. Trends Parasitol 2016; 32:966-978. [PMID: 27665524 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2016.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Revised: 08/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Although of limited veterinary significance, Onchocerca ochengi has become famous as a natural model or 'analogue' of human onchocerciasis (river blindness), which is caused by Onchocerca volvulus. On the basis of both morphological and molecular criteria, O. ochengi is the closest extant relative of O. volvulus and shares several key natural history traits with the human pathogen. These include exploitation of the same group of insect vectors (blackflies of the Simulium damnosum complex) and formation of collagenous nodules with a similar histological structure to human nodules. Here, we review the contribution of this natural system to drug and vaccine discovery efforts, as well as to our basic biological understanding of Onchocerca spp., over the past quarter-century.
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