1
|
Villalobos G, Lopez-Escamilla E, Olivo-Diaz A, Romero-Valdovinos M, Martinez A, Maravilla P, Martinez-Hernandez F. Genetic Variation among the Partial Gene Sequences of the Ribosomal Protein Large-Two, the Internal Transcribed Spacer, and the Small Ribosomal Subunit of Blastocystis sp. from Human Fecal Samples. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1152. [PMID: 38930533 PMCID: PMC11205392 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we compared the genetic variability of fragments from the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and the small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSUrDNA) as nuclear markers, in contrast with the ribosomal protein large two (rpl2) loci, placed in the mitochondrion-related organelles (MROs) within and among human fecal samples with Blastocystis. Samples were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-sequencing, phylogenies, and genetics of population structure analyses were performed. In total, 96 sequences were analyzed, i.e., 33 of SSUrDNA, 35 of rpl2, and 28 of ITS. Only three subtypes (STs) were identified, i.e., ST1 (11.4%), ST2 (28.6%), and ST3 (60%); in all cases, kappa indexes were 1, meaning a perfect agreement among ST assignations. The topologies of phylogenetic inferences were similar among them, clustering to each ST in its specific cluster; discrepancies between phylogeny and assignment of STs were not observed. The STRUCTURE v2.3.4 software assigned three subpopulations corresponding to the STs 1-3, respectively. The population indices were consistent with those previously reported by other groups. Our results suggest the potential use of the ITS and rpl2 genes as molecular markers for Blastocystis subtyping as an alternative approach for the study of the genetic diversity observed within and between human isolates of this microorganism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guiehdani Villalobos
- Departamento de Produccion Agricola y Animal, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Mexico City 04960, Mexico;
| | - Eduardo Lopez-Escamilla
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Histocompatibilidad, Hospital General “Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (E.L.-E.); (A.O.-D.)
| | - Angelica Olivo-Diaz
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Histocompatibilidad, Hospital General “Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (E.L.-E.); (A.O.-D.)
| | - Mirza Romero-Valdovinos
- Laboratorio de Patogenos Emergentes, Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Histocompatibilidad, Hospital General “Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico;
| | - Arony Martinez
- Departamento de Ecologia de Agentes Patogenos, Hospital General “Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico;
| | - Pablo Maravilla
- Departamento de Ecologia de Agentes Patogenos, Hospital General “Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico;
| | - Fernando Martinez-Hernandez
- Departamento de Ecologia de Agentes Patogenos, Hospital General “Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Záhonová K, Low RS, Warren CJ, Cantoni D, Herman EK, Yiangou L, Ribeiro CA, Phanprasert Y, Brown IR, Rueckert S, Baker NL, Tachezy J, Betts EL, Gentekaki E, van der Giezen M, Clark CG, Jackson AP, Dacks JB, Tsaousis AD. Evolutionary analysis of cellular reduction and anaerobicity in the hyper-prevalent gut microbe Blastocystis. Curr Biol 2023:S0960-9822(23)00620-6. [PMID: 37267944 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is the most prevalent microbial eukaryote in the human and animal gut, yet its role as commensal or parasite is still under debate. Blastocystis has clearly undergone evolutionary adaptation to the gut environment and possesses minimal cellular compartmentalization, reduced anaerobic mitochondria, no flagella, and no reported peroxisomes. To address this poorly understood evolutionary transition, we have taken a multi-disciplinary approach to characterize Proteromonas lacertae, the closest canonical stramenopile relative of Blastocystis. Genomic data reveal an abundance of unique genes in P. lacertae but also reductive evolution of the genomic complement in Blastocystis. Comparative genomic analysis sheds light on flagellar evolution, including 37 new candidate components implicated with mastigonemes, the stramenopile morphological hallmark. The P. lacertae membrane-trafficking system (MTS) complement is only slightly more canonical than that of Blastocystis, but notably, we identified that both organisms encode the complete enigmatic endocytic TSET complex, a first for the entire stramenopile lineage. Investigation also details the modulation of mitochondrial composition and metabolism in both P. lacertae and Blastocystis. Unexpectedly, we identify in P. lacertae the most reduced peroxisome-derived organelle reported to date, which leads us to speculate on a mechanism of constraint guiding the dynamics of peroxisome-mitochondrion reductive evolution on the path to anaerobiosis. Overall, these analyses provide a launching point to investigate organellar evolution and reveal in detail the evolutionary path that Blastocystis has taken from a canonical flagellated protist to the hyper-divergent and hyper-prevalent animal and human gut microbe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristína Záhonová
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, 1-124 Clinical Sciences Building, 11350-83 Avenue, Edmonton T6G 2G3, Canada; Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 1160/31, České Budějovice (Budweis) 370 05, Czech Republic; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Průmyslová 595, Vestec 252 50, Czech Republic; Life Science Research Centre, Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Chittussiho 10, Ostrava 710 00, Czech Republic
| | - Ross S Low
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; The Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UZ, UK
| | - Christopher J Warren
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Giles Lane, Stacey Building, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Diego Cantoni
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Giles Lane, Stacey Building, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Emily K Herman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, 1-124 Clinical Sciences Building, 11350-83 Avenue, Edmonton T6G 2G3, Canada; Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, Faculty of Agricultural, Life, and Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta, 2-31 General Services Building, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H1, Canada
| | - Lyto Yiangou
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Giles Lane, Stacey Building, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Cláudia A Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Giles Lane, Stacey Building, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Yasinee Phanprasert
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, 1-124 Clinical Sciences Building, 11350-83 Avenue, Edmonton T6G 2G3, Canada; School of Science, Mae Fah Luang Universit, 333 Moo 1, T. Tasud, Muang District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| | - Ian R Brown
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Giles Lane, Stacey Building, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Sonja Rueckert
- School of Applied Sciences, Sighthill Campus, Room 3.B.36, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, Scotland; Faculty of Biology, AG Eukaryotische Mikrobiologie, Universitätsstrasse 5, S05 R04 H83, Essen 45141, Germany
| | - Nicola L Baker
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Giles Lane, Stacey Building, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Jan Tachezy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Průmyslová 595, Vestec 252 50, Czech Republic
| | - Emma L Betts
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Giles Lane, Stacey Building, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK; School of Applied Sciences, Sighthill Campus, Room 3.B.36, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, Scotland
| | - Eleni Gentekaki
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang Universit, 333 Moo 1, T. Tasud, Muang District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand; Gut Microbiome Research Group, Mae Fah Luang University, 333 Moo 1, T. Tasud, Muang District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| | - Mark van der Giezen
- Department of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering, University of Stavanger Richard Johnsens Gate 4, 4021 Stavanger, Norway; Biosciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - C Graham Clark
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Andrew P Jackson
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Joel B Dacks
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, 1-124 Clinical Sciences Building, 11350-83 Avenue, Edmonton T6G 2G3, Canada; Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 1160/31, České Budějovice (Budweis) 370 05, Czech Republic; Centre for Life's Origin and Evolution, Division of Biosciences, University College London, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Anastasios D Tsaousis
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Giles Lane, Stacey Building, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bu XL, Zhao WS, Li WX, Zou H, Wu SG, Li M, Wang GT. Mitochondrial metabolism of the facultative parasite Chilodonella uncinata (Alveolata, Ciliophora). Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:92. [PMID: 36882771 PMCID: PMC9993649 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05695-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chilodonella uncinata is an aerobic ciliate capable of switching between being free-living and parasitic on fish fins and gills, causing tissue damage and host mortality. It is widely used as a model organism for genetic studies, but its mitochondrial metabolism has never been studied. Therefore, we aimed to describe the morphological features and metabolic characteristics of its mitochondria. METHODS Fluorescence staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to observe the morphology of mitochondria. Single-cell transcriptome data of C. uncinata were annotated by the Clusters of Orthologous Genes (COG) database. Meanwhile, the metabolic pathways were constructed based on the transcriptomes. The phylogenetic analysis was also made based on the sequenced cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) gene. RESULTS Mitochondria were stained red using Mito-tracker Red staining and were stained slightly blue by DAPI dye. The cristae and double membrane structures of the mitochondria were observed by TEM. Besides, many lipid droplets were evenly distributed around the macronucleus. A total of 2594 unigenes were assigned to 23 functional classifications of COG. Mitochondrial metabolic pathways were depicted. The mitochondria contained enzymes for the complete tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, fatty acid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and cytochrome-based electron transport chain (ETC), but only partial enzymes involved in the iron-sulfur clusters (ISCs). CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that C. uncinata possess typical mitochondria. Stored lipid droplets inside mitochondria may be the energy storage of C. uncinata that helps its transmission from a free-living to a parasitic lifestyle. These findings also have improved our knowledge of the mitochondrial metabolism of C. uncinata and increased the volume of molecular data for future studies of this facultative parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia-lian Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, and Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072 Hubei The People’s Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 The People’s Republic of China
- Protist 10,000 Genomics Project (P10K) Consortium, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072 Hubei The People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei-shan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, and Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072 Hubei The People’s Republic of China
- Protist 10,000 Genomics Project (P10K) Consortium, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072 Hubei The People’s Republic of China
| | - Wen-xiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, and Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072 Hubei The People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, and Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072 Hubei The People’s Republic of China
| | - Shan-gong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, and Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072 Hubei The People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, and Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072 Hubei The People’s Republic of China
- Protist 10,000 Genomics Project (P10K) Consortium, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072 Hubei The People’s Republic of China
| | - Gui-tang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, and Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072 Hubei The People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Newton JM, Betts EL, Yiangou L, Ortega Roldan J, Tsaousis AD, Thompson GS. Establishing a Metabolite Extraction Method to Study the Metabolome of Blastocystis Using NMR. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26113285. [PMID: 34072445 PMCID: PMC8199492 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is an opportunistic parasite commonly found in the intestines of humans and other animals. Despite its high prevalence, knowledge regarding Blastocystis biology within and outside the host is limited. Analysis of the metabolites produced by this anaerobe could provide insights that can help map its metabolism and determine its role in both health and disease. Due to its controversial pathogenicity, these metabolites could define its deterministic role in microbiome's "health" and/or subsequently resolve Blastocystis' potential impact in gastrointestinal health. A common method for elucidating the presence of these metabolites is through 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). However, there are currently no described benchmarked methods available to extract metabolites from Blastocystis for 1H NMR analysis. Herein, several extraction solvents, lysis methods and incubation temperatures were compared for their usefulness as an extraction protocol for this protozoan. Following extraction, the samples were freeze-dried, re-solubilized and analysed with 1H NMR. The results demonstrate that carrying out the procedure at room temperature using methanol as an extraction solvent and bead bashing as a lysis technique provides a consistent, reproducible and efficient method to extract metabolites from Blastocystis for NMR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamie M. Newton
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK; (J.M.N.); (E.L.B.); (L.Y.)
- Wellcome Trust Biomolecular NMR Facility, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK;
| | - Emma L. Betts
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK; (J.M.N.); (E.L.B.); (L.Y.)
| | - Lyto Yiangou
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK; (J.M.N.); (E.L.B.); (L.Y.)
| | - Jose Ortega Roldan
- Wellcome Trust Biomolecular NMR Facility, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK;
| | - Anastasios D. Tsaousis
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK; (J.M.N.); (E.L.B.); (L.Y.)
- Correspondence: (A.D.T.); (G.S.T.)
| | - Gary S. Thompson
- Wellcome Trust Biomolecular NMR Facility, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK;
- Correspondence: (A.D.T.); (G.S.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Schikora-Tamarit MÀ, Marcet-Houben M, Nosek J, Gabaldón T. Shared evolutionary footprints suggest mitochondrial oxidative damage underlies multiple complex I losses in fungi. Open Biol 2021; 11:200362. [PMID: 33906412 PMCID: PMC8080010 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative phosphorylation is among the most conserved mitochondrial pathways. However, one of the cornerstones of this pathway, the multi-protein complex NADH : ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) has been lost multiple independent times in diverse eukaryotic lineages. The causes and consequences of these convergent losses remain poorly understood. Here, we used a comparative genomics approach to reconstruct evolutionary paths leading to complex I loss and infer possible evolutionary scenarios. By mining available mitochondrial and nuclear genomes, we identified eight independent events of mitochondrial complex I loss across eukaryotes, of which six occurred in fungal lineages. We focused on three recent loss events that affect closely related fungal species, and inferred genomic changes convergently associated with complex I loss. Based on these results, we predict novel complex I functional partners and relate the loss of complex I with the presence of increased mitochondrial antioxidants, higher fermentative capabilities, duplications of alternative dehydrogenases, loss of alternative oxidases and adaptation to antifungal compounds. To explain these findings, we hypothesize that a combination of previously acquired compensatory mechanisms and exposure to environmental triggers of oxidative stress (such as hypoxia and/or toxic chemicals) induced complex I loss in fungi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miquel Àngel Schikora-Tamarit
- Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC-CNS), Jordi Girona, 29, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.,Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac, 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Marcet-Houben
- Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC-CNS), Jordi Girona, 29, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.,Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac, 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jozef Nosek
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Toni Gabaldón
- Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC-CNS), Jordi Girona, 29, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.,Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac, 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.,Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Succinate dehydrogenase gene as a marker for studying Blastocystis genetic diversity. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05387. [PMID: 33163680 PMCID: PMC7609450 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis has been reported as the most common eukaryotic microorganism residing in the intestines of both humans and animals, with a prevalence of up to 100% in some populations. Since this is a cryptic species, sequence polymorphism are the single strategy to analyses its genetic diversity, being traditionally used the analysis of ssu rRNA gene sequence to determine alleles and subtypes (STs) for this species. This multicopy gene has shown high diversity among different STs, making necessary to explore other genes to assess intraspecific diversity. This study evaluated the use of a novel genetic marker, succinate dehydrogenase (SDHA), for the typing and evaluation of the genetic diversity and genetic population structure of Blastocystis. In total, 375 human fecal samples were collected and subjected to PCR, subtyped using the ssu rRNA marker, and then the SDHA gene was amplified via PCR for 117 samples. We found some incongruences between tree topologies for both molecular markers. However, the clustering by ST previously established for Blastocystis was congruent in the concatenated sequence. SDHA showed lower reticulation (The origination of a lineage through the partial merging of two ancestor lineages) signals and better intra ST clustering ability. Clusters with geographical associations were observed intra ST. The genetic diversity was lower in the marker evaluated compared to that of the ssu rRNA gene (nucleotide diversity = 0.03344 and 0.16986, respectively) and the sequences analyzed showed population expansion with genetic differentiation principally among STs. The ssu rRNA gene was useful to explore interspecific diversity but together with the SDHA gene the resolution power to evaluate intra ST diversity was higher. These results showed the potential of the SDHA marker for studying the intra ST genetic diversity of Blastocystis related with geographical location and the inter ST diversity using the concatenated sequences.
Collapse
|
7
|
Hackstein JHP, de Graaf RM, van Hellemond JJ, Tielens AGM. Hydrogenosomes of Anaerobic Ciliates. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-17941-0_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
|
8
|
Tsaousis AD, Hamblin KA, Elliott CR, Young L, Rosell-Hidalgo A, Gourlay CW, Moore AL, van der Giezen M. The Human Gut Colonizer Blastocystis Respires Using Complex II and Alternative Oxidase to Buffer Transient Oxygen Fluctuations in the Gut. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:371. [PMID: 30406045 PMCID: PMC6204527 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is the most common eukaryotic microbe in the human gut. It is linked to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but its role in disease has been contested considering its widespread nature. This organism is well-adapted to its anoxic niche and lacks typical eukaryotic features, such as a cytochrome-driven mitochondrial electron transport. Although generally considered a strict or obligate anaerobe, its genome encodes an alternative oxidase. Alternative oxidases are energetically wasteful enzymes as they are non-protonmotive and energy is liberated in heat, but they are considered to be involved in oxidative stress protective mechanisms. Our results demonstrate that the Blastocystis cells themselves respire oxygen via this alternative oxidase thereby casting doubt on its strict anaerobic nature. Inhibition experiments using alternative oxidase and Complex II specific inhibitors clearly demonstrate their role in cellular respiration. We postulate that the alternative oxidase in Blastocystis is used to buffer transient oxygen fluctuations in the gut and that it likely is a common colonizer of the human gut and not causally involved in IBS. Additionally the alternative oxidase could act as a protective mechanism in a dysbiotic gut and thereby explain the absence of Blastocystis in established IBS environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios D. Tsaousis
- RAPID Group, Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Karleigh A. Hamblin
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine R. Elliott
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Luke Young
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Alicia Rosell-Hidalgo
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Campbell W. Gourlay
- Kent Fungal Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony L. Moore
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gentekaki E, Curtis BA, Stairs CW, Klimeš V, Eliáš M, Salas-Leiva DE, Herman EK, Eme L, Arias MC, Henrissat B, Hilliou F, Klute MJ, Suga H, Malik SB, Pightling AW, Kolisko M, Rachubinski RA, Schlacht A, Soanes DM, Tsaousis AD, Archibald JM, Ball SG, Dacks JB, Clark CG, van der Giezen M, Roger AJ. Extreme genome diversity in the hyper-prevalent parasitic eukaryote Blastocystis. PLoS Biol 2017; 15:e2003769. [PMID: 28892507 PMCID: PMC5608401 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2003769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is the most prevalent eukaryotic microbe colonizing the human gut, infecting approximately 1 billion individuals worldwide. Although Blastocystis has been linked to intestinal disorders, its pathogenicity remains controversial because most carriers are asymptomatic. Here, the genome sequence of Blastocystis subtype (ST) 1 is presented and compared to previously published sequences for ST4 and ST7. Despite a conserved core of genes, there is unexpected diversity between these STs in terms of their genome sizes, guanine-cytosine (GC) content, intron numbers, and gene content. ST1 has 6,544 protein-coding genes, which is several hundred more than reported for ST4 and ST7. The percentage of proteins unique to each ST ranges from 6.2% to 20.5%, greatly exceeding the differences observed within parasite genera. Orthologous proteins also display extreme divergence in amino acid sequence identity between STs (i.e., 59%-61% median identity), on par with observations of the most distantly related species pairs of parasite genera. The STs also display substantial variation in gene family distributions and sizes, especially for protein kinase and protease gene families, which could reflect differences in virulence. It remains to be seen to what extent these inter-ST differences persist at the intra-ST level. A full 26% of genes in ST1 have stop codons that are created on the mRNA level by a novel polyadenylation mechanism found only in Blastocystis. Reconstructions of pathways and organellar systems revealed that ST1 has a relatively complete membrane-trafficking system and a near-complete meiotic toolkit, possibly indicating a sexual cycle. Unlike some intestinal protistan parasites, Blastocystis ST1 has near-complete de novo pyrimidine, purine, and thiamine biosynthesis pathways and is unique amongst studied stramenopiles in being able to metabolize α-glucans rather than β-glucans. It lacks all genes encoding heme-containing cytochrome P450 proteins. Predictions of the mitochondrion-related organelle (MRO) proteome reveal an expanded repertoire of functions, including lipid, cofactor, and vitamin biosynthesis, as well as proteins that may be involved in regulating mitochondrial morphology and MRO/endoplasmic reticulum (ER) interactions. In sharp contrast, genes for peroxisome-associated functions are absent, suggesting Blastocystis STs lack this organelle. Overall, this study provides an important window into the biology of Blastocystis, showcasing significant differences between STs that can guide future experimental investigations into differences in their virulence and clarifying the roles of these organisms in gut health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Gentekaki
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Centre for Comparative Genomics and Evolutionary Bioinformatics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Bruce A. Curtis
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Centre for Comparative Genomics and Evolutionary Bioinformatics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Courtney W. Stairs
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Centre for Comparative Genomics and Evolutionary Bioinformatics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Vladimír Klimeš
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Eliáš
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Dayana E. Salas-Leiva
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Centre for Comparative Genomics and Evolutionary Bioinformatics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Emily K. Herman
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Laura Eme
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Centre for Comparative Genomics and Evolutionary Bioinformatics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Maria C. Arias
- Université des Sciences et Technologies de Lille, Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, UMR8576 CNRS-USTL, Cité Scientifique, Villeneuve d’Ascq Cedex, France
| | - Bernard Henrissat
- CNRS UMR 7257, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
- INRA, USC 1408 AFMB, Marseille, France
- Department of Biological Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mary J. Klute
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hiroshi Suga
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, Nanatsuka 562, Shobara, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shehre-Banoo Malik
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Centre for Comparative Genomics and Evolutionary Bioinformatics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Arthur W. Pightling
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Martin Kolisko
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Centre for Comparative Genomics and Evolutionary Bioinformatics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | - Alexander Schlacht
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Darren M. Soanes
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Anastasios D. Tsaousis
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Centre for Comparative Genomics and Evolutionary Bioinformatics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - John M. Archibald
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Centre for Comparative Genomics and Evolutionary Bioinformatics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, CIFAR Program in Integrated Microbial Biodiversity, Toronto, Canada
| | - Steven G. Ball
- Université des Sciences et Technologies de Lille, Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, UMR8576 CNRS-USTL, Cité Scientifique, Villeneuve d’Ascq Cedex, France
| | - Joel B. Dacks
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - C. Graham Clark
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Andrew J. Roger
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Centre for Comparative Genomics and Evolutionary Bioinformatics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, CIFAR Program in Integrated Microbial Biodiversity, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Jacob AS, Andersen LO, Bitar PP, Richards VP, Shah S, Stanhope MJ, Stensvold CR, Clark CG. Blastocystis Mitochondrial Genomes Appear to Show Multiple Independent Gains and Losses of Start and Stop Codons. Genome Biol Evol 2016; 8:3340-3350. [PMID: 27811175 PMCID: PMC5203790 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evw255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Complete mitochondrion-related organelle (MRO) genomes of several subtypes (STs) of the unicellular stramenopile Blastocystis are presented. Complete conservation of gene content and synteny in gene order is observed across all MRO genomes, comprising 27 protein coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and 16 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. Despite the synteny, differences in the degree of overlap between genes were observed between subtypes and also between isolates within the same subtype. Other notable features include unusual base-pairing mismatches in the predicted secondary structures of some tRNAs. Intriguingly, the rps4 gene in some MRO genomes is missing a start codon and, based on phylogenetic relationships among STs, this loss has happened twice independently. One unidentified open reading frame (orf160) is present in all MRO genomes. However, with the exception of ST4 where the feature has been lost secondarily, orf160 contains variously one or two in-frame stop codons. The overall evidence suggests that both the orf160 and rps4 genes are functional in all STs, but how they are expressed remains unclear.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alison S Jacob
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,Present address: Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lee O'Brien Andersen
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paulina Pavinski Bitar
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Vincent P Richards
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.,Present address: Department of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
| | - Sarah Shah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Michael J Stanhope
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - C Rune Stensvold
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - C Graham Clark
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Stensvold CR, Clark CG. Current status of Blastocystis: A personal view. Parasitol Int 2016; 65:763-771. [PMID: 27247124 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2016.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite Blastocystis being one of the most widespread and prevalent intestinal eukaryotes, its role in health and disease remains elusive. DNA-based detection methods have led to a recognition that the organism is much more common than previously thought, at least in some geographic regions and some groups of individuals. Molecular methods have also enabled us to start categorizing the vast genetic heterogeneity that exists among Blastocystis isolates, wherein the key to potential differences in the clinical outcome of Blastocystis carriage may lie. In this review we summarize some of the recent developments and advances in Blastocystis research, including updates on diagnostic methods, molecular epidemiology, genetic diversity, host specificity, clinical significance, taxonomy, and genomics. As we are now in the microbiome era, we also review some of the steps taken towards understanding the place of Blastocystis in the intestinal microbiota.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - C Graham Clark
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Increase number of mitochondrion-like organelle in symptomatic Blastocystis subtype 3 due to metronidazole treatment. Parasitol Res 2015; 115:391-6. [PMID: 26481491 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4760-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp., an intestinal organism is known to cause diarrhea with metronidazole regarded as the first line of treatment despite reports of its resistance. The conflicting reports of variation in drug treatment have been ascribed to subtype differences. The present study evaluated in vitro responses due to metronidazole on ST3 isolated from three symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, respectively. Symptomatic isolates were obtained from clinical patients who showed symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal bloating. Asymptomatic isolates from a stool survey carried out in a rural area. These patients had no other pathogens other than Blastocystis. Ultrastructural studies using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed drug-treated ST3 from symptomatic patients were irregular and amoebic with surface showing high-convoluted folding when treated with metronidazole. These organisms had higher number of mitochondrion-like organelle (MLO) with prominent cristae. However, the drug-treated ST3 from asymptomatic persons remained spherical in shape. Asymptomatic ST3 showed increase in the size of its central body with the MLO located at the periphery.
Collapse
|
13
|
Noguchi F, Shimamura S, Nakayama T, Yazaki E, Yabuki A, Hashimoto T, Inagaki Y, Fujikura K, Takishita K. Metabolic Capacity of Mitochondrion-related Organelles in the Free-living Anaerobic Stramenopile Cantina marsupialis. Protist 2015; 166:534-50. [PMID: 26436880 DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2015.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Revised: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Functionally and morphologically degenerate mitochondria, so-called mitochondrion-related organelles (MROs), are frequently found in eukaryotes inhabiting hypoxic or anoxic environments. In the last decade, MROs have been discovered from a phylogenetically broad range of eukaryotic lineages and these organelles have been revealed to possess diverse metabolic capacities. In this study, the biochemical characteristics of an MRO in the free-living anaerobic protist Cantina marsupialis, which represents an independent lineage in stramenopiles, were inferred based on RNA-seq data. We found transcripts for proteins known to function in one form of MROs, the hydrogenosome, such as pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase, iron-hydrogenase, acetate:succinate CoA-transferase, and succinyl-CoA synthase, along with transcripts for acetyl-CoA synthetase (ADP-forming). These proteins possess putative mitochondrial targeting signals at their N-termini, suggesting dual ATP generation systems through anaerobic pyruvate metabolism in Cantina MROs. In addition, MROs in Cantina were also shown to share several features with canonical mitochondria, including amino acid metabolism and an "incomplete" tricarboxylic acid cycle. Transcripts for all four subunits of complex II (CII) of the electron transport chain were detected, while there was no evidence for the presence of complexes I, III, IV, or F1Fo ATPase. Cantina MRO biochemistry challenges the categories of mitochondrial organelles recently proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fumiya Noguchi
- Graduate School of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan; Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shigeru Shimamura
- Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takuro Nakayama
- Center for Computational Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Euki Yazaki
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Akinori Yabuki
- Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Hashimoto
- Center for Computational Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yuji Inagaki
- Center for Computational Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Katsunori Fujikura
- Graduate School of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan; Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kiyotaka Takishita
- Graduate School of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan; Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Andersen LO, Bonde I, Nielsen HB, Stensvold CR. A retrospective metagenomics approach to studying Blastocystis. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2015; 91:fiv072. [PMID: 26130823 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiv072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common single-celled intestinal parasitic genus, comprising several subtypes. Here, we screened data obtained by metagenomic analysis of faecal DNA for Blastocystis by searching for subtype-specific genes in coabundance gene groups, which are groups of genes that covary across a selection of 316 human faecal samples, hence representing genes originating from a single subtype. The 316 faecal samples were from 236 healthy individuals, 13 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and 67 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). The prevalence of Blastocystis was 20.3% in the healthy individuals and 14.9% in patients with UC. Meanwhile, Blastocystis was absent in patients with CD. Individuals with intestinal microbiota dominated by Bacteroides were much less prone to having Blastocystis-positive stool (Matthew's correlation coefficient = -0.25, P < 0.0001) than individuals with Ruminococcus- and Prevotella-driven enterotypes. This is the first study to investigate the relationship between Blastocystis and communities of gut bacteria using a metagenomics approach. The study serves as an example of how it is possible to retrospectively investigate microbial eukaryotic communities in the gut using metagenomic datasets targeting the bacterial component of the intestinal microbiome and the interplay between these microbial communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lee O'Brien Andersen
- Unit of Mycology and Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Statens Serum Institut, DK-2300 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ida Bonde
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, DK-2970 Hørsholm, Denmark Center for Biological Sequence Analysis, Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Henrik Bjørn Nielsen
- Center for Biological Sequence Analysis, Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Christen Rune Stensvold
- Unit of Mycology and Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Statens Serum Institut, DK-2300 Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wawrzyniak I, Courtine D, Osman M, Hubans-Pierlot C, Cian A, Nourrisson C, Chabe M, Poirier P, Bart A, Polonais V, Delgado-Viscogliosi P, El Alaoui H, Belkorchia A, van Gool T, Tan KSW, Ferreira S, Viscogliosi E, Delbac F. Draft genome sequence of the intestinal parasite Blastocystis subtype 4-isolate WR1. GENOMICS DATA 2015; 4:22-3. [PMID: 26484170 PMCID: PMC4535960 DOI: 10.1016/j.gdata.2015.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Revised: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The intestinal protistan parasite Blastocystis is characterized by an extensive genetic variability with 17 subtypes (ST1–ST17) described to date. Only the whole genome of a human ST7 isolate was previously sequenced. Here we report the draft genome sequence of Blastocystis ST4-WR1 isolated from a laboratory rodent at Singapore.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Wawrzyniak
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal-Université d'Auvergne-CNRS, UMR 6023 Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Damien Courtine
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal-Université d'Auvergne-CNRS, UMR 6023 Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marwan Osman
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, Inserm U1019, CNRS UMR 8204, Université Lille, Nord de France, France
| | | | - Amandine Cian
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, Inserm U1019, CNRS UMR 8204, Université Lille, Nord de France, France
| | - Céline Nourrisson
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal-Université d'Auvergne-CNRS, UMR 6023 Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Magali Chabe
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, Inserm U1019, CNRS UMR 8204, Université Lille, Nord de France, France
| | - Philippe Poirier
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal-Université d'Auvergne-CNRS, UMR 6023 Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Aldert Bart
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Section Parasitology, Center for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Valérie Polonais
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal-Université d'Auvergne-CNRS, UMR 6023 Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Pilar Delgado-Viscogliosi
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, Inserm U1019, CNRS UMR 8204, Université Lille, Nord de France, France
| | - Hicham El Alaoui
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal-Université d'Auvergne-CNRS, UMR 6023 Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Abdel Belkorchia
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal-Université d'Auvergne-CNRS, UMR 6023 Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Tom van Gool
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Section Parasitology, Center for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin S W Tan
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Eric Viscogliosi
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, Inserm U1019, CNRS UMR 8204, Université Lille, Nord de France, France
| | - Frédéric Delbac
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal-Université d'Auvergne-CNRS, UMR 6023 Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Smith DR, Asmail SR. Next-generation sequencing data suggest that certain nonphotosynthetic green plants have lost their plastid genomes. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2014; 204:7-11. [PMID: 24962290 DOI: 10.1111/nph.12919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David Roy Smith
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Sara Raad Asmail
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wawrzyniak I, Poirier P, Viscogliosi E, Dionigia M, Texier C, Delbac F, Alaoui HE. Blastocystis, an unrecognized parasite: an overview of pathogenesis and diagnosis. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2014; 1:167-78. [PMID: 25165551 DOI: 10.1177/2049936113504754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is among the few enteric parasites with a prevalence that often exceeds 5% in the general population of industrialized countries and can reach 30-60% in developing countries. This parasite is frequently found in people who are immunocompromised (patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or cancer) and a higher risk of Blastocystis sp. infection has been found in people with close animal contact. Such prevalence in the human population and the zoonotic potential naturally raise questions about the impact of these parasites on public health and has increased interest in this area. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies have shed new light on the pathogenic power of this parasite, suggesting that Blastocystis sp. infection is associated with a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, may play a significant role in irritable bowel syndrome, and may be linked with cutaneous lesions (urticaria). Despite recent significant advances in the knowledge of the extensive genetic diversity of this species, the identification of extracellular proteases as virulence factors and the publication of one isolate genome, many aspects of the biology of Blastocystis sp. remain poorly investigated. In this review, we investigate several biological aspects of Blastocystis sp. (diversity and epidemiology, diagnosis tools and pathophysiology). These data pave the way for the following challenges concerning Blastocystis sp. research: deciphering key biological mechanisms and pathways of this parasite and clarification of its clinical impact in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Wawrzyniak
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Laboratoire Microorganismes, Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand and CNRS, UMR 6023, LMGE, Aubière, France
| | - Philippe Poirier
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Laboratoire Microorganismes, Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, CNRS, UMR 6023, LMGE, Aubière, Clermont Université, Université d'Auvergne, JE 2526, Evolution des bactéries pathogènes et susceptibilité de l'hôte, Clermont-Ferrand and CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Service Parasitologie Mycologie, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Eric Viscogliosi
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, Inserm U1019, CNRS UMR 8204, Université Lille Nord de France, Biology and Diversity of Emerging Eukaryotic Pathogens, Lille cedex, France
| | - Meloni Dionigia
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, Inserm U1019, CNRS UMR 8204, Université Lille Nord de France, Biology and Diversity of Emerging Eukaryotic Pathogens, Lille cedex, France and Microbe Division/Japan Collection of Microorganisms, RIKEN BioResource Center 3-1-1 Koyadai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Catherine Texier
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Laboratoire Microorganismes, Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand and CNRS, UMR 6023, LMGE, Aubière, France
| | - Frédéric Delbac
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Laboratoire Microorganismes, Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand and CNRS, UMR 6023, LMGE, Aubière, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Molecular subtyping of Blastocystis spp. using a new rDNA marker from the mitochondria-like organelle genome. Parasitology 2014; 141:670-81. [PMID: 24467909 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182013001996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis spp. are common anaerobic intestinal protozoa found in both human and animals. They are characterized by a high genetic diversity with at least 17 subtypes (STs) that have been described on the basis of a 600 bp 'barcoding region' from the 18S rDNA gene. However, analysis of the recently sequenced genome of a Blastocystis ST7 isolate (strain B) revealed the presence of multiple variable copies of the 18S rDNA gene, with 17 completely assembled copies. Comparison of the barcoding region from these 17 copies allowed us to classify the 18S rDNA sequences into 6 clusters, each cluster containing identical sequences. Surprisingly, 4 of these clusters had the highest homology with 18S rDNA sequences from 2 other Blastocystis ST7 isolates referred as QQ98-4 and H. These results suggest that the 18S rDNA gene is not the marker of choice to discriminate between strains within STs. In the present study, we identified a single-copy subtyping rDNA marker in the genome of the mitochondria-like organelles (MLOs). Using a partial sequence of the MLO rDNA, we successfully subtyped 66 isolates from both human and animals belonging to Blastocystis ST1 to ST10. Our results also indicate that this mitochondrial marker could be useful to detect co-infections by different isolates of a same ST.
Collapse
|
19
|
Heiss AA, Walker G, Simpson AG. The flagellar apparatus of Breviata anathema, a eukaryote without a clear supergroup affinity. Eur J Protistol 2013; 49:354-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2013.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2012] [Revised: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
20
|
Zubáčová Z, Novák L, Bublíková J, Vacek V, Fousek J, Rídl J, Tachezy J, Doležal P, Vlček Č, Hampl V. The mitochondrion-like organelle of Trimastix pyriformis contains the complete glycine cleavage system. PLoS One 2013; 8:e55417. [PMID: 23516392 PMCID: PMC3596361 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
All eukaryotic organisms contain mitochondria or organelles that evolved from the same endosymbiotic event like classical mitochondria. Organisms inhabiting low oxygen environments often contain mitochondrial derivates known as hydrogenosomes, mitosomes or neutrally as mitochondrion-like organelles. The detailed investigation has shown unexpected evolutionary plasticity in the biochemistry and protein composition of these organelles in various protists. We investigated the mitochondrion-like organelle in Trimastix pyriformis, a free-living member of one of the three lineages of anaerobic group Metamonada. Using 454 sequencing we have obtained 7 037 contigs from its transcriptome and on the basis of sequence homology and presence of N-terminal extensions we have selected contigs coding for proteins that putatively function in the organelle. Together with the results of a previous transcriptome survey, the list now consists of 23 proteins - mostly enzymes involved in amino acid metabolism, transporters and maturases of proteins and transporters of metabolites. We have no evidence of the production of ATP in the mitochondrion-like organelle of Trimastix but we have obtained experimental evidence for the presence of enzymes of the glycine cleavage system (GCS), which is part of amino acid metabolism. Using homologous antibody we have shown that H-protein of GCS localizes into vesicles in the cell of Trimastix. When overexpressed in yeast, H- and P-protein of GCS and cpn60 were transported into mitochondrion. In case of H-protein we have demonstrated that the first 16 amino acids are necessary for this transport. Glycine cleavage system is at the moment the only experimentally localized pathway in the mitochondrial derivate of Trimastix pyriformis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Zubáčová
- Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lukáš Novák
- Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Bublíková
- Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtěch Vacek
- Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Fousek
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Rídl
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Tachezy
- Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Doležal
- Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Čestmír Vlček
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Hampl
- Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, Prague, Czech Republic
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common parasite of the human large intestine but has an uncertain role in disease. In this review, we appraise the published evidence addressing this and its weaknesses. Genetic diversity studies have led to the identification of numerous subtypes (STs) within the genus Blastocystis and, recently, methods for studying variation within STs have been developed, with implications for our understanding of host specificity. The geographic distribution of STs is summarised and the impact this may have on investigations into the role of the organism in disease is discussed. Finally, we describe the organelle and nuclear genome characteristics and look to future developments in the field.
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
Viewed through the lens of the genome it contains, the mitochondrion is of unquestioned bacterial ancestry, originating from within the bacterial phylum α-Proteobacteria (Alphaproteobacteria). Accordingly, the endosymbiont hypothesis--the idea that the mitochondrion evolved from a bacterial progenitor via symbiosis within an essentially eukaryotic host cell--has assumed the status of a theory. Yet mitochondrial genome evolution has taken radically different pathways in diverse eukaryotic lineages, and the organelle itself is increasingly viewed as a genetic and functional mosaic, with the bulk of the mitochondrial proteome having an evolutionary origin outside Alphaproteobacteria. New data continue to reshape our views regarding mitochondrial evolution, particularly raising the question of whether the mitochondrion originated after the eukaryotic cell arose, as assumed in the classical endosymbiont hypothesis, or whether this organelle had its beginning at the same time as the cell containing it.
Collapse
|
23
|
Müller M, Mentel M, van Hellemond JJ, Henze K, Woehle C, Gould SB, Yu RY, van der Giezen M, Tielens AGM, Martin WF. Biochemistry and evolution of anaerobic energy metabolism in eukaryotes. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2012; 76:444-95. [PMID: 22688819 PMCID: PMC3372258 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.05024-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 505] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Major insights into the phylogenetic distribution, biochemistry, and evolutionary significance of organelles involved in ATP synthesis (energy metabolism) in eukaryotes that thrive in anaerobic environments for all or part of their life cycles have accrued in recent years. All known eukaryotic groups possess an organelle of mitochondrial origin, mapping the origin of mitochondria to the eukaryotic common ancestor, and genome sequence data are rapidly accumulating for eukaryotes that possess anaerobic mitochondria, hydrogenosomes, or mitosomes. Here we review the available biochemical data on the enzymes and pathways that eukaryotes use in anaerobic energy metabolism and summarize the metabolic end products that they generate in their anaerobic habitats, focusing on the biochemical roles that their mitochondria play in anaerobic ATP synthesis. We present metabolic maps of compartmentalized energy metabolism for 16 well-studied species. There are currently no enzymes of core anaerobic energy metabolism that are specific to any of the six eukaryotic supergroup lineages; genes present in one supergroup are also found in at least one other supergroup. The gene distribution across lineages thus reflects the presence of anaerobic energy metabolism in the eukaryote common ancestor and differential loss during the specialization of some lineages to oxic niches, just as oxphos capabilities have been differentially lost in specialization to anoxic niches and the parasitic life-style. Some facultative anaerobes have retained both aerobic and anaerobic pathways. Diversified eukaryotic lineages have retained the same enzymes of anaerobic ATP synthesis, in line with geochemical data indicating low environmental oxygen levels while eukaryotes arose and diversified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marek Mentel
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jaap J. van Hellemond
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Katrin Henze
- Institute of Molecular Evolution, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christian Woehle
- Institute of Molecular Evolution, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sven B. Gould
- Institute of Molecular Evolution, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Re-Young Yu
- Institute of Molecular Evolution, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mark van der Giezen
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Aloysius G. M. Tielens
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - William F. Martin
- Institute of Molecular Evolution, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Blouin NA, Lane CE. Red algal parasites: models for a life history evolution that leaves photosynthesis behind again and again. Bioessays 2012; 34:226-35. [PMID: 22247039 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201100139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Many of the most virulent and problematic eukaryotic pathogens have evolved from photosynthetic ancestors, such as apicomplexans, which are responsible for a wide range of diseases including malaria and toxoplasmosis. The primary barrier to understanding the early stages of evolution of these parasites has been the difficulty in finding parasites with closely related free-living lineages with which to make comparisons. Parasites found throughout the florideophyte red algal lineage, however, provide a unique and powerful model to investigate the genetic origins of a parasitic lifestyle. This is because they share a recent common ancestor with an extant free-living red algal species and parasitism has independently arisen over 100 times within this group. Here, we synthesize the relevant hypotheses with respect to how these parasites have proliferated. We also place red algal research in the context of recent developments in understanding the genome evolution of other eukaryotic photosynthesizers turned parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas A Blouin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Tsaousis AD, Leger MM, Stairs CAW, Roger AJ. The Biochemical Adaptations of Mitochondrion-Related Organelles of Parasitic and Free-Living Microbial Eukaryotes to Low Oxygen Environments. CELLULAR ORIGIN, LIFE IN EXTREME HABITATS AND ASTROBIOLOGY 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-1896-8_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
26
|
Hydrogenosomes and Mitosomes: Mitochondrial Adaptations to Life in Anaerobic Environments. CELLULAR ORIGIN, LIFE IN EXTREME HABITATS AND ASTROBIOLOGY 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-1896-8_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
27
|
|
28
|
A machine learning approach to identify hydrogenosomal proteins in Trichomonas vaginalis. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2011; 11:217-28. [PMID: 22140228 DOI: 10.1128/ec.05225-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis is the causative agent of trichomoniasis, the most widespread nonviral sexually transmitted disease in humans. It possesses hydrogenosomes-anaerobic mitochondria that generate H(2), CO(2), and acetate from pyruvate while converting ADP to ATP via substrate-level phosphorylation. T. vaginalis hydrogenosomes lack a genome and translation machinery; hence, they import all their proteins from the cytosol. To date, however, only 30 imported proteins have been shown to localize to the organelle. A total of 226 nuclear-encoded proteins inferred from the genome sequence harbor a characteristic short N-terminal presequence, reminiscent of mitochondrial targeting peptides, which is thought to mediate hydrogenosomal targeting. Recent studies suggest, however, that the presequences might be less important than previously thought. We sought to identify new hydrogenosomal proteins within the 59,672 annotated open reading frames (ORFs) of T. vaginalis, independent of the N-terminal targeting signal, using a machine learning approach. Our training set included 57 gene and protein features determined for all 30 known hydrogenosomal proteins and 576 nonhydrogenosomal proteins. Several classifiers were trained on this set to yield an import score for all proteins encoded by T. vaginalis ORFs, predicting the likelihood of hydrogenosomal localization. The machine learning results were tested through immunofluorescence assay and immunodetection in isolated cell fractions of 14 protein predictions using hemagglutinin constructs expressed under the homologous SCSα promoter in transiently transformed T. vaginalis cells. Localization of 6 of the 10 top predicted hydrogenosome-localized proteins was confirmed, and two of these were found to lack an obvious N-terminal targeting signal.
Collapse
|
29
|
Stensvold CR, Alfellani M, Clark CG. Levels of genetic diversity vary dramatically between Blastocystis subtypes. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2011; 12:263-73. [PMID: 22116021 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2011.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2011] [Revised: 11/05/2011] [Accepted: 11/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common single-celled parasite of humans and other animals comprising at least 13 genetically distinct small subunit ribosomal RNA lineages (subtypes (STs)). In this study we investigated intra-subtype genetic diversity and host specificity of two of the most common subtypes in humans, namely ST3 and ST4, by analysing and comparing over 400 complete and partial nuclear SSU-rDNAs and data from multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of the mitochondrion-like organelle (MLO) genome of 132 samples. Inferences from phylogenetic analyses of nuclear SSU-rDNA and concatenated MLST sequences were compatible. Human ST3 infections were restricted to one of four identified MLO clades except where exposure to non-human primates had occurred. This suggests relatively high host specificity within ST3, that human ST3 infections are caused predominantly by human-to-human transmission, and that human strains falling into other clades are almost certainly the result of zoonotic transmission. ST4 from humans belonged almost exclusively to one of two SSU-rDNA clades, and only five MLST sequence types were found among 50 ST4s belonging to Clade 1 (discriminatory index: 0.41) compared to 58 MLST sequence types among 81 ST3s (discriminatory index: 0.99). The remarkable differences in intra-subtype genetic variability suggest that ST4 has a more recent history of colonising humans than ST3. This is congruent with the apparently restricted geographical distribution of ST4 relative to ST3. The implications of this observation are unclear, however, and the population structure and distribution of ST4 should be subject to further scrutiny in view of the fact ST4 is being increasingly linked with intestinal disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Rune Stensvold
- Department of Microbiological Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, Orestads Boulevard 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
|
31
|
|
32
|
Traba J, Satrústegui J, del Arco A. Adenine nucleotide transporters in organelles: novel genes and functions. Cell Mol Life Sci 2011; 68:1183-206. [PMID: 21207102 PMCID: PMC11114886 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-010-0612-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2010] [Revised: 11/16/2010] [Accepted: 12/09/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In eukaryotes, cellular energy in the form of ATP is produced in the cytosol via glycolysis or in the mitochondria via oxidative phosphorylation and, in photosynthetic organisms, in the chloroplast via photophosphorylation. Transport of adenine nucleotides among cell compartments is essential and is performed mainly by members of the mitochondrial carrier family, among which the ADP/ATP carriers are the best known. This work reviews the carriers that transport adenine nucleotides into the organelles of eukaryotic cells together with their possible functions. We focus on novel mechanisms of adenine nucleotide transport, including mitochondrial carriers found in organelles such as peroxisomes, plastids, or endoplasmic reticulum and also mitochondrial carriers found in the mitochondrial remnants of many eukaryotic parasites of interest. The extensive repertoire of adenine nucleotide carriers highlights an amazing variety of new possible functions of adenine nucleotide transport across eukaryotic organelles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Traba
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa UAM-CSIC, CIBER de Enfermedades Raras, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Denoeud F, Roussel M, Noel B, Wawrzyniak I, Da Silva C, Diogon M, Viscogliosi E, Brochier-Armanet C, Couloux A, Poulain J, Segurens B, Anthouard V, Texier C, Blot N, Poirier P, Ng GC, Tan KSW, Artiguenave F, Jaillon O, Aury JM, Delbac F, Wincker P, Vivarès CP, El Alaoui H. Genome sequence of the stramenopile Blastocystis, a human anaerobic parasite. Genome Biol 2011; 12:R29. [PMID: 21439036 PMCID: PMC3129679 DOI: 10.1186/gb-2011-12-3-r29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2010] [Revised: 01/04/2011] [Accepted: 03/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Blastocystis is a highly prevalent anaerobic eukaryotic parasite of humans and animals that is associated with various gastrointestinal and extraintestinal disorders. Epidemiological studies have identified different subtypes but no one subtype has been definitively correlated with disease. Results Here we report the 18.8 Mb genome sequence of a Blastocystis subtype 7 isolate, which is the smallest stramenopile genome sequenced to date. The genome is highly compact and contains intriguing rearrangements. Comparisons with other available stramenopile genomes (plant pathogenic oomycete and diatom genomes) revealed effector proteins potentially involved in the adaptation to the intestinal environment, which were likely acquired via horizontal gene transfer. Moreover, Blastocystis living in anaerobic conditions harbors mitochondria-like organelles. An incomplete oxidative phosphorylation chain, a partial Krebs cycle, amino acid and fatty acid metabolisms and an iron-sulfur cluster assembly are all predicted to occur in these organelles. Predicted secretory proteins possess putative activities that may alter host physiology, such as proteases, protease-inhibitors, immunophilins and glycosyltransferases. This parasite also possesses the enzymatic machinery to tolerate oxidative bursts resulting from its own metabolism or induced by the host immune system. Conclusions This study provides insights into the genome architecture of this unusual stramenopile. It also proposes candidate genes with which to study the physiopathology of this parasite and thus may lead to further investigations into Blastocystis-host interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- France Denoeud
- Genoscope (CEA) and CNRS UMR 8030, Université d'Evry, 2 rue Gaston Crémieux, 91057 Evry, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
de Graaf RM, Ricard G, van Alen TA, Duarte I, Dutilh BE, Burgtorf C, Kuiper JWP, van der Staay GWM, Tielens AGM, Huynen MA, Hackstein JHP. The organellar genome and metabolic potential of the hydrogen-producing mitochondrion of Nyctotherus ovalis. Mol Biol Evol 2011; 28:2379-91. [PMID: 21378103 PMCID: PMC3144386 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msr059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
It is generally accepted that hydrogenosomes (hydrogen-producing organelles) evolved from a mitochondrial ancestor. However, until recently, only indirect evidence for this hypothesis was available. Here, we present the almost complete genome of the hydrogen-producing mitochondrion of the anaerobic ciliate Nyctotherus ovalis and show that, except for the notable absence of genes encoding electron transport chain components of Complexes III, IV, and V, it has a gene content similar to the mitochondrial genomes of aerobic ciliates. Analysis of the genome of the hydrogen-producing mitochondrion, in combination with that of more than 9,000 genomic DNA and cDNA sequences, allows a preliminary reconstruction of the organellar metabolism. The sequence data indicate that N. ovalis possesses hydrogen-producing mitochondria that have a truncated, two step (Complex I and II) electron transport chain that uses fumarate as electron acceptor. In addition, components of an extensive protein network for the metabolism of amino acids, defense against oxidative stress, mitochondrial protein synthesis, mitochondrial protein import and processing, and transport of metabolites across the mitochondrial membrane were identified. Genes for MPV17 and ACN9, two hypothetical proteins linked to mitochondrial disease in humans, were also found. The inferred metabolism is remarkably similar to the organellar metabolism of the phylogenetically distant anaerobic Stramenopile Blastocystis. Notably, the Blastocystis organelle and that of the related flagellate Proteromonas lacertae also lack genes encoding components of Complexes III, IV, and V. Thus, our data show that the hydrogenosomes of N. ovalis are highly specialized hydrogen-producing mitochondria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rob M de Graaf
- Department of Evolutionary Microbiology, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Abstract
The discovery of mitochondrion-type genes in organisms thought to lack mitochondria led to the demonstration that hydrogenosomes share a common ancestry with mitochondria, as well as the discovery of mitosomes in multiple eukaryotic lineages. No examples of examined eukaryotes lacking a mitochondrion-related organelle exist, implying that the endosymbiont that gave rise to the mitochondrion was present in the first eukaryote. These organelles, known as hydrogenosomes, mitosomes, or mitochondrion-like organelles, are typically reduced, both structurally and biochemically, relative to classical mitochondria. However, despite their diversification and adaptation to different niches, all appear to play a role in Fe-S cluster assembly, as observed for mitochondria. Although evidence supports the use of common protein targeting mechanisms in the biogenesis of these diverse organelles, divergent features are also apparent. This review examines the metabolism and biogenesis of these organelles in divergent unicellular microbes, with a focus on parasitic protists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- April M Shiflett
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095-1489, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Ginger ML, Fritz-Laylin LK, Fulton C, Cande WZ, Dawson SC. Intermediary metabolism in protists: a sequence-based view of facultative anaerobic metabolism in evolutionarily diverse eukaryotes. Protist 2010; 161:642-71. [PMID: 21036663 PMCID: PMC3021972 DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2010.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Protists account for the bulk of eukaryotic diversity. Through studies of gene and especially genome sequences the molecular basis for this diversity can be determined. Evident from genome sequencing are examples of versatile metabolism that go far beyond the canonical pathways described for eukaryotes in textbooks. In the last 2-3 years, genome sequencing and transcript profiling has unveiled several examples of heterotrophic and phototrophic protists that are unexpectedly well-equipped for ATP production using a facultative anaerobic metabolism, including some protists that can (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii) or are predicted (Naegleria gruberi, Acanthamoeba castellanii, Amoebidium parasiticum) to produce H(2) in their metabolism. It is possible that some enzymes of anaerobic metabolism were acquired and distributed among eukaryotes by lateral transfer, but it is also likely that the common ancestor of eukaryotes already had far more metabolic versatility than was widely thought a few years ago. The discussion of core energy metabolism in unicellular eukaryotes is the subject of this review. Since genomic sequencing has so far only touched the surface of protist diversity, it is anticipated that sequences of additional protists may reveal an even wider range of metabolic capabilities, while simultaneously enriching our understanding of the early evolution of eukaryotes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Ginger
- School of Health and Medicine, Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Pérez-Brocal V, Shahar-Golan R, Clark CG. A linear molecule with two large inverted repeats: the mitochondrial genome of the stramenopile Proteromonas lacertae. Genome Biol Evol 2010; 2:257-66. [PMID: 20624730 PMCID: PMC2997541 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evq015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial evolution has given rise to a complex array of organelles, ranging from classical aerobic mitochondria to mitochondrial remnants known as hydrogenosomes and mitosomes. The latter are found in anaerobic eukaryotes, and these highly derived organelles often retain only scant evidence of their mitochondrial origins. Intermediate evolutionary stages have also been reported as facultatively or even strictly anaerobic mitochondria, and hydrogenosomes that still retain some mitochondrial features. However, the diversity among these organelles with transitional features remains rather unclear and barely studied. Here, we report the sequence, structure, and gene content of the mitochondrial DNA of the anaerobic stramenopile Proteromonas lacertae. It has a linear genome with a unique central region flanked by two identical large inverted repeats containing numerous genes and “telomeres” with short inverted repeats. Comparison with the organelle genome of the strictly anaerobic human parasite Blastocystis reveals that, despite the close similarity of the sequences, features such as the genome structure display striking differences. It remains unclear whether the virtually identical gene repertoires are the result of convergence or descent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Pérez-Brocal
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Hjort K, Goldberg AV, Tsaousis AD, Hirt RP, Embley TM. Diversity and reductive evolution of mitochondria among microbial eukaryotes. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2010; 365:713-27. [PMID: 20124340 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2009.0224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
All extant eukaryotes are now considered to possess mitochondria in one form or another. Many parasites or anaerobic protists have highly reduced versions of mitochondria, which have generally lost their genome and the capacity to generate ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. These organelles have been called hydrogenosomes, when they make hydrogen, or remnant mitochondria or mitosomes when their functions were cryptic. More recently, organelles with features blurring the distinction between mitochondria, hydrogenosomes and mitosomes have been identified. These organelles have retained a mitochondrial genome and include the mitochondrial-like organelle of Blastocystis and the hydrogenosome of the anaerobic ciliate Nyctotherus. Studying eukaryotic diversity from the perspective of their mitochondrial variants has yielded important insights into eukaryote molecular cell biology and evolution. These investigations are contributing to understanding the essential functions of mitochondria, defined in the broadest sense, and the limits to which reductive evolution can proceed while maintaining a viable organelle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karin Hjort
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Lithgow T, Schneider A. Evolution of macromolecular import pathways in mitochondria, hydrogenosomes and mitosomes. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2010; 365:799-817. [PMID: 20124346 PMCID: PMC2817224 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2009.0167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
All eukaryotes require mitochondria for survival and growth. The origin of mitochondria can be traced down to a single endosymbiotic event between two probably prokaryotic organisms. Subsequent evolution has left mitochondria a collection of heterogeneous organelle variants. Most of these variants have retained their own genome and translation system. In hydrogenosomes and mitosomes, however, the entire genome was lost. All types of mitochondria import most of their proteome from the cytosol, irrespective of whether they have a genome or not. Moreover, in most eukaryotes, a variable number of tRNAs that are required for mitochondrial translation are also imported. Thus, import of macromolecules, both proteins and tRNA, is essential for mitochondrial biogenesis. Here, we review what is known about the evolutionary history of the two processes using a recently revised eukaryotic phylogeny as a framework. We discuss how the processes of protein import and tRNA import relate to each other in an evolutionary context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Lithgow
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia
| | - André Schneider
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestr. 3, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Vassalos CM, Spanakos G, Vassalou E, Papadopoulou C, Vakalis N. Differences in clinical significance and morphologic features of Blastocystis sp subtype 3. Am J Clin Pathol 2010; 133:251-8. [PMID: 20093234 DOI: 10.1309/ajcpdowqsl6e8dmn] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is a polymorphic intestinal parasite that is common in humans. A total of 51 asymptomatic and symptomatic patients positive for Blastocystis only were included in the study. Symptoms were mainly nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms. Blastocystis isolates were xenically cultured and subtyped. Blastocystis species subtype 3 was the predominant subtype. Intrasubtype differences (vacuolar/amoeboid presence) in subtype 3 morphotypes were observed in 32 asymptomatic and symptomatic subtype 3 cases and could possibly be related to Blastocystis pathogenic potential. Diverse morphologic features (vacuolar transiting to amoeboid), probably reflecting the progression from an asymptomatic to a symptomatic state, were observed in an asymptomatic subtype 3 carrier who later had symptoms. Searching for amoeboid forms might be helpful to presumptively screen symptomatic patients with subtype 3 or to follow up an asymptomatic subtype 3 carrier in case symptoms become evident before antiprotozoal treatment was attempted. Further studies on the roles of morphologic features and variation within Blastocystis species subtypes as predictors of symptoms are encouraged.
Collapse
|
41
|
|
42
|
VAN DER GIEZEN MARK. Hydrogenosomes and Mitosomes: Conservation and Evolution of Functions. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2009; 56:221-31. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.2009.00407.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
43
|
Boorom KF, Smith H, Nimri L, Viscogliosi E, Spanakos G, Parkar U, Li LH, Zhou XN, Ok UZ, Leelayoova S, Jones MS. Oh my aching gut: irritable bowel syndrome, Blastocystis, and asymptomatic infection. Parasit Vectors 2008; 1:40. [PMID: 18937874 PMCID: PMC2627840 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-1-40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2008] [Accepted: 10/21/2008] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is a prevalent enteric protozoan that infects a variety of vertebrates. Infection with Blastocystis in humans has been associated with abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, skin rash, and other symptoms. Researchers using different methods and examining different patient groups have reported asymptomatic infection, acute symptomatic infection, and chronic symptomatic infection. The variation in accounts has lead to disagreements concerning the role of Blastocystis in human disease, and the importance of treating it. A better understanding of the number of species of Blastocystis that can infect humans, along with realization of the limitations of the existing clinical laboratory diagnostic techniques may account for much of the disagreement. The possibility that disagreement was caused by the emergence of particular pathogenic variants of Blastocystis is discussed, along with the potential role of Blastocystis infection in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Findings are discussed concerning the role of protease-activated receptor-2 in enteric disease which may account for the presence of abdominal pain and diffuse symptoms in Blastocystis infection, even in the absence of fever and endoscopic findings. The availability of better diagnostic techniques and treatments for Blastocystis infection may be of value in understanding chronic gastrointestinal illness of unknown etiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth F Boorom
- Blastocystis Research Foundation, 5060 SW Philomath Blvd, #202, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|