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Barre-Villeneuve C, Laudié M, Carpentier MC, Kuhn L, Lagrange T, Azevedo-Favory J. The unique dual targeting of AGO1 by two types of PRMT enzymes promotes phasiRNA loading in Arabidopsis thaliana. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:2480-2497. [PMID: 38321923 PMCID: PMC10954461 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Arginine/R methylation (R-met) of proteins is a widespread post-translational modification (PTM), deposited by a family of protein arginine/R methyl transferase enzymes (PRMT). Regulations by R-met are involved in key biological processes deeply studied in metazoan. Among those, post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) can be regulated by R-met in animals and in plants. It mainly contributes to safeguard processes as protection of genome integrity in germlines through the regulation of piRNA pathway in metazoan, or response to bacterial infection through the control of AGO2 in plants. So far, only PRMT5 has been identified as the AGO/PIWI R-met writer in higher eukaryotes. We uncovered that AGO1, the main PTGS effector regulating plant development, contains unique R-met features among the AGO/PIWI superfamily, and outstanding in eukaryotes. Indeed, AGO1 contains both symmetric (sDMA) and asymmetric (aDMA) R-dimethylations and is dually targeted by PRMT5 and by another type I PRMT in Arabidopsis thaliana. We showed also that loss of sDMA didn't compromise AtAGO1 subcellular trafficking in planta. Interestingly, we underscored that AtPRMT5 specifically promotes the loading of phasiRNA in AtAGO1. All our observations bring to consider this dual regulation of AtAGO1 in plant development and response to environment, and pinpoint the complexity of AGO1 post-translational regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clément Barre-Villeneuve
- CNRS, Laboratoire Génome et Développement des Plantes, UMR 5096, 66860 Perpignan, France
- Université Perpignan Via Domitia, Laboratoire Génome et Développement des Plantes, UMR 5096, F-66860 Perpignan, France
| | - Michèle Laudié
- CNRS, Laboratoire Génome et Développement des Plantes, UMR 5096, 66860 Perpignan, France
- Université Perpignan Via Domitia, Laboratoire Génome et Développement des Plantes, UMR 5096, F-66860 Perpignan, France
| | - Marie-Christine Carpentier
- CNRS, Laboratoire Génome et Développement des Plantes, UMR 5096, 66860 Perpignan, France
- Université Perpignan Via Domitia, Laboratoire Génome et Développement des Plantes, UMR 5096, F-66860 Perpignan, France
| | - Lauriane Kuhn
- Plateforme protéomique Strasbourg – Esplanade, CNRS FR1589, Université de Strasbourg, IBMC, 2 allée Konrad Roentgen, F-67084 Strasbourg, France
- Fédération de Recherche CNRS FR1589, France
| | - Thierry Lagrange
- CNRS, Laboratoire Génome et Développement des Plantes, UMR 5096, 66860 Perpignan, France
- Université Perpignan Via Domitia, Laboratoire Génome et Développement des Plantes, UMR 5096, F-66860 Perpignan, France
| | - Jacinthe Azevedo-Favory
- CNRS, Laboratoire Génome et Développement des Plantes, UMR 5096, 66860 Perpignan, France
- Université Perpignan Via Domitia, Laboratoire Génome et Développement des Plantes, UMR 5096, F-66860 Perpignan, France
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2
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Yarlett N, Jarroll EL, Morada M, Lloyd D. Protists: Eukaryotic single-celled organisms and the functioning of their organelles. Adv Microb Physiol 2024; 84:243-307. [PMID: 38821633 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ampbs.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Organelles are membrane bound structures that compartmentalize biochemical and molecular functions. With improved molecular, biochemical and microscopy tools the diversity and function of protistan organelles has increased in recent years, providing a complex panoply of structure/function relationships. This is particularly noticeable with the description of hydrogenosomes, and the diverse array of structures that followed, having hybrid hydrogenosome/mitochondria attributes. These diverse organelles have lost the major, at one time, definitive components of the mitochondrion (tricarboxylic cycle enzymes and cytochromes), however they all contain the machinery for the assembly of Fe-S clusters, which is the single unifying feature they share. The plasticity of organelles, like the mitochondrion, is therefore evident from its ability to lose its identity as an aerobic energy generating powerhouse while retaining key ancestral functions common to both aerobes and anaerobes. It is interesting to note that the apicoplast, a non-photosynthetic plastid that is present in all apicomplexan protozoa, apart from Cryptosporidium and possibly the gregarines, is also the site of Fe-S cluster assembly proteins. It turns out that in Cryptosporidium proteins involved in Fe-S cluster biosynthesis are localized in the mitochondrial remnant organelle termed the mitosome. Hence, different organisms have solved the same problem of packaging a life-requiring set of reactions in different ways, using different ancestral organelles, discarding what is not needed and keeping what is essential. Don't judge an organelle by its cover, more by the things it does, and always be prepared for surprises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel Yarlett
- Haskins Laboratories, Pace University, New York, NY, United States; The Department of Chemistry and Physical Sciences, Pace University, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Edward L Jarroll
- Department of Biological Sciences, CUNY-Lehman College, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Mary Morada
- Haskins Laboratories, Pace University, New York, NY, United States
| | - David Lloyd
- Schools of Biosciences and Engineering, Cardiff University, Wales, United Kingdom
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3
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Horjales S, Li Calzi M, Francia ME, Cayota A, Garcia-Silva MR. piRNA pathway evolution beyond gonad context: Perspectives from apicomplexa and trypanosomatids. Front Genet 2023; 14:1129194. [PMID: 36816026 PMCID: PMC9935688 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1129194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
piRNAs function as genome defense mechanisms against transposable elements insertions within germ line cells. Recent studies have unraveled that piRNA pathways are not limited to germ cells as initially reckoned, but are instead also found in non-gonadal somatic contexts. Moreover, these pathways have also been reported in bacteria, mollusks and arthropods, associated with safeguard of genomes against transposable elements, regulation of gene expression and with direct consequences in axon regeneration and memory formation. In this Perspective we draw attention to early branching parasitic protozoa, whose genome preservation is an essential function as in late eukaryotes. However, little is known about the defense mechanisms of these genomes. We and others have described the presence of putative PIWI-related machinery members in protozoan parasites. We have described the presence of a PIWI-like protein in Trypanosoma cruzi, bound to small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) as cargo of secreted extracellular vesicles relevant in intercellular communication and host infection. Herein, we put forward the presence of members related to Argonaute pathways in both Trypanosoma cruzi and Toxoplasma gondii. The presence of PIWI-like machinery in Trypansomatids and Apicomplexa, respectively, could be evidence of an ancestral piRNA machinery that evolved to become more sophisticated and complex in multicellular eukaryotes. We propose a model in which ancient PIWI proteins were expressed broadly and had functions independent of germline maintenance. A better understanding of current and ancestral PIWI/piRNAs will be relevant to better understand key mechanisms of genome integrity conservation during cell cycle progression and modulation of host defense mechanisms by protozoan parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Horjales
- Apicomplexa Biology Laboratory, Institute Pasteur Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - M Li Calzi
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, Institute Pasteur Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - M. E. Francia
- Apicomplexa Biology Laboratory, Institute Pasteur Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay,Departamento de Parasitología y Micología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - A. Cayota
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, Institute Pasteur Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay,Departmento Basico de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Hospital de Clinicas, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - M. R. Garcia-Silva
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, Institute Pasteur Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay,*Correspondence: M. R. Garcia-Silva,
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4
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Wei Y, Sandhu E, Yang X, Yang J, Ren Y, Gao X. Bidirectional Functional Effects of Staphylococcus on Carcinogenesis. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122353. [PMID: 36557606 PMCID: PMC9783839 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
As a Gram-positive cocci existing in nature, Staphylococcus has a variety of species, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, etc. Growing evidence reveals that Staphylococcus is closely related to the occurrence and development of various cancers. On the one hand, cancer patients are more likely to suffer from bacterial infection and antibiotic-resistant strain infection compared to healthy controls. On the other hand, there exists an association between staphylococcal infection and carcinogenesis. Staphylococcus often plays a pathogenic role and evades the host immune system through surface adhesion molecules, α-hemolysin, PVL (Panton-Valentine leukocidin), SEs (staphylococcal enterotoxins), SpA (staphylococcal protein A), TSST-1 (Toxic shock syndrom toxin-1) and other factors. Staphylococcal nucleases (SNases) are extracellular nucleases that serve as genomic markers for Staphylococcus aureus. Interestingly, a human homologue of SNases, SND1 (staphylococcal nuclease and Tudor domain-containing 1), has been recognized as an oncoprotein. This review is the first to summarize the reported basic and clinical evidence on staphylococci and neoplasms. Investigations on the correlation between Staphylococcus and the occurrence, development, diagnosis and treatment of breast, skin, oral, colon and other cancers, are made from the perspectives of various virulence factors and SND1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuannan Wei
- Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Esha Sandhu
- Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Xi Yang
- Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road No. 22, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road No. 22, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology in Tianjin, Excellent Talent Project, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road No. 22, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ren
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road No. 22, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road No. 22, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology in Tianjin, Excellent Talent Project, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road No. 22, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China
- Correspondence: (Y.R.); (X.G.); Tel./Fax: +86-022-83336806 (X.G.)
| | - Xingjie Gao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road No. 22, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road No. 22, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology in Tianjin, Excellent Talent Project, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road No. 22, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China
- Correspondence: (Y.R.); (X.G.); Tel./Fax: +86-022-83336806 (X.G.)
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Xu J, Li Y, Jia J, Xiong W, Zhong C, Huang G, Gou X, Meng Y, Shan W. Mutations in PpAGO3 Lead to Enhanced Virulence of Phytophthora parasitica by Activation of 25-26 nt sRNA-Associated Effector Genes. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:856106. [PMID: 35401482 PMCID: PMC8989244 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.856106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Oomycetes represent a unique group of plant pathogens that are destructive to a wide range of crops and natural ecosystems. Phytophthora species possess active small RNA (sRNA) silencing pathways, but little is known about the biological roles of sRNAs and associated factors in pathogenicity. Here we show that an AGO gene, PpAGO3, plays a major role in the regulation of effector genes hence the pathogenicity of Phytophthora parasitica. PpAGO3 was unique among five predicted AGO genes in P. parasitica, showing strong mycelium stage-specific expression. Using the CRISPR-Cas9 technology, we generated PpAGO3ΔRGG1-3 mutants that carried a deletion of 1, 2, or 3 copies of the N-terminal RGG motif (QRGGYD) but failed to obtain complete knockout mutants, which suggests its vital role in P. parasitica. These mutants showed increased pathogenicity on both Nicotiana benthamiana and Arabidopsis thaliana plants. Transcriptome and sRNA sequencing of PpAGO3ΔRGG1 and PpAGO3ΔRGG3 showed that these mutants were differentially accumulated with 25–26 nt sRNAs associated with 70 predicted cytoplasmic effector genes compared to the wild-type, of which 13 exhibited inverse correlation between gene expression and 25–26 nt sRNA accumulation. Transient overexpression of the upregulated RXLR effector genes, PPTG_01869 and PPTG_15425 identified in the mutants PpAGO3ΔRGG1 and PpAGO3ΔRGG3, strongly enhanced N. benthamiana susceptibility to P. parasitica. Our results suggest that PpAGO3 functions together with 25–26 nt sRNAs to confer dynamic expression regulation of effector genes in P. parasitica, thereby contributing to infection and pathogenicity of the pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yilin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Jinbu Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Wenjing Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Chengcheng Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Guiyan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Xiuhong Gou
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yuling Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Weixing Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
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6
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Rodriguez MA. Protein arginine methyltransferases in protozoan parasites. Parasitology 2022; 149:427-435. [PMID: 35331350 PMCID: PMC11010539 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021002043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Arginine methylation is a post-translational modification involved in gene transcription, signalling pathways, DNA repair, RNA metabolism and splicing, among others, mechanisms that in protozoa parasites may be involved in pathogenicity-related events. This modification is performed by protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs), which according to their products are divided into three main types: type I yields monomethylarginine (MMA) and asymmetric dimethylarginine; type II produces MMA and symmetric dimethylarginine; whereas type III catalyses MMA only. Nine PRMTs (PRMT1 to PRMT9) have been characterized in humans, whereas in protozoa parasites, except for Giardia intestinalis, three to eight PRMTs have been identified, where in each group there are at least two enzymes belonging to type I, the majority with higher similarity to human PRMT1, and one of type II, related to human PRMT5. However, the information on the role of most of these enzymes in the parasites biology is limited so far. Here, current knowledge of PRMTs in protozoan parasites is reviewed; these enzymes participate in the cell growth, stress response, stage transitions and virulence of these microorganisms. Thus, PRMTs are attractive targets for developing new therapeutic strategies against these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Alberto Rodriguez
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
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7
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Abstract
Protozoan parasites continue to cause a significant health and economic burden worldwide. As infectious organisms, they pose unique and difficult challenges due to a level of conservation of critical eukaryotic cellular pathways with their hosts. Gene regulation has been pinpointed as an essential pathway with enough divergence to warrant investigation into therapeutically targeting. Examination of human parasites such as Plasmodium falciparum, Toxoplasma gondii, and kinetoplastids have revealed that epigenetic mechanisms play a key role in their gene regulation. The enzymes involved in adding and removing epigenetic posttranslational modifications (PTMs) have historically been the focus of study. However, the reader proteins that recognize and bind PTMs, initiating recruitment of chromatin-modifying and transcription complexes, are now being realized for their critical role in regulation and their potential as drug targets. In this review, we highlight the current knowledge on epigenetic reader proteins in model parasitic protozoa, focusing on the histone acyl- and methyl-reading domains. With this knowledge base, we compare differences between medically relevant parasites, discuss conceivable functions of these understudied proteins, indicate gaps in knowledge, and provide current progress in drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista Fleck
- Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Malorie Nitz
- Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Victoria Jeffers
- Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, United States of America
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Li Y, Baptista RP, Kissinger JC. Noncoding RNAs in Apicomplexan Parasites: An Update. Trends Parasitol 2020; 36:835-849. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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9
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Brosseau C, Bolaji A, Roussin-Léveillée C, Zhao Z, Biga S, Moffett P. Natural variation in the Arabidopsis AGO2 gene is associated with susceptibility to potato virus X. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2020; 226:866-878. [PMID: 31880814 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
RNA silencing functions as an anti-viral defence in plants through the action of DICER-like (DCL) and ARGONAUTE (AGO) proteins. Despite the importance of this mechanism, little is known about the functional consequences of variation in genes encoding RNA silencing components. The AGO2 protein has been shown to be important for defense against multiple viruses, and we investigated how naturally occurring differences in AGO2 between and within species affects its antiviral activities. We find that the AGO2 protein from Arabidopsis thaliana, but not Nicotiana benthamiana, effectively limits potato virus X (PVX). Consistent with this, we find that the A. thaliana AGO2 gene shows a high incidence of polymorphisms between accessions, with evidence of selective pressure. Using functional analyses, we identify polymorphisms that specifically affect AGO2 antiviral activity, without interfering with other AGO2-associated functions such as anti-bacterial resistance or DNA methylation. Our results suggest that viruses adapt to overcome RNA silencing in their hosts. Furthermore, they indicate that plant-virus interactions have influenced natural variation in RNA-silencing components and that the latter may be a source of genetically encoded virus resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Brosseau
- Département de Biologie, Centre SÈVE, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Ayooluwa Bolaji
- Département de Biologie, Centre SÈVE, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, J1K 2R1, Canada
| | | | - Zhenxing Zhao
- Département de Biologie, Centre SÈVE, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Sébastien Biga
- Département de Biologie, Centre SÈVE, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Peter Moffett
- Département de Biologie, Centre SÈVE, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, J1K 2R1, Canada
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10
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Liu M, Li FX, Li CY, Li XC, Chen LF, Wu K, Yang PL, Lai ZF, Liu TK, Sullivan WJ, Cui L, Chen XG. Characterization of protein arginine methyltransferase of TgPRMT5 in Toxoplasma gondii. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:221. [PMID: 31068219 PMCID: PMC6505072 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3464-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protein arginine methylation is a prevalent post-translational modification. The protein arginine methyltransferase family (PRMT) is involved in many cellular processes in eukaryotes, including transcriptional regulation, epigenetic regulation, RNA metabolism, and DNA damage repair. Toxoplasma gondii, an opportunistic protozoan parasite, encodes five conserved PRMTs. PRMT5 is thought to be responsible for substantial PRMT activity in T. gondii; however, it has not yet been characterized. METHODS We tagged the 3' end of the endogenous TgPRMT5 genomic locus with sequence encoding a 3X hemagglutinin (HA) epitope. IFA and WB were performed to check the expression and subcellular localization of TgPRMT5 in tachyzoites and bradyzoites. In vitro methylation assays were performed to determine whether endogenous TgPRMT5 has arginine methyltransferase activity. RESULTS IFA and WB results showed that T. gondii PRMT5 (TgPRMT5) was localized in the cytoplasm in the tachyzoite stage; however, it shifts largely to the nuclear compartment in the bradyzoite stage. The in vitro methylation showed that TgPRMT5 has authentic type II PRMT activity and forms monomethylarginines and symmetric dimethylarginines. CONCLUSIONS We determined the expression and cellular localization of TgPRMT5 in tachyzoites and bradyzoites and confirmed its type II PRMT activity. We demonstrated the major changes in expression and cellular localization of TgPRMT5 during the tachyzoite and bradyzoite stages in T. gondii. Our findings suggest that TgPRMT5 protein may be involved in tachyzoite-bradyzoite transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People’s Republic of China
| | - Fen-Xiang Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People’s Republic of China
| | - Chun-Yuan Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Cong Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People’s Republic of China
| | - Long-Fei Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People’s Republic of China
| | - Kun Wu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People’s Republic of China
| | - Pei-Liang Yang
- Laboratory Animal Research Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Fa Lai
- Futian Center for disease control and prevention, Shenzhen, 518040 Guangdong People’s Republic of China
| | - Ting-kai Liu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - William J. Sullivan
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Liwang Cui
- Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, 501 ASI Building, University Park, PA 16802 USA
| | - Xiao-Guang Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People’s Republic of China
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Majumdar T, Sharma S, Kumar M, Hussain MA, Chauhan N, Kalia I, Sahu AK, Rana VS, Bharti R, Haldar AK, Singh AP, Mazumder S. Tryptophan-kynurenine pathway attenuates β-catenin-dependent pro-parasitic role of STING-TICAM2-IRF3-IDO1 signalosome in Toxoplasma gondii infection. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:161. [PMID: 30770800 PMCID: PMC6377608 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1420-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have documented the diverse role of host immunity in infection by the protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. However, the contribution of the β-catenin pathway in this process has not been explored. Here, we show that AKT-mediated phosphorylated β-catenin supports T. gondii multiplication which is arrested in the deficiency of its phosphorylation domain at S552 position. The β-catenin-TCF4 protein complex binds to the promoter region of IRF3 gene and initiates its transcription, which was also abrogated in β-catenin knockout cells. TBK-independent phosphorylation of STING(S366) and its adaptor molecule TICAM2 by phospho-AKT(T308S473) augmented downstream IRF3-dependent IDO1 transcription, which was also dependent on β-catenin. But, proteasomal degradation of IDO1 by its tyrosine phosphorylation (at Y115 and Y253) favoured parasite replication. In absence of IDO1, tryptophan was catabolized into melatonin, which supressed cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and boosted parasite growth. Conversely, when tyrosine phosphorylation was abolished by phosphosite mutations, IDO1 escaped its ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation system (UPS) and the stable IDO1 prevented parasite replication by kynurenine synthesis. We propose that T. gondii selectively utilizes tryptophan to produce the antioxidant, melatonin, thus prolonging the survival of infected cells through functional AKT and β-catenin activity for better parasite replication. Stable IDO1 in the presence of IFN-γ catabolized tryptophan into kynurenine, promoting cell death by suppressing phospho-AKT and phospho-β-catenin levels, and circumvented parasite replication. Treatment of infected cells with kynurenine or its analogue, teriflunomide suppressed kinase activity of AKT, and phosphorylation of β-catenin triggering caspase-3 dependent apoptosis of infected cells to inhibit parasite growth. Our results demonstrate that β-catenin regulate phosphorylated STING-TICAM2-IRF3-IDO1 signalosome for a cell-intrinsic pro-parasitic role. We propose that the downstream IRF3-IDO1-reliant tryptophan catabolites and their analogues can act as effective immunotherapeutic molecules to control T. gondii replication by impairing the AKT and β-catenin axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanmay Majumdar
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India.
| | - Shagun Sharma
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Manmohan Kumar
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Md Arafat Hussain
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Namita Chauhan
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Inderjeet Kalia
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Amit Kumar Sahu
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Vipin Singh Rana
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Ruchi Bharti
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Arun Kumar Haldar
- Division of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector-10, Jankipuram Ext., Lucknow, 226031, India
| | - Agam P Singh
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Shibnath Mazumder
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
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12
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Bollmann SR, Press CM, Tyler BM, Grünwald NJ. Expansion and Divergence of Argonaute Genes in the Oomycete Genus Phytophthora. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2841. [PMID: 30555430 PMCID: PMC6284064 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Modulation of gene expression through RNA interference is well conserved in eukaryotes and is involved in many cellular processes. In the oomycete Phytophthora, research on the small RNA machinery and function has started to reveal potential roles in the pathogen, but much is still unknown. We examined Argonaute (AGO) homologs within oomycete genome sequences, especially among Phytophthora species, to gain a clearer understanding of the evolution of this well-conserved protein family. We identified AGO homologs across many representative oomycete and stramenopile species, and annotated representative homologs in P. sojae. Furthermore, we demonstrate variable transcript levels of all identified AGO homologs in comparison to previously identified Dicer-like (DCL) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RDR) homologs. Our phylogenetic analysis further refines the relationship of the AGO homologs in oomycetes and identifies a conserved tandem duplication of AGO homologs in a subset of Phytophthora species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie R Bollmann
- Horticultural Crop Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Caroline M Press
- Horticultural Crop Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Brett M Tyler
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Center for Genome Research and Biocomputing, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Niklaus J Grünwald
- Horticultural Crop Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Corvallis, OR, United States
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13
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Crater AK, Roscoe S, Fahim A, Ananvoranich S. Toxoplasma ubiquitin-like protease 1, a key enzyme in sumoylation and desumoylation pathways, is under the control of non-coding RNAs. Int J Parasitol 2018; 48:867-880. [PMID: 30005881 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sumoylation and desumoylation are reversible pathways responsible for modification of protein structures and functions by the reversible covalent attachment of a small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) peptide. These pathways are important for a wide range of cellular processes and require a steady supply of SUMO, which is generated by an enzymatic reaction catalysed by the ubiquitin-like protease (Ulp) family. Here we show by functional complementation analysis that the Ulp1 of Toxoplasma gondii (TgUlp1) can rescue a growth-deficient phenotype of a yeast-Ulp1 knockout. Recombinant TgUlp1 is an active enzyme capable of removing SUMO from a sumoylated substrate. Using a clonal transgenic strain of T. gondii expressing an epitope-tagged version of TgUlp1, we detected that the expression of TgUlp1 is modulated by Tg-miR-60, the most abundant species of micro RNA found in the T. gondii type 1 strain. The introduction of Tg-miR-60 inhibitor caused an increase in TgUlp1 expression and its enzymatic activity, as well as affecting the parasite's growth fitness. Moreover, we discovered a polyadenylated antisense RNA transcribed from the TgUlp1 locus, referred to as TgUlp1-NAT1 (TgUlp1-natural antisense transcript 1). Both Tg-miR-60 and TgUlp1-NAT1 confer a regulatory function by down-regulating the expression of TgUlp1 and affecting the sumoylation and desumoylation pathways in T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Crater
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario N9B3P4, Canada
| | - Scott Roscoe
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario N9B3P4, Canada
| | - Ambreen Fahim
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario N9B3P4, Canada
| | - Sirinart Ananvoranich
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario N9B3P4, Canada.
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14
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Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a common veterinary and human pathogen that persists as latent bradyzoite forms within infected hosts. The ability of the parasite to interconvert between tachyzoite and bradyzoite is key for pathogenesis of toxoplasmosis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. The transition between tachyzoites and bradyzoites is epigenetically regulated and coupled to the cell cycle. Recent epigenomic studies have begun to elucidate the chromatin states associated with developmental switches in T. gondii. Evidence is also emerging that AP2 transcription factors both activate and repress the bradyzoite developmental program. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms by which T. gondii transduces environmental signals to coordinate the epigenetic and transcriptional machinery that are responsible for tachyzoite-bradyzoite interconversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kami Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA.,Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA;
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15
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Li CL, Yang WZ, Shi Z, Yuan HS. Tudor staphylococcal nuclease is a structure-specific ribonuclease that degrades RNA at unstructured regions during microRNA decay. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2018; 24:739-748. [PMID: 29440319 PMCID: PMC5900569 DOI: 10.1261/rna.064501.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Tudor staphylococcal nuclease (TSN) is an evolutionarily conserved ribonuclease in eukaryotes that is composed of five staphylococcal nuclease-like domains (SN1-SN5) and a Tudor domain. TSN degrades hyper-edited double-stranded RNA, including primary miRNA precursors containing multiple I•U and U•I pairs, and mature miRNA during miRNA decay. However, how TSN binds and degrades its RNA substrates remains unclear. Here, we show that the C. elegans TSN (cTSN) is a monomeric Ca2+-dependent ribonuclease, cleaving RNA chains at the 5'-side of the phosphodiester linkage to produce degraded fragments with 5'-hydroxyl and 3'-phosphate ends. cTSN degrades single-stranded RNA and double-stranded RNA containing mismatched base pairs, but is not restricted to those containing multiple I•U and U•I pairs. cTSN has at least two catalytic active sites located in the SN1 and SN3 domains, since mutations of the putative Ca2+-binding residues in these two domains strongly impaired its ribonuclease activity. We further show by small-angle X-ray scattering that rice osTSN has a flexible two-lobed structure with open to closed conformations, indicating that TSN may change its conformation upon RNA binding. We conclude that TSN is a structure-specific ribonuclease targeting not only single-stranded RNA, but also unstructured regions of double-stranded RNA. This study provides the molecular basis for how TSN cooperates with RNA editing to eliminate duplex RNA in cell defense, and how TSN selects and degrades RNA during microRNA decay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Lung Li
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan 11529, ROC
| | - Wei-Zen Yang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan 11529, ROC
| | - Zhonghao Shi
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan 11529, ROC
| | - Hanna S Yuan
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan 11529, ROC
- Graduate Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan 10048, ROC
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16
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Cázares-Apátiga J, Medina-Gómez C, Chávez-Munguía B, Calixto-Gálvez M, Orozco E, Vázquez-Calzada C, Martínez-Higuera A, Rodríguez MA. The Tudor Staphylococcal Nuclease Protein of Entamoeba histolytica Participates in Transcription Regulation and Stress Response. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:52. [PMID: 28293543 PMCID: PMC5328994 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica is the protozoa parasite responsible of human amoebiasis, disease that causes from 40,000 to 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, few are known about the expression regulation of molecules involved in its pathogenicity. Transcription of some virulence-related genes is positively controlled by the cis-regulatory element named URE1. Previously we identified the transcription factor that binds to URE1, which displayed a nuclear and cytoplasmic localization. This protein belongs to the Tudor Staphyococcal nuclease (TSN) family, which in other systems participates in virtually all pathways of gene expression, suggesting that this amoebic transcription factor (EhTSN; former EhURE1BP) could also play multiple functions in E. histolytica. The aim of this study was to identify the possible cellular events where EhTSN is involved. Here, we found that EhTSN in nucleus is located in euchromatin and close to, but not into, heterochromatin. We also showed the association of EhTSN with proteins involved in transcription and that the knockdown of EhTSN provokes a diminishing in the mRNA level of the EhRabB gene, which in its promoter region contains the URE1 motif, confirming that EhTSN participates in transcription regulation. In cytoplasm, this protein was found linked to the membrane of small vesicles and to plasma membrane. Through pull-down assays and mass spectrometry we identity thirty two candidate proteins to interact with EhTSN. These proteins participate in transcription, metabolism, signaling, and stress response, among other cellular processes. Interaction of EhTSN with some candidate proteins involved in metabolism, and signaling was validated by co-immunoprecipitation or co-localization. Finally we showed the co-localization of EhTSN and HSP70 in putative stress granules during heat shock and that the knockdown of EhTSN increases the cell death during heat shock treatment, reinforcing the hypothesis that EhTSN has a role during stress response. All data support the proposal that EhTSN is a multifunctional protein of E. histolytica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Cázares-Apátiga
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, CINVESTAV-IPN Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Christian Medina-Gómez
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, CINVESTAV-IPN Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Bibiana Chávez-Munguía
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, CINVESTAV-IPN Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - Esther Orozco
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, CINVESTAV-IPN Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Carlos Vázquez-Calzada
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, CINVESTAV-IPN Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Aarón Martínez-Higuera
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, CINVESTAV-IPN Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Mario A Rodríguez
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, CINVESTAV-IPN Ciudad de México, Mexico
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17
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Åsman AKM, Fogelqvist J, Vetukuri RR, Dixelius C. Phytophthora infestans Argonaute 1 binds microRNA and small RNAs from effector genes and transposable elements. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2016; 211:993-1007. [PMID: 27010746 DOI: 10.1111/nph.13946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Phytophthora spp. encode large sets of effector proteins and distinct populations of small RNAs (sRNAs). Recent evidence has suggested that pathogen-derived sRNAs can modulate the expression of plant defense genes. Here, we studied the sRNA classes and functions associated with Phytophthora infestans Argonaute (Ago) proteins. sRNAs were co-immunoprecipitated with three PiAgo proteins and deep sequenced. Twenty- to twenty-two-nucleotide (nt) sRNAs were identified as the main interaction partners of PiAgo1 and high enrichment of 24-26-nt sRNAs was seen in the PiAgo4-bound sample. The frequencies and sizes of transposable element (TE)-derived sRNAs in the different PiAgo libraries suggested diversified roles of the PiAgo proteins in the control of different TE classes. We further provide evidence for the involvement of PiAgo1 in the P. infestans microRNA (miRNA) pathway. Protein-coding genes are probably regulated by the shared action of PiAgo1 and PiAgo5, as demonstrated by analysis of differential expression. An abundance of sRNAs from genes encoding host cell death-inducing Crinkler (CRN) effectors was bound to PiAgo1, implicating this protein in the regulation of the expanded CRN gene family. The data suggest that PiAgo1 plays an essential role in gene regulation and that at least two RNA silencing pathways regulate TEs in the plant-pathogenic oomycete P. infestans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K M Åsman
- Department of Plant Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala BioCenter, Linnéan Center for Plant Biology, PO Box 7080, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johan Fogelqvist
- Department of Plant Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala BioCenter, Linnéan Center for Plant Biology, PO Box 7080, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ramesh R Vetukuri
- Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Resistance Biology Unit, PO Box 102, SE-23053, Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Christina Dixelius
- Department of Plant Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala BioCenter, Linnéan Center for Plant Biology, PO Box 7080, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden
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18
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Toxoplasma gondii Arginine Methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) Is Necessary for Centrosome Dynamics during Tachyzoite Cell Division. mBio 2016; 7:e02094-15. [PMID: 26838719 PMCID: PMC4742710 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02094-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The arginine methyltransferase family (PRMT) has been implicated in a variety of cellular processes, including signal transduction, epigenetic regulation, and DNA repair pathways. PRMT1 is thought to be responsible for the majority of PRMT activity in Toxoplasma gondii, but its exact function is unknown. To further define the biological function of the PRMT family, we generated T. gondii mutants lacking PRMT1 (Δprmt1) by deletion of the PRMT1 gene. Δprmt1 parasites exhibit morphological defects during cell division and grow slowly, and this phenotype reverses in the Δprmt::PRMT1mRFP complemented strain. Tagged PRMT1 localizes primarily in the cytoplasm with enrichment at the pericentriolar material, and the strain lacking PRMT1 is unable to segregate progeny accurately. Unlike wild-type and complemented parasites, Δprmt1 parasites have abnormal daughter buds, perturbed centrosome stoichiometry, and loss of synchronous replication. Whole-genome expression profiling demonstrated differences in expression of cell-cycle-regulated genes in the Δprmt1 strain relative to the complemented Δprmt1::PRMT1mRFP and parental wild-type strains, but these changes do not correlate with a specific block in cell cycle. Although PRMT1’s primary biological function was previously proposed to be methylation of histones, our studies suggest that PRMT1 plays an important role within the centrosome to ensure the proper replication of the parasite. Apicomplexan parasites include several important pathogens, including Toxoplasma gondii, a major cause of opportunistic infections and congenital birth defects. These parasites divide using a unique form of cell division called endodyogeny that is different from those of most eukaryotes. PRMT1 is a conserved arginine methyltransferase that was thought to regulate gene expression of T. gondii by modifying histone methylation. Using genetic techniques, we show that disruption of PRMT1 affects the parasite’s ability to perform accurate cell division. Our studies reveal an unexpected role for arginine methylation in centrosome biology and regulation of parasite replication.
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19
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Antisense technologies in the studying of Toxoplasma gondii. J Microbiol Methods 2015; 138:93-99. [PMID: 26724749 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2015.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Revised: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This review covers a brief history of antisense RNAs and its applications, and summarizes the current stage of antisense technologies used in Toxoplasma gondii, a fascinating model organism with a unique characteristic blend of genetic regulatory systems normally found in plants or animals. Based on the current knowledge of regulatory RNAs and non-coding RNA (ncRNA), the antisense technologies are reviewed according to the classification of ncRNAs, which are roughly categorized into small, ranging from ~20-200 nucleotides in length, and long >200 nucleotides. Techniques utilizing small regulatory RNAs such as siRNA, miRNA, antagomirs, ribozymes and morpholino oligomers are discussed along with long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) including antisense and double stranded. These antisense technologies can be used in forward and reverse genetics studies. The future of technologies is limitless, particularly by combining these technologies with conventional methods, and should allow for ever greater understanding of gene regulation of the organism and related pathogenic microorganisms.
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20
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Borbolla-Vázquez J, Orozco E, Betanzos A, Rodríguez MA. Entamoeba histolytica: protein arginine transferase 1a methylates arginine residues and potentially modify the H4 histone. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:219. [PMID: 25889855 PMCID: PMC4393863 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0820-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 03/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In eukaryotes, histone arginine methylation associates with both active and repressed chromatin states depending on the residues involved and the status of methylation. Even when the amino-terminus of Entamoeba histolytica histones diverge from metazoan sequences, these regions contain arginine residues that are potential targets for methylation. However, histone arginine methylation as well as the activity of arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) has not been studied in this parasite. The aim of this work was to examine the dimethylation of arginine 3 of H4 histone (H4R3me2) and to identify the parasite PRMT that could be responsible for this modification (EhPRMT1). METHODS To examine the presence of H4R3me2 in E histolytica, we performed Western blot and immunofluorescence assays on trophozoites using an antibody against this epigenetic mark. To recognize the PRMT1 enzyme of this parasite that possibly perform that modification, we first performed a phylogenetic analysis of E. histolytica and human PRMTs. RT-PCR assays were carried out to analyze the expression of the putative PRMT1 genes. One of these genes was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant protein was tested by its recognition by an antibody against human PRMT1 and in its ability to form homodimers and to methylate commercial histones. RESULTS The arginine 3 of human H4, which is subjected to post translational methylation, was aligned with the arginine 8 of E. histolytica H4, suggesting that this residue could be methylated. The recognition of an 18 kDa nuclear protein of E. histolytica by an antibody against H4R3me2 confirmed this assumption. We found that this parasite expresses three phylogenetic and structural proteins related to PRMT1. Antibodies against the human PRMT1 detected E. histolytica proteins in cytoplasm and nuclei and recognized a recombinant PRMT1 of this parasite. The recombinant protein was able to form homodimers and homotetramers and displayed methyltransferase activity on arginine 3 of chicken H4. CONCLUSION All these results suggest that E. histolytica contains as a minimum one structural and functional protein ortholog to PRMT1, enzyme that potentially dimethylates H4R8. This modification may play an important role in the gene expression regulation of this microorganism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Borbolla-Vázquez
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, A.P. 14-740, México, D.F., 07000, Mexico.
| | - Esther Orozco
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, A.P. 14-740, México, D.F., 07000, Mexico.
| | - Abigail Betanzos
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, A.P. 14-740, México, D.F., 07000, Mexico.
| | - Mario A Rodríguez
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, A.P. 14-740, México, D.F., 07000, Mexico.
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Majumdar T, Chattopadhyay S, Ozhegov E, Dhar J, Goswami R, Sen GC, Barik S. Induction of interferon-stimulated genes by IRF3 promotes replication of Toxoplasma gondii. PLoS Pathog 2015; 11:e1004779. [PMID: 25811886 PMCID: PMC4374777 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate immunity is the first line of defense against microbial insult. The transcription factor, IRF3, is needed by mammalian cells to mount innate immune responses against many microbes, especially viruses. IRF3 remains inactive in the cytoplasm of uninfected cells; upon virus infection, it gets phosphorylated and then translocates to the nucleus, where it binds to the promoters of antiviral genes and induces their expression. Such genes include type I interferons (IFNs) as well as Interferon Stimulated Genes (ISGs). IRF3-/- cells support enhanced replication of many viruses and therefore, the corresponding mice are highly susceptible to viral pathogenesis. Here, we provide evidence for an unexpected pro-microbial role of IRF3: the replication of the protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, was significantly impaired in IRF3-/- cells. In exploring whether the transcriptional activity of IRF3 was important for its pro-parasitic function, we found that ISGs induced by parasite-activated IRF3 were indeed essential, whereas type I interferons were not important. To delineate the signaling pathway that activates IRF3 in response to parasite infection, we used genetically modified human and mouse cells. The pro-parasitic signaling pathway, which we termed PISA (Parasite-IRF3 Signaling Activation), activated IRF3 without any involvement of the Toll-like receptor or RIG-I-like receptor pathways, thereby ruling out a role of parasite-derived RNA species in activating PISA. Instead, PISA needed the presence of cGAS, STING, TBK1 and IRF3, indicating the necessity of DNA-triggered signaling. To evaluate the physiological significance of our in vitro findings, IRF3-/- mice were challenged with parasite infection and their morbidity and mortality were measured. Unlike WT mice, the IRF3-/- mice did not support replication of the parasite and were resistant to pathogenesis caused by it. Our results revealed a new paradigm in which the antiviral host factor, IRF3, plays a cell-intrinsic pro-parasitic role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanmay Majumdar
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, and Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, College of Sciences and Health Professions, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Saurabh Chattopadhyay
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Lerner Research Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Evgeny Ozhegov
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, and Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, College of Sciences and Health Professions, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Jayeeta Dhar
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, and Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, College of Sciences and Health Professions, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Ramansu Goswami
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, and Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, College of Sciences and Health Professions, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Ganes C. Sen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Lerner Research Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Sailen Barik
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, and Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, College of Sciences and Health Professions, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
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Crater AK, Manni E, Ananvoranich S. Utilization of inherent miRNAs in functional analyses of Toxoplasma gondii genes. J Microbiol Methods 2015; 108:92-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2014.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Transcript maturation in apicomplexan parasites. Curr Opin Microbiol 2014; 20:82-7. [PMID: 24934558 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2014.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Revised: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The complex life cycles of apicomplexan parasites are associated with dynamic changes of protein repertoire. In Toxoplasma gondii, global analysis of gene expression demonstrates that dynamic changes in mRNA levels unfold in a serial cascade during asexual replication and up to 50% of encoded genes are unequally expressed in development. Recent studies indicate transcription and mRNA processing have important roles in fulfilling the 'just-in-time' delivery of proteins to parasite growth and development. The prominence of post-transcriptional mechanisms in the Apicomplexa was demonstrated by mechanistic studies of the critical RNA-binding proteins and regulatory kinases. However, it is still early in our understanding of how transcription and post-transcriptional mechanisms are balanced to produce adequate numbers of specialized forms that is required to complete the parasite life cycle.
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Cherry AA, Ananvoranich S. Characterization of a homolog of DEAD-box RNA helicases in Toxoplasma gondii as a marker of cytoplasmic mRNP stress granules. Gene 2014; 543:34-44. [PMID: 24709106 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Revised: 03/23/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan which infects one-third of the human population. Due to its high infection prevalence, Toxoplasma offers an ideal system for the study of host-parasite interaction. Similar to other eukaryotes, Toxoplasma maintains levels and localization of cytoplasmic mRNAs throughout its life cycle as part of a gene regulation network to meet all cellular and biochemical requirements. More recently, it was reported that the presence of cytoplasmic mRNA granules could contribute to the parasite pathogenesis and viability. Here we identified a novel Toxoplasma DEAD-box RNA helicase, referred to as Toxoplasma gondiiHomolog of DOZI (TgHoDI), because of its high homology (81%) to Plasmodium DOZI. TgHoDI is the functional ortholog of yeast DHH1, and its function was authenticated by complementation studies in Δdhh1 yeast strain. We demonstrated that TgHoDI is a marker of cytoplasmic RNA stress granules, which assemble when the parasites experience cellular stresses and translational arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Adnan Cherry
- The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario N9B3P4, Canada
| | - Sirinart Ananvoranich
- The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario N9B3P4, Canada.
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Rommereim LM, Hortua Triana MA, Falla A, Sanders KL, Guevara RB, Bzik DJ, Fox BA. Genetic manipulation in Δku80 strains for functional genomic analysis of Toxoplasma gondii. J Vis Exp 2013:e50598. [PMID: 23892917 PMCID: PMC3735270 DOI: 10.3791/50598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted genetic manipulation using homologous recombination is the method of choice for functional genomic analysis to obtain a detailed view of gene function and phenotype(s). The development of mutant strains with targeted gene deletions, targeted mutations, complemented gene function, and/or tagged genes provides powerful strategies to address gene function, particularly if these genetic manipulations can be efficiently targeted to the gene locus of interest using integration mediated by double cross over homologous recombination. Due to very high rates of nonhomologous recombination, functional genomic analysis of Toxoplasma gondii has been previously limited by the absence of efficient methods for targeting gene deletions and gene replacements to specific genetic loci. Recently, we abolished the major pathway of nonhomologous recombination in type I and type II strains of T. gondii by deleting the gene encoding the KU80 protein1,2. The Δku80 strains behave normally during tachyzoite (acute) and bradyzoite (chronic) stages in vitro and in vivo and exhibit essentially a 100% frequency of homologous recombination. The Δku80 strains make functional genomic studies feasible on the single gene as well as on the genome scale1-4. Here, we report methods for using type I and type II Δku80Δhxgprt strains to advance gene targeting approaches in T. gondii. We outline efficient methods for generating gene deletions, gene replacements, and tagged genes by targeted insertion or deletion of the hypoxanthine-xanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HXGPRT) selectable marker. The described gene targeting protocol can be used in a variety of ways in Δku80 strains to advance functional analysis of the parasite genome and to develop single strains that carry multiple targeted genetic manipulations. The application of this genetic method and subsequent phenotypic assays will reveal fundamental and unique aspects of the biology of T. gondii and related significant human pathogens that cause malaria (Plasmodium sp.) and cryptosporidiosis (Cryptosporidium).
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah M Rommereim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, USA
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Phetrungnapha A, Panyim S, Ongvarrasopone C. Penaeus monodon Tudor staphylococcal nuclease preferentially interacts with N-terminal domain of Argonaute-1. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 34:875-884. [PMID: 23333357 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2012.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Revised: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 12/23/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) plays a crucial role as an antiviral defense in several organisms including plants and invertebrates. An understanding of RNAi machineries especially protein components of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) is essential for prior to applying RNAi as a tool for viral protective immunity in shrimp. Tudor staphylococcal nuclease (TSN) is an evolutionarily conserved protein and is one of the RISC components. In previous study, suppression of Penaeus monodon TSN (PmTSN) by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) resulted in decreasing dsRNA-mediated gene silencing activity. To elucidate the functional significance of PmTSN in shrimp RNAi pathway, interactions between PmTSN and three Argonaute proteins (PmAgo) were characterized by yeast two-hybrid and in vitro pull-down assays. The results demonstrated that PmTSN interacted with PmAgo1, but not with PmAgo2 or PmAgo3. The interaction between PmAgo and PmTSN was mediated through the N-terminal domain of PmAgo1 and the SN1-2 domains of PmTSN. Analysis of the nuclease activity of the recombinant PmTSN indicated that PmTSN possessed calcium-dependent nuclease activity specific to single-stranded RNA (ssRNA), but not dsRNA and DNA. Knockdown of PmAgo1 and PmTSN diminished the ability of dsRNA-Rab7 to knockdown PmRab7 expression, indicating the involvement of PmAgo1 and PmTSN in shrimp RNAi pathway. Taken together, the results imply that PmTSN is one of the components of PmAgo1-RISC, thus providing new insights in the RNAi-based mechanism in shrimp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amnat Phetrungnapha
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Phutthamonthon 4 Road, Salaya, Phutthamonthon District, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
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Wang J, Liu X, Jia B, Lu H, Peng S, Piao X, Hou N, Cai P, Yin J, Jiang N, Chen Q. A comparative study of small RNAs in Toxoplasma gondii of distinct genotypes. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:186. [PMID: 22943187 PMCID: PMC3453492 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Accepted: 08/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite with a significant impact on human health. Inside the mammalian and avian hosts, the parasite can undergo rapid development or remain inactive in the cysts. The mechanism that regulates parasite proliferation has not been fully understood. Small noncoding RNAs (sncRNA) such as microRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous regulatory factors that can modulate cell differentiation and development. It is anticipated that hundreds of miRNAs regulate the expression of thousands of genes in a single organism. SncRNAs have been identified in T. gondii, however the profiles of sncRNAs expression and their potential regulatory function in parasites of distinct genotypes has largely been unknown. Methods The transcription profiles of miRNAs in the two genetically distinct strains, RH and ME49, of T. gondii were investigated and compared by a high-through-put RNA sequencing technique and systematic bioinformatics analysis. The expression of some of the miRNAs was confirmed by Northern blot analysis. Results 1,083,320 unique sequences were obtained. Of which, 17 conserved miRNAs related to 2 metazoan miRNA families and 339 novel miRNAs were identified. A total of 175 miRNAs showed strain-specific expression, of which 155 miRNAs were up-regulated in RH strain and 20 miRNAs were up-regulated in ME49 strain. Strain-specific expression of miRNAs in T. gondii could be due to activation of specific genes at different genomic loci or due to arm-switching of the same pre-miRNA duplex. Conclusions Evidence for the differential expression of miRNAs in the two genetically distinct strains of T. gondii has been identified and defined. MiRNAs of T. gondii are more species-specific as compared to other organisms, which can be developed as diagnostic biomarkers for toxoplasmosis. The data also provide a framework for future studies on RNAi-dependent regulatory mechanisms in the zoonotic parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jielin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Xi An Da Lu 5333, Changchun 130062, China
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Chromatin modifications, epigenetics, and how protozoan parasites regulate their lives. Trends Parasitol 2012; 28:202-13. [PMID: 22480826 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2012.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2012] [Revised: 02/21/2012] [Accepted: 02/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Chromatin structure plays a vital role in epigenetic regulation of protozoan parasite gene expression. Epigenetic gene regulation impacts upon parasite virulence, differentiation and cell-cycle control. Recent work in many laboratories has elucidated the functions of proteins that regulate parasite gene expression by chemical modification of constituent nucleosomes. A major focus of investigation has been the characterization of post-translational modifications (PTMs) of histones and the identification of the enzymes responsible. Despite conserved features and specificity common to all eukaryotes, parasite enzymes involved in chromatin modification have unique functions that regulate unique aspects of parasite biology.
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