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Plata-Guzmán LY, Arroyo R, León-Sicairos N, Canizález-Román A, López-Moreno HS, Chávez-Ontiveros J, Garzón-Tiznado JA, León-Sicairos C. Stem-Loop Structures in Iron-Regulated mRNAs of Giardia duodenalis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3556. [PMID: 36834255 PMCID: PMC9966554 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is a significant cause of waterborne and foodborne infections, day-care center outbreaks, and traveler's diarrhea worldwide. In protozoa such as Trichomonas vaginalis and Entamoeba histolytica, iron affects the growth, pathogenicity mechanisms, and expression of virulence genes. One of the proposed iron regulatory mechanisms is at the post-transcriptional level through an IRE/IRP-like (iron responsive element/iron regulatory protein) system. Recently, the expression of many putative giardial virulence factors in the free-iron levels has been reported in subsequent RNAseq experiments; however, the iron regulatory mechanism remains unknown. Thus, this work aimed to determine the effects of iron on the growth, gene expression, and presence of IRE-like structures in G. duodenalis. First, the parasite's growth kinetics at different iron concentrations were studied, and the cell viability was determined. It was observed that the parasite can adapt to an iron range from 7.7 to 500 µM; however, in conditions without iron, it is unable to survive in the culture medium. Additionally, the iron modulation of three genes was determined by RT-PCR assays. The results suggested that Actin, glucosamine-6-phosphate deaminase, and cytochrome b5 mRNA were down-regulated by iron. To investigate the presence of IRE-like structures, in silico analyses were performed for different mRNAs from the Giardia genome database. The Zuker mfold v2.4 web server and theoretical analysis were used to predict the secondary structures of the 91 mRNAs analyzed. Interestingly, the iron-induced downregulation of the genes analyzed corresponds to the location of the stem-loop structures found in their UTR regions. In conclusion, iron modulates the growth and expression of specific genes, likely due to the presence of IRE-like structures in G. duodenalis mRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Y. Plata-Guzmán
- Programa Regional del Noroeste para el Posgrado en Biotecnología de la Facultad de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Av. de las Américas y Josefa Ortíz (Cd. Universitaria), Culiacán 80030, Mexico
| | - Rossana Arroyo
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV-IPN), Av. IPN No. 2508, Colonia San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Nidia León-Sicairos
- CIASaP Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Cedros y Sauces Frac. Fresnos, Culiacán 80246, Mexico
- Departamento de Investigación, Hospital Pediátrico de Sinaloa, Boulevard Constitución S/N, Col. Jorge Almada, Culiacán 80200, Mexico
| | - Adrián Canizález-Román
- CIASaP Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Cedros y Sauces Frac. Fresnos, Culiacán 80246, Mexico
| | - Héctor S. López-Moreno
- Programa Regional del Noroeste para el Posgrado en Biotecnología de la Facultad de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Av. de las Américas y Josefa Ortíz (Cd. Universitaria), Culiacán 80030, Mexico
| | - Jeanett Chávez-Ontiveros
- Programa Regional del Noroeste para el Posgrado en Biotecnología de la Facultad de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Av. de las Américas y Josefa Ortíz (Cd. Universitaria), Culiacán 80030, Mexico
| | - José A. Garzón-Tiznado
- Programa Regional del Noroeste para el Posgrado en Biotecnología de la Facultad de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Av. de las Américas y Josefa Ortíz (Cd. Universitaria), Culiacán 80030, Mexico
| | - Claudia León-Sicairos
- Programa Regional del Noroeste para el Posgrado en Biotecnología de la Facultad de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Av. de las Américas y Josefa Ortíz (Cd. Universitaria), Culiacán 80030, Mexico
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Emery SJ, Lacey E, Haynes PA. Quantitative proteomics in Giardia duodenalis —Achievements and challenges. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2016; 208:96-112. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Niño CA, Chaparro J, Soffientini P, Polo S, Wasserman M. Ubiquitination dynamics in the early-branching eukaryote Giardia intestinalis. Microbiologyopen 2013; 2:525-39. [PMID: 23613346 PMCID: PMC3684764 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Revised: 03/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitination is a highly dynamic and versatile posttranslational modification that regulates protein function, stability, and interactions. To investigate the roles of ubiquitination in a primitive eukaryotic lineage, we utilized the early-branching eukaryote Giardia intestinalis. Using a combination of biochemical, immunofluorescence-based, and proteomics approaches, we assessed the ubiquitination status during the process of differentiation in Giardia. We observed that different types of ubiquitin modifications present specific cellular and temporal distribution throughout the Giardia life cycle from trophozoites to cyst maturation. Ubiquitin signal was detected in the wall of mature cysts, and enzymes implicated in cyst wall biogenesis were identified as substrates for ubiquitination. Interestingly, inhibition of proteasome activity did not affect trophozoite replication and differentiation, while it caused a decrease in cyst viability, arguing for proteasome involvement in cyst wall maturation. Using a proteomics approach, we identified around 200 high-confidence ubiquitinated candidates that vary their ubiquitination status during differentiation. Our results indicate that ubiquitination is critical for several cellular processes in this primitive eukaryote.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Niño
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Básicas en Bioquímica - LIBBIQ, Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
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Silencing of Entamoeba histolytica glucosamine 6-phosphate isomerase by RNA interference inhibits the formation of cyst-like structures. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:758341. [PMID: 23484154 PMCID: PMC3581238 DOI: 10.1155/2013/758341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2012] [Revised: 11/11/2012] [Accepted: 11/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Encystment is an essential process in the biological cycle of the human parasite Entamoeba histolytica. In the present study, we evaluated the participation of E. histolytica Gln6Pi in the formation of amoeba cyst-like structures by RNA interference assay. Amoeba trophozoites transfected with two Gln6Pi siRNAs reduced the expression of the enzyme in 85%, which was confirmed by western blot using an anti-Gln6Pi antibody. The E. histolytica Gln6Pi knockdown with the mix of both siRNAs resulted in the loss of its capacity to form cyst-like structures (CLSs) and develop a chitin wall under hydrogen peroxide treatment, as evidenced by absence of both resistance to detergent treatment and calcofluor staining. Thus, only 5% of treated trophozoites were converted to CLS, from which only 15% were calcofluor stained. These results represent an advance in the understanding of chitin biosynthesis in E. histolytica and provide insight into the encystment process in this parasite, which could allow for the developing of new control strategies for this parasite.
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Ma’ayeh SY, Brook-Carter PT. Representational difference analysis identifies specific genes in the interaction of Giardia duodenalis with the murine intestinal epithelial cell line, IEC-6. Int J Parasitol 2012; 42:501-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2012.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2012] [Revised: 03/30/2012] [Accepted: 04/02/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Cyst and encystment in protozoan parasites: optimal targets for new life-cycle interrupting strategies? Trends Parasitol 2011; 27:450-8. [PMID: 21775209 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2011.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2011] [Revised: 06/15/2011] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Certain protozoan parasites use survival strategies to reside outside the host such as the formation of cysts. This dormant and resistant stage results from the complex process of encystment that involves diverse molecular and cellular modifications. The stimuli and changes associated with cyst biogenesis are a matter of ongoing studies in human and animal protozoan parasites such as amoeba and Giardia species because blocking every step in the encystment pathway should, in theory, interrupt their life cycles. The present review thoroughly examines this essential process in those protozoan parasites and discusses the possibility of using that information to develop new kinds of anti-parasite specific and life cycle-interrupting drugs, aimed at holding back the dissemination of these infections.
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Giardia intestinalis: Expression of ubiquitin, glucosamine-6-phosphate and cyst wall protein genes during the encystment process. Exp Parasitol 2011; 127:382-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2010.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2010] [Revised: 08/16/2010] [Accepted: 08/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Aguilar-Díaz H, Díaz-Gallardo M, Laclette JP, Carrero JC. In vitro induction of Entamoeba histolytica cyst-like structures from trophozoites. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2010; 4:e607. [PMID: 20169067 PMCID: PMC2821915 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2009] [Accepted: 12/29/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of encystment can be conceived as a potentially useful mechanism to block the transmission of Entamoeba histolytica under natural conditions. Unfortunately, amoeba encystment has not been achieved in vitro and drugs inhibiting the formation of cysts are not available. Luminal conditions inducing encystment in vivo are also unknown, but cellular stress such as exposure to reactive oxygen species from immune cells or intestinal microbiota could be involved. A role for certain divalent cations as cofactors of enzymes involved in excystment has also been described. In this study, we show that trophozoite cultures, treated with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of trace amounts of several cations, transform into small-sized spherical and refringent structures that exhibit resistance to different detergents. Ultrastructural analysis under scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed multinucleated structures (some with four nuclei) with smooth, thick membranes and multiple vacuoles. Staining with calcofluor white, as well as an ELISA binding assay using wheat germ agglutinin, demonstrated the presence of polymers of N-acetylglucosamine (chitin), which is the primary component of the natural cyst walls. Over-expression of glucosamine 6-phosphate isomerase, likely to be the rate-limiting enzyme in the chitin synthesis pathway, was also confirmed by RT-PCR. These results suggest that E. histolytica trophozoites activated encystment pathways when exposed to our treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Aguilar-Díaz
- Department of Immunology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Martha Díaz-Gallardo
- Department of Developmental Genetics and Molecular Physiology, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelos, México
| | - Juan P. Laclette
- Department of Immunology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
- * E-mail: (JPL); (JCC)
| | - Julio C. Carrero
- Department of Immunology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
- * E-mail: (JPL); (JCC)
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Gallego E, Alvarado M, Wasserman M. Identification and expression of the protein ubiquitination system in Giardia intestinalis. Parasitol Res 2007; 101:1-7. [PMID: 17252268 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-007-0458-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2006] [Accepted: 01/08/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Giardia intestinalis is a single-cell eukaryotic microorganism, regarded as one of the earliest divergent eukaryotes and thus an attractive model to study the evolution of regulatory systems. Giardia has two different forms throughout its life cycle, cyst and trophozoite, and changes from one to the other in response to environmental signals. The two differentiation processes involve a differential gene expression as well as a quick and specific protein turnover that may be mediated by the ubiquitin/proteasome system. The aim of this work was to search for unreported components of the ubiquitination system and to experimentally demonstrate their expression in the parasite and during the two differentiation processes. We found activity of protein ubiquitination in G. intestinalis trophozoites and analyzed the transcription of the ubiquitin gene, as well as that of the activating (E1), conjugating (E2), and ligase (E3) ubiquitin enzymes during encystation and excystation. A constant ubiquitin expression persisted during the parasite's differentiation processes, whereas variation in transcription was observed in the other genes under study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Gallego
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Básicas en Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Unidad Camilo Torres Cra 50 No 27-70 Bloque 10 nivel 4, Bogota, Colombia
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Abstract
Given that resistance to antiprotozoal drugs exists and is likely to increase and given that currently no reliable treatments exist for some of these infections, efforts to find new targets for chemotherapy must be continued. In the case of cyst-forming pathogenic protozoa, one such target might be encystment pathways and cyst-wall assembly. Information is increasing on protozoan encystment and, as it does, we can begin to answer the question of whether targeting it for chemotherapy is a viable drug strategy. Currently, there are significant efforts to understand encystment in Giardia and Entamoeba, and potential targets are being discovered as work on their encystment mechanisms progress. We know with certainty now that Giardia and Entamoeba cyst walls contain unique proteins and polysaccharides which differ from those of their hosts and thus make them potentially interesting targets for a variety of chemotherapeutic attacks. Although we lack detailed information about the other protozoan cyst formers, enough evidence exists for Giardia and Entamoeba that it seems prudent to screen them with some of the antifungal drugs, especially those that target mannoproteins, chitin synthesis, and beta (1, 3) glucan synthesis to ascertain if they target elements in these protozoan pathways that are similar to those found in fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward L Jarroll
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, 106 Egan Bldg., 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Lopez AB, Sener K, Jarroll EL, van Keulen H. Transcription regulation is demonstrated for five key enzymes in Giardia intestinalis cyst wall polysaccharide biosynthesis. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2003; 128:51-7. [PMID: 12706796 DOI: 10.1016/s0166-6851(03)00049-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The cyst wall of Giardia intestinalis contains proteins and a novel N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) polysaccharide, which is its major constituent. GalNAc is not present in growing trophozoites, but is synthesized during encystment via an inducible pathway of enzymes that produce UDP-GalNAc from fructose 6-phosphate. This report focuses on the regulation of these enzymes and thus the genes for glucosamine 6-phosphate N-acetyltransferase (GNA), phosphoacetylglucosamine mutase (AGM), UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase (UAP), and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 4-epimerase (UAE) were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Each of these expressed enzymes had the predicted activity and was used to generate antibodies. Northern and Western blot analyses demonstrated that both the mRNA and protein levels for all of these enzymes increase during encystment. Nuclear run-on assays of these and the previously analyzed glucosamine 6-phosphate deaminase (GNP; glucosamine 6-P isomerase) showed that all of the genes responsible for UDP-GalNAc synthesis during encystment are induced at the transcription level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex B Lopez
- Department of Biological, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA
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