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Chen L, Han W, Jing W, Feng M, Zhou Q, Cheng X. Novel anti- Acanthamoeba effects elicited by a repurposed poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor AZ9482. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1414135. [PMID: 38863831 PMCID: PMC11165085 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1414135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Acanthamoeba infection is a serious public health concern, necessitating the development of effective and safe anti-Acanthamoeba chemotherapies. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) govern a colossal amount of biological processes, such as DNA damage repair, protein degradation and apoptosis. Multiple PARP-targeted compounds have been approved for cancer treatment. However, repurposing of PARP inhibitors to treat Acanthamoeba is poorly understood. Methods In the present study, we attempted to fill these knowledge gaps by performing anti-Acanthamoeba efficacy assays, cell biology experiments, bioinformatics, and transcriptomic analyses. Results Using a homology model of Acanthamoeba poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs), molecular docking of approved drugs revealed three potential inhibitory compounds: olaparib, venadaparib and AZ9482. In particular, venadaparib exhibited superior docking scores (-13.71) and favorable predicted binding free energy (-89.28 kcal/mol), followed by AZ9482, which showed a docking score of -13.20 and a binding free energy of -92.13 kcal/mol. Notably, the positively charged cyclopropylamine in venadaparib established a salt bridge (through E535) and a hydrogen bond (via N531) within the binding pocket. For comparison, AZ9482 was well stacked by the surrounding aromatic residues including H625, Y652, Y659 and Y670. In an assessment of trophozoites viability, AZ9482 exhibited a dose-and time-dependent anti-trophozoite effect by suppressing Acanthamoeba PARP activity, unlike olaparib and venadaparib. An Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide apoptosis assay revealed AZ9482 induced trophozoite necrotic cell death rather than apoptosis. Transcriptomics analyses conducted on Acanthamoeba trophozoites treated with AZ9482 demonstrated an atlas of differentially regulated proteins and genes, and found that AZ9482 rapidly upregulates a multitude of DNA damage repair pathways in trophozoites, and intriguingly downregulates several virulent genes. Analyzing gene expression related to DNA damage repair pathway and the rate of apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites indicated DNA damage efficacy and repair modulation in Acanthamoeba trophozoites following AZ9482 treatment. Discussion Collectively, these findings highlight AZ9482, as a structurally unique PARP inhibitor, provides a promising prototype for advancing anti-Acanthamoeba drug research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Chen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Han
- Research Center for Intelligent Computing Platforms, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenwen Jing
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Feng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingtong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xunjia Cheng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Barman M, Dandasena D, Suresh A, Bhandari V, Kamble S, Singh S, Subudhi M, Sharma P. Artemisinin derivatives induce oxidative stress leading to DNA damage and caspase-mediated apoptosis in Theileria annulata-transformed cells. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:78. [PMID: 37069625 PMCID: PMC10111749 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01067-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bovine theileriosis caused by the eukaryotic parasite Theileria annulata is an economically important tick-borne disease. If it is not treated promptly, this lymphoproliferative disease has a significant fatality rate. Buparvaquone (BPQ) is the only chemotherapy-based treatment available right now. However, with the emergence of BPQ resistance on the rise and no backup therapy available, it is critical to identify imperative drugs and new targets against Theileria parasites. METHODS Artemisinin and its derivatives artesunate (ARS), artemether (ARM), or dihydroartemisinin (DHART) are the primary defence line against malaria parasites. This study has analysed artemisinin and its derivatives for their anti-Theilerial activity and mechanism of action. RESULTS ARS and DHART showed potent activity against the Theileria-infected cells. BPQ in combination with ARS or DHART showed a synergistic effect. The compounds act specifically on the parasitised cells and have minimal cytotoxicity against the uninfected host cells. Treatment with ARS or DHART induces ROS-mediated oxidative DNA damage leading to cell death. Further blocking intracellular ROS by its scavengers antagonised the anti-parasitic activity of the compounds. Increased ROS production induces oxidative stress and DNA damage causing p53 activation followed by caspase-dependent apoptosis in the Theileria-infected cells. CONCLUSIONS Our findings give unique insights into the previously unknown molecular pathways underpinning the anti-Theilerial action of artemisinin derivatives, which may aid in formulating new therapies against this deadly parasite. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Debabrata Dandasena
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
- Graduate Studies, Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, India
| | - Akash Suresh
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Vasundhra Bhandari
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Sonam Kamble
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
- Graduate Studies, Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, India
| | - Sakshi Singh
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
- Graduate Studies, Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, India
| | | | - Paresh Sharma
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India.
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Liu Y, Wang J, Wang Q, Han F, Shi L, Han C, Huang Z, Xu L. Effects of insufficient serine on health and selenoprotein expression in rats and their offspring. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1012362. [PMID: 36185664 PMCID: PMC9515570 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1012362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To observe the impact of insufficient exogenous and/or endogenous serine on selenoprotein expression and health of pregnant rats and their offspring. Method Experiment 1 was conducted in male rats, in which the dose-dependent effects of serine on selenoprotein expression and thyroid hormones (T3, T4 and TSH) were investigated by feeding either a serine adequate diet (20C), serine-deprived diet (20CSD) or 20CSD with different serine levels (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 times the amount of serine in 20C). In experiment 2, a PHGDH inhibitor was administrated to pregnant rats fed either 20C or 20CSD. Blood and organ tissues of pregnant rats and offspring were subjected to the analyses of thyroid hormone, serine and homocysteine and GPx3 and SELENOP in plasma and expression of GPx1 and DIO1, 2 in tissues respectively. Result In experiment 1, plasma SELENOP and GPx3 levels in adult male rats increased with the increasing dose of serine. Immunohistochemical results showed that GPx1 expression in liver and kidney of male rats also increased with increasing serine supplementation. Amongst all diet groups, only male rats fed 20CSD had significantly lower plasma TSH and T4 levels (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, GPx1 and DIO2 expression in the liver and kidney were suppressed in pregnant rats administered with a PHGDH compared to those who were not (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in plasma T4 and T3 amongst all diet groups (P > 0.05). Also, offspring born to pregnant rats administered with a PHGDH inhibitor exhibited slower growth rates and hyperhomocysteinemia compared to offspring from mothers not administered with the inhibitor (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Insufficient exogenous serine through the diet decreased selenoprotein synthesis in adult male rats. However, this was not observed in pregnant rats, whereby exogenous or endogenous serine deficiency had no effect on the selenoprotein levels. A possible explanation is that dams may have an adaptive mechanism to limit maternal serine utilization and ensure adequate supply to the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqun Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Metabolism, National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jianrong Wang
- Department of Nutrition and Metabolism, National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Nutrition and Metabolism, National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Han
- Department of Nutrition and Metabolism, National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Lili Shi
- Department of Nutrition and Metabolism, National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Han
- Department of Nutrition and Metabolism, National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenwu Huang
- Department of Nutrition and Metabolism, National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- The Key Laboratory of Micronutrients Nutrition, National Health Commission of The People's Republic of China, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Zhenwu Huang
| | - Liang Xu
- Urology Department, The Third Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Liang Xu
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Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Differentially Expressed Genes in the Testis and Ovary of Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus intermedius). FISHES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/fishes7040152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The quality of sea urchin gonad is important to consumers with high standards for nutrition and taste. However, few studies have been conductedon the molecular mechanisms that determine the quality of male and female sea urchins. In this study, our goal was to understand the differences and characteristics of gonad quality between sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus intermedius) males and females. The transcriptomes of males and females were obtained, with totals of 43,797,146 and 56,222,782 raw reads, respectively, comprising 128,979 transcripts and 85,745 unigenes. After comparative transcriptome analysis, a total of 6736 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the males and females were identified, of which 2950 genes were up-regulated and 3786 genes were down-regulated in males. We compared the expression of twelve DEGs with significant differences their expression levels and functional annotations to confirm the reliability of the RNA-Seq data. Five DEGs related to gonadal quality were found through enrichment analysis of KEGG pathways: 17β-HSD8, PGDH, FAXDC2, C4MO, and PNPLA7. Our study analyzes genes related to the taste and flavor of sea urchin gonads among the sexes and provides reference sequences and fundamental information concerning the nutrition and taste of S. intermedius gonads.
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Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals that the Switching of the Transcriptional Profiles of Cysteine-Related Genes Alters the Virulence of Entamoeba histolytica. mSystems 2020; 5:5/6/e01095-20. [PMID: 33361325 PMCID: PMC7762796 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.01095-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies on the trophozoite of Entamoeba histolytica suggested this organism could accumulate polyploid cells in its proliferative phase and differentiate its cell cycle from that of other eukaryotes. Therefore, a single-cell sequencing technique was used to study the switching of the RNA transcription profiles of single amoebic trophozoites. Entamoeba histolytica is an intestinal protozoan that causes human amoebic colitis and extraintestinal abscesses. Virulence variation is observed in the pathogenicity of E. histolytica trophozoites, but the detailed mechanism remains unclear. Here, a single trophozoite was cultured alone, and the progeny of the trophozoites of each generation were subjected to single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to study the transcriptional profiles of trophozoites. The scRNA-seq analysis indicated the importance of sulfur metabolism and the proteasome pathway in pathogenicity, whereas the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) proteomic analysis did not identify the bulk trophozoites. The trophozoite improved the synthesis of cysteine under cysteine-deficient conditions but downregulated the expression of the intermediate subunit of the lectin of E. histolytica trophozoites and retained the expression of the heavy subunit of lectin, resulting in decreased amoebic phagocytosis and cytotoxicity. The variation in the transmembrane kinase gene family might be critical in regulating the proteasome pathway. Thus, the scRNA-seq technique provided an improved understanding of the biological characteristics and the mechanism of virulence variation of amoebic trophozoites. IMPORTANCE Studies on the trophozoite of Entamoeba histolytica suggested this organism could accumulate polyploid cells in its proliferative phase and differentiate its cell cycle from that of other eukaryotes. Therefore, a single-cell sequencing technique was used to study the switching of the RNA transcription profiles of single amoebic trophozoites. We separated individual trophozoites from axenic cultured trophozoites, CHO cell-incubated trophozoites, and in vivo trophozoites. We found important changes in the sulfur and cysteine metabolism in pathogenicity. The trophozoites strategically regulated the expression of the cysteine-rich protein-encoding genes under cysteine-deficient conditions, thereby decreasing amoebic phagocytosis and cytotoxicity. The single-cell sequencing technique shows evident advantages in comparison with the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) proteomic technology (bulk trophozoite level) and reveals the regulation strategy of trophozoites in the absence of exogenous cysteine. This regulation strategy may be the mechanism of virulence variation of amoebic trophozoites.
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Traditional application and modern pharmacological research of Artemisia annua L. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 216:107650. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Zhang Y, Li J, Dong X, Meng D, Zhi X, Yuan L, Yao L. PSAT1 Regulated Oxidation-Reduction Balance Affects the Growth and Prognosis of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:5443-5453. [PMID: 32606761 PMCID: PMC7295540 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s250066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction A growing number of studies have found that the serine-glycine biosynthesis pathway is highly activated for biosynthesis in cancer progression and metastasis. Phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 (PSAT1) catalyzes the second step of the serine-glycine biosynthesis pathway; the effects and mechanism of PSAT1 in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains unclear. Materials and Methods The expression of PSAT1 in clinical EOC samples and normal ovarian tissues was conducted by RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemical staining. Survival analysis of PSAT1 in ovarian cancer was performed by using the public database. Following the downregulation of PSAT1, the cell growth, cell apoptosis, and cell cycle in ovarian cancer cells were respectively examined by the soft agar colony formation assay and flow cytometry analysis. Then the glutathione (GSH) levels, the GSH/GSSG ratio, the NADPH/NADP ratio, and the cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were tested to analyze the oxidation-reduction balance in PSAT1-depleted ovarian cancer cells. Results PSAT1 is markedly over-expressed in clinical EOC samples (n = 90) compared to that in normal ovarian tissues (n = 10), and the expression of PSAT1 is correlated with histological subtype, FIGO stage, histological grade, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and the presence of ascites. Public database analysis shows that higher PSAT1 indicates poor survival in EOC patients. Downregulation of PSAT1 in EOC cells inhibits growth, induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in vitro. EOC cells with high PSAT1 levels have increased a higher GSH (reduced glutathione)/GSSG (oxidized glutathione) ratio and lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) content. The cancer-killing effects of PSAT1 knockdown are reversed by exogenous glutathione. PSAT1 participates in cancer growth by regulating oxidation-reduction balance. Conclusion Therefore, these results highlight the potential of PSAT1 inhibitors or metabolic substrate deprivation as therapeutic strategies for treating patients with EOC, especially those with advanced stages of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqun Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiajia Li
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuhui Dong
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Meng
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuling Zhi
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Yuan
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Liangqing Yao
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Anwar A, Mungroo MR, Anwar A, Sullivan WJ, Khan NA, Siddiqui R. Repositioning of Guanabenz in Conjugation with Gold and Silver Nanoparticles against Pathogenic Amoebae Acanthamoeba castellanii and Naegleria fowleri. ACS Infect Dis 2019; 5:2039-2046. [PMID: 31612700 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Brain-eating amoebae cause devastating infections in the central nervous system of humans, resulting in a mortality rate of 95%. There are limited effective therapeutic options available clinically for treating granulomatous amoebic encephalitis and primary amoebic meningoencephalitis caused by Acanthamoeba castellanii (A. castellanii) and Naegleria fowleri (N. fowleri), respectively. Here, we report for the first time that guanabenz conjugated to gold and silver nanoparticles has significant antiamoebic activity against both A. castellanii and N. fowleri. Gold and silver conjugated guanabenz nanoparticles were synthesized by the one-phase reduction method and were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry and atomic force microscopy. Both metals were facilely stabilized by the coating of guanabenz, which was examined by surface plasmon resonance determination. The average size of gold nanoconjugated guanabenz was found to be 60 nm, whereas silver nanoparticles were produced in a larger size distribution with the average diameter of around 100 nm. Guanabenz and its noble metal nanoconjugates exhibited potent antiamoebic effects in the range of 2.5 to 100 μM against both amoebae. Nanoparticle conjugation enhanced the antiamoebic effects of guanabenz, as more potent activity was observed at a lower effective concentration (2.5 and 5 μM) compared to the drug alone. Moreover, encystation and excystation assays revealed that guanabenz inhibits the interconversion between the trophozoite and cyst forms of A. castellanii. Cysticdal effects against N. fowleri were also observed. Notably, pretreatment of A. castellanii with guanabenz and its nanoconjugates exhibited a significant reduction in the host cell cytopathogenicity from 65% to 38% and 2% in case of gold and silver nanoconjugates, respectively. Moreover, the cytotoxic evaluation of guanabenz and its nanoconjugates revealed negligible cytotoxicity against human cells. Guanabenz is already approved for hypertension and crosses the blood-brain barrier; the results of our current study suggest that guanabenz and its conjugated gold and silver nanoparticles can be repurposed as a potential drug for treating brain-eating amoebic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areeba Anwar
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, 5 Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Ridwane Mungroo
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, 5 Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
| | - Ayaz Anwar
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, 5 Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
| | - William J. Sullivan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, United States
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates
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Filamentation initiated by Cas2 and its association with the acquisition process in cells. Int J Oral Sci 2019; 11:29. [PMID: 31578319 PMCID: PMC6802651 DOI: 10.1038/s41368-019-0063-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cas1-and-Cas2-mediated new spacer acquisition is an essential process for bacterial adaptive immunity. The process is critical for the ecology of the oral microflora and oral health. Although molecular mechanisms for spacer acquisition are known, it has never been established if this process is associated with the morphological changes of bacteria. In this study, we demonstrated a novel Cas2-induced filamentation phenotype in E. coli that was regulated by co-expression of the Cas1 protein. A 30 amino acid motif at the carboxyl terminus of Cas2 is necessary for this function. By imaging analysis, we provided evidence to argue that Cas-induced filamentation is a step coupled with new spacer acquisition during which filaments are characterised by polyploidy with asymmetric cell division. This work may open new opportunities to investigate the adaptive immune response and microbial balance for oral health.
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Wu D, Feng M, Wang ZX, Qiao K, Tachibana H, Cheng XJ. Molecular and biochemical characterization of key enzymes in the cysteine and serine metabolic pathways of Acanthamoeba castellanii. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:604. [PMID: 30477573 PMCID: PMC6257972 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3188-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acanthamoeba spp. can cause serious human infections, including Acanthamoeba keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis and cutaneous acanthamoebiasis. Cysteine biosynthesis and the L-serine metabolic pathway play important roles in the energy metabolism of Acanthamoeba spp. However, no study has confirmed the functions of cysteine synthase (AcCS) in the cysteine pathway and phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (AcGDH) or phosphoserine aminotransferase (AcSPAT) in the non-phosphorylation serine metabolic pathway of Acanthamoeba. Methods The AcCS, AcGDH and AcSPAT genes were amplified by PCR, and their recombinant proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli. Polyclonal antibodies against the recombinant proteins were prepared in mice and used to determine the subcellular localisation of each native protein by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The enzymatic activity of each recombinant protein was also analysed. Furthermore, each gene expression level was analysed by quantitative PCR after treatment with different concentrations of cysteine or L-serine. Results The AcCS gene encodes a 382-amino acid protein with a predicted molecular mass of 43.1 kDa and an isoelectric point (pI) of 8.11. The AcGDH gene encodes a 350-amino acid protein with a predicted molecular mass of 39.1 kDa and a pI of 5.51. The AcSPAT gene encodes a 354-amino acid protein with a predicted molecular mass of 38.3 kDa and a pI of 6.26. Recombinant AcCS exhibited a high cysteine synthesis activity using O-acetylserine and Na2S as substrates. Both GDH and SPAT catalysed degradation, rather than synthesis, of serine. Exogenous L-serine or cysteine inhibited the expression of all three enzymes in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Conclusions This study demonstrated that AcCS participates in cysteine biosynthesis and serine degradation via the non-phosphorylation serine metabolic pathway, providing a molecular basis for the discovery of novel anti-Acanthamoeba drugs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-3188-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duo Wu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Meng Feng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhi-Xin Wang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ke Qiao
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hiroshi Tachibana
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Xun-Jia Cheng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Tang J, Zhu H, Cai L, Tang T, Tang J, Sun Y, Liu M, Dai K, Qiao Z, Yu C. Postoperative infection caused by Acinetobacter baumannii misdiagnosed as a free-living amoeba species in a humeral head hemiarthroplasty patient: a case report. Infect Dis Poverty 2018; 7:33. [PMID: 29631621 PMCID: PMC5890356 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-018-0408-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acinetobacter baumannii is ubiquitous, facultative intracellular, and opportunistic bacterial pathogen. Its unique abilities allow it to survive in a diverse range of environments, including health care settings, leading to nosocomial infections. And its exceptional ability to develop resistance to multiple antibiotics leaves few drug options for treatment. It has been recognized as a leading cause of nosocomial pneumonia and bacteremia over the world. CASE PRESENTATION In this case, a 73-year-old woman presented with a Neer Group VI proximal humeral fracture. Six hours after a successfully performed hemiarthroplasty, she developed continuous fever. Clinical examination revealed that the vitals were regular. Laboratory and radiographic examinations revealed only elevated procalcitonin levels. Blood culture revealed no bacterial or fungal growth. Cooling treatment and empirical broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy showed no apparent effect. CONCLUSIONS We report a postoperative infection caused by Acinetobacter baumannii. The infectious pathogen was identified via molecular DNA sequencing and was initially misidentified as a free-living amoeba species upon microscopic examinations. The patient was mistreated with antiamebic combination therapy. Her symptoms persisted for over 4 months and were eventually followed by her death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Tang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Huaimin Zhu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Li Cai
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Tingting Tang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jian Tang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yuehua Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Kerong Dai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Zhiguang Qiao
- Medical 3D Printing Innovation Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200125, China. .,Engineering Research Center of Digital Medicine and Clinical Translation, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Chao Yu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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12
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Juárez MM, Tártara LI, Cid AG, Real JP, Bermúdez JM, Rajal VB, Palma SD. Acanthamoeba in the eye, can the parasite hide even more? Latest developments on the disease. Cont Lens Anterior Eye 2017; 41:245-251. [PMID: 29273391 DOI: 10.1016/j.clae.2017.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. is a free living protozoan in the environment, but can cause serious diseases. Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), a severe and painful eye infection, must be treated as soon as possible to prevent ulceration of the cornea, loss of visual acuity, and eventually blindness or enucleation. Although the disease affects principally contact lens (CLs) wearers, it is recognized nowadays as a cause of keratitis also in non-CLs wearers. Although the number of infections caused by these amoebae is low, AK is an emerging disease presenting an extended number of cases each year worldwide mostly due to the increasing use of CLs, but also to better diagnostic methods and awareness. There are two principal causes that lead to severe outcomes: misdiagnosis or late diagnosis of the causal agent, and lack of a fully effective therapy due to the existence of a highly resistant cyst stage of Acanthamoeba. Recent studies have reported different genotypes that have not been previously associated with this disease. In addition, Acanthamoeba can act as a reservoir for phylogenetically diverse microorganisms. In this regard, recently giant viruses called Pandoravirus have been found within genotypes producing keratitis. What potential risk this poses is not yet known. This review focuses on an overview of the present status and future prospects of this re-emerging pathology, including features of the parasite, epidemiology, clinical aspects, diagnosis, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Juárez
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química (INIQUI, CONICET - Universidad Nacional de Salta), Av. Bolivia 5150, 4400, Salta, Argentina; Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Av. Bolivia 5150, 4400, Salta, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Av. Bolivia 5150, 4400, Salta, Argentina
| | - L I Tártara
- Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo en Tecnología Farmacéutica (UNITEFA, CONICET - Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Ciudad Universitaria, 5000, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - A G Cid
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química (INIQUI, CONICET - Universidad Nacional de Salta), Av. Bolivia 5150, 4400, Salta, Argentina; Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Av. Bolivia 5150, 4400, Salta, Argentina
| | - J P Real
- Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo en Tecnología Farmacéutica (UNITEFA, CONICET - Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Ciudad Universitaria, 5000, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - J M Bermúdez
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química (INIQUI, CONICET - Universidad Nacional de Salta), Av. Bolivia 5150, 4400, Salta, Argentina; Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Av. Bolivia 5150, 4400, Salta, Argentina
| | - V B Rajal
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química (INIQUI, CONICET - Universidad Nacional de Salta), Av. Bolivia 5150, 4400, Salta, Argentina; Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Av. Bolivia 5150, 4400, Salta, Argentina; Singapore Centre on Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - S D Palma
- Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo en Tecnología Farmacéutica (UNITEFA, CONICET - Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Ciudad Universitaria, 5000, Córdoba, Argentina.
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13
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Wu D, Qiao K, Feng M, Fu Y, Cai J, Deng Y, Tachibana H, Cheng X. Apoptosis of Acanthamoeba castellanii Trophozoites Induced by Oleic Acid. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2017; 65:191-199. [PMID: 28787535 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2017] [Revised: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. can be parasitic in certain situations and are responsible for serious human infections, including Acanthamoeba keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and cutaneous acanthamoebiasis. We analyzed the fatty acid composition of Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites and tested the inhibitory activity of the main fatty acids, oleic acid and arachidonic acid, in vitro. Oleic acid markedly inhibited the growth of A. castellanii, with trophozoite viability of 57.4% at a concentration of 200 μM. Caspase-3 staining and annexin V assays showed that apoptotic death occurred in A. castellanii trophozoites. Quantitative PCR and dot blot analysis showed increased levels of metacaspase and interleukin-1β converting enzyme, which is also an indication of apoptosis. In contrast, arachidonic acid showed negligible inhibition of growth of A. castellanii trophozoites. Stimulated expression of Atg3, Atg8 and LC3A/B genes and monodansylcadaverine labeling suggested that oleic acid induces apoptosis by triggering autophagy of trophozoites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duo Wu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Fudan University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ke Qiao
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Fudan University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Meng Feng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Fudan University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yongfeng Fu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Fudan University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Junlong Cai
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Fudan University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yihong Deng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Fudan University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hiroshi Tachibana
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Xunjia Cheng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Fudan University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
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14
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Wong YK, Xu C, Kalesh KA, He Y, Lin Q, Wong WSF, Shen HM, Wang J. Artemisinin as an anticancer drug: Recent advances in target profiling and mechanisms of action. Med Res Rev 2017. [PMID: 28643446 DOI: 10.1002/med.21446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives (collectively termed as artemisinins) are among the most important and effective antimalarial drugs, with proven safety and efficacy in clinical use. Beyond their antimalarial effects, artemisinins have also been shown to possess selective anticancer properties, demonstrating cytotoxic effects against a wide range of cancer types both in vitro and in vivo. These effects appear to be mediated by artemisinin-induced changes in multiple signaling pathways, interfering simultaneously with multiple hallmarks of cancer. Great strides have been taken to characterize these pathways and to reveal their anticancer mechanisms of action of artemisinin. Moreover, encouraging data have also been obtained from a limited number of clinical trials to support their anticancer property. However, there are several key gaps in knowledge that continue to serve as significant barriers to the repurposing of artemisinins as effective anticancer agents. This review focuses on important and emerging aspects of this field, highlighting breakthroughs in unresolved questions as well as novel techniques and approaches that have been taken in recent studies. We discuss the mechanism of artemisinin activation in cancer, novel and significant findings with regards to artemisinin target proteins and pathways, new understandings in artemisinin-induced cell death mechanisms, as well as the practical issues of repurposing artemisinin. We believe these will be important topics in realizing the potential of artemisinin and its derivatives as safe and potent anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Kwan Wong
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chengchao Xu
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Karunakaran A Kalesh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yingke He
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Qingsong Lin
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - W S Fred Wong
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Han-Ming Shen
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jigang Wang
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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15
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Artemisinin and its derivatives in treating protozoan infections beyond malaria. Pharmacol Res 2016; 117:192-217. [PMID: 27867026 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Parasitic protozoan diseases continue to rank among the world's greatest global health problems, which are also common among poor populations. Currently available drugs for treatment present drawbacks, urging the need for more effective, safer, and cheaper drugs. Artemisinin (ART) and its derivatives are some of the most important classes of antimalarial agents originally derived from Artemisia annua L. However, besides the outstanding antimalarial and antischistosomal activities, ART and its derivatives also possess activities against other parasitic protozoa. In this paper we review the activities of ART and its derivatives against protozoan parasites in vitro and in vivo, including Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Eimeria tenella, Acanthamoeba castellanii, Naegleria fowleri, Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia lamblia, and Babesia spp. We conclude that ART and its derivatives may be good alternatives for treating other non-malarial protozoan infections in developing countries, although more studies are necessary before they can be applied clinically.
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Guo X, Deng Y, Zhu C, Cai J, Zhu X, Landry JP, Zheng F, Cheng X, Fei Y. Characterization of protein expression levels with label-free detected reverse phase protein arrays. Anal Biochem 2016; 509:67-72. [PMID: 27372609 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2016.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In reverse-phase protein arrays (RPPA), one immobilizes complex samples (e.g., cellular lysate, tissue lysate or serum etc.) on solid supports and performs parallel reactions of antibodies with immobilized protein targets from the complex samples. In this work, we describe a label-free detection of RPPA that enables quantification of RPPA data and thus facilitates comparison of studies performed on different samples and on different solid supports. We applied this detection platform to characterization of phosphoserine aminotransferase (PSAT) expression levels in Acanthamoeba lysates treated with artemether and the results were confirmed by Western blot studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuexue Guo
- Department of Optical Science and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Ultra-Precision Optical Manufacturing, Green Photoelectron Platform, Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Photonic Structures (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yihong Deng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chenggang Zhu
- Department of Optical Science and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Ultra-Precision Optical Manufacturing, Green Photoelectron Platform, Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Photonic Structures (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Junlong Cai
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiangdong Zhu
- Department of Physics, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - James P Landry
- Department of Physics, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Fengyun Zheng
- Institutes of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xunjia Cheng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yiyan Fei
- Department of Optical Science and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Ultra-Precision Optical Manufacturing, Green Photoelectron Platform, Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Photonic Structures (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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