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Barmade MA, Agrawal P, Rajput SR, Murumkar PR, Rana B, Sahal D, Yadav MR. Novel quinolinepiperazinyl-aryltetrazoles targeting the blood stage of Plasmodium falciparum. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:572-594. [PMID: 38389888 PMCID: PMC10880932 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00417a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of drug resistance against the frontline antimalarials is a major challenge in the treatment of malaria. In view of emerging reports on drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium against artemisinin combination therapy, a dire need is felt for the discovery of novel compounds acting against novel targets in the parasite. In this study, we identified a novel series of quinolinepiperazinyl-aryltetrazoles (QPTs) targeting the blood stage of Plasmodium. In vitro anti-plasmodial activity screening revealed that most of the compounds showed IC50 < 10 μM against chloroquine-resistant PfINDO strain, with the most promising lead compounds 66 and 75 showing IC50 values of 2.25 and 1.79 μM, respectively. Further, compounds 64-66, 68, 75-77 and 84 were found to be selective (selectivity index >50) in their action against Pf over a mammalian cell line, with compounds 66 and 75 offering the highest selectivity indexes of 178 and 223, respectively. Explorations into the action of lead compounds 66 and 75 revealed their selective cidal activity towards trophozoites and schizonts. In a ring-stage survival assay, 75 showed cidal activity against the early rings of artemisinin-resistant PfCam3.1R539T. Further, 66 and 75 in combination with artemisinin and pyrimethamine showed additive to weak synergistic interactions. Of these two in vitro lead molecules, only 66 restricted rise in the percentage of parasitemia to about 10% in P. berghei-infected mice with a median survival time of 28 days as compared to the untreated control, which showed the percentage of parasitemia >30%, and a median survival of 20 days. Promising antimalarial activity, high selectivity, and additive interaction with artemisinin and pyrimethamine indicate the potential of these compounds to be further optimized chemically as future drug candidates against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh A Barmade
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Kalabhavan Campus, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda Vadodara-390001 Gujarat India
| | - Prakhar Agrawal
- Malaria Drug Discovery Laboratory, ICGEB Aruna Asaf Ali Marg New Delhi-110067 India
| | - Sweta R Rajput
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Kalabhavan Campus, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda Vadodara-390001 Gujarat India
| | - Prashant R Murumkar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Kalabhavan Campus, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda Vadodara-390001 Gujarat India
| | - Bhavika Rana
- Malaria Drug Discovery Laboratory, ICGEB Aruna Asaf Ali Marg New Delhi-110067 India
| | - Dinkar Sahal
- Malaria Drug Discovery Laboratory, ICGEB Aruna Asaf Ali Marg New Delhi-110067 India
| | - Mange Ram Yadav
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Kalabhavan Campus, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda Vadodara-390001 Gujarat India
- Research and Development Cell, Parul University Waghodia Road, P. O. Limda Vadodara-391760 Gujarat India
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2
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Agrawal P, Kumari S, Mohmmed A, Malhotra P, Sharma U, Sahal D. Identification of Novel, Potent, and Selective Compounds against Malaria Using Glideosomal-Associated Protein 50 as a Drug Target. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:38506-38523. [PMID: 37867646 PMCID: PMC10586260 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c05323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Phylum apicomplexan consists of parasites, such as Plasmodium and Toxoplasma. These obligate intracellular parasites enter host cells via an energy-dependent process using specialized machinery, called the glideosome. In the present study, we used Plasmodium falciparum GAP50, a glideosome-associated protein, as a target to screen 951 different compounds from diverse chemical libraries. Using different screening methods, eight compounds (Hayatinine, Curine, MMV689758 (Bedaquiline), MMV1634402 (Brilacidin), and MMV688271, MMV782353, MMV642550, and USINB4-124-8) were identified, which showed promising binding affinity (KD < 75 μM), along with submicromolar range antiparasitic efficacy and selectivity index > 100 fold for malaria parasite. These eight compounds were effective against Chloroquine-resistant PfINDO and Artemisinin-resistant PfCam3.1R359T strains. Studies on the effect of these compounds at asexual blood stages showed that these eight compounds act differently at different developmental stages, indicating the binding of these compounds to other Plasmodium proteins, in addition to PfGAP50. We further studied the effects of compounds (Bedaquiline and USINB4-124-8) in an in vivoPlasmodium berghei mouse model of malaria. Importantly, the oral delivery of Bedaquiline (50 mg/kg b. wt.) showed substantial suppression of parasitemia, and three out of seven mice were cured of the infection. Thus, our study provides new scaffolds for the development of antimalarials that can act at multiple Plasmodium lifecycle stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakhar Agrawal
- International
Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Surekha Kumari
- Chemical
Technology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan
Bioresource Technology, Palampur 176061, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India
| | - Asif Mohmmed
- International
Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Pawan Malhotra
- International
Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Upendra Sharma
- Chemical
Technology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan
Bioresource Technology, Palampur 176061, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India
| | - Dinkar Sahal
- International
Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India
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3
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He L, Qiu Y, Pang G, Li S, Wang J, Feng Y, Chen L, Zhu L, Liu Y, Cui L, Cao Y, Zhu X. Plasmodium falciparum GAP40 Plays an Essential Role in Merozoite Invasion and Gametocytogenesis. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0143423. [PMID: 37249423 PMCID: PMC10269477 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01434-23] [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: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclic invasion of red blood cells (RBCs) by Plasmodium merozoites is associated with the symptoms and pathology of malaria. Merozoite invasion is powered actively and rapidly by a parasite actomyosin motor called the glideosome. The ability of the glideosome to generate force to support merozoite entry into the host RBCs is thought to rely on its stable anchoring within the inner membrane complex (IMC) through membrane-resident proteins, such as GAP50 and GAP40. Using a conditional knockdown (KD) approach, we determined that PfGAP40 was required for asexual blood-stage replication. PfGAP40 is not needed for merozoite egress from host RBCs or for the attachment of merozoites to new RBCs. PfGAP40 coprecipitates with PfGAP45 and PfGAP50. During merozoite invasion, PfGAP40 is associated strongly with stabilizing the expression levels of PfGAP45 and PfGAP50 in the schizont stage. Although PfGAP40 KD did not influence IMC integrity, it impaired the maturation of gametocytes. In addition, PfGAP40 is phosphorylated, and mutations that block phosphorylation of PfGAP40 at the C-terminal serine residues S370, S372, S376, S405, S409, S420, and S445 reduced merozoite invasion efficiency. Overall, our findings implicate PfGAP40 as an important regulator for the gliding activity of merozoites and suggest that phosphorylation is required for PfGAP40 function. IMPORTANCE Red blood cell invasion is central to the pathogenesis of the malaria parasite, and the parasite proteins involved in this process are potential therapeutic targets. Gliding motility powers merozoite invasion and is driven by a unique molecular motor termed the glideosome. The glideosome is stably anchored to the parasite inner membrane complex (IMC) through membrane-resident proteins. In the present study, we demonstrate the importance of an IMC-resident glideosome component, PfGAP40, that plays a critical role in stabilizing the expression levels of glideosome components in the schizont stage. We determined that phosphorylation of PfGAP40 at C-terminal residues is required for efficient merozoite invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu He
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yue Qiu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Department of Cardiovascular Ultrasound, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Geping Pang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Siqi Li
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yonghui Feng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Lumeng Chen
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Liying Zhu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yinjie Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Liwang Cui
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Yaming Cao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaotong Zhu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Abstract
Malaria remains a significant threat to global health, and despite concerted efforts to curb the disease, malaria-related morbidity and mortality increased in recent years. Malaria is caused by unicellular eukaryotes of the genus Plasmodium, and all clinical manifestations occur during asexual proliferation of the parasite inside host erythrocytes. In the blood stage, Plasmodium proliferates through an unusual cell cycle mode called schizogony. Contrary to most studied eukaryotes, which divide by binary fission, the parasite undergoes several rounds of DNA replication and nuclear division that are not directly followed by cytokinesis, resulting in multinucleated cells. Moreover, despite sharing a common cytoplasm, these nuclei multiply asynchronously. Schizogony challenges our current models of cell cycle regulation and, at the same time, offers targets for therapeutic interventions. Over the recent years, the adaptation of advanced molecular and cell biological techniques have given us deeper insight how DNA replication, nuclear division, and cytokinesis are coordinated. Here, we review our current understanding of the chronological events that characterize the unusual cell division cycle of P. falciparum in the clinically relevant blood stage of infection.
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Rezvani Y, Keroack CD, Elsworth B, Arriojas A, Gubbels MJ, Duraisingh MT, Zarringhalam K. Comparative single-cell transcriptional atlases of Babesia species reveal conserved and species-specific expression profiles. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001816. [PMID: 36137068 PMCID: PMC9531838 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesia is a genus of apicomplexan parasites that infect red blood cells in vertebrate hosts. Pathology occurs during rapid replication cycles in the asexual blood stage of infection. Current knowledge of Babesia replication cycle progression and regulation is limited and relies mostly on comparative studies with related parasites. Due to limitations in synchronizing Babesia parasites, fine-scale time-course transcriptomic resources are not readily available. Single-cell transcriptomics provides a powerful unbiased alternative for profiling asynchronous cell populations. Here, we applied single-cell RNA sequencing to 3 Babesia species (B. divergens, B. bovis, and B. bigemina). We used analytical approaches and algorithms to map the replication cycle and construct pseudo-synchronized time-course gene expression profiles. We identify clusters of co-expressed genes showing "just-in-time" expression profiles, with gradually cascading peaks throughout asexual development. Moreover, clustering analysis of reconstructed gene curves reveals coordinated timing of peak expression in epigenetic markers and transcription factors. Using a regularized Gaussian graphical model, we reconstructed co-expression networks and identified conserved and species-specific nodes. Motif analysis of a co-expression interactome of AP2 transcription factors identified specific motifs previously reported to play a role in DNA replication in Plasmodium species. Finally, we present an interactive web application to visualize and interactively explore the datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Rezvani
- Department of Mathematics, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Caroline D. Keroack
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Brendan Elsworth
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Argenis Arriojas
- Department of Mathematics, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Physics, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Marc-Jan Gubbels
- Department of Biology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Manoj T. Duraisingh
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MTD); (KZ)
| | - Kourosh Zarringhalam
- Department of Mathematics, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MTD); (KZ)
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Qian P, Wang X, Zhong CQ, Wang J, Cai M, Nguitragool W, Li J, Cui H, Yuan J. Inner membrane complex proteomics reveals a palmitoylation regulation critical for intraerythrocytic development of malaria parasite. eLife 2022; 11:77447. [PMID: 35775739 PMCID: PMC9293000 DOI: 10.7554/elife.77447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is caused by infection of the erythrocytes by the parasites Plasmodium. Inside the erythrocytes, the parasites multiply via schizogony, an unconventional cell division mode. The inner membrane complex (IMC), an organelle located beneath the parasite plasma membrane, serving as the platform for protein anchorage, is essential for schizogony. So far, the complete repertoire of IMC proteins and their localization determinants remain unclear. Here we used biotin ligase (TurboID)-based proximity labeling to compile the proteome of the schizont IMC of the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium yoelii. In total, 300 TurboID-interacting proteins were identified. 18 of 21 selected candidates were confirmed to localize in the IMC, indicating good reliability. In light of the existing palmitome of Plasmodium falciparum, 83 proteins of the P. yoelii IMC proteome are potentially palmitoylated. We further identified DHHC2 as the major resident palmitoyl-acyl-transferase of the IMC. Depletion of DHHC2 led to defective schizont segmentation and growth arrest both in vitro and in vivo. DHHC2 was found to palmitoylate two critical IMC proteins CDPK1 and GAP45 for their IMC localization. In summary, this study reports an inventory of new IMC proteins and demonstrates a central role of DHHC2 in governing the IMC localization of proteins during the schizont development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengge Qian
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chuan-Qi Zhong
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jiaxu Wang
- Xiamen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xiamen, China
| | - Mengya Cai
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wang Nguitragool
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jian Li
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Huiting Cui
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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Fréville A, Gnangnon B, Khelifa AS, Gissot M, Khalife J, Pierrot C. Deciphering the Role of Protein Phosphatases in Apicomplexa: The Future of Innovative Therapeutics? Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10030585. [PMID: 35336160 PMCID: PMC8949495 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10030585] [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: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites belonging to the Apicomplexa phylum still represent a major public health and world-wide socioeconomic burden that is greatly amplified by the spread of resistances against known therapeutic drugs. Therefore, it is essential to provide the scientific and medical communities with innovative strategies specifically targeting these organisms. In this review, we present an overview of the diversity of the phosphatome as well as the variety of functions that phosphatases display throughout the Apicomplexan parasites’ life cycles. We also discuss how this diversity could be used for the design of innovative and specific new drugs/therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Fréville
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, 59000 Lille, France; (B.G.); (A.S.K.); (M.G.); (J.K.)
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
- Correspondence: (A.F.); (C.P.)
| | - Bénédicte Gnangnon
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, 59000 Lille, France; (B.G.); (A.S.K.); (M.G.); (J.K.)
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Communicable Diseases Dynamics, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Asma S. Khelifa
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, 59000 Lille, France; (B.G.); (A.S.K.); (M.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Mathieu Gissot
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, 59000 Lille, France; (B.G.); (A.S.K.); (M.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Jamal Khalife
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, 59000 Lille, France; (B.G.); (A.S.K.); (M.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Christine Pierrot
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, 59000 Lille, France; (B.G.); (A.S.K.); (M.G.); (J.K.)
- Correspondence: (A.F.); (C.P.)
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Wiser MF. Unique Endomembrane Systems and Virulence in Pathogenic Protozoa. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11080822. [PMID: 34440567 PMCID: PMC8401336 DOI: 10.3390/life11080822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Virulence in pathogenic protozoa is often tied to secretory processes such as the expression of adhesins on parasite surfaces or the secretion of proteases to assisted in tissue invasion and other proteins to avoid the immune system. This review is a broad overview of the endomembrane systems of pathogenic protozoa with a focus on Giardia, Trichomonas, Entamoeba, kinetoplastids, and apicomplexans. The focus is on unique features of these protozoa and how these features relate to virulence. In general, the basic elements of the endocytic and exocytic pathways are present in all protozoa. Some of these elements, especially the endosomal compartments, have been repurposed by the various species and quite often the repurposing is associated with virulence. The Apicomplexa exhibit the most unique endomembrane systems. This includes unique secretory organelles that play a central role in interactions between parasite and host and are involved in the invasion of host cells. Furthermore, as intracellular parasites, the apicomplexans extensively modify their host cells through the secretion of proteins and other material into the host cell. This includes a unique targeting motif for proteins destined for the host cell. Most notable among the apicomplexans is the malaria parasite, which extensively modifies and exports numerous proteins into the host erythrocyte. These modifications of the host erythrocyte include the formation of unique membranes and structures in the host erythrocyte cytoplasm and on the erythrocyte membrane. The transport of parasite proteins to the host erythrocyte involves several unique mechanisms and components, as well as the generation of compartments within the erythrocyte that participate in extraparasite trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark F Wiser
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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Broichhagen J, Kilian N. Chemical Biology Tools To Investigate Malaria Parasites. Chembiochem 2021; 22:2219-2236. [PMID: 33570245 PMCID: PMC8360121 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Parasitic diseases like malaria tropica have been shaping human evolution and history since the beginning of mankind. After infection, the response of the human host ranges from asymptomatic to severe and may culminate in death. Therefore, proper examination of the parasite's biology is pivotal to deciphering unique molecular, biochemical and cell biological processes, which in turn ensure the identification of treatment strategies, such as potent drug targets and vaccine candidates. However, implementing molecular biology methods for genetic manipulation proves to be difficult for many parasite model organisms. The development of fast and straightforward applicable alternatives, for instance small-molecule probes from the field of chemical biology, is essential. In this review, we will recapitulate the highlights of previous molecular and chemical biology approaches that have already created insight and understanding of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. We discuss current developments from the field of chemical biology and explore how their application could advance research into this parasite in the future. We anticipate that the described approaches will help to close knowledge gaps in the biology of P. falciparum and we hope that researchers will be inspired to use these methods to gain knowledge - with the aim of ending this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Broichhagen
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP)Robert-Roessle-Strasse 1013125BerlinGermany
| | - Nicole Kilian
- Centre for Infectious DiseasesParasitologyHeidelberg University HospitalIm Neuenheimer Feld 32469120HeidelbergGermany
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10
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Ferreira JL, Heincke D, Wichers JS, Liffner B, Wilson DW, Gilberger TW. The Dynamic Roles of the Inner Membrane Complex in the Multiple Stages of the Malaria Parasite. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 10:611801. [PMID: 33489940 PMCID: PMC7820811 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.611801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites, such as human malaria parasites, have complex lifecycles encompassing multiple and diverse environmental niches. Invading, replicating, and escaping from different cell types, along with exploiting each intracellular niche, necessitate large and dynamic changes in parasite morphology and cellular architecture. The inner membrane complex (IMC) is a unique structural element that is intricately involved with these distinct morphological changes. The IMC is a double membrane organelle that forms de novo and is located beneath the plasma membrane of these single-celled organisms. In Plasmodium spp. parasites it has three major purposes: it confers stability and shape to the cell, functions as an important scaffolding compartment during the formation of daughter cells, and plays a major role in motility and invasion. Recent years have revealed greater insights into the architecture, protein composition and function of the IMC. Here, we discuss the multiple roles of the IMC in each parasite lifecycle stage as well as insights into its sub-compartmentalization, biogenesis, disassembly and regulation during stage conversion of P. falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josie Liane Ferreira
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Hamburg, Germany
- Heinrich Pette Institut, Leibniz-Institut für Experimentelle Virologie, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dorothee Heincke
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Stephan Wichers
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Hamburg, Germany
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Liffner
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Danny W. Wilson
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tim-Wolf Gilberger
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Hamburg, Germany
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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11
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Three-dimensional ultrastructure of Plasmodium falciparum throughout cytokinesis. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008587. [PMID: 32511279 PMCID: PMC7302870 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
New techniques for obtaining electron microscopy data through the cell volume are being increasingly utilized to answer cell biologic questions. Here, we present a three-dimensional atlas of Plasmodium falciparum ultrastructure throughout parasite cell division. Multiple wild type schizonts at different stages of segmentation, or budding, were imaged and rendered, and the 3D structure of their organelles and daughter cells are shown. Our high-resolution volume electron microscopy both confirms previously described features in 3D and adds new layers to our understanding of Plasmodium nuclear division. Interestingly, we demonstrate asynchrony of the final nuclear division, a process that had previously been reported as synchronous. Use of volume electron microscopy techniques for biological imaging is gaining prominence, and there is much we can learn from applying them to answer questions about Plasmodium cell biology. We provide this resource to encourage readers to consider adding these techniques to their cell biology toolbox.
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12
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K13, the Cytostome, and Artemisinin Resistance. Trends Parasitol 2020; 36:533-544. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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13
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Tan QW, Mutwil M. Malaria.tools-comparative genomic and transcriptomic database for Plasmodium species. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:D768-D775. [PMID: 31372645 PMCID: PMC6943069 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a tropical parasitic disease caused by the Plasmodium genus, which resulted in an estimated 219 million cases of malaria and 435 000 malaria-related deaths in 2017. Despite the availability of the Plasmodium falciparum genome since 2002, 74% of the genes remain uncharacterized. To remedy this paucity of functional information, we used transcriptomic data to build gene co-expression networks for two Plasmodium species (P. falciparum and P. berghei), and included genomic data of four other Plasmodium species, P. yoelii, P. knowlesi, P. vivax and P. cynomolgi, as well as two non-Plasmodium species from the Apicomplexa, Toxoplasma gondii and Theileria parva. The genomic and transcriptomic data were incorporated into the resulting database, malaria.tools, which is preloaded with tools that allow the identification and cross-species comparison of co-expressed gene neighbourhoods, clusters and life stage-specific expression, thus providing sophisticated tools to predict gene function. Moreover, we exemplify how the tools can be used to easily identify genes relevant for pathogenicity and various life stages of the malaria parasite. The database is freely available at www.malaria.tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Wen Tan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Marek Mutwil
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
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14
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Amlabu E, Ilani P, Opoku G, Nyarko PB, Quansah E, Thiam LG, Anim M, Ayivor-Djanie R, Akuh OA, Mensah-Brown H, Rayner JC, Awandare GA. Molecular Characterization and Immuno-Reactivity Patterns of a Novel Plasmodium falciparum Armadillo-Type Repeat Protein, PfATRP. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:114. [PMID: 32266165 PMCID: PMC7100384 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Nearly half of the genes in the Plasmodium falciparum genome have not yet been functionally investigated. We used homology-based structural modeling to identify multiple copies of Armadillo repeats within one uncharacterized gene expressed during the intraerythrocytic stages, PF3D7_0410600, subsequently referred to as P. falciparum Armadillo-Type Repeat Protein (PfATRP). Soluble recombinant PfATRP was expressed in a bacterial expression system, purified to apparent homogeneity and the identity of the recombinant PfATRP was confirmed by mass spectrometry. Affinity-purified α-PfATRP rabbit antibodies specifically recognized the recombinant protein. Immunofluorescence assays revealed that α-PfATRP rabbit antibodies reacted with P. falciparum schizonts. Anti-PfATRP antibody exhibited peripheral staining patterns around the merozoites. Given the localization of PfATRP in merozoites, we tested for an egress phenotype during schizont arrest assays and demonstrated that native PfATRP is inaccessible on the surface of merozoites in intact schizonts. Dual immunofluorescence assays with markers for the inner membrane complex (IMC) and microtubules suggest partial colocalization in both asexual and sexual stage parasites. Using the soluble recombinant PfATRP in a screen of plasma samples revealed that malaria-infected children have naturally acquired PfATRP-specific antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Amlabu
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria
| | - Philip Ilani
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Grace Opoku
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Prince B. Nyarko
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Evelyn Quansah
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Laty G. Thiam
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Manfred Anim
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Reuben Ayivor-Djanie
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, SBBS, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Ojo-ajogu Akuh
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Henrietta Mensah-Brown
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Julian C. Rayner
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon A. Awandare
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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15
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Ly NH, Joo SW. Recent advances in cancer bioimaging using a rationally designed Raman reporter in combination with plasmonic gold. J Mater Chem B 2020; 8:186-198. [DOI: 10.1039/c9tb01598a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Gold nanomaterials (AuNMs) have been widely implemented for the purpose of bioimaging of cancer and tumor cells in combination with Raman spectral markers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sang-Woo Joo
- Department of Chemistry
- Soongsil University
- Seoul 06978
- Korea
- Department of Information Communication, Materials
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16
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Linzke M, Yan SLR, Tárnok A, Ulrich H, Groves MR, Wrenger C. Live and Let Dye: Visualizing the Cellular Compartments of the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Cytometry A 2019; 97:694-705. [PMID: 31738009 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.23927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Malaria remains one of the deadliest diseases worldwide and it is caused by the protozoan parasite Plasmodium spp. Parasite visualization is an important tool for the correct detection of malarial cases but also to understand its biology. Advances in visualization techniques promote new insights into the complex life cycle and biology of Plasmodium parasites. Live cell imaging by fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry are the foundation of the visualization technique for malaria research. In this review, we present an overview of possibilities in live cell imaging of the malaria parasite. We discuss some of the state-of-the-art techniques to visualize organelles and processes of the parasite and discuss limitation and advantages of each technique. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marleen Linzke
- Unit for Drug Discovery, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 1374, São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Sun Liu Rei Yan
- Unit for Drug Discovery, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 1374, São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Attila Tárnok
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, University Leipzig, D-04107, Härtelstraße 16-18, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Henning Ulrich
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Matthew R Groves
- Structural Biology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, 9713AV, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Carsten Wrenger
- Unit for Drug Discovery, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 1374, São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-000, Brazil
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17
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Artemisinin kills malaria parasites by damaging proteins and inhibiting the proteasome. Nat Commun 2018; 9:3801. [PMID: 30228310 PMCID: PMC6143634 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06221-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives (collectively referred to as ARTs) rapidly reduce the parasite burden in Plasmodium falciparum infections, and antimalarial control is highly dependent on ART combination therapies (ACTs). Decreased sensitivity to ARTs is emerging, making it critically important to understand the mechanism of action of ARTs. Here we demonstrate that dihydroartemisinin (DHA), the clinically relevant ART, kills parasites via a two-pronged mechanism, causing protein damage, and compromising parasite proteasome function. The consequent accumulation of proteasome substrates, i.e., unfolded/damaged and polyubiquitinated proteins, activates the ER stress response and underpins DHA-mediated killing. Specific inhibitors of the proteasome cause a similar build-up of polyubiquitinated proteins, leading to parasite killing. Blocking protein synthesis with a translation inhibitor or inhibiting the ubiquitin-activating enzyme, E1, reduces the level of damaged, polyubiquitinated proteins, alleviates the stress response, and dramatically antagonizes DHA activity. Artemisinin (ART) is a widely used antimalarial drug, but its mechanism of action is poorly understood. Here, Bridgford et al. show that ART kills parasites by a two-pronged mechanism, causing protein damage and compromising proteasome function, and that accumulation of proteasome substrates activates the ER stress response.
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18
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Kumar K, Srinivasan P, Nold MJ, Moch JK, Reiter K, Sturdevant D, Otto TD, Squires RB, Herrera R, Nagarajan V, Rayner JC, Porcella SF, Geromanos SJ, Haynes JD, Narum DL. Profiling invasive Plasmodium falciparum merozoites using an integrated omics approach. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17146. [PMID: 29215067 PMCID: PMC5719419 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17505-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The symptoms of malaria are brought about by blood-stage parasites, which are established when merozoites invade human erythrocytes. Our understanding of the molecular events that underpin erythrocyte invasion remains hampered by the short-period of time that merozoites are invasive. To address this challenge, a Plasmodium falciparum gamma-irradiated long-lived merozoite (LLM) line was developed and investigated. Purified LLMs invaded erythrocytes by an increase of 10-300 fold compared to wild-type (WT) merozoites. Using an integrated omics approach, we investigated the basis for the phenotypic difference. Only a few single nucleotide polymorphisms within the P. falciparum genome were identified and only marginal differences were observed in the merozoite transcriptomes. By contrast, using label-free quantitative mass-spectrometry, a significant change in protein abundance was noted, of which 200 were proteins of unknown function. We determined the relative molar abundance of over 1100 proteins in LLMs and further characterized the major merozoite surface protein complex. A unique processed MSP1 intermediate was identified in LLM but not observed in WT suggesting that delayed processing may be important for the observed phenotype. This integrated approach has demonstrated the significant role of the merozoite proteome during erythrocyte invasion, while identifying numerous unknown proteins likely to be involved in invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishan Kumar
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, NIAID, NIH, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Prakash Srinivasan
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID, NIH, Rockville, MD, USA.
- Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | | | - J Kathleen Moch
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Karine Reiter
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, NIAID, NIH, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Dan Sturdevant
- Genomics Unit, Research Technologies Section, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Thomas D Otto
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - R Burke Squires
- Computational Biology Section, Bioinformatics and Computational Biosciences Branch, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Raul Herrera
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, NIAID, NIH, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Vijayaraj Nagarajan
- Computational Biology Section, Bioinformatics and Computational Biosciences Branch, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Julian C Rayner
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen F Porcella
- Genomics Unit, Research Technologies Section, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | | | - J David Haynes
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - David L Narum
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, NIAID, NIH, Rockville, MD, USA.
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19
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Saini E, Zeeshan M, Brady D, Pandey R, Kaiser G, Koreny L, Kumar P, Thakur V, Tatiya S, Katris NJ, Limenitakis RS, Kaur I, Green JL, Bottrill AR, Guttery DS, Waller RF, Heussler V, Holder AA, Mohmmed A, Malhotra P, Tewari R. Photosensitized INA-Labelled protein 1 (PhIL1) is novel component of the inner membrane complex and is required for Plasmodium parasite development. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15577. [PMID: 29138437 PMCID: PMC5686188 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15781-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium parasites, the causative agents of malaria, possess a distinctive membranous structure of flattened alveolar vesicles supported by a proteinaceous network, and referred to as the inner membrane complex (IMC). The IMC has a role in actomyosin-mediated motility and host cell invasion. Here, we examine the location, protein interactome and function of PhIL1, an IMC-associated protein on the motile and invasive stages of both human and rodent parasites. We show that PhIL1 is located in the IMC in all three invasive (merozoite, ookinete-, and sporozoite) stages of development, as well as in the male gametocyte and locates both at the apical and basal ends of ookinete and sporozoite stages. Proteins interacting with PhIL1 were identified, showing that PhIL1 was bound to only some proteins present in the glideosome motor complex (GAP50, GAPM1–3) of both P. falciparum and P. berghei. Analysis of PhIL1 function using gene targeting approaches indicated that the protein is required for both asexual and sexual stages of development. In conclusion, we show that PhIL1 is required for development of all zoite stages of Plasmodium and it is part of a novel protein complex with an overall composition overlapping with but different to that of the glideosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekta Saini
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Mohammad Zeeshan
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG72UH, UK
| | - Declan Brady
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG72UH, UK
| | - Rajan Pandey
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Gesine Kaiser
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
| | - Ludek Koreny
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Vandana Thakur
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Shreyansh Tatiya
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Nicholas J Katris
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK
| | | | - Inderjeet Kaur
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | | | - Andrew R Bottrill
- Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry Laboratory, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE2 7LX, UK
| | - David S Guttery
- Department of Cancer studies, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE2 7LX, UK
| | - Ross F Waller
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK
| | - Volker Heussler
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
| | | | - Asif Mohmmed
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Pawan Malhotra
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110067, India.
| | - Rita Tewari
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG72UH, UK.
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20
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Parkyn Schneider M, Liu B, Glock P, Suttie A, McHugh E, Andrew D, Batinovic S, Williamson N, Hanssen E, McMillan P, Hliscs M, Tilley L, Dixon MWA. Disrupting assembly of the inner membrane complex blocks Plasmodium falciparum sexual stage development. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006659. [PMID: 28985225 PMCID: PMC5646874 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmission of malaria parasites relies on the formation of a specialized blood form called the gametocyte. Gametocytes of the human pathogen, Plasmodium falciparum, adopt a crescent shape. Their dramatic morphogenesis is driven by the assembly of a network of microtubules and an underpinning inner membrane complex (IMC). Using super-resolution optical and electron microscopies we define the ultrastructure of the IMC at different stages of gametocyte development. We characterize two new proteins of the gametocyte IMC, called PhIL1 and PIP1. Genetic disruption of PhIL1 or PIP1 ablates elongation and prevents formation of transmission-ready mature gametocytes. The maturation defect is accompanied by failure to form an enveloping IMC and a marked swelling of the digestive vacuole, suggesting PhIL1 and PIP1 are required for correct membrane trafficking. Using immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry we reveal that PhIL1 interacts with known and new components of the gametocyte IMC. Transmission of the malaria parasite from humans to mosquitoes relies on the formation of the specialised blood stage gametocyte. Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes mature over about 10 days, during which time they undergo a remarkable morphological transformation, eventually adopting a characteristic crescent shape. The shape changes are thought to facilitate the mechanical sequestration of maturing gametocytes within the bone marrow and spleen, as well as the eventual release into the circulation. Failure to mature correctly leads to a failure to transmit. Despite the importance of this process, little is known about the molecular basis of elongation. In this work, we introduce 3D Electron Microscopy of P. falciparum gametocytes and use it, in a combination with super-resolution optical microscopy, to elucidate the genesis and expansion of the molecular structures that drive gametocyte elongation. We use protein interaction profiling to identify some of the proteins that help drive the shape change and employ inducible gene knockdown strategies to show that these proteins play a role in remodeling membranes, and are needed for gametocyte elongation. This work points to potential targets for the development of transmission-blocking therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Parkyn Schneider
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Boyin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Philipp Glock
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Annika Suttie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emma McHugh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dean Andrew
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven Batinovic
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicholas Williamson
- Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric Hanssen
- Melbourne Advance Microscopy Facility, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul McMillan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Advance Microscopy Facility, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Biological Optical Microscopy Platform, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marion Hliscs
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leann Tilley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew W. A. Dixon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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21
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Green JL, Wall RJ, Vahokoski J, Yusuf NA, Ridzuan MAM, Stanway RR, Stock J, Knuepfer E, Brady D, Martin SR, Howell SA, Pires IP, Moon RW, Molloy JE, Kursula I, Tewari R, Holder AA. Compositional and expression analyses of the glideosome during the Plasmodium life cycle reveal an additional myosin light chain required for maximum motility. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:17857-17875. [PMID: 28893907 PMCID: PMC5663884 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.802769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Myosin A (MyoA) is a Class XIV myosin implicated in gliding motility and host cell and tissue invasion by malaria parasites. MyoA is part of a membrane-associated protein complex called the glideosome, which is essential for parasite motility and includes the MyoA light chain myosin tail domain-interacting protein (MTIP) and several glideosome-associated proteins (GAPs). However, most studies of MyoA have focused on single stages of the parasite life cycle. We examined MyoA expression throughout the Plasmodium berghei life cycle in both mammalian and insect hosts. In extracellular ookinetes, sporozoites, and merozoites, MyoA was located at the parasite periphery. In the sexual stages, zygote formation and initial ookinete differentiation precede MyoA synthesis and deposition, which occurred only in the developing protuberance. In developing intracellular asexual blood stages, MyoA was synthesized in mature schizonts and was located at the periphery of segmenting merozoites, where it remained throughout maturation, merozoite egress, and host cell invasion. Besides the known GAPs in the malaria parasite, the complex included GAP40, an additional myosin light chain designated essential light chain (ELC), and several other candidate components. This ELC bound the MyoA neck region adjacent to the MTIP-binding site, and both myosin light chains co-located to the glideosome. Co-expression of MyoA with its two light chains revealed that the presence of both light chains enhances MyoA-dependent actin motility. In conclusion, we have established a system to study the interplay and function of the three glideosome components, enabling the assessment of inhibitors that target this motor complex to block host cell invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard J Wall
- the School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | - Juha Vahokoski
- the Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | | | | | - Rebecca R Stanway
- the Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland, and
| | - Jessica Stock
- the School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | | | - Declan Brady
- the School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Isa P Pires
- the Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 7, 90220 Oulu, Finland
| | | | - Justin E Molloy
- Single Molecule Enzymology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Inari Kursula
- the Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway.,the Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 7, 90220 Oulu, Finland
| | - Rita Tewari
- the School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
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22
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Beiss V, Spiegel H, Boes A, Scheuermayer M, Reimann A, Schillberg S, Fischer R. Plant expression and characterization of the transmission-blocking vaccine candidate PfGAP50. BMC Biotechnol 2015; 15:108. [PMID: 26625934 PMCID: PMC4665938 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-015-0225-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the limited success after decades of intensive research and development efforts, vaccination still represents the most promising strategy to significantly reduce the disease burden in malaria endemic regions. Besides the ultimate goal of inducing sterile protection in vaccinated individuals, the prevention of transmission by so-called transmission blocking vaccines (TBVs) is being regarded as an important feature of an efficient malaria eradication strategy. Recently, Plasmodium falciparum GAP50 (PfGAP50), a 44.6 kDa transmembrane protein that forms an essential part of the invasion machinery (glideosome) multi-protein complex, has been proposed as novel potential transmission-blocking candidate. Plant-based expression systems combine the advantages of eukaryotic expression with a up-scaling potential and a good product safety profile suitable for vaccine production. In this study we investigated the feasibility to use the transient plant expression to produce PfGAP50 suitable for the induction of parasite specific inhibitory antibodies. RESULTS We performed the transient expression of recombinant PfGAP50 in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves using endoplasmatic reticulum (ER) and plastid targeting. After IMAC-purification the protein yield and integrity was investigated by SDS-PAGE and Western Blot. Rabbit immune IgG derived by the immunization with the plastid-targeted variant of PfGAP50 was analyzed by immune fluorescence assay (IFA) and zygote inhibition assay (ZIA). PfGAP50 could be produced in both subcellular compartments at different yields IMAC (Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography) purification from extract yielded up to 4.1 μg/g recombinant protein per fresh leaf material for ER-retarded and16.2 μg/g recombinant protein per fresh leave material for plasmid targeted PfGAP50, respectively. IgG from rabbit sera generated by immunization with the recombinant protein specifically recognized different parasite stages in immunofluorescence assay. Furthermore up to 55 % inhibition in an in vitro zygote inhibition assay could be achieved using PfGAP50-specific rabbit immune IgG. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study demonstrate that the plant-produced PfGAP50 is functional regarding the presentation of inhibitory epitopes and could be considered as component of a transmission-blocking malaria vaccine formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronique Beiss
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Forckenbeckstrasse 6, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Holger Spiegel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Forckenbeckstrasse 6, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Alexander Boes
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Forckenbeckstrasse 6, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Matthias Scheuermayer
- Research Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Wuerzburg, Josef Schneider Str. 2/Bau D15, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany.
| | - Andreas Reimann
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Forckenbeckstrasse 6, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Stefan Schillberg
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Forckenbeckstrasse 6, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Rainer Fischer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Forckenbeckstrasse 6, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
- RWTH Aachen University, Institute for Molecular Biotechnology, Worringer Weg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
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23
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Dogovski C, Xie SC, Burgio G, Bridgford J, Mok S, McCaw JM, Chotivanich K, Kenny S, Gnädig N, Straimer J, Bozdech Z, Fidock DA, Simpson JA, Dondorp AM, Foote S, Klonis N, Tilley L. Targeting the cell stress response of Plasmodium falciparum to overcome artemisinin resistance. PLoS Biol 2015; 13:e1002132. [PMID: 25901609 PMCID: PMC4406523 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1002132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful control of falciparum malaria depends greatly on treatment with artemisinin combination therapies. Thus, reports that resistance to artemisinins (ARTs) has emerged, and that the prevalence of this resistance is increasing, are alarming. ART resistance has recently been linked to mutations in the K13 propeller protein. We undertook a detailed kinetic analysis of the drug responses of K13 wild-type and mutant isolates of Plasmodium falciparum sourced from a region in Cambodia (Pailin). We demonstrate that ART treatment induces growth retardation and an accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins, indicative of a cellular stress response that engages the ubiquitin/proteasome system. We show that resistant parasites exhibit lower levels of ubiquitinated proteins and delayed onset of cell death, indicating an enhanced cell stress response. We found that the stress response can be targeted by inhibiting the proteasome. Accordingly, clinically used proteasome inhibitors strongly synergize ART activity against both sensitive and resistant parasites, including isogenic lines expressing mutant or wild-type K13. Synergy is also observed against Plasmodium berghei in vivo. We developed a detailed model of parasite responses that enables us to infer, for the first time, in vivo parasite clearance profiles from in vitro assessments of ART sensitivity. We provide evidence that the clinical marker of resistance (delayed parasite clearance) is an indirect measure of drug efficacy because of the persistence of unviable parasites with unchanged morphology in the circulation, and we suggest alternative approaches for the direct measurement of viability. Our model predicts that extending current three-day ART treatment courses to four days, or splitting the doses, will efficiently clear resistant parasite infections. This work provides a rationale for improving the detection of ART resistance in the field and for treatment strategies that can be employed in areas with ART resistance. Resistance to artemisinin antimalarial drugs is jeopardizing malaria control. This study shows that proteasome-mediated stress responses can be targeted to overcome artemisinin resistance and suggests alternate therapeutic regimens and monitoring strategies. Resistance to artemisinin antimalarials, some of the most effective antimalarial drugs, has emerged in Southeast Asia, jeopardizing malaria control. We have undertaken a detailed study of artemisinin-sensitive and-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for malaria, taken directly from the field in a region where resistance is developing. We compared these strains to lab strains engineered with either mutant or wild-type resistance alleles. We demonstrate that in sensitive P. falciparum, artemisinin induces growth retardation and accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins, indicating that the drugs activate the cellular stress response. Resistant parasites, on the other hand, exhibit reduced protein ubiquitination and delayed onset of cell death following drug exposure. We show that proteasome inhibitors strongly synergize artemisinin activity, offering a means of overcoming artemisinin resistance. We have developed a detailed model of parasite responses and have modelled in vivo clearance profiles. Our data indicate that extending artemisinin treatment from the standard three-day treatment to a four-day treatment will clear resistant parasites, thus preserving the use of this critical therapy in areas experiencing artemisinin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Con Dogovski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coherent X-ray Science, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stanley C Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coherent X-ray Science, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gaetan Burgio
- John Curtin School of Medical Research, the Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia; Australian School of Advanced Medicine, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jess Bridgford
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coherent X-ray Science, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sachel Mok
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - James M McCaw
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Childrens Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Shannon Kenny
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coherent X-ray Science, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nina Gnädig
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Judith Straimer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Zbynek Bozdech
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - David A Fidock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Julie A Simpson
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Arjen M Dondorp
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Foote
- John Curtin School of Medical Research, the Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Nectarios Klonis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coherent X-ray Science, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leann Tilley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coherent X-ray Science, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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24
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Wetzel J, Herrmann S, Swapna LS, Prusty D, John Peter AT, Kono M, Saini S, Nellimarla S, Wong TWY, Wilcke L, Ramsay O, Cabrera A, Biller L, Heincke D, Mossman K, Spielmann T, Ungermann C, Parkinson J, Gilberger TW. The role of palmitoylation for protein recruitment to the inner membrane complex of the malaria parasite. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:1712-1728. [PMID: 25425642 PMCID: PMC4340414 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.598094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Revised: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
To survive and persist within its human host, the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum utilizes a battery of lineage-specific innovations to invade and multiply in human erythrocytes. With central roles in invasion and cytokinesis, the inner membrane complex, a Golgi-derived double membrane structure underlying the plasma membrane of the parasite, represents a unique and unifying structure characteristic to all organisms belonging to a large phylogenetic group called Alveolata. More than 30 structurally and phylogenetically distinct proteins are embedded in the IMC, where a portion of these proteins displays N-terminal acylation motifs. Although N-terminal myristoylation is catalyzed co-translationally within the cytoplasm of the parasite, palmitoylation takes place at membranes and is mediated by palmitoyl acyltransferases (PATs). Here, we identify a PAT (PfDHHC1) that is exclusively localized to the IMC. Systematic phylogenetic analysis of the alveolate PAT family reveals PfDHHC1 to be a member of a highly conserved, apicomplexan-specific clade of PATs. We show that during schizogony this enzyme has an identical distribution like two dual-acylated, IMC-localized proteins (PfISP1 and PfISP3). We used these proteins to probe into specific sequence requirements for IMC-specific membrane recruitment and their interaction with differentially localized PATs of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Wetzel
- From the M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Susann Herrmann
- From the M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Lakshmipuram Seshadri Swapna
- the Program in Molecular Structure and Function, Hospital for Sick Children, and Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Dhaneswar Prusty
- From the M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Arun T John Peter
- the Department of Biology/Chemistry, Biochemistry Section, University of Osnabrück, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Maya Kono
- the Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany, and
| | - Sidharth Saini
- From the M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Srinivas Nellimarla
- From the M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Tatianna Wai Ying Wong
- From the M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Louisa Wilcke
- From the M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada, the Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany, and
| | - Olivia Ramsay
- From the M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Ana Cabrera
- From the M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Laura Biller
- the Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany, and
| | - Dorothee Heincke
- From the M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada, the Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany, and
| | - Karen Mossman
- From the M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Tobias Spielmann
- the Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany, and
| | - Christian Ungermann
- the Department of Biology/Chemistry, Biochemistry Section, University of Osnabrück, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - John Parkinson
- the Program in Molecular Structure and Function, Hospital for Sick Children, and Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Tim W Gilberger
- From the M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada, the Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany, and the Center for Structural Systems Biology, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
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25
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Pandey R, Mohmmed A, Pierrot C, Khalife J, Malhotra P, Gupta D. Genome wide in silico analysis of Plasmodium falciparum phosphatome. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:1024. [PMID: 25425018 PMCID: PMC4256932 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-1024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eukaryotic cellular machineries are intricately regulated by several molecular mechanisms involving transcriptional control, post-translational control and post-translational modifications of proteins (PTMs). Reversible protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation process, which involves kinases as well as phosphatases, represents an important regulatory mechanism for diverse pathways and systems in all organisms including human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. Earlier analysis on P. falciparum protein-phosphatome revealed presence of 34 phosphatases in Plasmodium genome. Recently, we re-analysed P. falciparum phosphatome aimed at identifying parasite specific phosphatases. RESULTS Plasmodium database (PlasmoDB 9.2) search, combined with PFAM and CDD searches, revealed 67 candidate phosphatases in P. falciparum. While this number is far less than the number of phosphatases present in Homo sapiens, it is almost the same as in other Plasmodium species. These Plasmodium phosphatase proteins were classified into 13 super families based on NCBI CDD search. Analysis of proteins expression profiles of the 67 phosphatases revealed that 44 phosphatases are expressed in both schizont as well as gametocytes stages. Fourteen phosphatases are common in schizont, ring and trophozoite stages, four phosphatases are restricted to gametocytes, whereas another three restricted to schizont stage. The phylogenetic trees for each of the known phosphatase super families reveal a considerable phylogenetic closeness amongst apicomplexan organisms and a considerable phylogenetic distance with other eukaryotic model organisms included in the study. The GO assignments and predicted interaction partners of the parasite phosphatases indicate its important role in diverse cellular processes. CONCLUSION In the study presented here, we reviewed the P. falciparum phosphatome to show presence of 67 candidate phosphatases in P. falciparum genomes/proteomes. Intriguingly, amongst these phosphatases, we could identify six Plasmodium specific phosphatases and 33 putative phosphatases that do not have human orthologs, thereby suggesting that these phosphatases have the potential to be explored as novel antimalarial drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jamal Khalife
- Structural and Computational Biology group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India.
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26
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Hliscs M, Millet C, Dixon MW, Siden-Kiamos I, McMillan P, Tilley L. Organization and function of an actin cytoskeleton inPlasmodium falciparumgametocytes. Cell Microbiol 2014; 17:207-25. [DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Revised: 08/16/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marion Hliscs
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute; Melbourne Vic. 3010 Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coherent X-ray Science; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. 3010 Australia
- School of Botany; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. 3010 Australia
| | - Coralie Millet
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute; Melbourne Vic. 3010 Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coherent X-ray Science; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. 3010 Australia
| | - Matthew W. Dixon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute; Melbourne Vic. 3010 Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coherent X-ray Science; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. 3010 Australia
| | - Inga Siden-Kiamos
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology; Foundation for Research and Technology; Hellas, 700 13 Heraklion Crete Greece
| | - Paul McMillan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute; Melbourne Vic. 3010 Australia
- The Biological Optical Microscopy Platform; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. 3010 Australia
| | - Leann Tilley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute; Melbourne Vic. 3010 Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coherent X-ray Science; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. 3010 Australia
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27
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Biochemical and antiparasitic properties of inhibitors of the Plasmodium falciparum calcium-dependent protein kinase PfCDPK1. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:6032-43. [PMID: 25070106 PMCID: PMC4187893 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02959-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PfCDPK1 is a Plasmodium falciparum calcium-dependent protein kinase, which has been identified as a potential target for novel antimalarial chemotherapeutics. In order to further investigate the role of PfCDPK1, we established a high-throughput in vitro biochemical assay and used it to screen a library of over 35,000 small molecules. Five chemical series of inhibitors were initially identified from the screen, from which series 1 and 2 were selected for chemical optimization. Indicative of their mechanism of action, enzyme inhibition by these compounds was found to be sensitive to both the ATP concentration and substitution of the amino acid residue present at the “gatekeeper” position at the ATP-binding site of the enzyme. Medicinal chemistry efforts led to a series of PfCDPK1 inhibitors with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) below 10 nM against PfCDPK1 in a biochemical assay and 50% effective concentrations (EC50s) less than 100 nM for inhibition of parasite growth in vitro. Potent inhibition was combined with acceptable absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties and equipotent inhibition of Plasmodium vivax CDPK1. However, we were unable to correlate biochemical inhibition with parasite growth inhibition for this series overall. Inhibition of Plasmodium berghei CDPK1 correlated well with PfCDPK1 inhibition, enabling progression of a set of compounds to in vivo evaluation in the P. berghei rodent model for malaria. These chemical series have potential for further development as inhibitors of CDPK1.
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28
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Harding CR, Meissner M. The inner membrane complex through development of Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium. Cell Microbiol 2014; 16:632-41. [PMID: 24612102 PMCID: PMC4286798 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Revised: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium spp. and Toxoplasma gondii are important human and veterinary pathogens. These parasites possess an unusual double membrane structure located directly below the plasma membrane named the inner membrane complex (IMC). First identified in early electron micrograph studies, huge advances in genetic manipulation of the Apicomplexa have allowed the visualization of a dynamic, highly structured cellular compartment with important roles in maintaining the structure and motility of these parasites. This review summarizes recent advances in the field and highlights the changes the IMC undergoes during the complex life cycles of the Apicomplexa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare R Harding
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, The University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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29
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Poulin B, Patzewitz EM, Brady D, Silvie O, Wright MH, Ferguson DJP, Wall RJ, Whipple S, Guttery DS, Tate EW, Wickstead B, Holder AA, Tewari R. Unique apicomplexan IMC sub-compartment proteins are early markers for apical polarity in the malaria parasite. Biol Open 2013; 2:1160-70. [PMID: 24244852 PMCID: PMC3828762 DOI: 10.1242/bio.20136163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The phylum Apicomplexa comprises over 5000 intracellular protozoan parasites, including Plasmodium and Toxoplasma, that are clinically important pathogens affecting humans and livestock. Malaria parasites belonging to the genus Plasmodium possess a pellicle comprised of a plasmalemma and inner membrane complex (IMC), which is implicated in parasite motility and invasion. Using live cell imaging and reverse genetics in the rodent malaria model P. berghei, we localise two unique IMC sub-compartment proteins (ISPs) and examine their role in defining apical polarity during zygote (ookinete) development. We show that these proteins localise to the anterior apical end of the parasite where IMC organisation is initiated, and are expressed at all developmental stages, especially those that are invasive. Both ISP proteins are N-myristoylated, phosphorylated and membrane-bound. Gene disruption studies suggest that ISP1 is likely essential for parasite development, whereas ISP3 is not. However, an absence of ISP3 alters the apical localisation of ISP1 in all invasive stages including ookinetes and sporozoites, suggesting a coordinated function for these proteins in the organisation of apical polarity in the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Poulin
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG2 7UH, UK
| | - Eva-Maria Patzewitz
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG2 7UH, UK
| | - Declan Brady
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG2 7UH, UK
| | - Olivier Silvie
- INSERM and Université Pierre et Marie Curie, UMR_S 945 “Immunity and infection”, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Megan H. Wright
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - David J. P. Ferguson
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Richard J. Wall
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG2 7UH, UK
| | - Sarah Whipple
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG2 7UH, UK
| | - David S. Guttery
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG2 7UH, UK
- Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Building, PO Box 65, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK
| | - Edward W. Tate
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Bill Wickstead
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG2 7UH, UK
| | - Anthony A. Holder
- Division of Parasitology, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, UK
| | - Rita Tewari
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG2 7UH, UK
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30
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Tjhin ET, Staines HM, van Schalkwyk DA, Krishna S, Saliba KJ. Studies with the Plasmodium falciparum hexokinase reveal that PfHT limits the rate of glucose entry into glycolysis. FEBS Lett 2013; 587:3182-7. [PMID: 23954294 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2013.07.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Revised: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 07/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
To characterise plasmodial glycolysis, we generated two transgenic Plasmodium falciparum lines, one expressing P. falciparum hexokinase (PfHK) tagged with GFP (3D7-PfHK(GFP)) and another overexpressing native PfHK (3D7-PfHK(+)). Contrary to previous reports, we propose that PfHK is cytosolic. The glucose analogue, 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG) was nearly 2-fold less toxic to 3D7-PfHK(+) compared with control parasites, supporting PfHK as a potential drug target. Although PfHK activity was higher in 3D7-PfHK(+), they accumulated phospho-[(14)C]2-DG at the same rate as control parasites. Transgenic parasites overexpressing the parasite's glucose transporter (PfHT) accumulated phospho-[(14)C]2-DG at a higher rate, consistent with glucose transport limiting glucose entry into glycolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick T Tjhin
- Research School of Biology, College of Medicine, Biology and Environment, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
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31
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Hanssen E, Dekiwadia C, Riglar DT, Rug M, Lemgruber L, Cowman AF, Cyrklaff M, Kudryashev M, Frischknecht F, Baum J, Ralph SA. Electron tomography of Plasmodium falciparum merozoites reveals core cellular events that underpin erythrocyte invasion. Cell Microbiol 2013; 15:1457-72. [PMID: 23461734 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Revised: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Erythrocyte invasion by merozoites forms of the malaria parasite is a key step in the establishment of human malaria disease. To date, efforts to understand cellular events underpinning entry have been limited to insights from non-human parasites, with no studies at sub-micrometer resolution undertaken using the most virulent human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. This leaves our understanding of the dynamics of merozoite sub-cellular compartments during infectionincomplete, in particular that of the secretory organelles. Using advances in P. falciparum merozoite isolation and new imaging techniques we present a three-dimensional study of invasion using electron microscopy, cryo-electron tomography and cryo-X-ray tomography. We describe the core architectural features of invasion and identify fusion between rhoptries at the commencement of invasion as a hitherto overlooked event that likely provides a critical step that initiates entry. Given the centrality of merozoite organelle proteins to vaccine development, these insights provide a mechanistic framework to understand therapeutic strategies targeted towards the cellular events of invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Hanssen
- Advanced Microscopy Facility and Center of Excellence for Coherent X-ray Science, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., 3010, Australia
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32
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Simon N, Lasonder E, Scheuermayer M, Kuehn A, Tews S, Fischer R, Zipfel P, Skerka C, Pradel G. Malaria Parasites Co-opt Human Factor H to Prevent Complement-Mediated Lysis in the Mosquito Midgut. Cell Host Microbe 2013; 13:29-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2012.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2012] [Revised: 06/06/2012] [Accepted: 11/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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33
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Hopp CS, Flueck C, Solyakov L, Tobin A, Baker DA. Spatiotemporal and functional characterisation of the Plasmodium falciparum cGMP-dependent protein kinase. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48206. [PMID: 23139764 PMCID: PMC3489689 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2012] [Accepted: 09/25/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Signalling by 3′–5′-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) exists in virtually all eukaryotes. In the apicomplexan parasite Plasmodium, the cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) has previously been reported to play a critical role in four key stages of the life cycle. The Plasmodium falciparum isoform (PfPKG) is essential for the initiation of gametogenesis and for blood stage schizont rupture and work on the orthologue from the rodent malaria parasite P. berghei (PbPKG) has shown additional roles in ookinete differentiation and motility as well as liver stage schizont development. In the present study, PfPKG expression and subcellular location in asexual blood stages was investigated using transgenic epitope-tagged PfPKG-expressing P. falciparum parasites. In Western blotting experiments and immunofluorescence analysis (IFA), maximal PfPKG expression was detected at the late schizont stage. While IFA suggested a cytosolic location, a degree of overlap with markers of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was found and subcellular fractionation showed some association with the peripheral membrane fraction. This broad localisation is consistent with the notion that PfPKG, as with the mammalian orthologue, has numerous cellular substrates. This idea is further supported by the global protein phosphorylation pattern of schizonts which was substantially changed following PfPKG inhibition, suggesting a complex role for PfPKG during schizogony.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine S. Hopp
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christian Flueck
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lev Solyakov
- Department of Cell Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Tobin
- Department of Cell Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - David A. Baker
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Determination of protein subcellular localization in apicomplexan parasites. Trends Parasitol 2012; 28:546-54. [PMID: 22995720 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2012.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2012] [Revised: 08/22/2012] [Accepted: 08/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Parasites from the phylum Apicomplexa include causative agents of serious diseases including malaria (Plasmodium spp.) and toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii). Apicomplexan parasites infect thousands of types of animal cells and send their proteins to an array of compartments within their own cell, as well as exporting proteins into and beyond their host cell. Ascertaining destinations to which individual proteins are delivered allows researchers to better understand parasite biology and to identify potential targets for therapeutic interventions. Our toolkit for establishing subcellular locations of apicomplexan proteins is becoming more extensive and specialized, and here we review developments in this technology.
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Thomas DC, Ahmed A, Gilberger TW, Sharma P. Regulation of Plasmodium falciparum glideosome associated protein 45 (PfGAP45) phosphorylation. PLoS One 2012; 7:e35855. [PMID: 22558243 PMCID: PMC3338798 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0035855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Accepted: 03/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The actomyosin motor complex of the glideosome provides the force needed by apicomplexan parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii (Tg) and Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) to invade their host cells and for gliding motility of their motile forms. Glideosome Associated Protein 45 (PfGAP45) is an essential component of the glideosome complex as it facilitates anchoring and effective functioning of the motor. Dissection of events that regulate PfGAP45 may provide insights into how the motor and the glideosome operate. We found that PfGAP45 is phosphorylated in response to Phospholipase C (PLC) and calcium signaling. It is phosphorylated by P. falciparum kinases Protein Kinase B (PfPKB) and Calcium Dependent Protein Kinase 1 (PfCDPK1), which are calcium dependent enzymes, at S89, S103 and S149. The Phospholipase C pathway influenced the phosphorylation of S103 and S149. The phosphorylation of PfGAP45 at these sites is differentially regulated during parasite development. The localization of PfGAP45 and its association may be independent of the phosphorylation of these sites. PfGAP45 regulation in response to calcium fits in well with the previously described role of calcium in host cell invasion by malaria parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Catherine Thomas
- Eukaryotic Gene Expression Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Anwar Ahmed
- Eukaryotic Gene Expression Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Tim Wolf Gilberger
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research and Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Pushkar Sharma
- Eukaryotic Gene Expression Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
- * E-mail:
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Ridzuan MAM, Moon RW, Knuepfer E, Black S, Holder AA, Green JL. Subcellular location, phosphorylation and assembly into the motor complex of GAP45 during Plasmodium falciparum schizont development. PLoS One 2012; 7:e33845. [PMID: 22479457 PMCID: PMC3316498 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 02/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
An actomyosin motor complex assembled below the parasite's plasma membrane drives erythrocyte invasion by Plasmodium falciparum merozoites. The complex is comprised of several proteins including myosin (MyoA), myosin tail domain interacting protein (MTIP) and glideosome associated proteins (GAP) 45 and 50, and is anchored on the inner membrane complex (IMC), which underlies the plasmalemma. A ternary complex of MyoA, MTIP and GAP45 is formed that then associates with GAP50. We show that full length GAP45 labelled internally with GFP is assembled into the motor complex and transported to the developing IMC in early schizogony, where it accumulates during intracellular development until merozoite release. We show that GAP45 is phosphorylated by calcium dependent protein kinase 1 (CDPK1), and identify the modified serine residues. Replacing these serine residues with alanine or aspartate has no apparent effect on GAP45 assembly into the motor protein complex or its subcellular location in the parasite. The early assembly of the motor complex suggests that it has functions in addition to its role in erythrocyte invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd A. Mohd Ridzuan
- Division of Parasitology, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom
- Herbal Medicine Research Center, Institute for Medical Research, Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Robert W. Moon
- Division of Parasitology, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ellen Knuepfer
- Division of Parasitology, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sally Black
- Division of Parasitology, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony A. Holder
- Division of Parasitology, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Judith L. Green
- Division of Parasitology, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Kono M, Herrmann S, Loughran NB, Cabrera A, Engelberg K, Lehmann C, Sinha D, Prinz B, Ruch U, Heussler V, Spielmann T, Parkinson J, Gilberger TW. Evolution and architecture of the inner membrane complex in asexual and sexual stages of the malaria parasite. Mol Biol Evol 2012; 29:2113-32. [PMID: 22389454 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/mss081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The inner membrane complex (IMC) is a unifying morphological feature of all alveolate organisms. It consists of flattened vesicles underlying the plasma membrane and is interconnected with the cytoskeleton. Depending on the ecological niche of the organisms, the function of the IMC ranges from a fundamental role as reinforcement system to more specialized roles in motility and cytokinesis. In this article, we present a comprehensive evolutionary analysis of IMC components, which exemplifies the adaptive nature of the IMCs' protein composition. Focusing on eight structurally distinct proteins in the most prominent "genus" of the Alveolata-the malaria parasite Plasmodium-we demonstrate that the level of conservation is reflected in phenotypic characteristics, accentuated in differential spatial-temporal patterns of these proteins in the motile stages of the parasite's life cycle. Colocalization studies with the centromere and the spindle apparatus reveal their discriminative biogenesis. We also reveal that the IMC is an essential structural compartment for the development of the sexual stages of Plasmodium, as it seems to drive the morphological changes of the parasite during the long and multistaged process of sexual differentiation. We further found a Plasmodium-specific IMC membrane matrix protein that highlights transversal structures in gametocytes, which could represent a genus-specific structural innovation required by Plasmodium. We conclude that the IMC has an additional role during sexual development supporting morphogenesis of the cell, which in addition to its functions in the asexual stages highlights the multifunctional nature of the IMC in the Plasmodium life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Kono
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
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Bosch J, Paige MH, Vaidya AB, Bergman LW, Hol WGJ. Crystal structure of GAP50, the anchor of the invasion machinery in the inner membrane complex of Plasmodium falciparum. J Struct Biol 2012; 178:61-73. [PMID: 22387043 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2012.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2011] [Revised: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 02/10/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The glideosome associated protein GAP50 is an essential protein in apicomplexan parasites such as Plasmodium, Toxoplasma and Cryptosporidium, several species of which are important human pathogens. The 44.6kDa protein is part of a multi-protein complex known as the invasion machinery or glideosome, which is required for cell invasion and substrate gliding motility empowered by an actin-myosin motor. GAP50 is anchored through its C-terminal transmembrane helix into the inner membrane complex and interacts via a short six residue C-terminal tail with other proteins of the invasion machinery in the pellicle of the parasite. In this paper we describe the 1.7Å resolution crystal structure of the soluble GAP50 domain from the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The structure shows an αßßα fold with overall similarity to purple acid phosphatases with, however, little homology regarding the nature of the residues in the active site region of the latter enzyme. While purple acid phosphatases contain a phosphate bridged binuclear Fe-site coordinated by seven side chains with the Fe-ions 3.2Å apart, GAP50 in our crystals contains two cobalt ions each with one protein ligand and a distance between the Co(2+) ions of 18Å.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Bosch
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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Static and dynamic imaging of erythrocyte invasion and early intra-erythrocytic development in Plasmodium falciparum. Methods Mol Biol 2012; 923:269-80. [PMID: 22990784 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-026-7_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Cellular imaging has reemerged in recent years as a powerful approach to provide researchers with a direct measure of essential molecular events in a cell's life, ranging in scale from broad morphological observations of whole cells to intricate single molecule imaging. When combined with quantitative image analysis, the available imaging techniques can act as a critical means to confirm hypotheses, drive the formation of new theories or provide accurate determination of protein localization at subcellular and nanometer scales. Here, we describe two methodological approaches for imaging the transient step of malaria parasite invasion of the human erythrocyte. When applied to image the most virulent human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, the first approach, using live time-lapse wide-field microscopy, allows the capture of transient events during invasion and postinvasion intra-erythrocytic development, while the second, using immunofluorescence assay (IFA) of fixed samples, allows high-definition exploration of parasite architecture on multiple platforms.
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Dearnley MK, Yeoman JA, Hanssen E, Kenny S, Turnbull L, Whitchurch CB, Tilley L, Dixon MWA. Origin, composition, organization and function of the inner membrane complex of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes. J Cell Sci 2012; 125:2053-63. [DOI: 10.1242/jcs.099002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The most virulent of the human malaria parasites, Plasmodium falciparum, undergoes a remarkable morphological transformation as it prepares itself for sexual reproduction and transmission via mosquitoes. Indeed P. falciparum is named for the unique falciform or crescent shape of the mature sexual stages. Once the metamorphosis is completed the mature gametocyte releases from sequestration sites and enters the circulation making it accessible to feeding mosquitoes. Early ultrastructural studies showed that gametocyte elongation is driven by the assembly of a system of flattened cisternal membrane compartments underneath the parasite plasma membrane and a supporting network of microtubules. Here we describe the molecular composition and origin of the sub-pellicular membrane complex, and show that it is analogous to the inner membrane complex, an organelle with structural and motor functions that is well conserved across the apicomplexa. We identify novel cross-linking elements that may help stabilize the inner membrane complex during gametocyte development. We show that changes in gametocyte morphology are associated with an increase in cellular deformability and postulate that this enables the gametocytes to circulate in the blood stream without being detected and removed by the mechanical filtering mechanisms in the host's spleen.
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Eshar S, Dahan-Pasternak N, Weiner A, Dzikowski R. High resolution 3D perspective of Plasmodium biology: advancing into a new era. Trends Parasitol 2011; 27:548-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2011.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2011] [Revised: 08/01/2011] [Accepted: 08/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Fauquenoy S, Hovasse A, Sloves PJ, Morelle W, Dilezitoko Alayi T, Dilezitoko Ayali T, Slomianny C, Werkmeister E, Schaeffer C, Van Dorsselaer A, Tomavo S. Unusual N-glycan structures required for trafficking Toxoplasma gondii GAP50 to the inner membrane complex regulate host cell entry through parasite motility. Mol Cell Proteomics 2011; 10:M111.008953. [PMID: 21610105 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m111.008953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii motility, which is essential for host cell entry, migration through host tissues, and invasion, is a unique form of actin-dependent gliding. It is powered by a motor complex mainly composed of myosin heavy chain A, myosin light chain 1, gliding associated proteins GAP45, and GAP50, the only integral membrane anchor so far described. In the present study, we have combined glycomic and proteomic approaches to demonstrate that all three potential N-glycosylated sites of GAP50 are occupied by unusual N-glycan structures that are rarely found on mature mammalian glycoproteins. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we show that N-glycosylation is a prerequisite for GAP50 transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus and for its subsequent delivery into the inner complex membrane. Assembly of key partners into the gliding complex, and parasite motility are severely impaired in the unglycosylated GAP50 mutants. Furthermore, comparative affinity purification using N-glycosylated and unglycosylated GAP50 as bait identified three novel hypothetical proteins including the recently described gliding associated protein GAP40, and we demonstrate that N-glycans are required for efficient binding to gliding partners. Collectively, these results provide the first detailed analyses of T. gondii N-glycosylation functions that are vital for parasite motility and host cell entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Fauquenoy
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, CNRS UMR 8204, INSERM U 1019, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Université Lille Nord de France, 59000 Lille, France
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