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Verhoef JMJ, Boshoven C, Evers F, Akkerman LJ, Gijsbrechts BCA, van de Vegte-Bolmer M, van Gemert GJ, Vaidya AB, Kooij TWA. Detailing organelle division and segregation in Plasmodium falciparum. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.30.577899. [PMID: 38352445 PMCID: PMC10862848 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.30.577899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The malaria causing parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, replicates through a tightly orchestrated process termed schizogony, where approximately 32 daughter parasites are formed in a single infected red blood cell and thousands of daughter cells in mosquito or liver stages. One-per-cell organelles, such as the mitochondrion and apicoplast, need to be properly divided and segregated to ensure a complete set of organelles per daughter parasites. Although this is highly essential, details about the processes and mechanisms involved remain unknown. We developed a new reporter parasite line that allows visualization of the mitochondrion in blood and mosquito stages. Using high-resolution 3D-imaging, we found that the mitochondrion orients in a cartwheel structure, prior to stepwise, non-geometric division during the last stage of schizogony. Analysis of focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) data confirmed these mitochondrial division stages. Furthermore, these data allowed us to elucidate apicoplast division steps, highlighted its close association with the mitochondrion, and showed putative roles of the centriolar plaques (CPs) in apicoplast segregation. These observations form the foundation for a new detailed mechanistic model of mitochondrial and apicoplast division and segregation during P. falciparum schizogony and pave the way for future studies into the proteins and protein complexes involved in organelle division and segregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M J Verhoef
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Cas Boshoven
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Felix Evers
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Laura J Akkerman
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Barend C A Gijsbrechts
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marga van de Vegte-Bolmer
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Geert-Jan van Gemert
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Akhil B Vaidya
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Taco W A Kooij
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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2
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Ornitz Oliveira Souza R, Yang C, Arrizabalaga G. Myosin A and F-Actin play a critical role in mitochondrial dynamics and inheritance in Toxoplasma gondii. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.18.585462. [PMID: 38562694 PMCID: PMC10983951 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.18.585462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The single mitochondrion of the obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii is highly dynamic. Toxoplasma's mitochondrion changes morphology as the parasite moves from the intracellular to the extracellular environment and during division. Toxoplasma's mitochondrial dynamic is dependent on an outer mitochondrion membrane-associated protein LMF1 and its interaction with IMC10, a protein localized at the inner membrane complex (IMC). In the absence of either LMF1 or IMC10, parasites have defective mitochondrial morphology and inheritance defects. As little is known about mitochondrial inheritance in Toxoplasma, we have used the LMF1/IMC10 tethering complex as an entry point to dissect the machinery behind this process. Using a yeast two-hybrid screen, we previously identified Myosin A (MyoA) as a putative interactor of LMF1. Although MyoA is known to be located at the parasite's pellicle, we now show through ultrastructure expansion microscopy (U-ExM) that this protein accumulates around the mitochondrion in the late stages of parasite division. Parasites lacking MyoA show defective mitochondrial morphology and a delay in mitochondrion delivery to the daughter parasite buds during division, indicating that this protein is involved in organellar inheritance. Disruption of the parasite's actin network also affects mitochondrion morphology. We also show that parasite-extracted mitochondrion vesicles interact with actin filaments. Interestingly, mitochondrion vesicles extracted out of parasites lacking LMF1 pulled down less actin, showing that LMF1 might be important for mitochondrion and actin interaction. Accordingly, we are showing for the first time that actin and Myosin A are important for Toxoplasma mitochondrial morphology and inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chunlin Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine
| | - Gustavo Arrizabalaga
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine
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3
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Morano AA, Xu W, Shadija N, Dvorin JD, Ke H. The dynamin-related protein Dyn2 is essential for both apicoplast and mitochondrial fission in Plasmodium falciparum. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.15.585229. [PMID: 38559241 PMCID: PMC10980034 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.15.585229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Dynamins, or dynamin-related proteins (DRPs), are large mechano-sensitive GTPases mediating membrane dynamics or organellar fission/fusion events. Plasmodium falciparum encodes three dynamin-like proteins whose functions are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that PfDyn2 mediates both apicoplast and mitochondrial fission. Using super-resolution and ultrastructure expansion microscopy, we show that PfDyn2 is expressed in the schizont stage and localizes to both the apicoplast and mitochondria. Super-resolution long-term live cell microscopy shows that PfDyn2-deficient parasites cannot complete cytokinesis because the apicoplast and mitochondria do not undergo fission. Further, the basal complex or cytokinetic ring in Plasmodium cannot fully contract upon PfDyn2 depletion, a phenotype secondary to physical blockage of undivided organelles in the middle of the ring. Our data suggest that organellar fission defects result in aberrant schizogony, generating unsuccessful merozoites. The unique biology of PfDyn2, mediating both apicoplast and mitochondrial fission, has not been observed in other organisms possessing two endosymbiotic organelles. Highlights PfDyn2 is essential for schizont-stage development.PfDyn2 mediates both apicoplast and mitochondrial fission.Deficiency of PfDyn2 leads to organellar fission failures and blockage of basal complex contraction.Addition of apicoplast-derived metabolite IPP does not rescue the growth defects.
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4
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Wang JL, Li TT, Zhang NZ, Wang M, Sun LX, Zhang ZW, Fu BQ, Elsheikha HM, Zhu XQ. The transcription factor AP2XI-2 is a key negative regulator of Toxoplasma gondii merogony. Nat Commun 2024; 15:793. [PMID: 38278808 PMCID: PMC10817966 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44967-z] [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: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Sexual development in Toxoplasma gondii is a multistep process that culminates in the production of oocysts, constituting approximately 50% of human infections. However, the molecular mechanisms governing sexual commitment in this parasite remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the transcription factors AP2XI-2 and AP2XII-1 act as negative regulators, suppressing merozoite-primed pre-sexual commitment during asexual development. Depletion of AP2XI-2 in type II Pru strain induces merogony and production of mature merozoites in an alkaline medium but not in a neutral medium. In contrast, AP2XII-1-depleted Pru strain undergoes several rounds of merogony and produces merozoites in a neutral medium, with more pronounced effects observed under alkaline conditions. Additionally, we identified two additional AP2XI-2-interacting proteins involved in repressing merozoite programming. These findings underscore the intricate regulation of pre-sexual commitment by a network of factors and suggest that AP2XI-2 or AP2XII-1-depleted Pru parasites can serve as a model for studying merogony in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ting-Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Nian-Zhang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Xiu Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Bao-Quan Fu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK.
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, 030801, People's Republic of China.
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Liffner B, Cepeda Diaz AK, Blauwkamp J, Anaguano D, Frolich S, Muralidharan V, Wilson DW, Dvorin JD, Absalon S. Atlas of Plasmodium falciparum intraerythrocytic development using expansion microscopy. eLife 2023; 12:RP88088. [PMID: 38108809 PMCID: PMC10727503 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites exhibit tremendous diversity in much of their fundamental cell biology, but study of these organisms using light microscopy is often hindered by their small size. Ultrastructural expansion microscopy (U-ExM) is a microscopy preparation method that physically expands the sample by ~4.5×. Here, we apply U-ExM to the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum during the asexual blood stage of its lifecycle to understand how this parasite is organized in three dimensions. Using a combination of dye-conjugated reagents and immunostaining, we have cataloged 13 different P. falciparum structures or organelles across the intraerythrocytic development of this parasite and made multiple observations about fundamental parasite cell biology. We describe that the outer centriolar plaque and its associated proteins anchor the nucleus to the parasite plasma membrane during mitosis. Furthermore, the rhoptries, Golgi, basal complex, and inner membrane complex, which form around this anchoring site while nuclei are still dividing, are concurrently segregated and maintain an association to the outer centriolar plaque until the start of segmentation. We also show that the mitochondrion and apicoplast undergo sequential fission events while maintaining an association with the outer centriolar plaque during cytokinesis. Collectively, this study represents the most detailed ultrastructural analysis of P. falciparum during its intraerythrocytic development to date and sheds light on multiple poorly understood aspects of its organelle biogenesis and fundamental cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Liffner
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisUnited States
| | - Ana Karla Cepeda Diaz
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s HospitalBostonUnited States
| | - James Blauwkamp
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisUnited States
| | - David Anaguano
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of GeorgiaAthensUnited States
- Department of Cellular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of GeorgiaAthensUnited States
| | - Sonja Frolich
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Biological Sciences, University of AdelaideAdelaideAustralia
- Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, University of AdelaideAdelaideAustralia
| | - Vasant Muralidharan
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of GeorgiaAthensUnited States
- Department of Cellular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of GeorgiaAthensUnited States
| | - Danny W Wilson
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Biological Sciences, University of AdelaideAdelaideAustralia
- Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, University of AdelaideAdelaideAustralia
- Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial RoadMelbourneAustralia
| | - Jeffrey D Dvorin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s HospitalBostonUnited States
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Sabrina Absalon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisUnited States
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6
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Liang QL, Nie LB, Elsheikha HM, Li TT, Sun LX, Zhang ZW, Wang M, Fu BQ, Zhu XQ, Wang JL. The Toxoplasma protein phosphatase 6 catalytic subunit (TgPP6C) is essential for cell cycle progression and virulence. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011831. [PMID: 38091362 PMCID: PMC10752510 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein phosphatases are post-translational regulators of Toxoplasma gondii proliferation, tachyzoite-bradyzoite differentiation and pathogenesis. Here, we identify the putative protein phosphatase 6 (TgPP6) subunits of T. gondii and elucidate their role in the parasite lytic cycle. The putative catalytic subunit TgPP6C and regulatory subunit TgPP6R likely form a complex whereas the predicted structural subunit TgPP6S, with low homology to the human PP6 structural subunit, does not coassemble with TgPP6C and TgPP6R. Functional studies showed that TgPP6C and TgPP6R are essential for parasite growth and replication. The ablation of TgPP6C significantly reduced the synchronous division of the parasite's daughter cells during endodyogeny, resulting in disordered rosettes. Moreover, the six conserved motifs of TgPP6C were required for efficient endodyogeny. Phosphoproteomic analysis revealed that ablation of TgPP6C predominately altered the phosphorylation status of proteins involved in the regulation of the parasite cell cycle. Deletion of TgPP6C significantly attenuated the parasite virulence in mice. Immunization of mice with TgPP6C-deficient type I RH strain induced protective immunity against challenge with a lethal dose of RH or PYS tachyzoites and Pru cysts. Taken together, the results show that TgPP6C contributes to the cell division, replication and pathogenicity in T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin-Li Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lan-Bi Nie
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hany M. Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Ting-Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Li-Xiu Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Meng Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Bao-Quan Fu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China
| | - Jin-Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, China
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7
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Namasivayam S, Sun C, Bah AB, Oberstaller J, Pierre-Louis E, Etheridge RD, Feschotte C, Pritham EJ, Kissinger JC. Massive invasion of organellar DNA drives nuclear genome evolution in Toxoplasma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2308569120. [PMID: 37917792 PMCID: PMC10636329 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2308569120] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protist pathogen that infects up to one third of the human population. This apicomplexan parasite contains three genome sequences: nuclear (65 Mb); plastid organellar, ptDNA (35 kb); and mitochondrial organellar, mtDNA (5.9 kb of non-repetitive sequence). We find that the nuclear genome contains a significant amount of NUMTs (nuclear integrants of mitochondrial DNA) and NUPTs (nuclear integrants of plastid DNA) that are continuously acquired and represent a significant source of intraspecific genetic variation. NUOT (nuclear DNA of organellar origin) accretion has generated 1.6% of the extant T. gondii ME49 nuclear genome-the highest fraction ever reported in any organism. NUOTs are primarily found in organisms that retain the non-homologous end-joining repair pathway. Significant movement of organellar DNA was experimentally captured via amplicon sequencing of a CRISPR-induced double-strand break in non-homologous end-joining repair competent, but not ku80 mutant, Toxoplasma parasites. Comparisons with Neospora caninum, a species that diverged from Toxoplasma ~28 mya, revealed that the movement and fixation of five NUMTs predates the split of the two genera. This unexpected level of NUMT conservation suggests evolutionary constraint for cellular function. Most NUMT insertions reside within (60%) or nearby genes (23% within 1.5 kb), and reporter assays indicate that some NUMTs have the ability to function as cis-regulatory elements modulating gene expression. Together, these findings portray a role for organellar sequence insertion in dynamically shaping the genomic architecture and likely contributing to adaptation and phenotypic changes in this important human pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cheng Sun
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX76019
| | - Assiatu B. Bah
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX76019
| | | | - Edwin Pierre-Louis
- Department of Cellular Biology, Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA30602
| | - Ronald Drew Etheridge
- Department of Cellular Biology, Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA30602
| | - Cedric Feschotte
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX76019
| | - Ellen J. Pritham
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX76019
| | - Jessica C. Kissinger
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Bioinformatics, Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA30602
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8
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Liffner B, Cepeda Diaz AK, Blauwkamp J, Anaguano D, Frölich S, Muralidharan V, Wilson DW, Dvorin J, Absalon S. Atlas of Plasmodium falciparum intraerythrocytic development using expansion microscopy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.22.533773. [PMID: 36993606 PMCID: PMC10055389 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.22.533773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites exhibit tremendous diversity in much of their fundamental cell biology, but study of these organisms using light microscopy is often hindered by their small size. Ultrastructural expansion microscopy (U-ExM) is a microscopy preparation method that physically expands the sample ~4.5x. Here, we apply U-ExM to the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum during the asexual blood stage of its lifecycle to understand how this parasite is organized in three-dimensions. Using a combination of dye-conjugated reagents and immunostaining, we have catalogued 13 different P. falciparum structures or organelles across the intraerythrocytic development of this parasite and made multiple observations about fundamental parasite cell biology. We describe that the outer centriolar plaque and its associated proteins anchor the nucleus to the parasite plasma membrane during mitosis. Furthermore, the rhoptries, Golgi, basal complex, and inner membrane complex, which form around this anchoring site while nuclei are still dividing, are concurrently segregated and maintain an association to the outer centriolar plaque until the start of segmentation. We also show that the mitochondrion and apicoplast undergo sequential fission events while maintaining an association with the outer centriolar plaque during cytokinesis. Collectively, this study represents the most detailed ultrastructural analysis of P. falciparum during its intraerythrocytic development to date, and sheds light on multiple poorly understood aspects of its organelle biogenesis and fundamental cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Liffner
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Ana Karla Cepeda Diaz
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston MA, USA
| | - James Blauwkamp
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - David Anaguano
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Sonja Frölich
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Vasant Muralidharan
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Danny W. Wilson
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Dvorin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sabrina Absalon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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9
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Hervé P, Monic S, Bringaud F, Rivière L. Phospholipases A and Lysophospholipases in protozoan parasites. MICROBIAL CELL (GRAZ, AUSTRIA) 2023; 10:204-216. [PMID: 37786811 PMCID: PMC10513453 DOI: 10.15698/mic2023.10.805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Phospholipases (PLs) and Lysophospholipases (LysoPLs) are a diverse group of esterases responsible for phospholipid or lysophospholipid hydrolysis. They are involved in several biological processes, including lipid catabolism, modulation of the immune response and membrane maintenance. PLs are classified depending on their site of hydrolysis as PLA1, PLA2, PLC and PLD. In many pathogenic microorganisms, from bacteria to fungi, PLAs and LysoPLs have been described as critical virulence and/or pathogenicity factors. In protozoan parasites, a group containing major human and animal pathogens, growing literature show that PLAs and LysoPLs are also involved in the host infection. Their ubiquitous presence and role in host-pathogen interactions make them particularly interesting to study. In this review, we summarize the literature on PLAs and LysoPLs in several protozoan parasites of medical relevance, and discuss the growing interest for them as potential drug and vaccine targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perrine Hervé
- Université de Bordeaux, Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, CNRS UMR 5234, Bordeaux, France
| | - Sarah Monic
- Université de Bordeaux, Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, CNRS UMR 5234, Bordeaux, France
| | - Frédéric Bringaud
- Université de Bordeaux, Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, CNRS UMR 5234, Bordeaux, France
| | - Loïc Rivière
- Université de Bordeaux, Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, CNRS UMR 5234, Bordeaux, France
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10
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Oliveira Souza RO, Jacobs KN, Back PS, Bradley PJ, Arrizabalaga G. IMC10 and LMF1 mediate mitochondrial morphology through mitochondrion-pellicle contact sites in Toxoplasma gondii. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:279336. [PMID: 36314270 PMCID: PMC9845740 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The single mitochondrion of Toxoplasma gondii is highly dynamic, being predominantly in a peripherally distributed lasso-shape in intracellular parasites and collapsed in extracellular parasites. The peripheral positioning of the mitochondrion is associated with apparent contacts between the mitochondrion membrane and the parasite pellicle. The outer mitochondrial membrane-associated protein LMF1 is critical for the correct positioning of the mitochondrion. Intracellular parasites lacking LMF1 fail to form the lasso-shaped mitochondrion. To identify other proteins that tether the mitochondrion of the parasite to the pellicle, we performed a yeast two-hybrid screen for LMF1 interactors. We identified 70 putative interactors localized in different cellular compartments, such as the apical end of the parasite, mitochondrial membrane and the inner membrane complex (IMC), including with the pellicle protein IMC10. Using protein-protein interaction assays, we confirmed the interaction of LMF1 with IMC10. Conditional knockdown of IMC10 does not affect parasite viability but severely affects mitochondrial morphology in intracellular parasites and mitochondrial distribution to the daughter cells during division. In effect, IMC10 knockdown phenocopies disruption of LMF1, suggesting that these two proteins define a novel membrane tether between the mitochondrion and the IMC in Toxoplasma. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kylie N. Jacobs
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Peter S. Back
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Peter J. Bradley
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA,Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Gustavo Arrizabalaga
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA,Author for correspondence ()
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Pan M, Ge CC, Fan YM, Jin QW, Shen B, Huang SY. The determinants regulating Toxoplasma gondii bradyzoite development. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1027073. [PMID: 36439853 PMCID: PMC9691885 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1027073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular zoonotic pathogen capable of infecting almost all cells of warm-blooded vertebrates. In intermediate hosts, this parasite reproduces asexually in two forms, the tachyzoite form during acute infection that proliferates rapidly and the bradyzoite form during chronic infection that grows slowly. Depending on the growth condition, the two forms can interconvert. The conversion of tachyzoites to bradyzoites is critical for T. gondii transmission, and the reactivation of persistent bradyzoites in intermediate hosts may lead to symptomatic toxoplasmosis. However, the mechanisms that control bradyzoite differentiation have not been well studied. Here, we review recent advances in the study of bradyzoite biology and stage conversion, aiming to highlight the determinants associated with bradyzoite development and provide insights to design better strategies for controlling toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Pan
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Ceng-Ceng Ge
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Min Fan
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Qi-Wang Jin
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Bang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Si-Yang Huang
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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12
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Separate To Operate: the Centriole-Free Inner Core of the Centrosome Regulates the Assembly of the Intranuclear Spindle in Toxoplasma gondii. mBio 2022; 13:e0185922. [PMID: 36069445 PMCID: PMC9600614 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01859-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Centrosomes are the main microtubule-organizing center of the cell. They are normally formed by two centrioles, embedded in a cloud of proteins known as pericentriolar material (PCM). The PCM ascribes centrioles with their microtubule nucleation capacity. Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, divides by endodyogeny. Successful cell division is critical for pathogenesis. The centrosome, one of the microtubule organizing centers of the cell, plays central roles in orchestrating the temporal and physical coordination of major organelle segregation and daughter cell formation during endodyogeny. The Toxoplasma centrosome is constituted by multiple domains: an outer core, distal from the nucleus; a middle core; and an inner core, proximal to the nucleus. This modular organization has been proposed to underlie T. gondii's cell division plasticity. However, the role of the inner core remains undeciphered. Here, we focus on understanding the function of the inner core by finely studying the localization and role of its only known molecular marker; TgCep250L1. We show that upon conditional degradation of TgCep250L1 parasites are unable to survive. Mutants exhibit severe nuclear segregation defects. In addition, the rest of the centrosome, defined by the position of the centrioles, disconnects from the nucleus. We explore the structural defects underlying these phenotypes by ultrastructure expansion microscopy. We show that TgCep250L1's location changes with respect to other markers, and these changes encompass the formation of the mitotic spindle. Moreover, we show that in the absence of TgCep250L1, the microtubule binding protein TgEB1, fails to localize at the mitotic spindle, while unsegregated nuclei accumulate at the residual body. Overall, our data support a model in which the inner core of the T. gondii centrosome critically participates in cell division by directly impacting the formation or stability of the mitotic spindle. IMPORTANCE Toxoplasma gondii parasites cause toxoplasmosis, arguably the most widespread and prevalent parasitosis of humans and animals. During the clinically relevant stage of its life cycle, the parasites divide by endodyogeny. In this mode of division, the nucleus, containing loosely packed chromatin and a virtually intact nuclear envelope, parcels into two daughter cells generated within a common mother cell cytoplasm. The centrosome is a microtubule-organizing center critical for orchestrating the multiple simultaneously occurring events of endodyogeny. It is organized in two distinct domains: the outer and inner cores. We demonstrate here that the inner core protein TgCEP250L1 is required for replication of T. gondii. Lack of TgCEP250L1 renders parasites able to form daughter cells, while unable to segregate their nuclei. We determine that, in the absence of TgCEP250L1, the mitotic spindle, which is responsible for karyokinesis, does not assemble. Our results support a role for the inner core in nucleation or stabilization of the mitotic spindle in T. gondii.
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13
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Wu Y, Ying Z, Liu J, Sun Z, Li S, Liu Q. Depletion of Toxoplasma adenine nucleotide translocator leads to defects in mitochondrial morphology. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:185. [PMID: 35642006 PMCID: PMC9158195 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05295-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) is a protein that catalyzes the exchange of ADP/ATP across the inner mitochondrial membrane. Beyond this, ANT is closely associated with cell death pathways and mitochondrial dysfunction. It is a potential therapeutic target for many diseases. The function of the ANT in Toxoplasma gondii is poorly understood. Methods The CRISPR/CAS9 gene editing tool was used to identify and study the function of the ANT protein in T. gondii. We constructed T. gondii ANT transgenic parasite lines, including endogenous tag strain, knockout strain and gene complement strain, to clarify the function and location of TgANT. Mitochondrial morphology was observed by immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. Results Toxoplasma gondii was found to encode an ANT protein, which was designated TgANT. TgANT localized to the inner mitochondrial membrane. The proliferation of the Δant strain was significantly reduced. More important, depletion of TgANT resulted in significant changes in the morphology and ultrastructure of mitochondria, abnormal apicoplast division and abnormal cytoskeletal daughter budding. In addition, the pathogenicity of the Δant strain to mice was significantly reduced. Conclusions Altogether, we identified and characterized the ANT protein of T. gondii. Depletion of TgANT inhibited parasite growth and impaired apicoplast and mitochondrial biogenesis, as well as abnormal parasite division, suggesting TgANT is important for parasite growth. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05295-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihan Wu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing, 100193, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhu Ying
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing, 100193, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Liu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing, 100193, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhepeng Sun
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing, 100193, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang Li
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing, 100193, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Qun Liu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing, 100193, China. .,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
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Githaka NW, Bishop RP, Šlapeta J, Emery D, Nguu EK, Kanduma EG. Molecular survey of Babesia parasites in Kenya: first detailed report on occurrence of Babesia bovis in cattle. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:161. [PMID: 35526030 PMCID: PMC9077973 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05279-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among protozoan parasites in the genus Babesia, Babesia bigemina is endemic and widespread in the East African region while the status of the more pathogenic Babesia bovis remains unclear despite the presence of the tick vector, Rhipicephalus microplus, which transmits both species. Recent studies have confirmed the occurrence of R. microplus in coastal Kenya, and although B. bovis DNA has previously been detected in cattle blood in Kenya, no surveillance has been done to establish its prevalence. This study therefore investigated the occurrence of B. bovis in cattle in Kwale County, Kenya, where R. microplus is present in large numbers. METHODS A species-specific multiplex TaqMan real-time PCR assay targeting two Babesia bovis genes, 18S ribosomal RNA and mitochondrially-encoded cytochrome b and B. bigemina cytochrome b gene was used to screen 506 cattle blood DNA samples collected from Kwale County for presence of Babesia parasite DNA. A sub-set of 29 B. bovis real-time PCR-positive samples were further amplified using a B. bovis-specific spherical body protein-4 (SBP-4) nested PCR and the resulting products sequenced to confirm the presence of B. bovis. RESULTS A total of 131 animals (25.8%) were found to have bovine babesiosis based on real-time PCR. Twenty-four SBP4 nucleotide sequences obtained matched to B. bovis with a similarity of 97-100%. Of 131 infected animals, 87 (17.2%) were positive for B. bovis while 70 (13.8%) had B. bigemina and 26 (5.1%) were observed to be co-infected with both Babesia species. A total of 61 animals (12.1%) were found to be infected with B. bovis parasites only, while 44 animals (8.7%) had B. bigemina only. Babesia bovis and B. bigemina infections were detected in the three Kwale sub-counties. CONCLUSION These findings reveal high prevalence of pathogenic B. bovis in a Kenyan area cutting across a busy transboundary livestock trade route with neighbouring Tanzania. The Babesia multiplex real-time PCR assay used in this study is specific and can detect and differentiate the two Babesia species and should be used for routine B. bovis surveillance to monitor the spread and establishment of the pathogen in other African countries where B. bigemina is endemic. Moreover, these findings highlight the threat of fatal babesiosis caused by B. bovis, whose endemic status is yet to be established. GRAPHICAL ABTRACT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - David Emery
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Edward K Nguu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Esther G Kanduma
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
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Elaagip A, Absalon S, Florentin A. Apicoplast Dynamics During Plasmodium Cell Cycle. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:864819. [PMID: 35573785 PMCID: PMC9100674 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.864819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The deadly malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, contains a unique subcellular organelle termed the apicoplast, which is a clinically-proven antimalarial drug target. The apicoplast is a plastid with essential metabolic functions that evolved via secondary endosymbiosis. As an ancient endosymbiont, the apicoplast retained its own genome and it must be inherited by daughter cells during cell division. During the asexual replication of P. falciparum inside human red blood cells, both the parasite, and the apicoplast inside it, undergo massive morphological changes, including DNA replication and division. The apicoplast is an integral part of the cell and thus its development is tightly synchronized with the cell cycle. At the same time, certain aspects of its dynamics are independent of nuclear division, representing a degree of autonomy in organelle biogenesis. Here, we review the different aspects of organelle dynamics during P. falciparum intraerythrocytic replication, summarize our current understanding of these processes, and describe the many open questions in this area of parasite basic cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arwa Elaagip
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Sabrina Absalon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- *Correspondence: Sabrina Absalon, ; Anat Florentin,
| | - Anat Florentin
- The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- *Correspondence: Sabrina Absalon, ; Anat Florentin,
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