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Kwansa‐Bentum H, Aninagyei E, Adedia D, Kortei NK, Agyemang AB, Tettey CO. Elevation of free triiodothyronine (fT3) levels by Plasmodium falciparum independent of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in children with uncomplicated malaria. J Clin Lab Anal 2024; 38:e25013. [PMID: 38270243 PMCID: PMC10873688 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.25013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria parasites have a devastating effect on the infected host. However, there is a paucity of data on the effect of Plasmodium falciparum on thyroid hormones. METHODS This case-control study (1:1) involved children <16 years of age with uncomplicated malaria. Hematological parameters were determined using the URIT-5380 hematology analyzer (China). Later, levels of thyroid hormones, namely free triiodothyronine (fT3), free tetraiodothyronine (fT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), were determined using human ELISA kits (DiaSino ELISA kit, Zhengzhou, China). RESULTS Ninety children with malaria and ninety matched control group were studied. Overall, compared to the control group, lower TSH (3.43 ± 1.25 vs. 3.84 ± 1.34, p = 0.035) and elevated levels of fT3 levels (5.85 ± 1.79 vs. 3.89 ± 1.19, p < 0.001) were observed in patients with malaria. However, fT4 levels were comparable between cases and control group (16.37 ± 2.81 vs 17.06 ± 3.5, p = 0.150). Free T3 levels were significantly higher in children <10 years (p < 0.001) and higher among male children with malaria (p < 0.001). Overall, there was a significant positive relationship between parasite counts and fT3 (R = 0.95, p < 0.001). Furthermore, body temperature was positively correlated with fT3 (R = 0.97, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Isolated fT3 thyrotoxicosis was observed in falciparum malaria, especially in children <10 years and male malaria patients, independent of TSH. This observation could explain the severity of malaria in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrietta Kwansa‐Bentum
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of basic and Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Health and Allied SciencesHoGhana
| | - Enoch Aninagyei
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of basic and Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Health and Allied SciencesHoGhana
| | - David Adedia
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of basic and Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Health and Allied SciencesHoGhana
| | - Nii Korley Kortei
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Allied Health SciencesUniversity of Health and Allied SciencesHoGhana
| | - Adjoa Boakye Agyemang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of basic and Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Health and Allied SciencesHoGhana
| | - Clement Okraku Tettey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of basic and Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Health and Allied SciencesHoGhana
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2
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Kishore E, Gyabaah F, Deoker A. Polymicrobial Infection in an Immigrant Female at the United States-Mexico Border. Cureus 2023; 15:e51400. [PMID: 38293001 PMCID: PMC10826631 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a highly infectious disease transmitted through the bite of the Anopheles mosquito carrying the parasite of the Plasmodium genus; it presents with cyclical fevers, myalgias, and headaches. In the United States, the vast majority of malaria cases are reported in people who travel abroad, mainly to Africa. These cases are predominantly linked to Plasmodium falciparum or ovale and can be medically treated with artemisinin, chloroquine, or atovaquone-proguanil. We discuss a case of a 38-year-old female immigrant from Venezuela living at an immigration facility who presented to a hospital located on the United States-Mexico border with a two-day history of watery diarrhea, headache, and subjective fever. She had experienced mosquito bites and likely contracted the illness in Chiapas, Mexico during her trek from Peru to the United States. Her case was unique as she tested positive for dengue fever antibodies acquired from a previous infection and also contracted rhinovirus during her clinical course. Her diagnosis of malaria was confirmed with a peripheral blood smear that revealed ring forms with no gametocytes. This in tandem with her route of travel suggested infection with Plasmodium vivax. She was treated with chloroquine while the malaria culture was pending and continued to spike fevers every 24-36 hours while on medication. Once the culture was confirmed, she was treated with atovaquone-proguanil as maintenance therapy. She was subsequently discharged on primaquine for 14 days to prevent relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshani Kishore
- Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, USA
| | - Frederick Gyabaah
- Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, USA
| | - Abhizith Deoker
- Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, USA
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3
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Kobayashi Y, Komatsuya K, Imamura S, Nozaki T, Watanabe YI, Sato S, Dodd AN, Kita K, Tanaka K. Coordination of apicoplast transcription in a malaria parasite by internal and host cues. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2214765120. [PMID: 37406097 PMCID: PMC10334805 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2214765120] [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: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum has a nonphotosynthetic plastid called the apicoplast, which contains its own genome. Regulatory mechanisms for apicoplast gene expression remain poorly understood, despite this organelle being crucial for the parasite life cycle. Here, we identify a nuclear-encoded apicoplast RNA polymerase σ subunit (sigma factor) which, along with the α subunit, appears to mediate apicoplast transcript accumulation. This has a periodicity reminiscent of parasite circadian or developmental control. Expression of the apicoplast subunit gene, apSig, together with apicoplast transcripts, increased in the presence of the blood circadian signaling hormone melatonin. Our data suggest that the host circadian rhythm is integrated with intrinsic parasite cues to coordinate apicoplast genome transcription. This evolutionarily conserved regulatory system might be a future target for malaria treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Kobayashi
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama226-8503, Japan
| | - Keisuke Komatsuya
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo113-0033, Japan
- Laboratory of Biomembrane, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo156-8506, Japan
| | - Sousuke Imamura
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama226-8503, Japan
- Space Environment and Energy Laboratories, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, Tokyo180-8585, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo113-0033, Japan
| | - Yoh-ichi Watanabe
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo113-0033, Japan
| | - Shigeharu Sato
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama226-8503, Japan
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah88400, Malaysia
- Borneo Medical and Health Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah88400, Malaysia
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki852-8523, Japan
| | - Antony N. Dodd
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, NorwichNR4 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - Kiyoshi Kita
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo113-0033, Japan
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki852-8523, Japan
- Department of Host-Defense Biochemistry, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki852-8523, Japan
| | - Kan Tanaka
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama226-8503, Japan
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4
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Habtewold T, Tapanelli S, Masters EKG, Windbichler N, Christophides GK. The circadian clock modulates Anopheles gambiae infection with Plasmodium falciparum. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278484. [PMID: 36454885 PMCID: PMC9714873 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Key behaviours, physiologies and gene expressions in Anopheles mosquitoes impact the transmission of Plasmodium. Such mosquito factors are rhythmic to closely follow diel rhythms. Here, we set to explore the impact of the mosquito circadian rhythm on the tripartite interaction between the vector, the parasite and the midgut microbiota, and investigate how this may affect the parasite infection outcomes. We assess Plasmodium falciparum infection prevalence and intensity, as a proxy for gametocyte infectivity, in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes that received a gametocyte-containing bloodfeed and measure the abundance of the midgut microbiota at different times of the mosquito rearing light-dark cycle. Gametocyte infectivity is also compared in mosquitoes reared and maintained under a reversed light-dark regime. The effect of the circadian clock on the infection outcome is also investigated through silencing of the CLOCK gene that is central in the regulation of animal circadian rhythms. The results reveal that the A. gambiae circadian cycle plays a key role in the intensity of infection of P. falciparum gametocytes. We show that parasite gametocytes are more infectious during the night-time, where standard membrane feeding assays (SMFAs) at different time points in the mosquito natural circadian rhythm demonstrate that gametocytes are more infectious when ingested at midnight than midday. When mosquitoes were cultured under a reversed light/dark regime, disrupting their natural physiological homeostasis, and infected with P. falciparum at evening hours, the infection intensity and prevalence were significantly decreased. Similar results were obtained in mosquitoes reared under the standard light/dark regime upon silencing of CLOCK, a key regulator of the circadian rhythm, highlighting the importance of the circadian rhythm for the mosquito vectorial capacity. At that time, the mosquito midgut microbiota load is significantly reduced, while the expression of lysozyme C-1 (LYSC-1) is elevated, which is involved in both the immune response and microbiota digestion. We conclude that the tripartite interactions between the mosquito vector, the malaria parasite and the mosquito gut microbiota are finely tuned to support and maintain malaria transmission. Our data add to the knowledge framework required for designing appropriate and biologically relevant SMFA protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibebu Habtewold
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Sofia Tapanelli
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ellen K. G. Masters
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nikolai Windbichler
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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5
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Labeed FH, Beale AD, Schneider P, Kitcatt SJ, Kruchek EJ, Reece SE. Circadian rhythmicity in murine blood: Electrical effects of malaria infection and anemia. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:994487. [PMID: 36440448 PMCID: PMC9686327 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.994487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are biological adaptations to the day-night cycle, whereby cells adapt to changes in the external environment or internal physiology according to the time of day. Whilst many cellular clock mechanisms involve gene expression feedback mechanisms, clocks operate even where gene expression is absent. For example, red blood cells (RBCs) do not have capacity for gene expression, and instead possess an electrophysiological oscillator where cytosolic potassium plays a key role in timekeeping. We examined murine blood under normal conditions as well as in two perturbed states, malaria infection and induced anemia, to assess changes in baseline cellular electrophysiology and its implications for the electrophysiological oscillator. Blood samples were analyzed at 4-h intervals over 2 days by dielectrophoresis, and microscopic determination of parasitemia. We found that cytoplasmic conductivity (indicating the concentration of free ions in the cytoplasm and related to the membrane potential) exhibited circadian rhythmic behavior in all three cases (control, malaria and anemia). Compared to control samples, cytoplasm conductivity was decreased in the anemia group, whilst malaria-infected samples were in antiphase to control. Furthermore, we identified rhythmic behavior in membrane capacitance of malaria infected cells that was not replicated in the other samples. Finally, we reveal the historically famous rhythmicity of malaria parasite replication is in phase with cytoplasm conductivity. Our findings suggest the electrophysiological oscillator can impact on malaria parasite replication and/or is vulnerable to perturbation by rhythmic parasite activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima H. Labeed
- Centre for Biomedical Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Fatima H. Labeed,
| | - Andrew D. Beale
- Centre for Biomedical Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Petra Schneider
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen J. Kitcatt
- Centre for Biomedical Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Emily J. Kruchek
- Centre for Biomedical Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah E. Reece
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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6
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Mallaupoma LRC, Dias BKDM, Singh MK, Honorio RI, Nakabashi M, Kisukuri CDM, Paixão MW, Garcia CRS. Decoding the Role of Melatonin Structure on Plasmodium falciparum Human Malaria Parasites Synchronization Using 2-Sulfenylindoles Derivatives. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12050638. [PMID: 35625565 PMCID: PMC9138683 DOI: 10.3390/biom12050638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin acts to synchronize the parasite’s intraerythrocytic cycle by triggering the phospholipase C-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (PLC-IP3) signaling cascade. Compounds with an indole scaffold impair in vitro proliferation of blood-stage malaria parasites, indicating that this class of compounds is potentially emerging antiplasmodial drugs. Therefore, we aimed to study the role of the alkyl and aryl thiol moieties of 14 synthetic indole compounds against chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and chloroquine-resistant (Dd2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum. Four compounds (3, 26, 18, 21) inhibited the growth of P. falciparum (3D7) by 50% at concentrations below 20 µM. A set of 2-sulfenylindoles also showed activity against Dd2 parasites. Our data suggest that Dd2 parasites are more susceptible to compounds 20 and 28 than 3D7 parasites. These data show that 2-sulfenylindoles are promising antimalarials against chloroquine-resistant parasite strains. We also evaluated the effects of the 14 compounds on the parasitemia of the 3D7 strain and their ability to interfere with the effect of 100 nM melatonin on the parasitemia of the 3D7 strain. Our results showed that compounds 3, 7, 8, 10, 14, 16, 17, and 20 slightly increased the effect of melatonin by increasing parasitemia by 8–20% compared with that of melatonin-only-treated 3D7 parasites. Moreover, we found that melatonin modulates the expression of kinase-related signaling components giving additional evidence to investigate inhibitors that can block melatonin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenna Rosanie Cordero Mallaupoma
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (B.K.d.M.D.); (M.K.S.); (R.I.H.); (M.N.)
| | - Bárbara Karina de Menezes Dias
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (B.K.d.M.D.); (M.K.S.); (R.I.H.); (M.N.)
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Maneesh Kumar Singh
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (B.K.d.M.D.); (M.K.S.); (R.I.H.); (M.N.)
| | - Rute Isabel Honorio
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (B.K.d.M.D.); (M.K.S.); (R.I.H.); (M.N.)
| | - Myna Nakabashi
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (B.K.d.M.D.); (M.K.S.); (R.I.H.); (M.N.)
| | - Camila de Menezes Kisukuri
- Centro de Excelência para Pesquisa em Química Sustentável (CERSusChem), Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos 13565-905, Brazil; (C.d.M.K.); (M.W.P.)
| | - Márcio Weber Paixão
- Centro de Excelência para Pesquisa em Química Sustentável (CERSusChem), Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos 13565-905, Brazil; (C.d.M.K.); (M.W.P.)
| | - Celia R. S. Garcia
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (B.K.d.M.D.); (M.K.S.); (R.I.H.); (M.N.)
- Correspondence:
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7
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Hunter FK, Butler TD, Gibbs JE. Circadian rhythms in immunity and host-parasite interactions. Parasite Immunol 2022; 44:e12904. [PMID: 34971451 PMCID: PMC9285061 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian immune system adheres to a 24 h circadian schedule, exhibiting daily rhythmic patterns in homeostatic immune processes, such as immune cell trafficking, as well as the inflammatory response to infection. These diurnal rhythms are driven by endogenous molecular clocks within immune cells which are hierarchically coordinated by a light-entrained central clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus and responsive to local rhythmic cues including temperature, hormones and feeding time. Circadian control of immunity may enable animals to anticipate daily pathogenic threat from parasites and gate the magnitude of the immune response, potentially enhancing fitness. However, parasites also strive for optimum fitness and some may have co-evolved to benefit from host circadian timing mechanisms, possibly via the parasites' own intrinsic molecular clocks. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge surrounding the influence of the circadian clock on the mammalian immune system and the host-parasitic interaction. We also discuss the potential for chronotherapeutic strategies in the treatment of parasitic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicity K Hunter
- Centre for Biological Timing, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Thomas D Butler
- Centre for Biological Timing, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Julie E Gibbs
- Centre for Biological Timing, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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8
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Borges-Pereira L, Dias BKM, Singh MK, Garcia CRS. Malaria parasites and circadian rhythm: New insights into an old puzzle. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2021; 2:100017. [PMID: 34841309 PMCID: PMC8610328 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2020.100017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Discuss molecular components for the coordination of circadian rhythm of malaria parasites inside the vertebrate host. Synthetic indole compounds show antimalarial activity in vitro against P.falciparum 3D7. Plasmodium falciparum synchronizes in cell culture upon melatonin treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Borges-Pereira
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bárbara K M Dias
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Parasitology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maneesh Kumar Singh
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Celia R S Garcia
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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9
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Pereira PHS, Garcia CRS. Evidence of G-Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCR) in the Parasitic Protozoa Plasmodium falciparum-Sensing the Host Environment and Coupling within Its Molecular Signaling Toolkit. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12381. [PMID: 34830263 PMCID: PMC8620569 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Throughout evolution, the need for single-celled organisms to associate and form a single cluster of cells has had several evolutionary advantages. In complex, multicellular organisms, each tissue or organ has a specialty and function that make life together possible, and the organism as a whole needs to act in balance and adapt to changes in the environment. Sensory organs are essential for connecting external stimuli into a biological response, through the senses: sight, smell, taste, hearing, and touch. The G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are responsible for many of these senses and therefore play a key role in the perception of the cells' external environment, enabling interaction and coordinated development between each cell of a multicellular organism. The malaria-causing protozoan parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, has a complex life cycle that is extremely dependent on a finely regulated cellular signaling machinery. In this review, we summarize strong evidence and the main candidates of GPCRs in protozoan parasites. Interestingly, one of these GPCRs is a sensor for K+ shift in Plasmodium falciparum, PfSR25. Studying this family of proteins in P. falciparum could have a significant impact, both on understanding the history of the evolution of GPCRs and on finding new targets for antimalarials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Celia R. S. Garcia
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo—USP, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil;
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10
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O'Donnell AJ, Greischar MA, Reece SE. Mistimed malaria parasites re-synchronize with host feeding-fasting rhythms by shortening the duration of intra-erythrocytic development. Parasite Immunol 2021; 44:e12898. [PMID: 34778983 PMCID: PMC9285586 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Malaria parasites exhibit daily rhythms in the intra-erythrocytic development cycle (IDC) that underpins asexual replication in the blood. The IDC schedule is aligned with the timing of host feeding-fasting rhythms. When the IDC schedule is perturbed to become mismatched to host rhythms, it readily reschedules but it is not known how. METHODS We intensively follow four groups of infections that have different temporal alignments between host rhythms and the IDC schedule for 10 days, before and after the peak in asexual densities. We compare how the duration, synchrony and timing of the IDC differs between parasites in control infections and those forced to reschedule by 12 hours and ask whether the density of parasites affects the rescheduling process. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Our experiments reveal parasites shorten the IDC duration by 2-3 hours to become realigned to host feeding-fasting rhythms with 5-6 days, in a density-independent manner. Furthermore, parasites are able to reschedule without significant fitness costs for them or their hosts. Understanding the extent of, and limits on, plasticity in the IDC schedule may reveal targets for novel interventions, such as drugs to disrupt IDC regulation and preventing IDC dormancy conferring tolerance to existing drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan J O'Donnell
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, and Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Megan A Greischar
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Sarah E Reece
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, and Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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11
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Prior KF, Middleton B, Owolabi AT, Westwood ML, Holland J, O'Donnell AJ, Blackman MJ, Skene DJ, Reece SE. Synchrony between daily rhythms of malaria parasites and hosts is driven by an essential amino acid. Wellcome Open Res 2021; 6:186. [PMID: 34805551 PMCID: PMC8577053.2 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16894.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Rapid asexual replication of blood stage malaria parasites is responsible for the severity of disease symptoms and fuels the production of transmission forms. Here, we demonstrate that a Plasmodium chabaudi's schedule for asexual replication can be orchestrated by isoleucine, a metabolite provided to the parasite in a periodic manner due to the host's rhythmic intake of food. Methods: We infect female C57BL/6 and Per1/2-null mice which have a disrupted canonical (transcription translation feedback loop, TTFL) clock with 1×10 5 red blood cells containing P. chabaudi (DK genotype). We perturb the timing of rhythms in asexual replication and host feeding-fasting cycles to identify nutrients with rhythms that match all combinations of host and parasite rhythms. We then test whether perturbing the availability of the best candidate nutrient in vitro changes the schedule for asexual development. Results: Our large-scale metabolomics experiment and follow up experiments reveal that only one metabolite - the amino acid isoleucine - fits criteria for a time-of-day cue used by parasites to set the schedule for replication. The response to isoleucine is a parasite strategy rather than solely the consequences of a constraint imposed by host rhythms, because unlike when parasites are deprived of other essential nutrients, they suffer no apparent costs from isoleucine withdrawal. Conclusions: Overall, our data suggest parasites can use the daily rhythmicity of blood-isoleucine concentration to synchronise asexual development with the availability of isoleucine, and potentially other resources, that arrive in the blood in a periodic manner due to the host's daily feeding-fasting cycle. Identifying both how and why parasites keep time opens avenues for interventions; interfering with the parasite's time-keeping mechanism may stall replication, increasing the efficacy of drugs and immune responses, and could also prevent parasites from entering dormancy to tolerate drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley F. Prior
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK,Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK,
| | - Benita Middleton
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK
| | - Alíz T.Y. Owolabi
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK,Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mary L. Westwood
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK,Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jacob Holland
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK,Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Aidan J. O'Donnell
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK,Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Michael J. Blackman
- Malaria Biochemistry Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK,Faculty of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Debra J. Skene
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK
| | - Sarah E. Reece
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK,Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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12
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Prior KF, Middleton B, Owolabi AT, Westwood ML, Holland J, O'Donnell AJ, Blackman MJ, Skene DJ, Reece SE. Synchrony between daily rhythms of malaria parasites and hosts is driven by an essential amino acid. Wellcome Open Res 2021; 6:186. [PMID: 34805551 PMCID: PMC8577053 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16894.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Rapid asexual replication of blood stage malaria parasites is responsible for the severity of disease symptoms and fuels the production of transmission forms. Here, we demonstrate that the Plasmodium chabaudi's schedule for asexual replication can be orchestrated by isoleucine, a metabolite provided to the parasite in periodic manner due to the host's rhythmic intake of food. Methods: We infect female C57BL/6 and Per1/2-null TTFL clock-disrupted mice with 1×10 5 red blood cells containing P. chabaudi (DK genotype). We perturb the timing of rhythms in asexual replication and host feeding-fasting cycles to identify nutrients with rhythms that match all combinations of host and parasite rhythms. We then test whether perturbing the availability of the best candidate nutrient in vitro elicits changes their schedule for asexual development. Results: Our large-scale metabolomics experiment and follow up experiments reveal that only one metabolite - the amino acid isoleucine - fits criteria for a time-of-day cue used by parasites to set the schedule for replication. The response to isoleucine is a parasite strategy rather than solely the consequences of a constraint imposed by host rhythms, because unlike when parasites are deprived of other essential nutrients, they suffer no apparent costs from isoleucine withdrawal. Conclusions: Overall, our data suggest parasites can use the daily rhythmicity of blood-isoleucine concentration to synchronise asexual development with the availability of isoleucine, and potentially other resources, that arrive in the blood in a periodic manner due to the host's daily feeding-fasting cycle. Identifying both how and why parasites keep time opens avenues for interventions; interfering with the parasite's time-keeping mechanism may stall replication, increasing the efficacy of drugs and immune responses, and could also prevent parasites from entering dormancy to tolerate drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley F. Prior
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK,Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK,
| | - Benita Middleton
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK
| | - Alíz T.Y. Owolabi
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK,Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mary L. Westwood
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK,Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jacob Holland
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK,Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Aidan J. O'Donnell
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK,Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Michael J. Blackman
- Malaria Biochemistry Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK,Faculty of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Debra J. Skene
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK
| | - Sarah E. Reece
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK,Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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13
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Neves Borgheti-Cardoso L, San Anselmo M, Lantero E, Lancelot A, Serrano JL, Hernández-Ainsa S, Fernàndez-Busquets X, Sierra T. Promising nanomaterials in the fight against malaria. J Mater Chem B 2021; 8:9428-9448. [PMID: 32955067 DOI: 10.1039/d0tb01398f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
For more than one hundred years, several treatments against malaria have been proposed but they have systematically failed, mainly due to the occurrence of drug resistance in part resulting from the exposure of the parasite to low drug doses. Several factors are behind this problem, including (i) the formidable barrier imposed by the Plasmodium life cycle with intracellular localization of parasites in hepatocytes and red blood cells, (ii) the adverse fluidic conditions encountered in the blood circulation that affect the interaction of molecular components with target cells, and (iii) the unfavorable physicochemical characteristics of most antimalarial drugs, which have an amphiphilic character and can be widely distributed into body tissues after administration and rapidly metabolized in the liver. To surpass these drawbacks, rather than focusing all efforts on discovering new drugs whose efficacy is quickly decreased by the parasite's evolution of resistance, the development of effective drug delivery carriers is a promising strategy. Nanomaterials have been investigated for their capacity to effectively deliver antimalarial drugs at local doses sufficiently high to kill the parasites and avoid drug resistance evolution, while maintaining a low overall dose to prevent undesirable toxic side effects. In recent years, several nanostructured systems such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles or dendrimers have been shown to be capable of improving the efficacy of antimalarial therapies. In this respect, nanomaterials are a promising drug delivery vehicle and can be used in therapeutic strategies designed to fight the parasite both in humans and in the mosquito vector of the disease. The chemical analyses of these nanomaterials are essential for the proposal and development of effective anti-malaria therapies. This review is intended to analyze the application of nanomaterials to improve the drug efficacy on different stages of the malaria parasites in both the human and mosquito hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Neves Borgheti-Cardoso
- Nanomalaria Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, ES-08028 Barcelona, Spain and Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona), Rosselló 149-153, ES-08036 Barcelona, Spain and Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Institute (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1, ES-08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - María San Anselmo
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), Dep. Química Orgánica-Facultad de Ciencias, CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Elena Lantero
- Nanomalaria Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, ES-08028 Barcelona, Spain and Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona), Rosselló 149-153, ES-08036 Barcelona, Spain and Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Institute (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1, ES-08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Alexandre Lancelot
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), Dep. Química Orgánica-Facultad de Ciencias, CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - José Luis Serrano
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), Dep. Química Orgánica-Facultad de Ciencias, CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Silvia Hernández-Ainsa
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), Dep. Química Orgánica-Facultad de Ciencias, CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain. and ARAID Foundation, Government of Aragón, Zaragoza 50018, Spain
| | - Xavier Fernàndez-Busquets
- Nanomalaria Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, ES-08028 Barcelona, Spain and Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona), Rosselló 149-153, ES-08036 Barcelona, Spain and Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Institute (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1, ES-08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Teresa Sierra
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), Dep. Química Orgánica-Facultad de Ciencias, CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
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14
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O'Donnell AJ, Reece SE. Ecology of asynchronous asexual replication: the intraerythrocytic development cycle of Plasmodium berghei is resistant to host rhythms. Malar J 2021; 20:105. [PMID: 33608011 PMCID: PMC7893937 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03643-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Daily periodicity in the diverse activities of parasites occurs across a broad taxonomic range. The rhythms exhibited by parasites are thought to be adaptations that allow parasites to cope with, or exploit, the consequences of host activities that follow daily rhythms. Malaria parasites (Plasmodium) are well-known for their synchronized cycles of replication within host red blood cells. Whilst most species of Plasmodium appear sensitive to the timing of the daily rhythms of hosts, and even vectors, some species present no detectable rhythms in blood-stage replication. Why the intraerythrocytic development cycle (IDC) of, for example Plasmodium chabaudi, is governed by host rhythms, yet seems completely independent of host rhythms in Plasmodium berghei, another rodent malaria species, is mysterious. METHODS This study reports a series of five experiments probing the relationships between the asynchronous IDC schedule of P. berghei and the rhythms of hosts and vectors by manipulating host time-of-day, photoperiod and feeding rhythms. RESULTS The results reveal that: (i) a lack coordination between host and parasite rhythms does not impose appreciable fitness costs on P. berghei; (ii) the IDC schedule of P. berghei is impervious to host rhythms, including altered photoperiod and host-feeding-related rhythms; (iii) there is weak evidence for daily rhythms in the density and activities of transmission stages; but (iv), these rhythms have little consequence for successful transmission to mosquitoes. CONCLUSIONS Overall, host rhythms do not affect the performance of P. berghei and its asynchronous IDC is resistant to the scheduling forces that underpin synchronous replication in closely related parasites. This suggests that natural variation in the IDC schedule across species represents different parasite strategies that maximize fitness. Thus, subtle differences in the ecological interactions between parasites and their hosts/vectors may select for the evolution of very different IDC schedules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan J O'Donnell
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, and Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Charlotte Auerbach Rd, Edinburgh, EH9 3FL, UK.
| | - Sarah E Reece
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, and Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Charlotte Auerbach Rd, Edinburgh, EH9 3FL, UK
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15
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Pereira PHS, Garcia CRS. Melatonin action in Plasmodium infection: Searching for molecules that modulate the asexual cycle as a strategy to impair the parasite cycle. J Pineal Res 2021; 70:e12700. [PMID: 33025644 PMCID: PMC7757246 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12700] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Half of the world's population lives in countries at risk of malaria infection, which results in approximately 450,000 deaths annually. Malaria parasites infect erythrocytes in a coordinated manner, with cycle durations in multiples of 24 hours, which reflects a behavior consistent with the host's circadian cycle. Interference in cycle coordination can help the immune system to naturally fight infection. Consequently, there is a search for new drugs that interfere with the cycle duration for combined treatment with conventional antimalarials. Melatonin appears to be a key host hormone responsible for regulating circadian behavior in the parasite cycle. In addition to host factors, there are still unknown factors intrinsic to the parasite that control the cycle duration. In this review, we present a series of reports of indole compounds and melatonin derivatives with antimalarial activity that were tested on several species of Plasmodium to evaluate the cytotoxicity to parasites and human cells, in addition to the ability to interfere with the development of the erythrocytic cycle. Most of the reported compounds had an IC50 value in the low micromolar range, without any toxicity to human cells. Triptosil, an indole derivative of melatonin, was able to inhibit the effect of melatonin in vitro without causing changes to the parasitemia. The wide variety of tested compounds indicates that it is possible to develop a compound capable of safely eliminating parasites from the host and interfering with the life cycle, which is promising for the development of new combined therapies against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro H. S. Pereira
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological AnalysesSchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Celia R. S. Garcia
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological AnalysesSchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of São PauloSão PauloBrazil
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16
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Prior KF, Rijo-Ferreira F, Assis PA, Hirako IC, Weaver DR, Gazzinelli RT, Reece SE. Periodic Parasites and Daily Host Rhythms. Cell Host Microbe 2020; 27:176-187. [PMID: 32053788 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2020.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Biological rhythms appear to be an elegant solution to the challenge of coordinating activities with the consequences of the Earth's daily and seasonal rotation. The genes and molecular mechanisms underpinning circadian clocks in multicellular organisms are well understood. In contrast, the regulatory mechanisms and fitness consequences of biological rhythms exhibited by parasites remain mysterious. Here, we explore how periodicity in parasite traits is generated and why daily rhythms matter for parasite fitness. We focus on malaria (Plasmodium) parasites which exhibit developmental rhythms during replication in the mammalian host's blood and in transmission to vectors. Rhythmic in-host parasite replication is responsible for eliciting inflammatory responses, the severity of disease symptoms, and fueling transmission, as well as conferring tolerance to anti-parasite drugs. Thus, understanding both how and why the timing and synchrony of parasites are connected to the daily rhythms of hosts and vectors may make treatment more effective and less toxic to hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley F Prior
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology & Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Filipa Rijo-Ferreira
- Department of Neuroscience, Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute & Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Patricia A Assis
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Isabella C Hirako
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - Minas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - David R Weaver
- Department of Neurobiology & NeuroNexus Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ricardo T Gazzinelli
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - Minas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Sarah E Reece
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology & Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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17
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Role of Melatonin in the Synchronization of Asexual Forms in the Parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10091243. [PMID: 32867164 PMCID: PMC7563138 DOI: 10.3390/biom10091243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The indoleamine compound melatonin has been extensively studied in the regulation of the circadian rhythm in nearly all vertebrates. The effects of melatonin have also been studied in Protozoan parasites, especially in the synchronization of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum via a complex downstream signalling pathway. Melatonin activates protein kinase A (PfPKA) and requires the activation of protein kinase 7 (PfPK7), PLC-IP3, and a subset of genes from the ubiquitin-proteasome system. In other parasites, such as Trypanosoma cruzi and Toxoplasma gondii, melatonin increases inflammatory components, thus amplifying the protective response of the host’s immune system and affecting parasite load. The development of melatonin-related indole compounds exhibiting antiparasitic properties clearly suggests this new and effective approach as an alternative treatment. Therefore, it is critical to understand how melatonin confers stimulatory functions in host–parasite biology.
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18
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Khoury DS, Aogo R, Randriafanomezantsoa-Radohery G, McCaw JM, Simpson JA, McCarthy JS, Haque A, Cromer D, Davenport MP. Within-host modeling of blood-stage malaria. Immunol Rev 2019; 285:168-193. [PMID: 30129195 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Malaria infection continues to be a major health problem worldwide and drug resistance in the major human parasite species, Plasmodium falciparum, is increasing in South East Asia. Control measures including novel drugs and vaccines are in development, and contributions to the rational design and optimal usage of these interventions are urgently needed. Infection involves the complex interaction of parasite dynamics, host immunity, and drug effects. The long life cycle (48 hours in the common human species) and synchronized replication cycle of the parasite population present significant challenges to modeling the dynamics of Plasmodium infection. Coupled with these, variation in immune recognition and drug action at different life cycle stages leads to further complexity. We review the development and progress of "within-host" models of Plasmodium infection, and how these have been applied to understanding and interpreting human infection and animal models of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosemary Aogo
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - James M McCaw
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Julie A Simpson
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - James S McCarthy
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Ashraful Haque
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
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19
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Westwood ML, O'Donnell AJ, de Bekker C, Lively CM, Zuk M, Reece SE. The evolutionary ecology of circadian rhythms in infection. Nat Ecol Evol 2019; 3:552-560. [PMID: 30886375 PMCID: PMC7614806 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-019-0831-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Biological rhythms coordinate organisms' activities with daily rhythms in the environment. For parasites, this includes rhythms in both the external abiotic environment and the within-host biotic environment. Hosts exhibit rhythms in behaviours and physiologies, including immune responses, and parasites exhibit rhythms in traits underpinning virulence and transmission. Yet, the evolutionary and ecological drivers of rhythms in traits underpinning host defence and parasite offence are largely unknown. Here, we explore how hosts use rhythms to defend against infection, why parasites have rhythms and whether parasites can manipulate host clocks to their own ends. Harnessing host rhythms or disrupting parasite rhythms could be exploited for clinical benefit; we propose an interdisciplinary effort to drive this emerging field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary L Westwood
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Aidan J O'Donnell
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Curtis M Lively
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IL, USA
| | - Marlene Zuk
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Sarah E Reece
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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20
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Mayoka G, Njoroge M, Okombo J, Gibhard L, Sanches-Vaz M, Fontinha D, Birkholtz LM, Reader J, van der Watt M, Coetzer TL, Lauterbach S, Churchyard A, Bezuidenhout B, Egan TJ, Yeates C, Wittlin S, Prudêncio M, Chibale K. Structure–Activity Relationship Studies and Plasmodium Life Cycle Profiling Identifies Pan-Active N-Aryl-3-trifluoromethyl Pyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazoles Which Are Efficacious in an in Vivo Mouse Model of Malaria. J Med Chem 2018; 62:1022-1035. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Godfrey Mayoka
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Mathew Njoroge
- Drug Discovery and Development Centre (H3D), Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - John Okombo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Liezl Gibhard
- Drug Discovery and Development Centre (H3D), Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Margarida Sanches-Vaz
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Diana Fontinha
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Lyn-Marie Birkholtz
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Janette Reader
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Mariëtte van der Watt
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Theresa L. Coetzer
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand and National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Sonja Lauterbach
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand and National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Alisje Churchyard
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand and National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Belinda Bezuidenhout
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand and National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Timothy J. Egan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Clive Yeates
- Inpharma
Consultancy, 6 Dudley Hill Close, Welwyn, Hertfordshire AL60QQ, U.K
| | - Sergio Wittlin
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Miguel Prudêncio
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Kelly Chibale
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, Drug Discovery and Development Research Unit, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
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21
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Nejati J, Moosa-Kazemi SH, Saghafipour A, Soofi K. Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) on malaria, from high malaria burden rural communities, southeastern Iran. J Parasit Dis 2018; 42:62-67. [PMID: 29491561 PMCID: PMC5825367 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-017-0965-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, community based control strategies are considered efficient in reaching the malaria elimination goal. For this reason, this study was conducted to access the knowledge, attitude and practice of people on malaria from rural areas with high malaria incidence. In this descriptive-analytic study, a total of 200 rural residents of southeastern Iran were recruited. They were selected based on cluster and simple random sampling methods. Data collection was done using questionnaire with reliability confirmation by Cronbach's alpha and data was analyzed using SPSS. Mosquito's bite was answered as the main route of malaria transmission. Also, majority of the participants correctly expressed most important symptoms of malaria. Most of them believed that malaria is preventable and the best strategy for its control is indoor residual spraying. Very few number of the respondents mentioned sleeping under insecticide treated bed net as a method for controlling the transmission of malaria. Chi square test shows significant difference between the level of education and usage of mosquito nets, but there was no significant difference between the use of bed nets and time of usage. Another significant relationship was seen between malaria infection, use of mosquito nets and place of sleeping at nights during summer. The current study showed the appropriate level of KAP among rural communities in southeast of Iran. Alongside of people's knowledge and attitudes, their practice about malaria should be increased as an effective factor for achieving to great goal of malaria elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jalil Nejati
- Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Hassan Moosa-Kazemi
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abedin Saghafipour
- Department of Public Health, School of Health, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Khodamorad Soofi
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Sarbaz Health Center, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran
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22
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Reece SE, Prior KF, Mideo N. The Life and Times of Parasites: Rhythms in Strategies for Within-host Survival and Between-host Transmission. J Biol Rhythms 2017; 32:516-533. [PMID: 28845736 PMCID: PMC5734377 DOI: 10.1177/0748730417718904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Biological rhythms are thought to have evolved to enable organisms to organize their activities according to the earth's predictable cycles, but quantifying the fitness advantages of rhythms is challenging and data revealing their costs and benefits are scarce. More difficult still is explaining why parasites that live exclusively within the bodies of other organisms have biological rhythms. Rhythms exist in the development and traits of parasites, in host immune responses, and in disease susceptibility. This raises the possibility that timing matters for how hosts and parasites interact and, consequently, for the severity and transmission of diseases. Here, we take an evolutionary ecological perspective to examine why parasites exhibit biological rhythms and how their rhythms are regulated. Specifically, we examine the adaptive significance (evolutionary costs and benefits) of rhythms for parasites and explore to what extent interactions between hosts and parasites can drive rhythms in infections. That parasites with altered rhythms can evade the effects of control interventions underscores the urgent need to understand how and why parasites exhibit biological rhythms. Thus, we contend that examining the roles of biological rhythms in disease offers innovative approaches to improve health and opens up a new arena for studying host-parasite (and host-parasite-vector) coevolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Reece
- Institutes of Evolution, Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kimberley F. Prior
- Institutes of Evolution, Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Nicole Mideo
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Daily Rhythms in Mosquitoes and Their Consequences for Malaria Transmission. INSECTS 2016; 7:insects7020014. [PMID: 27089370 PMCID: PMC4931426 DOI: 10.3390/insects7020014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2015] [Revised: 03/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The 24-h day involves cycles in environmental factors that impact organismal fitness. This is thought to select for organisms to regulate their temporal biology accordingly, through circadian and diel rhythms. In addition to rhythms in abiotic factors (such as light and temperature), biotic factors, including ecological interactions, also follow daily cycles. How daily rhythms shape, and are shaped by, interactions between organisms is poorly understood. Here, we review an emerging area, namely the causes and consequences of daily rhythms in the interactions between vectors, their hosts and the parasites they transmit. We focus on mosquitoes, malaria parasites and vertebrate hosts, because this system offers the opportunity to integrate from genetic and molecular mechanisms to population dynamics and because disrupting rhythms offers a novel avenue for disease control.
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Cruz LN, Wu Y, Ulrich H, Craig AG, Garcia CRS. Tumor necrosis factor reduces Plasmodium falciparum growth and activates calcium signaling in human malaria parasites. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1860:1489-97. [PMID: 27080559 PMCID: PMC4876768 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Plasmodium has a complex biology including the ability to interact with host signals modulating their function through cellular machinery. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) elicits diverse cellular responses including effects in malarial pathology and increased infected erythrocyte cytoadherence. As TNF levels are raised during Plasmodium falciparum infection we have investigated whether it has an effect on the parasite asexual stage. Methods Flow cytometry, spectrofluorimetric determinations, confocal microscopy and PCR real time quantifications were employed for characterizing TNF induced effects and membrane integrity verified by wheat germ agglutinin staining. Results TNF is able to decrease intracellular parasitemia, involving calcium as a second messenger of the pathway. Parasites incubated for 48 h with TNF showed reduced erythrocyte invasion. Thus, TNF induced rises in intracellular calcium concentration, which were blocked by prior addition of the purinergic receptor agonists KN62 and A438079, or interfering with intra- or extracellular calcium release by thapsigargin or EGTA (ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid). Importantly, expression of PfPCNA1 which encodes the Plasmodium falciparum Proliferating-Cell Nuclear Antigen 1, decreased after P. falciparum treatment of TNF (tumor necrosis factor) or 6-Bnz cAMP (N6-benzoyladenosine-3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate sodium salt). Conclusions This is potentially interesting data showing the relevance of calcium in downregulating a gene involved in cellular proliferation, triggered by TNF. General significance The data show that Plasmodium may subvert the immunological system and use TNF for the control of its proliferation within the vertebrate host. TNF is able to decrease parasitemia in P. falciparum‐infected RBCs. TNF induced rises in intracellular calcium concentration, which were blocked by the purinergic receptor agonists KN62 and A438079. Interfering with intra‐ or extracellular calcium release by thapsigargin or EGTA also block TNF‐induce calcium release in P. falciparum. Expression of the P. falciparum Proliferating‐Cell Nuclear Antigen 1 (PfPCNA1) decreased after P. falciparum treatment with TNF or 6‐Bnz cAMP. The data show that Plasmodium may subvert the immunological system and use TNF for the control of its proliferation within the vertebrate host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura N Cruz
- Department of Physiology, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, travessa 14, n321, CEP 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Yang Wu
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Henning Ulrich
- Department of Biochemistry, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Alister G Craig
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Célia R S Garcia
- Department of Physiology, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, travessa 14, n321, CEP 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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25
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Koyama FC, Azevedo MF, Budu A, Chakrabarti D, Garcia CRS. Melatonin-induced temporal up-regulation of gene expression related to ubiquitin/proteasome system (UPS) in the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:22320-30. [PMID: 25479077 PMCID: PMC4284710 DOI: 10.3390/ijms151222320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [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: 08/25/2014] [Revised: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an increasing understanding that melatonin and the ubiquitin/ proteasome system (UPS) interact to regulate multiple cellular functions. Post-translational modifications such as ubiquitination are important modulators of signaling processes, cell cycle and many other cellular functions. Previously, we reported a melatonin-induced upregulation of gene expression related to ubiquitin/proteasome system (UPS) in Plasmodium falciparum, the human malaria parasite, and that P. falciparum protein kinase 7 influences this process. This implies a role of melatonin, an indolamine, in modulating intraerythrocytic development of the parasite. In this report we demonstrate by qPCR analysis, that melatonin induces gene upregulation in nine out of fourteen genes of the UPS, consisting of the same set of genes previously reported, between 4 to 5 h after melatonin treatment. We demonstrate that melatonin causes a temporally controlled gene expression of UPS members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda C Koyama
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil.
| | - Mauro F Azevedo
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil.
| | - Alexandre Budu
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil.
| | - Debopam Chakrabarti
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32826, USA.
| | - Célia R S Garcia
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil.
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Everett N, Gabra M. The pharmacology of medieval sedatives: the "Great Rest" of the Antidotarium Nicolai. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2014; 155:443-449. [PMID: 24905867 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Revised: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Past practices of compound drugs from different plant ingredients enjoyed remarkable longevity over centuries yet are largely dismissed by modern science as subtherapeutic, lethal or fanciful. AIM OF THE STUDY To examine the phytochemical content of a popular medieval opiate drug called the "Great Rest" and gauge the bioavailability and combined effects of its alkaloid compounds (morphine, codeine, hyoscyamine, scopolamine) on the human body according to modern pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters established for these compounds. CALCULATIONS AND THEORY We reviewed the most recent studies on the pharmacodynamics of morphine, codeine, hyoscyamine and scopolamine to ascertain plasma concentrations required for different physiological effects and applied these findings to dosage of the Great Rest. RESULTS Given the proportional quantities of the alkaloid rich plants, we calculate the optimal dose of Great Rest to be 3.1±0.1-5.3±0.76 g and reveal that the lethal dose of Great Rest is double the therapeutic concentration where all three alkaloid compounds are biologically active. CONCLUSION This study helps establish the effective dose (ED50), toxic dose (TD50) and lethal dose (LD50) rates for the ingestion of raw opium, henbane and mandrake, and describes their probable combined effects, which may be applied to similar types of pre-modern pharmaceuticals to reveal the empirical logic behind past practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Everett
- History Dept and Centre for Medieval Studies University of Toronto, 100 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 3G3.
| | - Martino Gabra
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology University of Toronto Medical Sciences Building, Rm 4207, 1 King׳s College Circle, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 1A8.
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de Bekker C, Merrow M, Hughes DP. From behavior to mechanisms: an integrative approach to the manipulation by a parasitic fungus (Ophiocordyceps unilateralis s.l.) of its host ants (Camponotus spp.). Integr Comp Biol 2014; 54:166-76. [PMID: 24907198 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icu063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Co-evolution of parasites and their hosts has led to certain parasites adaptively manipulating the behavior of their hosts. Although the number of examples from different taxa for this phenomenon is growing, the mechanisms underlying parasite-induced manipulation of hosts' behavior are still poorly understood. The development of laboratory infections integrating various disciplines within the life sciences is an important step in that direction. Here, we advocate for such an integrative approach using the parasitic fungi of the genus Ophiocordyceps that induce an adaptive biting behavior in Camponotus ants as an example. We emphasize the use of behavioral assays under controlled laboratory conditions, the importance of temporal aspects of the behavior (possibly involving the circadian clock), and the need to approach colonizing parasites as organizations with a division of labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charissa de Bekker
- *Department of Entomology and Biology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA 16802, USA; Institute of Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Martha Merrow
- *Department of Entomology and Biology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA 16802, USA; Institute of Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - David P Hughes
- *Department of Entomology and Biology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA 16802, USA; Institute of Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
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Synthetic indole and melatonin derivatives exhibit antimalarial activity on the cell cycle of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 78:375-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.03.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Revised: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Koyama FC, Carvalho TLG, Alves E, da Silva HB, de Azevedo MF, Hemerly AS, Garcia CRS. The Structurally Related Auxin and Melatonin Tryptophan-Derivatives and their Roles in Arabidopsis thaliana
and in the Human Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2013; 60:646-51. [DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2013] [Revised: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda C. Koyama
- Departamento de Parasitologia; Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas; Universidade de São Paulo; 05508-000 São Paulo Brazil
- Departamento de Fisiologia; Instituto de Biociências; Universidade de São Paulo; 05508-090 São Paulo Brazil
| | - Thais L. G. Carvalho
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Plantas; Instituto de Bioquímica Médica; Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; 21941-590 Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Eduardo Alves
- Departamento de Parasitologia; Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas; Universidade de São Paulo; 05508-000 São Paulo Brazil
- Departamento de Fisiologia; Instituto de Biociências; Universidade de São Paulo; 05508-090 São Paulo Brazil
| | - Henrique B. da Silva
- Departamento de Imunologia; Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas; Universidade de São Paulo; 05508-900 São Paulo Brazil
| | - Mauro F. de Azevedo
- Centre for Immunology; Macfarlane Burnet Institute of Medical Research and Public Health; Melbourne Victoria 3004 Australia
| | - Adriana S. Hemerly
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Plantas; Instituto de Bioquímica Médica; Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; 21941-590 Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Célia R. S. Garcia
- Departamento de Fisiologia; Instituto de Biociências; Universidade de São Paulo; 05508-090 São Paulo Brazil
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Mideo N, Reece SE, Smith AL, Metcalf CJE. The Cinderella syndrome: why do malaria-infected cells burst at midnight? Trends Parasitol 2013; 29:10-6. [PMID: 23253515 PMCID: PMC3925801 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2012.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2012] [Revised: 10/31/2012] [Accepted: 10/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
An interesting quirk of many malaria infections is that all parasites within a host – millions of them – progress through their cell cycle synchronously. This surprising coordination has long been recognized, yet there is little understanding of what controls it or why it has evolved. Interestingly, the conventional explanation for coordinated development in other parasite species does not seem to apply here. We argue that for malaria parasites, a critical question has yet to be answered: is the coordination due to parasites bursting at the same time or at a particular time? We explicitly delineate these fundamentally different scenarios, possible underlying mechanistic explanations and evolutionary drivers, and discuss the existing corroborating data and key evidence needed to solve this evolutionary mystery.
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Koyama FC, Ribeiro RY, Garcia JL, Azevedo MF, Chakrabarti D, Garcia CRS. Ubiquitin proteasome system and the atypical kinase PfPK7 are involved in melatonin signaling in Plasmodium falciparum. J Pineal Res 2012; 53:147-53. [PMID: 22348509 PMCID: PMC3360131 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-079x.2012.00981.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported that melatonin modulates the Plasmodium falciparum erythrocytic cycle by increasing schizont stage population as well as diminishing ring stage population. In addition, the importance of calcium and cAMP in melatonin signaling pathway in P. falciparum was also demonstrated. Nevertheless, the molecular effectors of the indoleamine signaling pathway remain elusive. We now demonstrate by real-time PCR that melatonin treatment up-regulates genes related to ubiquitin/proteasome system (UPS) components and that luzindole, a melatonin receptor antagonist, inhibits UPS transcription modulation. We also show that protein kinase PfPK7, a P. falciparum orphan kinase, plays a crucial role in the melatonin transduction pathway, since following melatonin treatment of P. falciparum parasites where pfpk7 gene is disrupted (pfpk7(-) parasites) (i) the ratio of asexual stages remain unchanged, (ii) the increase in cytoplasmatic calcium in response to melatonin was strongly diminished and (iii) up-regulation of UPS genes did not occur. The wild-type melatonin-induced alterations in cell cycle features, calcium rise and UPS gene transcription were restored by re-introduction of a functional copy of the pfpk7 gene in the pfpk7(-) parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda C Koyama
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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32
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Schuck DC, Ribeiro RY, Nery AA, Ulrich H, Garcia CRS. Flow cytometry as a tool for analyzing changes in Plasmodium falciparum cell cycle following treatment with indol compounds. Cytometry A 2011; 79:959-64. [PMID: 22015733 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.21136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2011] [Revised: 07/28/2011] [Accepted: 08/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin and its derivatives modulate the Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium chabaudi cell cycle. Flow cytometry was employed together with the nucleic acid dye YOYO-1 allowing precise discrimination between mono- and multinucleated forms of P. falciparum-infected red blood cell. The use of YOYO-1 permitted excellent discrimination between uninfected and infected red blood cells as well as between early and late parasite stages. Fluorescence intensities of schizont-stage parasites were about 10-fold greater than those of ring-trophozoite form parasites. Melatonin and related indolic compounds including serotonin, N-acetyl-serotonin and tryptamine induced an increase in the percentage of multinucleated forms compared to non-treated control cultures. YOYO-1 staining of infected erythrocyte and subsequent flow cytometry analysis provides a powerful tool in malaria research for screening of bioactive compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desirée Cigaran Schuck
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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França-Botelho AC, França JL, Oliveira FMS, Franca EL, Honório-França AC, Caliari MV, Gomes MA. Melatonin reduces the severity of experimental amoebiasis. Parasit Vectors 2011; 4:62. [PMID: 21501501 PMCID: PMC3097001 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2011] [Accepted: 04/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melatonin has immunomodulatory effects but very little is known about its influence in protozoan infections, such as Entamoeba histolytica, which causes amoebiasis, a disease with significant morbidity and mortality. In this study, we evaluated the effects of exogenous melatonin interference in experimental amoebiasis and on interactions between human blood cells and E. histolytica trophozoites. METHODS The effect of melatonin was investigated in models of experimental amoebiasis in hamsters and rats by evaluating the area of necrosis induced by E. histolytica. The activity of melatonin on the interactions between leukocytes and amoebae was determined by examining leukophagocytosis. For in vitro tests, polymorphonuclear and mononuclear human blood leucocytes were incubated with E. histolytica trophozoites. RESULTS The areas of amoebic necrosis were significantly reduced in animals treated with melatonin. Melatonin treatment increased leukophagocytosis but was associated with a greater number of dead amoebae. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that melatonin may play a beneficial role in the control of amoebic lesions, raising the possibility that this drug may be used as an adjuvant in anti-amoebic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline C França-Botelho
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Gazarini ML, Beraldo FH, Almeida FM, Bootman M, Da Silva AM, Garcia CRS. Melatonin triggers PKA activation in the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium chabaudi. J Pineal Res 2011; 50:64-70. [PMID: 20964707 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-079x.2010.00810.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Calcium (Ca(2+) ) is a critical regulator of many aspects of the Plasmodium reproductive cycle. In particular, intra-erythrocyte Plasmodium parasites respond to circulating levels of the melatonin in a process mediated partly by intracellular Ca(2+) . Melatonin promotes the development and synchronicity of parasites, thereby enhancing their spread and worsening the clinical implications. The signalling mechanisms underlying the effects of melatonin are not fully established, although both Ca(2+) and cyclic AMP (cAMP) have been implicated. Furthermore, it is not clear whether different strains of Plasmodium use the same, or divergent, signals to control their development. The aim of this study was to explore the signalling mechanisms engaged by melatonin in P. chabaudi, a virulent rodent parasite. Using parasites at the throphozoite stage acutely isolated from mice erythrocytes, we demonstrate that melatonin triggers cAMP production and protein kinase A (PKA) activation. Interestingly, the stimulation of cAMP/PKA signalling by melatonin was dependent on elevation of Ca(2+) within the parasite, because buffering Ca(2+) changes using the chelator BAPTA prevented cAMP production in response to melatonin. Incubation with melatonin evoked robust Ca(2+) signals within the parasite, as did the application of a membrane-permeant analogue of cAMP. Our data suggest that P. chabaudi engages both Ca(2+) and cAMP signalling systems when stimulated by melatonin. Furthermore, there is positive feedback between these messengers, because Ca(2+) evokes cAMP elevation and vice versa. Melatonin more than doubled the observed extent of parasitemia, and the increase in cAMP concentration and PKA activation was essential for this effect. These data support the possibility to use melatonin antagonists or derivates in therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos L Gazarini
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos, SP, Brasil
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Alves E, Bartlett PJ, Garcia CRS, Thomas AP. Melatonin and IP3-induced Ca2+ release from intracellular stores in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum within infected red blood cells. J Biol Chem 2010; 286:5905-12. [PMID: 21149448 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.188474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
IP(3)-dependent Ca(2+) signaling controls a myriad of cellular processes in higher eukaryotes and similar signaling pathways are evolutionarily conserved in Plasmodium, the intracellular parasite that causes malaria. We have reported that isolated, permeabilized Plasmodium chabaudi, releases Ca(2+) upon addition of exogenous IP(3). In the present study, we investigated whether the IP(3) signaling pathway operates in intact Plasmodium falciparum, the major disease-causing human malaria parasite. P. falciparum-infected red blood cells (RBCs) in the trophozoite stage were simultaneously loaded with the Ca(2+) indicator Fluo-4/AM and caged-IP(3). Photolytic release of IP(3) elicited a transient Ca(2+) increase in the cytosol of the intact parasite within the RBC. The intracellular Ca(2+) pools of the parasite were selectively discharged, using thapsigargin to deplete endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca(2+) and the antimalarial chloroquine to deplete Ca(2+) from acidocalcisomes. These data show that the ER is the major IP(3)-sensitive Ca(2+) store. Previous work has shown that the human host hormone melatonin regulates P. falciparum cell cycle via a Ca(2+)-dependent pathway. In the present study, we demonstrate that melatonin increases inositol-polyphosphate production in intact intraerythrocytic parasite. Moreover, the Ca(2+) responses to melatonin and uncaging of IP(3) were mutually exclusive in infected RBCs. Taken together these data provide evidence that melatonin activates PLC to generate IP(3) and open ER-localized IP(3)-sensitive Ca(2+) channels in P. falciparum. This receptor signaling pathway is likely to be involved in the regulation and synchronization of parasite cell cycle progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Alves
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, UMDNJ, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey 07103, USA
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In vivo uptake of a haem analogue Zn protoporphyrin IX by the human malaria parasite P. falciparum-infected red blood cells. Cell Biol Int 2010; 34:859-65. [PMID: 20491653 DOI: 10.1042/cbi20090427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The cellular traffic of haem during the development of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, through the stages R (ring), T (trophozoite) and S (schizonts), was investigated within RBC (red blood cells). When Plasmodium cultures were incubated with a fluorescent haem analogue, ZnPPIX (Zn protoporphyrin IX) the probe was seen at the cytoplasm (R stage), and the vesicle-like structure distribution pattern was more evident at T and S stages. The temporal sequence of ZnPPIX uptake by P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes shows that at R and S stages, a time-increase acquisition of the porphyrin reaches the maximum fluorescence distribution after 60 min; in contrast, at the T stage, the maximum occurs after 120 min of ZnPPIX uptake. The difference in time-increase acquisition of the porphyrin is in agreement with a maximum activity of haem uptake at the T stage. To gain insights into haem metabolism, recombinant PfHO (P. falciparum haem oxygenase) was expressed, and the conversion of haem into BV (biliverdin) was detected. These findings point out that, in addition to haemozoin formation, the malaria parasite P. falciparum has evolved two distinct mechanisms for dealing with haem toxicity, namely, the uptake of haem into a cellular compartment where haemozoin is formed and HO activity. However, the low Plasmodium HO activity detected reveals that the enzyme appears to be a very inefficient way to scavenge the haem compared with the Plasmodium ability to uptake the haem analogue ZnPPIX and delivering it to the food vacuole.
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Reilly Ayala HB, Wacker MA, Siwo G, Ferdig MT. Quantitative trait loci mapping reveals candidate pathways regulating cell cycle duration in Plasmodium falciparum. BMC Genomics 2010; 11:577. [PMID: 20955606 PMCID: PMC3091725 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-11-577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2010] [Accepted: 10/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Elevated parasite biomass in the human red blood cells can lead to increased malaria morbidity. The genes and mechanisms regulating growth and development of Plasmodium falciparum through its erythrocytic cycle are not well understood. We previously showed that strains HB3 and Dd2 diverge in their proliferation rates, and here use quantitative trait loci mapping in 34 progeny from a cross between these parent clones along with integrative bioinformatics to identify genetic loci and candidate genes that control divergences in cell cycle duration. Results Genetic mapping of cell cycle duration revealed a four-locus genetic model, including a major genetic effect on chromosome 12, which accounts for 75% of the inherited phenotype variation. These QTL span 165 genes, the majority of which have no predicted function based on homology. We present a method to systematically prioritize candidate genes using the extensive sequence and transcriptional information available for the parent lines. Putative functions were assigned to the prioritized genes based on protein interaction networks and expression eQTL from our earlier study. DNA metabolism or antigenic variation functional categories were enriched among our prioritized candidate genes. Genes were then analyzed to determine if they interact with cyclins or other proteins known to be involved in the regulation of cell cycle. Conclusions We show that the divergent proliferation rate between a drug resistant and drug sensitive parent clone is under genetic regulation and is segregating as a complex trait in 34 progeny. We map a major locus along with additional secondary effects, and use the wealth of genome data to identify key candidate genes. Of particular interest are a nucleosome assembly protein (PFL0185c), a Zinc finger transcription factor (PFL0465c) both on chromosome 12 and a ribosomal protein L7Ae-related on chromosome 4 (PFD0960c).
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Levano-Garcia J, Dluzewski AR, Markus RP, Garcia CRS. Purinergic signalling is involved in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum invasion to red blood cells. Purinergic Signal 2010; 6:365-72. [PMID: 21437007 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-010-9202-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2010] [Accepted: 09/30/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Plasmodium falciparum, the most important etiological agent of human malaria, is endowed with a highly complex cell cycle that is essential for its successful replication within the host. A number of evidence suggest that changes in parasite Ca(2+) levels occur during the intracellular cycle of the parasites and play a role in modulating its functions within the RBC. However, the molecular identification of Plasmodium receptors linked with calcium signalling and the causal relationship between Ca(2+) increases and parasite functions are still largely mysterious. We here describe that increases in P. falciparum Ca(2+) levels, induced by extracellular ATP, modulate parasite invasion. In particular, we show that addition of ATP leads to an increase of cytosolic Ca(2+) in trophozoites and segmented schizonts. Addition of the compounds KN62 and Ip5I on parasites blocked the ATP-induced rise in [Ca(2+)](c). Besides, the compounds or hydrolysis of ATP with apyrase added in culture drastically reduce RBC infection by parasites, suggesting strongly a role of extracellular ATP during RBC invasion. The use of purinoceptor antagonists Ip5I and KN62 in this study suggests the presence of putative purinoceptor in P. falciparum. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that increases in [Ca(2+)](c) in the malarial parasite P. falciparum by ATP leads to the modulation of its invasion of red blood cells. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11302-010-9202-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Srinivasan V, Spence DW, Moscovitch A, Pandi-Perumal SR, Trakht I, Brown GM, Cardinali DP. Malaria: therapeutic implications of melatonin. J Pineal Res 2010; 48:1-8. [PMID: 20025640 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-079x.2009.00728.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Malaria, which infects more than 300 million people annually, is a serious disease. Epidemiological surveys indicate that of those who are affected, malaria will claim the lives of more than one million individuals, mostly children. There is evidence that the synchronous maturation of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes a severe form of malaria in humans and Plasmodium chabaudi, responsible for rodent malaria, could be linked to circadian changes in melatonin concentration. In vitro melatonin stimulates the growth and development of P. falciparum through the activation of specific melatonin receptors coupled to phospholipase-C activation and the concomitant increase of intracellular Ca2+. The Ca2+ signaling pathway is important to stimulate parasite transition from the trophozoite to the schizont stage, the final stage of intraerythrocytic cycle, thus promoting the rise of parasitemia. Either pinealectomy or the administration of the melatonin receptor blocking agent luzindole desynchronizes the parasitic cell cycle. Therefore, the use of melatonin antagonists could be a novel therapeutic approach for controlling the disease. On the other hand, the complexity of melatonin's action in malaria is underscored by the demonstration that treatment with high doses of melatonin is actually beneficial for inhibiting apoptosis and liver damage resulting from the oxidative stress in malaria. The possibility that the coordinated administration of melatonin antagonists (to impair the melatonin signal that synchronizes P. falciparum) and of melatonin in doses high enough to decrease oxidative damage could be a novel approach in malaria treatment is discussed.
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Sartorello R, Amaya MJ, Nathanson MH, Garcia CRS. The plasmodium receptor for activated C kinase protein inhibits Ca(2+) signaling in mammalian cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2009; 389:586-92. [PMID: 19748487 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2009] [Accepted: 09/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum, the most lethal malarial parasite, expresses an ortholog for the protein kinase C (PKC) activator RACK1. However, PKC has not been identified in this parasite, and the mammalian RACK1 can interact with the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (InsP3R). Therefore we investigated whether the Plasmodium ortholog PfRACK also can affect InsP3R-mediated Ca(2+) signaling in mammalian cells. GFP-tagged PfRACK and endogenous RACK1 were expressed in a similar distribution within cells. PfRACK inhibited agonist-induced Ca(2+) signals in cells expressing each isoform of the InsP3R, and this effect persisted when expression of endogenous RACK1 was reduced by siRNA. PfRACK also inhibited Ca(2+) signals induced by photorelease of caged InsP3. These findings provide evidence that PfRACK directly inhibits InsP3-mediated Ca(2+) signaling in mammalian cells. Interference with host cell signaling pathways to subvert the host intracellular milieu may be an important mechanism for parasite survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robson Sartorello
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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41
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Bagnaresi P, Alves E, Borges da Silva H, Epiphanio S, Mota MM, Garcia CR. Unlike the synchronous Plasmodium falciparum and P. chabaudi infection, the P. berghei and P. yoelii asynchronous infections are not affected by melatonin. Int J Gen Med 2009; 2:47-55. [PMID: 20360886 PMCID: PMC2840578 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s3699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously reported that Plasmodium chabaudi and P.
falciparum sense the hormone melatonin and this could be responsible for
the synchrony of malaria infection. In P. chabaudi and P.
falciparum, melatonin induces calcium release from internal stores, and
this response is abolished by U73122, a phospholipase C inhibitor, and luzindole, a
melatonin-receptor competitive antagonist. Here we show that, in
vitro, melatonin is not able to modulate cell cycle, nor to elicit an
elevation in intracellular calcium concentration of the intraerythrocytic forms of
P. berghei or P. yoelii, two rodent parasites
that show an asynchrononous development in vivo. Interestingly,
melatonin and its receptor do not seem to play a role during hepatic infection by
P. berghei sporozoites either. These data strengthen the
hypothesis that host-derived melatonin does not synchronize malaria infection caused
by P. berghei and P. yoelii. Moreover, these data
explain why infections by these parasites are asynchronous, contrary to what is
observed in P. falciparum and P. chabaudi
infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Bagnaresi
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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42
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Couto-Moraes R, Palermo-Neto J, Markus RP. The immune-pineal axis: stress as a modulator of pineal gland function. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1153:193-202. [PMID: 19236342 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2008.03978.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The temporal organization of mammals presents a daily adjustment to the environmental light/dark cycle. The environmental light detected by the retina adjusts the central clock in the suprachiasmatic nuclei, which innervate the pineal gland through a polysynaptic pathway. During the night, this gland produces and releases the nocturnal hormone melatonin, which circulates throughout the whole body and adjusts several bodily functions according to the existence and duration of darkness. We have previously shown that during the time frame of an inflammatory response, pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, inhibit while anti-inflammatory mediators, such as glucocorticoids, enhance the synthesis of melatonin, interfering in the daily adjustment of the light/dark cycle. Therefore, injury disconnects the organism from environmental cycling, while recovery restores the light/dark information to the whole organism. Here, we extend these observations by evaluating the effect of a mild restraint stress, which did not induce macroscopic gastric lesions. After 2 h of restraint, there was an increase in circulating corticosterone, indicating activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In parallel, an increase in melatonin production was observed. Taking into account the data obtained with models of inflammation and stress, we reinforce the hypothesis that the activity of the pineal gland is modulated by the state of the immune system and the HPA axis, implicating the darkness hormone melatonin as a modulator of defense responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Couto-Moraes
- Laboratory of Chronopharmacology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Bioscience, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Garcia CRS, de Azevedo MF, Wunderlich G, Budu A, Young JA, Bannister L. Plasmodium in the postgenomic era: new insights into the molecular cell biology of malaria parasites. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2008; 266:85-156. [PMID: 18544493 DOI: 10.1016/s1937-6448(07)66003-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In this review, we bring together some of the approaches toward understanding the cellular and molecular biology of Plasmodium species and their interaction with their host red blood cells. Considerable impetus has come from the development of new methods of molecular genetics and bioinformatics, and it is important to evaluate the wealth of these novel data in the context of basic cell biology. We describe how these approaches are gaining valuable insights into the parasite-host cell interaction, including (1) the multistep process of red blood cell invasion by the merozoite; (2) the mechanisms by which the intracellular parasite feeds on the red blood cell and exports parasite proteins to modify its cytoadherent properties; (3) the modulation of the cell cycle by sensing the environmental tryptophan-related molecules; (4) the mechanism used to survive in a low Ca(2+) concentration inside red blood cells; (5) the activation of signal transduction machinery and the regulation of intracellular calcium; (6) transfection technology; and (7) transcriptional regulation and genome-wide mRNA studies in Plasmodium falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia R S Garcia
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, CEP 05508-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Sherman IW. References. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s0065-308x(08)00430-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Abstract
Oscillations are surprisingly common in the immune system, both in its healthy state and in disease. The most famous example is that of periodic fevers caused by the malaria parasite. A number of hereditary disorders, which also cause periodic fevers, have also been known for a long time. Various reports of oscillations in cytokine concentrations following antigen challenge have been published over at least the past three decades. Oscillations can also occur at the intracellular level. Calcium oscillations following T-cell activation are familiar to all immunologists, and metabolic and reactive oxygen species oscillations in neutrophils have been well documented. More recently, oscillations in nuclear factor kappaB activity following stimulation by tumor necrosis factor alpha have received considerable publicity. However, despite all of these examples, oscillations in the immune system still tend to be considered mainly as pathological aberrations, and their causes and significance remained largely unknown. This is partly because of a lack of awareness within the immunological community of the appropriate theoretical frameworks for describing and analyzing such behavior. We provide an introduction to these frameworks and give a survey of the currently known oscillations that occur within the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Stark
- Department of Mathematics, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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46
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Tripathi AK, Sullivan DJ, Stins MF. Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes increase intercellular adhesion molecule 1 expression on brain endothelium through NF-kappaB. Infect Immun 2006; 74:3262-70. [PMID: 16714553 PMCID: PMC1479273 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01625-05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (Pf-IRBC) in postcapillary brain endothelium is a hallmark of cerebral malaria (CM) pathogenesis. There is a correlation between adherent Pf-IRBC and increased expression of intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), which is also a receptor for Pf-IRBC on human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC). The underlying mechanism for the increased ICAM-1 expression has not been clearly defined. Therefore, we investigated the mechanisms of ICAM-1 expression on isolated HBMEC after exposure to Pf-IRBC. Ultrastructural characterization of the model confirmed that there was attachment through both Pf-IRBC knobs and HBMEC microvillus protrusions. Pf-IRBC induced a dose- and time-dependent increase in ICAM-1 expression on HBMEC that was specific for human brain endothelium and was not observed with human umbilical vein endothelium. Involvement of both membrane-associated Pf-IRBC proteins and parasite-derived soluble factors with the increase in ICAM-1 expression was demonstrated by surface trypsinization and fractionation. Pf-IRBC exposure induced nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB in HBMEC, which was linked to ICAM-1 expression, as shown by use of specific inhibitors of the transcription factor NF-kappaB and immunocytochemistry. In addition, inhibition of reactive oxygen species decreased Pf-IRBC-induced ICAM-1 expression on HBMEC. Parasite-induced ICAM-1 expression explains the localization of this molecule on brain endothelium in postmortem CM brain samples. By increasing ICAM-1 expression, Pf-IRBC may increase their sequestration, thereby perpetuating CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhai K Tripathi
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross 1170, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Okubo K, Wilawan P, Bork S, Okamura M, Yokoyama N, Igarashi I. Calcium-ions are involved in erythrocyte invasion by equine Babesia parasites. Parasitology 2006; 133:289-94. [PMID: 16740183 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182006000436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2006] [Revised: 03/27/2006] [Accepted: 03/28/2006] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Ethylene glycol bis (β-aminoethylether)-N,N,N,N-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) is a chelating agent capable of binding to positively-charged metal ions, including a calcium-ion (Ca2+). Here, we demonstrated the inhibitory effect of the chemical on the in vitro asexual growth of the equine protozoan parasites, Babesia caballi and Babesia equi. The growth of both B. caballi and B. equi was significantly inhibited in the presence of EGTA (IC50=1·27 and 2·25 mM, respectively). Under microscopical observation, increased percentages of extracellular merozoites in the total parasites were detected in both of the cultures treated with high concentrations of EGTA. In contrast, further addition of Ca2+ to the EGTA-treated cultures prevented the parasites from clearing and the percentages of extracellular merozoites from increasing. As for B. caballi, an invasion test using high-voltage pulsing proved that EGTA has an inhibitory effect to their erythrocyte invasion. These results suggest that Ca2+ is involved in erythrocyte invasion by equine Babesia parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Okubo
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
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Beraldo FH, Garcia CRS. Products of tryptophan catabolism induce Ca2+ release and modulate the cell cycle of Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites. J Pineal Res 2005; 39:224-30. [PMID: 16150101 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-079x.2005.00249.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Intraerythrocytic malaria parasites develop in a highly synchronous manner. We have previously shown that the host hormone melatonin regulates the circadian rhythm of the rodent malaria parasite, Plasmodium chabaudi, through a Ca2+-based mechanism. Here we show that melatonin and other molecules derived from tryptophan, i.e. N-acetylserotonin, serotonin and tryptamine, also modulate the cell cycle of human malaria parasite P. falciparum by inducing an increase in cytosolic free Ca2+. This occurs independently of the extracellular Ca2+ concentration, indicating that these molecules induce Ca2+ mobilization from intracellular stores in the trophozoite. This in turn leads to an increase in the proportion of schizonts. The effects of the indolamines in increasing cytosolic free Ca2+ and modulating the parasite cell cycle are both abrogated by an antagonist of the melatonin receptor, luzindole, and by the phospholipase inhibitor, U73122.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávio H Beraldo
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Farias SL, Gazarini ML, Melo RL, Hirata IY, Juliano MA, Juliano L, Garcia CRS. Cysteine-protease activity elicited by Ca2+ stimulus in Plasmodium. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2005; 141:71-9. [PMID: 15811528 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2005.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2004] [Revised: 01/11/2005] [Accepted: 01/26/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Bloodstage malaria parasites require proteolytic activity for key processes as invasion, hemoglobin degradation and merozoite escape from red blood cells (RBCs). We investigated by confocal microscopy the presence of cysteine-protease activity elicited by calcium stimulus in Plasmodium chabaudi and Plasmodium falciparum in free trophozoites or for the later parasite within RBC using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) peptides. Peptide probes access, to either free or intraerythrocytic parasites, was also tested by selecting a range of fluorescent peptides (653-3146 Da molecular mass) labeled with Abz or FITC. In the present work we show that Ca2+ stimulus elicited by treatment with either melatonin, thapsigargin, ionomicin or nigericin, promotes an increase of substrate hydrolysis, which was blocked by the specific cysteine-protease inhibitor E-64 and the intracellular Ca2+ chelator, BAPTA. When parasites were treated with cytoplasmic Ca2+ releasing compounds, a cysteine-protease was labeled in the parasite cytoplasm by the fluorescent specific irreversible inhibitor, Ethyl-Eps-Leu-Tyr-Cap-Lys(Abz)-NH2, where Ethyl-Eps is Ethyl-(2S,3S)-oxirane-2,3-dicarboxylate. In summary, we demonstrate that P. chabaudi and P. falciparum have a cytoplasmic dependent cysteine-protease activity elicited by Ca2+.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley L Farias
- Department of Biophysics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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50
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Madeira L, DeMarco R, Gazarini ML, Verjovski-Almeida S, Garcia CRS. Human malaria parasites display a receptor for activated C kinase ortholog. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2003; 306:995-1001. [PMID: 12821141 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-291x(03)01074-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Receptors for activated C kinases (RACKs) are scaffold proteins that anchor diverse signaling proteins and are involved in modulating cell cycle. We report the cloning and cellular localization of a RACK ortholog (PfRACK) in the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The full-length transcript obtained by 3(') and 5(') RACE has 1.4 kbp with a predicted ORF of 972 bp, coding for a protein with 323 residues of 35.8 kDa molecular weight and pI 6.38. PfRACK has 59% and 60% identity at the amino acid level to Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Danio rerio RACKs, respectively, presenting seven WD40 motifs and retaining the conserved domains in repeats III (DVFSVSF) and VI (STINSLCF) that are important for PKC binding. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR revealed that PfRACK is constitutively expressed in the intraerythrocytic stages of P. falciparum. Using confocal microscopy, PfRACK was immunolocalized in all parasite stages, being conspicuously spread throughout the schizont. The high similarity of PfRACK to those previously described in other organisms, as well as its constitutive expression in Plasmodium asexual stages, suggests that it might play a key role in the regulatory processes of malaria parasite life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Madeira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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