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Beverley J, Babcock S, Carvalho G, Cowell LG, Duesing S, He Y, Hurley R, Merrell E, Scheuermann RH, Smith B. Coordinating virus research: The Virus Infectious Disease Ontology. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0285093. [PMID: 38236918 PMCID: PMC10796065 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted immense work on the investigation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Rapid, accurate, and consistent interpretation of generated data is thereby of fundamental concern. Ontologies-structured, controlled, vocabularies-are designed to support consistency of interpretation, and thereby to prevent the development of data silos. This paper describes how ontologies are serving this purpose in the COVID-19 research domain, by following principles of the Open Biological and Biomedical Ontology (OBO) Foundry and by reusing existing ontologies such as the Infectious Disease Ontology (IDO) Core, which provides terminological content common to investigations of all infectious diseases. We report here on the development of an IDO extension, the Virus Infectious Disease Ontology (VIDO), a reference ontology covering viral infectious diseases. We motivate term and definition choices, showcase reuse of terms from existing OBO ontologies, illustrate how ontological decisions were motivated by relevant life science research, and connect VIDO to the Coronavirus Infectious Disease Ontology (CIDO). We next use terms from these ontologies to annotate selections from life science research on SARS-CoV-2, highlighting how ontologies employing a common upper-level vocabulary may be seamlessly interwoven. Finally, we outline future work, including bacteria and fungus infectious disease reference ontologies currently under development, then cite uses of VIDO and CIDO in host-pathogen data analytics, electronic health record annotation, and ontology conflict-resolution projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Beverley
- Department of Philosophy, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
- National Center for Ontological Research, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
| | - Shane Babcock
- National Center for Ontological Research, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Riverside, OH, United States of America
| | - Gustavo Carvalho
- Department of Cognitive Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States of America
| | - Lindsay G. Cowell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States of America
| | - Sebastian Duesing
- Department of Philosophy, Loyola University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Yongqun He
- Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, He Group, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Regina Hurley
- National Center for Ontological Research, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
- Department of Philosophy, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States of America
| | - Eric Merrell
- Department of Philosophy, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
- National Center for Ontological Research, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
| | - Richard H. Scheuermann
- Department of Informatics, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States of America
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Barry Smith
- Department of Philosophy, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
- National Center for Ontological Research, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
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2
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Stewart GW, Gibson JS, Rees DC. The cation-leaky hereditary stomatocytosis syndromes: A tale of six proteins. Br J Haematol 2023; 203:509-522. [PMID: 37679660 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
This review concerns a series of dominantly inherited haemolytic anaemias in which the membrane of the erythrocyte 'leaks' the univalent cations, compromising the osmotic stability of the cell. The majority of the conditions are explained by mutations in one of six genes, coding for multispanning membrane proteins of different structure and function. These are: RhAG, coding for an ammonium carrier; SLC4A1, coding for the band 3 anion exchanger; PIEZO1, coding for a mechanosensitive cation channel; GLUT1, coding for a glucose transporter; KCNN4, coding for an internal-calcium-activated potassium channel; and ABCB6, coding for a porphyrin transporter. This review describes the five clinical syndromes associated with genetic defects in these genes and their variable genotype/phenotype relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon W Stewart
- Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - John S Gibson
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - David C Rees
- Haematological Medicine, Kings College London, London, UK
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3
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Lohia R, Allegrini B, Berry L, Guizouarn H, Cerdan R, Abkarian M, Douguet D, Honoré E, Wengelnik K. Pharmacological activation of PIEZO1 in human red blood cells prevents Plasmodium falciparum invasion. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:124. [PMID: 37071200 PMCID: PMC10113305 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04773-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
An inherited gain-of-function variant (E756del) in the mechanosensitive cationic channel PIEZO1 was shown to confer a significant protection against severe malaria. Here, we demonstrate in vitro that human red blood cell (RBC) infection by Plasmodium falciparum is prevented by the pharmacological activation of PIEZO1. Yoda1 causes an increase in intracellular calcium associated with rapid echinocytosis that inhibits RBC invasion, without affecting parasite intraerythrocytic growth, division or egress. Notably, Yoda1 treatment significantly decreases merozoite attachment and subsequent RBC deformation. Intracellular Na+/K+ imbalance is unrelated to the mechanism of protection, although delayed RBC dehydration observed in the standard parasite culture medium RPMI/albumax further enhances the resistance to malaria conferred by Yoda1. The chemically unrelated Jedi2 PIEZO1 activator similarly causes echinocytosis and RBC dehydration associated with resistance to malaria invasion. Spiky outward membrane projections are anticipated to reduce the effective surface area required for both merozoite attachment and internalization upon pharmacological activation of PIEZO1. Globally, our findings indicate that the loss of the typical biconcave discoid shape of RBCs, together with an altered optimal surface to volume ratio, induced by PIEZO1 pharmacological activation prevent efficient P. falciparum invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakhee Lohia
- LPHI, University of Montpellier, CNRS UMR5294, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Laurence Berry
- LPHI, University of Montpellier, CNRS UMR5294, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Rachel Cerdan
- LPHI, University of Montpellier, CNRS UMR5294, Montpellier, France
| | - Manouk Abkarian
- Centre de Biologie Structurale, CNRS UMR5048, INSERM U1054, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Dominique Douguet
- IPMC, University Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, UMR7275, Labex ICST, Valbonne, France
| | - Eric Honoré
- IPMC, University Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, UMR7275, Labex ICST, Valbonne, France.
| | - Kai Wengelnik
- LPHI, University of Montpellier, CNRS UMR5294, INSERM, Montpellier, France.
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4
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Asih PBS, Siregar JE, Dewayanti FK, Pravitasari NE, Rozi IE, Rizki AFM, Risandi R, Couper KN, Oceandy D, Syafruddin D. Treatment with specific and pan-plasma membrane calcium ATPase (PMCA) inhibitors reduces malaria parasite growth in vitro and in vivo. Malar J 2022; 21:206. [PMID: 35768835 PMCID: PMC9241181 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04228-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rapid emergence of Plasmodium resistance to anti-malarial drug mainstays has driven a continual effort to discover novel drugs that target different biochemical pathway (s) during infection. Plasma membrane Calcium + 2 ATPase (PMCA4), a novel plasma membrane protein that regulates Calcium levels in various cells, namely red blood cell (RBC), endothelial cell and platelets, represents a new biochemical pathway that may interfere with susceptibility to malaria and/or severe malaria. Methods This study identified several pharmacological inhibitors of PMCA4, namely ATA and Resveratrol, and tested for their anti-malarial activities in vitro and in vivo using the Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 strain, the Plasmodium berghei ANKA strain, and Plasmodium yoelii 17XL strain as model. Results In vitro propagation of P. falciparum 3D7 strain in the presence of a wide concentration range of the inhibitors revealed that the parasite growth was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50s at 634 and 0.231 µM, respectively. Results The results confirmed that both compounds exhibit moderate to potent anti-malarial activities with the strongest parasite growth inhibition shown by resveratrol at 0.231 µM. In vivo models using P. berghei ANKA for experimental cerebral malaria and P. yoelii 17XL for the effect on parasite growth, showed that the highest dose of ATA, 30 mg/kg BW, increased survival of the mice. Likewise, resveratrol inhibited the parasite growth following 4 days intraperitoneal injection at the dose of 100 mg/kg BW. Conclusion The findings indicate that the PMCA4 of the human host may be a potential target for novel anti-malarials, either as single drug or in combination with the currently available effective anti-malarials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puji B S Asih
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Josephine E Siregar
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Farahana K Dewayanti
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Normalita E Pravitasari
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ismail E Rozi
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Andita F M Rizki
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Rifqi Risandi
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Kevin N Couper
- Division of Infection, Immunity & Respiratory Medicine, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Delvac Oceandy
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Din Syafruddin
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia. .,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia.
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5
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Introini V, Govendir MA, Rayner JC, Cicuta P, Bernabeu M. Biophysical Tools and Concepts Enable Understanding of Asexual Blood Stage Malaria. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:908241. [PMID: 35711656 PMCID: PMC9192966 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.908241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Forces and mechanical properties of cells and tissues set constraints on biological functions, and are key determinants of human physiology. Changes in cell mechanics may arise from disease, or directly contribute to pathogenesis. Malaria gives many striking examples. Plasmodium parasites, the causative agents of malaria, are single-celled organisms that cannot survive outside their hosts; thus, thost-pathogen interactions are fundamental for parasite’s biological success and to the host response to infection. These interactions are often combinations of biochemical and mechanical factors, but most research focuses on the molecular side. However, Plasmodium infection of human red blood cells leads to changes in their mechanical properties, which has a crucial impact on disease pathogenesis because of the interaction of infected red blood cells with other human tissues through various adhesion mechanisms, which can be probed and modelled with biophysical techniques. Recently, natural polymorphisms affecting red blood cell biomechanics have also been shown to protect human populations, highlighting the potential of understanding biomechanical factors to inform future vaccines and drug development. Here we review biophysical techniques that have revealed new aspects of Plasmodium falciparum invasion of red blood cells and cytoadhesion of infected cells to the host vasculature. These mechanisms occur differently across Plasmodium species and are linked to malaria pathogenesis. We highlight promising techniques from the fields of bioengineering, immunomechanics, and soft matter physics that could be beneficial for studying malaria. Some approaches might also be applied to other phases of the malaria lifecycle and to apicomplexan infections with complex host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Introini
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Viola Introini,
| | - Matt A. Govendir
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julian C. Rayner
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Bernabeu
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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6
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The erythrocyte membrane properties of beta thalassaemia heterozygotes and their consequences for Plasmodium falciparum invasion. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8934. [PMID: 35624125 PMCID: PMC9142571 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12060-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria parasites such as Plasmodium falciparum have exerted formidable selective pressures on the human genome. Of the human genetic variants associated with malaria protection, beta thalassaemia (a haemoglobinopathy) was the earliest to be associated with malaria prevalence. However, the malaria protective properties of beta thalassaemic erythrocytes remain unclear. Here we studied the mechanics and surface protein expression of beta thalassaemia heterozygous erythrocytes, measured their susceptibility to P. falciparum invasion, and calculated the energy required for merozoites to invade them. We found invasion-relevant differences in beta thalassaemic cells versus matched controls, specifically: elevated membrane tension, reduced bending modulus, and higher levels of expression of the major invasion receptor basigin. However, these differences acted in opposition to each other with respect to their likely impact on invasion, and overall we did not observe beta thalassaemic cells to have lower P. falciparum invasion efficiency for any of the strains tested.
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7
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Sánchez-Arcila JC, Jensen KDC. Forward Genetics in Apicomplexa Biology: The Host Side of the Story. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:878475. [PMID: 35646724 PMCID: PMC9133346 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.878475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Forward genetic approaches have been widely used in parasitology and have proven their power to reveal the complexities of host-parasite interactions in an unbiased fashion. Many aspects of the parasite’s biology, including the identification of virulence factors, replication determinants, antibiotic resistance genes, and other factors required for parasitic life, have been discovered using such strategies. Forward genetic approaches have also been employed to understand host resistance mechanisms to parasitic infection. Here, we will introduce and review all forward genetic approaches that have been used to identify host factors involved with Apicomplexa infections, which include classical genetic screens and QTL mapping, GWAS, ENU mutagenesis, overexpression, RNAi and CRISPR-Cas9 library screens. Collectively, these screens have improved our understanding of host resistance mechanisms, immune regulation, vaccine and drug designs for Apicomplexa parasites. We will also discuss how recent advances in molecular genetics give present opportunities to further explore host-parasite relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C. Sánchez-Arcila
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, United States
| | - Kirk D. C. Jensen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, United States
- Health Science Research Institute, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Kirk D. C. Jensen,
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8
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Groomes PV, Kanjee U, Duraisingh MT. RBC membrane biomechanics and Plasmodium falciparum invasion: probing beyond ligand-receptor interactions. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:302-315. [PMID: 34991983 PMCID: PMC8917059 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
A critical step in malaria blood-stage infections is the invasion of red blood cells (RBCs) by merozoite forms of the Plasmodium parasite. Much progress has been made in defining the parasite ligands and host receptors that mediate this critical step. However, less well understood are the RBC biophysical determinants that influence parasite invasion. In this review we explore how Plasmodium falciparum merozoites interact with the RBC membrane during invasion to modulate RBC deformability and facilitate invasion. We further highlight RBC biomechanics-related polymorphisms that might have been selected for in human populations due to their ability to reduce parasite invasion. Such an understanding will reveal the translational potential of targeting host pathways affecting RBC biomechanical properties for the treatment of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrice V Groomes
- Department of Immunology & Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Usheer Kanjee
- Department of Immunology & Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Manoj T Duraisingh
- Department of Immunology & Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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9
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Ebel ER, Uricchio LH, Petrov DA, Egan ES. Revisiting the malaria hypothesis: accounting for polygenicity and pleiotropy. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:290-301. [PMID: 35065882 PMCID: PMC8916997 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The malaria hypothesis predicts local, balancing selection of deleterious alleles that confer strong protection from malaria. Three protective variants, recently discovered in red cell genes, are indeed more common in African than European populations. Still, up to 89% of the heritability of severe malaria is attributed to many genome-wide loci with individually small effects. Recent analyses of hundreds of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in humans suggest that most functional, polygenic variation is pleiotropic for multiple traits. Interestingly, GWAS alleles and red cell traits associated with small reductions in malaria risk are not enriched in African populations. We propose that other selective and neutral forces, in addition to malaria prevalence, explain the global distribution of most genetic variation impacting malaria risk.
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10
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Damena D, Agamah FE, Kimathi PO, Kabongo NE, Girma H, Choga WT, Golassa L, Chimusa ER. Insilico Functional Analysis of Genome-Wide Dataset From 17,000 Individuals Identifies Candidate Malaria Resistance Genes Enriched in Malaria Pathogenic Pathways. Front Genet 2021; 12:676960. [PMID: 34868193 PMCID: PMC8639191 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.676960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of severe malaria have identified several association variants. However, much about the underlying biological functions are yet to be discovered. Here, we systematically predicted plausible candidate genes and pathways from functional analysis of severe malaria resistance GWAS summary statistics (N = 17,000) meta-analysed across 11 populations in malaria endemic regions. We applied positional mapping, expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL), chromatin interaction mapping, and gene-based association analyses to identify candidate severe malaria resistance genes. We further applied rare variant analysis to raw GWAS datasets (N = 11,000) of three malaria endemic populations including Kenya, Malawi, and Gambia and performed various population genetic structures of the identified genes in the three populations and global populations. We performed network and pathway analyses to investigate their shared biological functions. Our functional mapping analysis identified 57 genes located in the known malaria genomic loci, while our gene-based GWAS analysis identified additional 125 genes across the genome. The identified genes were significantly enriched in malaria pathogenic pathways including multiple overlapping pathways in erythrocyte-related functions, blood coagulations, ion channels, adhesion molecules, membrane signalling elements, and neuronal systems. Our population genetic analysis revealed that the minor allele frequencies (MAF) of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) residing in the identified genes are generally higher in the three malaria endemic populations compared to global populations. Overall, our results suggest that severe malaria resistance trait is attributed to multiple genes, highlighting the possibility of harnessing new malaria therapeutics that can simultaneously target multiple malaria protective host molecular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delesa Damena
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Francis E Agamah
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Peter O Kimathi
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ntumba E Kabongo
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Hundaol Girma
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Wonderful T Choga
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lemu Golassa
- Aklilu Lema Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Emile R Chimusa
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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11
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Ebel ER, Kuypers FA, Lin C, Petrov DA, Egan ES. Common host variation drives malaria parasite fitness in healthy human red cells. eLife 2021; 10:e69808. [PMID: 34553687 PMCID: PMC8497061 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The replication of Plasmodium falciparum parasites within red blood cells (RBCs) causes severe disease in humans, especially in Africa. Deleterious alleles like hemoglobin S are well-known to confer strong resistance to malaria, but the effects of common RBC variation are largely undetermined. Here, we collected fresh blood samples from 121 healthy donors, most with African ancestry, and performed exome sequencing, detailed RBC phenotyping, and parasite fitness assays. Over one-third of healthy donors unknowingly carried alleles for G6PD deficiency or hemoglobinopathies, which were associated with characteristic RBC phenotypes. Among non-carriers alone, variation in RBC hydration, membrane deformability, and volume was strongly associated with P. falciparum growth rate. Common genetic variants in PIEZO1, SPTA1/SPTB, and several P. falciparum invasion receptors were also associated with parasite growth rate. Interestingly, we observed little or negative evidence for divergent selection on non-pathogenic RBC variation between Africans and Europeans. These findings suggest a model in which globally widespread variation in a moderate number of genes and phenotypes modulates P. falciparum fitness in RBCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Ebel
- Department of Biology, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
| | - Frans A Kuypers
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research InstituteOaklandUnited States
| | - Carrie Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
| | - Dmitri A Petrov
- Department of Biology, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
| | - Elizabeth S Egan
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
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12
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Villegas-Mendez A, Stafford N, Haley MJ, Pravitasari NE, Baudoin F, Ali A, Asih PBS, Siregar JE, Baena E, Syafruddin D, Couper KN, Oceandy D. The plasma membrane calcium ATPase 4 does not influence parasite levels but partially promotes experimental cerebral malaria during murine blood stage malaria. Malar J 2021; 20:297. [PMID: 34215257 PMCID: PMC8252299 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03832-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent genome wide analysis studies have identified a strong association between single nucleotide variations within the human ATP2B4 gene and susceptibility to severe malaria. The ATP2B4 gene encodes the plasma membrane calcium ATPase 4 (PMCA4), which is responsible for controlling the physiological level of intracellular calcium in many cell types, including red blood cells (RBCs). It is, therefore, postulated that genetic differences in the activity or expression level of PMCA4 alters intracellular Ca2+ levels and affects RBC hydration, modulating the invasion and growth of the Plasmodium parasite within its target host cell. METHODS In this study the course of three different Plasmodium spp. infections were examined in mice with systemic knockout of Pmca4 expression. RESULTS Ablation of PMCA4 reduced the size of RBCs and their haemoglobin content but did not affect RBC maturation and reticulocyte count. Surprisingly, knockout of PMCA4 did not significantly alter peripheral parasite burdens or the dynamics of blood stage Plasmodium chabaudi infection or reticulocyte-restricted Plasmodium yoelii infection. Interestingly, although ablation of PMCA4 did not affect peripheral parasite levels during Plasmodium berghei infection, it did promote slight protection against experimental cerebral malaria, associated with a minor reduction in antigen-experienced T cell accumulation in the brain. CONCLUSIONS The finding suggests that PMCA4 may play a minor role in the development of severe malarial complications, but that this appears independent of direct effects on parasite invasion, growth or survival within RBCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Villegas-Mendez
- The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Nicholas Stafford
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Michael J Haley
- The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | | | - Florence Baudoin
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Adnan Ali
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Manchester, SK10 4TG, UK
- Division of Cancer Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | | | - Esther Baena
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Manchester, SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Din Syafruddin
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia
| | - Kevin N Couper
- The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
| | - Delvac Oceandy
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
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13
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Shakya B, Patel SD, Tani Y, Egan ES. Erythrocyte CD55 mediates the internalization of Plasmodium falciparum parasites. eLife 2021; 10:61516. [PMID: 34028351 PMCID: PMC8184214 DOI: 10.7554/elife.61516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasion of human erythrocytes by the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is a multi-step process. Previously, a forward genetic screen for P. falciparum host factors identified erythrocyte CD55 as essential for invasion, but its specific role and how it interfaces with the other factors that mediate this complex process are unknown. Using CRISPR-Cas9 editing, antibody-based inhibition, and live cell imaging, here we show that CD55 is specifically required for parasite internalization. Pre-invasion kinetics, erythrocyte deformability, and echinocytosis were not influenced by CD55, but entry was inhibited when CD55 was blocked or absent. Visualization of parasites attached to CD55-null erythrocytes points to a role for CD55 in stability and/or progression of the moving junction. Our findings demonstrate that CD55 acts after discharge of the parasite’s rhoptry organelles, and plays a unique role relative to all other invasion receptors. As the requirement for CD55 is strain-transcendent, these results suggest that CD55 or its interacting partners may hold potential as therapeutic targets for malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bikash Shakya
- Departments of Pediatrics and Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Saurabh D Patel
- Zuckerman Institute, Columbia University, New York City, United States
| | | | - Elizabeth S Egan
- Departments of Pediatrics and Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
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14
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PIEZO1 and the mechanism of the long circulatory longevity of human red blood cells. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1008496. [PMID: 33690597 PMCID: PMC7946313 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1008496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Human red blood cells (RBCs) have a circulatory lifespan of about four months. Under constant oxidative and mechanical stress, but devoid of organelles and deprived of biosynthetic capacity for protein renewal, RBCs undergo substantial homeostatic changes, progressive densification followed by late density reversal among others, changes assumed to have been harnessed by evolution to sustain the rheological competence of the RBCs for as long as possible. The unknown mechanisms by which this is achieved are the subject of this investigation. Each RBC traverses capillaries between 1000 and 2000 times per day, roughly one transit per minute. A dedicated Lifespan model of RBC homeostasis was developed as an extension of the RCM introduced in the previous paper to explore the cumulative patterns predicted for repetitive capillary transits over a standardized lifespan period of 120 days, using experimental data to constrain the range of acceptable model outcomes. Capillary transits were simulated by periods of elevated cell/medium volume ratios and by transient deformation-induced permeability changes attributed to PIEZO1 channel mediation as outlined in the previous paper. The first unexpected finding was that quantal density changes generated during single capillary transits cease accumulating after a few days and cannot account for the observed progressive densification of RBCs on their own, thus ruling out the quantal hypothesis. The second unexpected finding was that the documented patterns of RBC densification and late reversal could only be emulated by the implementation of a strict time-course of decay in the activities of the calcium and Na/K pumps, suggestive of a selective mechanism enabling the extended longevity of RBCs. The densification pattern over most of the circulatory lifespan was determined by calcium pump decay whereas late density reversal was shaped by the pattern of Na/K pump decay. A third finding was that both quantal changes and pump-decay regimes were necessary to account for the documented lifespan pattern, neither sufficient on their own. A fourth new finding revealed that RBCs exposed to levels of PIEZO1-medited calcium permeation above certain thresholds in the circulation could develop a pattern of early or late hyperdense collapse followed by delayed density reversal. When tested over much reduced lifespan periods the results reproduced the known circulatory fate of irreversible sickle cells, the cell subpopulation responsible for vaso-occlusion and for most of the clinical manifestations of sickle cell disease. Analysis of the results provided an insightful new understanding of the mechanisms driving the changes in RBC homeostasis during circulatory aging in health and disease. The average circulatory lifespan of human red blood cells is about four months, amounting to about 200000 capillary transits. Among the many documented age-related changes red cells experience during this long sojourn the most relevant to homeostasis control comprise progressive densification with late density reversal, decline in the activities of calcium and sodium-potassium pumps, and slow inverse changes in their original sodium and potassium contents. Early experimental results have long established the view that these changes result from the cumulative effects of myriad capillary transits. However, many aspects of this process remain inaccessible to in vivo investigation. This prompted us to attempt a modelling approach applying a dedicated extension to our original red cell model. The results relegated the cumulative mechanism to a secondary role and exposed surprising critical roles for the declining patterns of the calcium and sodium-potassium pumps, as if harnessed by evolution to extend the circulatory longevity of cells within volume ranges that enable optimal rheological performance. The mechanism the model revealed implicated complex interactions between PIEZO1, the calcium-activated potassium channel KCNN4, the anion exchanger AE1, and the calcium and sodium-potassium pumps. These studies proved the model potential for exploring red cell homeostasis in health and disease.
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15
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Kariuki SN, Marin-Menendez A, Introini V, Ravenhill BJ, Lin YC, Macharia A, Makale J, Tendwa M, Nyamu W, Kotar J, Carrasquilla M, Rowe JA, Rockett K, Kwiatkowski D, Weekes MP, Cicuta P, Williams TN, Rayner JC. Red blood cell tension protects against severe malaria in the Dantu blood group. Nature 2020; 585:579-583. [PMID: 32939086 PMCID: PMC7116803 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2726-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Malaria has had a major effect on the human genome, with many protective polymorphisms-such as the sickle-cell trait-having been selected to high frequencies in malaria-endemic regions1,2. The blood group variant Dantu provides 74% protection against all forms of severe malaria in homozygous individuals3-5, a similar degree of protection to that afforded by the sickle-cell trait and considerably greater than that offered by the best malaria vaccine. Until now, however, the protective mechanism has been unknown. Here we demonstrate the effect of Dantu on the ability of the merozoite form of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum to invade red blood cells (RBCs). We find that Dantu is associated with extensive changes to the repertoire of proteins found on the RBC surface, but, unexpectedly, inhibition of invasion does not correlate with specific RBC-parasite receptor-ligand interactions. By following invasion using video microscopy, we find a strong link between RBC tension and merozoite invasion, and identify a tension threshold above which invasion rarely occurs, even in non-Dantu RBCs. Dantu RBCs have higher average tension than non-Dantu RBCs, meaning that a greater proportion resist invasion. These findings provide both an explanation for the protective effect of Dantu, and fresh insight into why the efficiency of P. falciparum invasion might vary across the heterogenous populations of RBCs found both within and between individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia N Kariuki
- Department of Epidemiology and Demography, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | - Viola Introini
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Benjamin J Ravenhill
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Yen-Chun Lin
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alex Macharia
- Department of Epidemiology and Demography, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Johnstone Makale
- Department of Epidemiology and Demography, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Metrine Tendwa
- Department of Epidemiology and Demography, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Wilfred Nyamu
- Department of Epidemiology and Demography, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Jurij Kotar
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - J Alexandra Rowe
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kirk Rockett
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Dominic Kwiatkowski
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Michael P Weekes
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Thomas N Williams
- Department of Epidemiology and Demography, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.
- Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Julian C Rayner
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, UK.
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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16
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Nguetse CN, Purington N, Ebel ER, Shakya B, Tetard M, Kremsner PG, Velavan TP, Egan ES. A common polymorphism in the mechanosensitive ion channel PIEZO1 is associated with protection from severe malaria in humans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:9074-9081. [PMID: 32265284 PMCID: PMC7183233 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1919843117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria caused by the apicomplexan parasite Plasmodium falciparum has served as a strong evolutionary force throughout human history, selecting for red blood cell polymorphisms that confer innate protection against severe disease. Recently, gain-of-function mutations in the mechanosensitive ion channel PIEZO1 were shown to ameliorate Plasmodium parasite growth, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, and mortality in a mouse model of malaria. In humans, the gain-of-function allele PIEZO1 E756del is highly prevalent and enriched in Africans, raising the possibility that it is under positive selection due to malaria. Here we used a case-control study design to test for an association between PIEZO1 E756del and malaria severity among children in Gabon. We found that the E756del variant is strongly associated with protection against severe malaria in heterozygotes. In subjects with sickle cell trait, heterozygosity for PIEZO1 E756del did not confer additive protection and homozygosity was associated with an elevated risk of severe disease, suggesting an epistatic relationship between hemoglobin S and PIEZO1 E756del. Using donor blood samples, we show that red cells heterozygous for PIEZO1 E756del are not dehydrated and can support the intracellular growth of P. falciparum similar to wild-type cells. However, surface expression of the P. falciparum virulence protein PfEMP-1 was significantly reduced in infected cells heterozygous for PIEZO1 756del, a phenomenon that has been observed with other protective polymorphisms, such as hemoglobin C. Our findings demonstrate that PIEZO1 is an important innate determinant of malaria susceptibility in humans and suggest that the mechanism of protection may be related to impaired export of P. falciparum virulence proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian N Nguetse
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Natasha Purington
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Emily R Ebel
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Bikash Shakya
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Marilou Tetard
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Peter G Kremsner
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Thirumalaisamy P Velavan
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi 113601, Vietnam
- Faculty of Medicine, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam
| | - Elizabeth S Egan
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305;
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
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17
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Kariuki SN, Williams TN. Human genetics and malaria resistance. Hum Genet 2020; 139:801-811. [PMID: 32130487 PMCID: PMC7271956 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-020-02142-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Malaria has been the pre-eminent cause of early mortality in many parts of the world throughout much of the last five thousand years and, as a result, it is the strongest force for selective pressure on the human genome yet described. Around one third of the variability in the risk of severe and complicated malaria is now explained by additive host genetic effects. Many individual variants have been identified that are associated with malaria protection, but the most important all relate to the structure or function of red blood cells. They include the classical polymorphisms that cause sickle cell trait, α-thalassaemia, G6PD deficiency, and the major red cell blood group variants. More recently however, with improving technology and experimental design, others have been identified that include the Dantu blood group variant, polymorphisms in the red cell membrane protein ATP2B4, and several variants related to the immune response. Characterising how these genes confer their effects could eventually inform novel therapeutic approaches to combat malaria. Nevertheless, all together, only a small proportion of the heritable component of malaria resistance can be explained by the variants described so far, underscoring its complex genetic architecture and the need for continued research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia N Kariuki
- Department of Epidemiology, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.
| | - Thomas N Williams
- Department of Epidemiology, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya. .,Department of Medicine, Imperial College of Science and Technology, London, UK.
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18
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Hillringhaus S, Dasanna AK, Gompper G, Fedosov DA. Importance of Erythrocyte Deformability for the Alignment of Malaria Parasite upon Invasion. Biophys J 2019; 117:1202-1214. [PMID: 31540708 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2019.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasion of erythrocytes by merozoites is an essential step for the survival and progression of malaria parasites. To invade red blood cells (RBCs), apicomplexan parasites have to adhere with their apex to the RBC membrane. This necessary apex-membrane contact (or alignment) is not immediately established because the orientation of a free merozoite with respect to the RBC membrane is random when an adhesion contact first occurs. Therefore, it has been suggested that after the initial adhesion, merozoites facilitate their proper alignment by inducing considerable membrane deformations, frequently observed before the invasion process. This proposition is based on a positive correlation between RBC membrane deformation and successful invasion; however, the role of RBC mechanics and its deformation in the alignment process remains elusive. Using a mechanically realistic model of a deformable RBC, we investigate numerically the importance of RBC deformability for merozoite alignment. Adhesion between the parasite and RBC membrane is modeled by an attractive potential that might be inhomogeneous, mimicking possible adhesion gradients at the surface of a parasite. Our results show that RBC membrane deformations are crucial for successful merozoite alignment and require interaction strengths comparable to adhesion forces measured experimentally. Adhesion gradients along the parasite body further improve its alignment. Finally, an increased membrane rigidity is found to result in poor merozoite alignment, which can be a possible reason for a reduction in the invasion susceptibility of RBCs in several blood diseases associated with membrane stiffening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Hillringhaus
- Theoretical Soft Matter and Biophysics, Institute of Complex Systems and Institute for Advanced Simulation, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Anil K Dasanna
- Theoretical Soft Matter and Biophysics, Institute of Complex Systems and Institute for Advanced Simulation, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Gerhard Gompper
- Theoretical Soft Matter and Biophysics, Institute of Complex Systems and Institute for Advanced Simulation, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Dmitry A Fedosov
- Theoretical Soft Matter and Biophysics, Institute of Complex Systems and Institute for Advanced Simulation, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
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19
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Damena D, Denis A, Golassa L, Chimusa ER. Genome-wide association studies of severe P. falciparum malaria susceptibility: progress, pitfalls and prospects. BMC Med Genomics 2019; 12:120. [PMID: 31409341 PMCID: PMC6693204 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-019-0564-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background P. falciparum malaria has been recognized as one of the prominent evolutionary selective forces of human genome that led to the emergence of multiple host protective alleles. A comprehensive understanding of the genetic bases of severe malaria susceptibility and resistance can potentially pave ways to the development of new therapeutics and vaccines. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have recently been implemented in malaria endemic areas and identified a number of novel association genetic variants. However, there are several open questions around heritability, epistatic interactions, genetic correlations and associated molecular pathways among others. Here, we assess the progress and pitfalls of severe malaria susceptibility GWASs and discuss the biology of the novel variants. Results We obtained all severe malaria susceptibility GWASs published thus far and accessed GWAS dataset of Gambian populations from European Phenome Genome Archive (EGA) through the MalariaGen consortium standard data access protocols. We noticed that, while some of the well-known variants including HbS and ABO blood group were replicated across endemic populations, only few novel variants were convincingly identified and their biological functions remain to be understood. We estimated SNP-heritability of severe malaria at 20.1% in Gambian populations and showed how advanced statistical genetic analytic methods can potentially be implemented in malaria susceptibility studies to provide useful functional insights. Conclusions The ultimate goal of malaria susceptibility study is to discover a novel causal biological pathway that provide protections against severe malaria; a fundamental step towards translational medicine such as development of vaccine and new therapeutics. Beyond singe locus analysis, the future direction of malaria susceptibility requires a paradigm shift from single -omics to multi-stage and multi-dimensional integrative functional studies that combines multiple data types from the human host, the parasite, the mosquitoes and the environment. The current biotechnological and statistical advances may eventually lead to the feasibility of systems biology studies and revolutionize malaria research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delesa Damena
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa.
| | - Awany Denis
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa
| | - Lemu Golassa
- Aklilu Lema Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, PO box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Emile R Chimusa
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa
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20
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Frederiksen H. Dehydrated hereditary stomatocytosis: clinical perspectives. J Blood Med 2019; 10:183-191. [PMID: 31308777 PMCID: PMC6613601 DOI: 10.2147/jbm.s179764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Dehydrated hereditary stomatocytosis (DHSt) is a nonimmune congenital hemolytic disorder characterized by red blood cell (RBC) dehydration and lysis. It has been a recognized diagnostic entity for almost 50 years, and autosomal dominant inheritance has long been suspected, but it was not until 2011 that the first genetic alterations were identified. The current study reviews 73 articles published during 1971–2019 and focuses on clinical perspectives of the disease. All but one of the published clinical data in DHSt were either single case reports or case series. From these, it can be seen that patients with DHSt often have fully or partially compensated hemolysis with few symptoms. Despite this, iron overload is an almost universal finding even in patients without or with only sporadic blood transfusions, and this may lead to organ dysfunction. Other severe complications, such as thrombosis and perinatal fluid effusions unrelated to fetal hemoglobin concentration, may also occur. No specific treatment for symptomatic hemolysis exists, and splenectomy should be avoided as it seems to aggravate the risk of thrombosis. Recently, treatment with senicapoc has shown activity against RBC dehydration in vitro; however, it is not known if this translates into relevant clinical effects. In conclusion, despite recent advances in the understanding of pathophysiology in DHSt, options for clinical management have not improved. Entering data into international registries has the potential to fill gaps in knowledge and eventually care of these rare patients.
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21
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22
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Evidence against a Role of Elevated Intracellular Ca 2+ during Plasmodium falciparum Preinvasion. Biophys J 2019; 114:1695-1706. [PMID: 29642038 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2018.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe malaria is primarily caused by Plasmodium falciparum parasites during their asexual reproduction cycle within red blood cells. One of the least understood stages in this cycle is the brief preinvasion period during which merozoite-red cell contacts lead to apical alignment of the merozoite in readiness for penetration, a stage of major relevance in the control of invasion efficiency. Red blood cell deformations associated with this process were suggested to be active plasma membrane responses mediated by transients of elevated intracellular calcium. Few studies have addressed this hypothesis because of technical challenges, and the results remained inconclusive. Here, Fluo-4 was used as a fluorescent calcium indicator with optimized protocols to investigate the distribution of the dye in red blood cell populations used as P. falciparum invasion targets in egress-invasion assays. Preinvasion dynamics was observed simultaneously under bright-field and fluorescence microscopy by recording egress-invasion events. All the egress-invasion sequences showed red blood cell deformations of varied intensities during the preinvasion period and the echinocytic changes that follow during invasion. Intraerythrocytic calcium signals were absent throughout this interval in over half the records and totally absent during the preinvasion period, regardless of deformation strength. When present, calcium signals were of a punctate modality, initiated within merozoites already poised for invasion. These results argue against a role of elevated intracellular calcium during the preinvasion stage. We suggest an alternative mechanism of merozoite-induced preinvasion deformations based on passive red cell responses to transient agonist-receptor interactions associated with the formation of adhesive coat filaments.
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23
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Cursino-Santos JR, Singh M, Senaldi E, Manwani D, Yazdanbakhsh K, Lobo CA. Altered parasite life-cycle processes characterize Babesia divergens infection in human sickle cell anemia. Haematologica 2019; 104:2189-2199. [PMID: 30923098 PMCID: PMC6821620 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2018.214304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Babesia divergens is an intra-erythrocytic parasite that causes malaria-like symptoms in infected people. As the erythrocyte provides the parasite with the infra-structure to grow and multiply, any perturbation to the cell should impact parasite viability. Support for this comes from the multitude of studies that have shown that the sickle trait has in fact been selected because of the protection it provides against a related Apicomplexan parasite, Plasmodium, that causes malaria. In this paper, we examine the impact of both the sickle cell anemia and sickle trait red blood cell (RBC) environment on different aspects of the B. divergens life-cycle, and reveal that multiple aspects of parasite biological processes are altered in the mutant sickle anemia RBC. Such processes include parasite population progression, caused potentially by defective merozoite infectivity and/or defective egress from the sickle cell, resulting in severely lowered parasitemia in these cells with sickle cell anemia. In contrast, the sickle trait RBC provide a supportive environment permitting in vitro infection rates comparable to those of wild-type RBC. The elucidation of these naturally occurring RBC resistance mechanisms is needed to shed light on host-parasite interaction, lend evolutionary insights into these related blood-borne parasites, and to provide new insights into the development of therapies against this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeny R Cursino-Santos
- Department of Blood-Borne Parasites Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY
| | - Manpreet Singh
- Department of Blood-Borne Parasites Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY
| | - Eric Senaldi
- Medical Services New York Blood Center, New York, NY
| | - Deepa Manwani
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Karina Yazdanbakhsh
- Department of Complement Biology Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cheryl A Lobo
- Department of Blood-Borne Parasites Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY
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24
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Ma S, Cahalan S, LaMonte G, Grubaugh ND, Zeng W, Murthy SE, Paytas E, Gamini R, Lukacs V, Whitwam T, Loud M, Lohia R, Berry L, Khan SM, Janse CJ, Bandell M, Schmedt C, Wengelnik K, Su AI, Honore E, Winzeler EA, Andersen KG, Patapoutian A. Common PIEZO1 Allele in African Populations Causes RBC Dehydration and Attenuates Plasmodium Infection. Cell 2018; 173:443-455.e12. [PMID: 29576450 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2018.02.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 01/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Hereditary xerocytosis is thought to be a rare genetic condition characterized by red blood cell (RBC) dehydration with mild hemolysis. RBC dehydration is linked to reduced Plasmodium infection in vitro; however, the role of RBC dehydration in protection against malaria in vivo is unknown. Most cases of hereditary xerocytosis are associated with gain-of-function mutations in PIEZO1, a mechanically activated ion channel. We engineered a mouse model of hereditary xerocytosis and show that Plasmodium infection fails to cause experimental cerebral malaria in these mice due to the action of Piezo1 in RBCs and in T cells. Remarkably, we identified a novel human gain-of-function PIEZO1 allele, E756del, present in a third of the African population. RBCs from individuals carrying this allele are dehydrated and display reduced Plasmodium infection in vitro. The existence of a gain-of-function PIEZO1 at such high frequencies is surprising and suggests an association with malaria resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang Ma
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Stuart Cahalan
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Gregory LaMonte
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems & Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Nathan D Grubaugh
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Weizheng Zeng
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Swetha E Murthy
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Emma Paytas
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems & Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ramya Gamini
- Department of Integrative, Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Viktor Lukacs
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Tess Whitwam
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Meaghan Loud
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Rakhee Lohia
- DIMNP, CNRS, INSERM, University Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Laurence Berry
- DIMNP, CNRS, INSERM, University Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Shahid M Khan
- Leiden Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Chris J Janse
- Leiden Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Michael Bandell
- Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Christian Schmedt
- Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kai Wengelnik
- DIMNP, CNRS, INSERM, University Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Andrew I Su
- Department of Integrative, Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eric Honore
- Université Côte d'Azur, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France; Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Labex ICST, Valbonne, France
| | - Elizabeth A Winzeler
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems & Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kristian G Andersen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Integrative, Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ardem Patapoutian
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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25
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Sugiarto SR, Moore BR, Makani J, Davis TME. Artemisinin Therapy for Malaria in Hemoglobinopathies: A Systematic Review. Clin Infect Dis 2018; 66:799-804. [PMID: 29370347 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cix785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin derivatives are widely used antimalarial drugs. There is some evidence from in vitro, animal and clinical studies that hemoglobinopathies may alter their disposition and antimalarial activity. This review assesses relevant data in α-thalassemia, sickle cell disease (SCD), β-thalassemia and hemoglobin E. There is no convincing evidence that the disposition of artemisinin drugs is affected by hemoglobinopathies. Although in vitro studies indicate that Plasmodium falciparum cultured in thalassemic erythrocytes is relatively resistant to the artemisinin derivatives, mean 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) are much lower than in vivo plasma concentrations after recommended treatment doses. Since IC50s are not increased in P. falciparum cultures using SCD erythrocytes, delayed post-treatment parasite clearance in SCD may reflect hyposplenism. As there have been no clinical studies suggesting that hemoglobinopathies significantly attenuate the efficacy of artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) in uncomplicated malaria, recommended artemisinin doses as part of ACT remain appropriate in this patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sri Riyati Sugiarto
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Brioni R Moore
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Julie Makani
- School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Timothy M E Davis
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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26
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Lessard S, Gatof ES, Beaudoin M, Schupp PG, Sher F, Ali A, Prehar S, Kurita R, Nakamura Y, Baena E, Ledoux J, Oceandy D, Bauer DE, Lettre G. An erythroid-specific ATP2B4 enhancer mediates red blood cell hydration and malaria susceptibility. J Clin Invest 2017; 127:3065-3074. [PMID: 28714864 PMCID: PMC5531409 DOI: 10.1172/jci94378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The lack of mechanistic explanations for many genotype-phenotype associations identified by GWAS precludes thorough assessment of their impact on human health. Here, we conducted an expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) mapping analysis in erythroblasts and found erythroid-specific eQTLs for ATP2B4, the main calcium ATPase of red blood cells (rbc). The same SNPs were previously associated with mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and susceptibility to severe malaria infection. We showed that Atp2b4-/- mice demonstrate increased MCHC, confirming ATP2B4 as the causal gene at this GWAS locus. Using CRISPR-Cas9, we fine mapped the genetic signal to an erythroid-specific enhancer of ATP2B4. Erythroid cells with a deletion of the ATP2B4 enhancer had abnormally high intracellular calcium levels. These results illustrate the power of combined transcriptomic, epigenomic, and genome-editing approaches in characterizing noncoding regulatory elements in phenotype-relevant cells. Our study supports ATP2B4 as a potential target for modulating rbc hydration in erythroid disorders and malaria infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Lessard
- Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Emily Stern Gatof
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mélissa Beaudoin
- Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Patrick G. Schupp
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Falak Sher
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Adnan Ali
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, and
| | - Sukhpal Prehar
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ryo Kurita
- Cell Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yukio Nakamura
- Cell Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | - Jonathan Ledoux
- Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Delvac Oceandy
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel E. Bauer
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Guillaume Lettre
- Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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27
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Aniweh Y, Gao X, Hao P, Meng W, Lai SK, Gunalan K, Chu TT, Sinha A, Lescar J, Chandramohanadas R, Li HY, Sze SK, Preiser PR. P. falciparum RH5-Basigin interaction induces changes in the cytoskeleton of the host RBC. Cell Microbiol 2017; 19. [PMID: 28409866 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The successful invasion of Plasmodium is an essential step in their life cycle. The parasite reticulocyte-binding protein homologues (RHs) and erythrocyte-binding like proteins are two families involved in the invasion leading to merozoite-red blood cell (RBC) junction formation. Ca2+ signaling has been shown to play a critical role in the invasion. RHs have been linked to Ca2+ signaling, which triggers the erythrocyte-binding like proteins release ahead of junction formation, consistent with RHs performing an initial sensing function in identifying suitable RBCs. RH5, the only essential RHs, is a highly promising vaccine candidate. RH5-basigin interaction is essential for merozoite invasion and also important in determining host tropism. Here, we show that RH5 has a distinct function from the other RHs. We show that RH5-Basigin interaction on its own triggers a Ca2+ signal in the RBC resulting in changes in RBC cytoskeletal proteins phosphorylation and overall alterations in RBC cytoskeleton architecture. Antibodies targeting RH5 that block the signal prevent invasion before junction formation consistent with the Ca2+ signal in the RBC leading to rearrangement of the cytoskeleton required for invasion. This work provides the first time a functional context for the essential role of RH5 and will now open up new avenues to target merozoite invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaw Aniweh
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Cell biology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Xiaohong Gao
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Cell biology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Piliang Hao
- Division of Structural Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Wei Meng
- Division of Structural Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Soak Kuan Lai
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Cell biology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Karthigayan Gunalan
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Cell biology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Trang T Chu
- Pillar of Engineering Product Development, Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Singapore
| | - Ameya Sinha
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Cell biology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.,Pillar of Engineering Product Development, Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Singapore
| | - Julien Lescar
- Division of Structural Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Rajesh Chandramohanadas
- Pillar of Engineering Product Development, Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Singapore
| | - Hoi Yeung Li
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Cell biology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Siu Kwan Sze
- Division of Structural Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Peter R Preiser
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Cell biology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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28
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Guan L, Li L, Huang X, Ji J, Tian J, Nilghaz A, Shen W. REMOVED: Bioactive Paper Design for Human Blood Analysis: Paper Property Suitable for Large-scale Sensor Production. Biochem Eng J 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2015.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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29
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LaMonte G, Walzer KA, Lacsina J, Nicchitta C, Chi JT. Methods to Investigate the Regulatory Role of Small RNAs and Ribosomal Occupancy of Plasmodium falciparum. J Vis Exp 2015:e53214. [PMID: 26709459 DOI: 10.3791/53214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The genetic variation responsible for the sickle cell allele (HbS) enables erythrocytes to resist infection by the malaria parasite, P. falciparum. The molecular basis of this resistance, which is known to be multifactorial, remains incompletely understood. Recent studies found that the differential expression of erythrocyte microRNAs, once translocated into malaria parasites, affect both gene regulation and parasite growth. These miRNAs were later shown to inhibit mRNA translation by forming a chimeric RNA transcript via 5' RNA fusion with discreet subsets of parasite mRNAs. Here, the techniques that were used to study the functional role and putative mechanism underlying erythrocyte microRNAs on the gene regulation and translational potential of P. falciparum, including the transfection of modified synthetic microRNAs into host erythrocytes, will be detailed. Finally, a polysome gradient method is used to determine the extent of translation of these transcripts. Together, these techniques allowed us to demonstrate that the dysregulated levels of erythrocyte microRNAs contribute to cell-intrinsic malaria resistance of sickle erythrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory LaMonte
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine; Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University School of Medicine
| | - Katelyn A Walzer
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine; Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University School of Medicine
| | - Joshua Lacsina
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine
| | | | - Jen-Tsan Chi
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine; Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University School of Medicine;
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30
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Crick AJ, Theron M, Tiffert T, Lew VL, Cicuta P, Rayner JC. Quantitation of malaria parasite-erythrocyte cell-cell interactions using optical tweezers. Biophys J 2015; 107:846-53. [PMID: 25140419 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2014.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Revised: 06/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Erythrocyte invasion by Plasmodium falciparum merozoites is an essential step for parasite survival and hence the pathogenesis of malaria. Invasion has been studied intensively, but our cellular understanding has been limited by the fact that it occurs very rapidly: invasion is generally complete within 1 min, and shortly thereafter the merozoites, at least in in vitro culture, lose their invasive capacity. The rapid nature of the process, and hence the narrow time window in which measurements can be taken, have limited the tools available to quantitate invasion. Here we employ optical tweezers to study individual invasion events for what we believe is the first time, showing that newly released P. falciparum merozoites, delivered via optical tweezers to a target erythrocyte, retain their ability to invade. Even spent merozoites, which had lost the ability to invade, retain the ability to adhere to erythrocytes, and furthermore can still induce transient local membrane deformations in the erythrocyte membrane. We use this technology to measure the strength of the adhesive force between merozoites and erythrocytes, and to probe the cellular mode of action of known invasion inhibitory treatments. These data add to our understanding of the erythrocyte-merozoite interactions that occur during invasion, and demonstrate the power of optical tweezers technologies in unraveling the blood-stage biology of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex J Crick
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Michel Theron
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Teresa Tiffert
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Virgilio L Lew
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
| | - Julian C Rayner
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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31
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Kumar R, Sagar C, Sharma D, Kishor P. β-Globin Genes: Mutation Hot-Spots in the Global Thalassemia Belt. Hemoglobin 2014; 39:1-8. [DOI: 10.3109/03630269.2014.985831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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32
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Adjei GO, Goka BQ, Enweronu-Laryea CC, Rodrigues OP, Renner L, Sulley AM, Alifrangis M, Khalil I, Kurtzhals JA. A randomized trial of artesunate-amodiaquine versus artemether-lumefantrine in Ghanaian paediatric sickle cell and non-sickle cell disease patients with acute uncomplicated malaria. Malar J 2014; 13:369. [PMID: 25236838 PMCID: PMC4176868 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-13-369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder common in malaria endemic areas. In endemic areas, malaria is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among SCD patients. This suggests the need for prompt initiation of efficacious anti-malarial therapy in SCD patients with acute malaria. However, there is no information to date, on the efficacy or safety of artemisinin combination therapy when used for malaria treatment in SCD patients. Methods Children with SCD and acute uncomplicated malaria (n = 60) were randomized to treatment with artesunate-amodiaquine (AA), or artemether-lumefantrine (AL). A comparison group of non-SCD children (HbAA genotype; n = 59) with uncomplicated malaria were also randomized to treatment with AA or AL. Recruited children were followed up and selected investigations were done on days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 28, 35, and 42. Selected clinical and laboratory parameters of the SCD patients were also compared with a group of malaria-negative SCD children (n = 82) in steady state. Results The parasite densities on admission were significantly lower in the SCD group, compared with the non-SCD group (p = 0.0006). The parasite reduction ratio (PRR) was lower, clearance was slower (p < 0.0001), and time for initial parasitaemia to decline by 50 and 90% were longer for the SCD group. Adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) on day 28 was 98.3% (58/59) in the SCD group and 100% (57/57) in the non-SCD group. Corresponding ACPR rates on day 42 were 96.5% (55/57) in the SCD group and 96.4% (53/55) in the non-SCD group. The fractional changes in haemoglobin, platelets and white blood cell counts between baseline (day 0) and endpoint (day 42) were 16.9, 40.6 and 92.3%, respectively, for the SCD group, and, 12.3, 48.8 and 7.5%, respectively, for the non-SCD group. There were no differences in these indices between AA- and AL-treated subjects. Conclusions The parasite clearance of SCD children with uncomplicated malaria was slower compared with non-SCD children. AA and AL showed similar clinical and parasitological effects in the SCD and non-SCD groups. The alterations in WBC and platelet counts may have implications for SCD severity. Trial registration Current controlled trials ISRCTN96891086.
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Affiliation(s)
- George O Adjei
- Centre for Tropical Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, Accra, Ghana.
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33
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Host iron status and iron supplementation mediate susceptibility to erythrocytic stage Plasmodium falciparum. Nat Commun 2014; 5:4446. [PMID: 25059846 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron deficiency and malaria have similar global distributions, and frequently co-exist in pregnant women and young children. Where both conditions are prevalent, iron supplementation is complicated by observations that iron deficiency anaemia protects against falciparum malaria, and that iron supplements increase susceptibility to clinically significant malaria, but the mechanisms remain obscure. Here, using an in vitro parasite culture system with erythrocytes from iron-deficient and replete human donors, we demonstrate that Plasmodium falciparum infects iron-deficient erythrocytes less efficiently. In addition, owing to merozoite preference for young erythrocytes, iron supplementation of iron-deficient individuals reverses the protective effects of iron deficiency. Our results provide experimental validation of field observations reporting protective effects of iron deficiency and harmful effects of iron administration on human malaria susceptibility. Because recovery from anaemia requires transient reticulocytosis, our findings imply that in malarious regions iron supplementation should be accompanied by effective measures to prevent falciparum malaria.
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34
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Yap A, Azevedo MF, Gilson PR, Weiss GE, O'Neill MT, Wilson DW, Crabb BS, Cowman AF. Conditional expression of apical membrane antigen 1 in Plasmodium falciparum shows it is required for erythrocyte invasion by merozoites. Cell Microbiol 2014; 16:642-56. [PMID: 24571085 PMCID: PMC4231980 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Revised: 02/23/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is caused by obligate intracellular parasites, of which Plasmodium falciparum is the most lethal species. In humans, P. falciparum merozoites (invasive forms of the parasite) employ a host of parasite proteins to rapidly invade erythrocytes. One of these is the P. falciparum apical membrane antigen 1 (PfAMA1) which forms a complex with rhoptry neck proteins at the tight junction. Here, we have placed the Pfama1 gene under conditional control using dimerizable Cre recombinase (DiCre) in P. falciparum. DiCre-mediated excision of the loxP-flanked Pfama1 gene results in approximately 80% decreased expression of the protein within one intraerythrocytic growth cycle. This reduces growth by 40%, due to decreased invasion efficiency characterized by a post-invasion defect in sealing of the parasitophorous vacuole. These results show that PfAMA1 is an essential protein for merozoite invasion in P. falciparum and either directly or indirectly plays a role in resealing of the red blood cell at the posterior end of the invasion event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Yap
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Vic., 3052, Australia
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35
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Crick AJ, Tiffert T, Shah SM, Kotar J, Lew VL, Cicuta P. An automated live imaging platform for studying merozoite egress-invasion in malaria cultures. Biophys J 2013; 104:997-1005. [PMID: 23473482 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2013.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Revised: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Most cases of severe and fatal malaria are caused by the intraerythrocytic asexual reproduction cycle of Plasmodium falciparum. One of the most intriguing and least understood stages in this cycle is the brief preinvasion period during which dynamic merozoite-red-cell interactions align the merozoite apex in preparation for penetration. Studies of the molecular mechanisms involved in this process face formidable technical challenges, requiring multiple observations of merozoite egress-invasion sequences in live cultures under controlled experimental conditions, using high-resolution microscopy and a variety of fluorescent imaging tools. Here we describe a first successful step in the development of a fully automated, robotic imaging platform to enable such studies. Schizont-enriched live cultures of P. falciparum were set up on an inverted stage microscope with software-controlled motorized functions. By applying a variety of imaging filters and selection criteria, we identified infected red cells that were likely to rupture imminently, and recorded their coordinates. We developed a video-image analysis to detect and automatically record merozoite egress events in 100% of the 40 egress-invasion sequences recorded in this study. We observed a substantial polymorphism of the dynamic condition of pre-egress infected cells, probably reflecting asynchronies in the diversity of confluent processes leading to merozoite release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex J Crick
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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36
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Translocation of sickle cell erythrocyte microRNAs into Plasmodium falciparum inhibits parasite translation and contributes to malaria resistance. Cell Host Microbe 2013; 12:187-99. [PMID: 22901539 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2012.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Revised: 04/09/2012] [Accepted: 06/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Erythrocytes carrying a variant hemoglobin allele (HbS), which causes sickle cell disease and resists infection by the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The molecular basis of this resistance, which has long been recognized as multifactorial, remains incompletely understood. Here we show that the dysregulated microRNA (miRNA) composition, of either heterozygous HbAS or homozygous HbSS erythrocytes, contributes to resistance against P. falciparum. During the intraerythrocytic life cycle of P. falciparum, a subset of erythrocyte miRNAs translocate into the parasite. Two miRNAs, miR-451 and let-7i, were highly enriched in HbAS and HbSS erythrocytes, and these miRNAs, along with miR-223, negatively regulated parasite growth. Surprisingly, we found that miR-451 and let-7i integrated into essential parasite messenger RNAs and, via impaired ribosomal loading, resulted in translational inhibition. Hence, sickle cell erythrocytes exhibit cell-intrinsic resistance to malaria in part through an atypical miRNA activity, which may represent a unique host defense strategy against complex eukaryotic pathogens.
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37
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Abstract
The mechanisms underlying Plasmodium falciparum resistance in persons with sickle trait have been under active investigation for more than a half century. This Perspective reviews progress in solving this challenging problem, including recent studies that have exploited the genomics and proteomics of the parasite. The formation of Hb S polymer in the parasitized AS RBC leads to impaired parasite growth and development along with enhanced clearance from the circulation and reduced deposition in deep postcapillary vascular beds. Enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species in sickled AS RBCs is a pathogenetic feature shared by parasitized thalassemic and G6PD-deficient RBCs, triggering abnormal topology of the RBC plasma membrane with decreased and disordered display of PfEMP-1, a P falciparum adhesion protein critical for endothelial adherence. A mouse model of Hb S confers host tolerance to P berghei, through inhibition of pathogenic CD8(+) T cells and induction of heme oxygenase-1. An additional and apparently independent mode of protection is provided by the selective expression in AS RBCs of 2 species of microRNA that integrate into P falciparum mRNAs and inhibit translation and parasite growth.
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38
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Malaria and human red blood cells. Med Microbiol Immunol 2012; 201:593-8. [PMID: 22965173 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-012-0272-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2012] [Accepted: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Invasion by the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, brings about extensive changes in the host red cells. These include loss of the normal discoid shape, increased rigidity of the membrane, elevated permeability to a wide variety of ionic and other species and increased adhesiveness, most notably to endothelial surfaces. These effects facilitate survival of the parasite within the host cell and tend to increase the virulence of disease that includes cerebral malaria and anemia. Numerous proteins secreted by the internalized parasite and interacting with red cell membrane proteins are responsible for the changes occurring to the host cell. Anemia, a serious clinical manifestation of malaria, is due to increased destruction of both infected and uninfected red cells due to membrane alterations, as well as ineffective erythropoiesis. There is very good evidence that various red cell disorders including hemoglobinopathies and hereditary ovalocytosis decrease the virulence of disease following parasite infection. A number of mechanism(s) are likely responsible for the protective effect of various red cell abnormalities including decreased invasion, impaired intraerythrocytic development of the parasites and altered interaction between exported parasite proteins and the red cell membrane skeleton.
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39
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Khositseth S, Bruce LJ, Walsh SB, Bawazir WM, Ogle GD, Unwin RJ, Thong MK, Sinha R, Choo KE, Chartapisak W, Kingwatanakul P, Sumboonnanonda A, Vasuvattakul S, Yenchitsomanus P, Wrong O. Tropical distal renal tubular acidosis: clinical and epidemiological studies in 78 patients. QJM 2012; 105:861-77. [PMID: 22919024 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcs139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) caused by mutations of the SLC4A1 gene encoding the erythroid and kidney isoforms of anion exchanger 1 (AE1 or band 3) has a high prevalence in some tropical countries, particularly Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea (PNG). Here the disease is almost invariably recessive and can result from either homozygous or compound heterozygous SLC4A1 mutations. METHODS We have collected and reviewed our own and published data on tropical dRTA to provide a comprehensive series of clinical and epidemiological studies in 78 patients. RESULTS Eight responsible SLC4A1 mutations have been described so far, four of them affecting multiple unrelated families. With the exception of the mutation causing South-East Asian ovalocytosis (SAO), none of these mutations has been reported outside the tropics, where dRTA caused by SLC4A1 mutations is much rarer and almost always dominant, resulting from mutations that are quite different from those found in the tropics. SLC4A1 mutations, including those causing dRTA, may cause morphological red cell changes, often with excess haemolysis. In dRTA, these red cell changes are usually clinically recessive and not present in heterozygotes. The high tropical prevalence of dRTA caused by SLC4A1 mutations is currently unexplained. CONCLUSION A hypothesis suggesting that changes in red cell metabolism caused by these mutations might protect against malaria is put forward to explain the phenomenon, and a possible mechanism for this effect is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Khositseth
- University College Medical School, Royal Free Campus and Hospital, London NW3 2PF, UK
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40
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Tiffert T, Lew VL. Elevated intracellular Ca2+ reveals a functional membrane nucleotide pool in intact human red blood cells. J Gen Physiol 2011; 138:381-91. [PMID: 21948947 PMCID: PMC3182447 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201110660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2011] [Accepted: 09/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated intracellular calcium generates rapid, profound, and irreversible changes in the nucleotide metabolism of human red blood cells (RBCs), triggered by the adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity of the powerful plasma membrane calcium pump (PMCA). In the absence of glycolytic substrates, Ca(2+)-induced nucleotide changes are thought to be determined by the interaction between PMCA ATPase, adenylate kinase, and AMP-deaminase enzymes, but the extent to which this three-enzyme system can account for the Ca(2+)-induced effects has not been investigated in detail before. Such a study requires the formulation of a model incorporating the known kinetics of the three-enzyme system and a direct comparison between its predictions and precise measurements of the Ca(2+)-induced nucleotide changes, a precision not available from earlier studies. Using state-of-the-art high-performance liquid chromatography, we measured the changes in the RBC contents of ATP, ADP, AMP, and IMP during the first 35 min after ionophore-induced pump-saturating Ca(2+) loads in the absence of glycolytic substrates. Comparison between measured and model-predicted changes revealed that for good fits it was necessary to assume mean ATPase V(max) values much higher than those ever measured by PMCA-mediated Ca(2+) extrusion. These results suggest that the local nucleotide concentrations generated by ATPase activity at the inner membrane surface differed substantially from those measured in bulk cell extracts, supporting previous evidence for the existence of a submembrane microdomain with a distinct nucleotide metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Tiffert
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, England, UK
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41
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Mirchev R, Lam A, Golan DE. Membrane compartmentalization in Southeast Asian ovalocytosis red blood cells. Br J Haematol 2011; 155:111-21. [PMID: 21793815 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2011.08805.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Red blood cells (RBCs) from individuals with Southeast Asian ovalocytosis (SAO) contain a mutant band 3 protein that causes the formation of unique linear oligomers in the RBC membrane. We used single-particle tracking to measure the lateral diffusion of individual glycophorin C (GPC), band 3, and CD58 proteins in membranes of intact SAO RBCs and normal RBCs (nRBCs). GPC, an integral protein that binds with high affinity to the RBC membrane skeleton, showed oscillatory motion within confinement areas that were smaller in SAO RBCs than in nRBCs. The additional confinement in SAO RBCs could be due to membrane stiffening associated with the SAO phenotype. Band 3 in both SAO RBCs and nRBCs also showed confined motion over short times (ms) and distances (nm), and the area of confinement was smaller in SAO RBCs than in nRBCs. These data presumably reflect the constraints imposed by band 3 oligomerization. Similarly, the glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked protein CD58 showed loosely confined diffusion in nRBCs and a substantially higher degree of confinement in SAO RBCs. Restricted protein mobility could contribute to the altered adherence of parasite-infected RBCs to vascular endothelium that is thought to protect individuals with SAO from severe manifestations of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossen Mirchev
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, 250 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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42
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Kabaso D, Shlomovitz R, Auth T, Lew VL, Gov NS. Curling and local shape changes of red blood cell membranes driven by cytoskeletal reorganization. Biophys J 2010; 99:808-16. [PMID: 20682258 PMCID: PMC2913190 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2010.04.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2009] [Revised: 04/13/2010] [Accepted: 04/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human red blood cells (RBCs) lack the actin-myosin-microtubule cytoskeleton that is responsible for shape changes in other cells. Nevertheless, they can display highly dynamic local deformations in response to external perturbations, such as those that occur during the process of apical alignment preceding merozoite invasion in malaria. Moreover, after lysis in divalent cation-free media, the isolated membranes of ruptured ghosts show spontaneous inside-out curling motions at the free edges of the lytic hole, leading to inside-out vesiculation. The molecular mechanisms that drive these rapid shape changes are unknown. Here, we propose a molecular model in which the spectrin filaments of the RBC cortical cytoskeleton control the sign and dynamics of membrane curvature depending on whether the ends of the filaments are free or anchored to the bilayer. Computer simulations of the model reveal that curling, as experimentally observed, can be obtained either by an overall excess of weakly-bound filaments throughout the cell, or by the flux of such filaments toward the curling edges. Divalent cations have been shown to arrest the curling process, and Ca2+ ions have also been implicated in local membrane deformations during merozoite invasion. These effects can be replicated in our model by attributing the divalent cation effects to increased filament-membrane binding. This process converts the curl-inducing loose filaments into fully bound filaments that arrest curling. The same basic mechanism can be shown to account for Ca2+-induced local and dynamic membrane deformations in intact RBCs. The implications of these results in terms of RBC membrane dynamics under physiological, pathological, and experimental conditions is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doron Kabaso
- Department of Chemical Physics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Roie Shlomovitz
- Department of Chemical Physics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Thorsten Auth
- Institute for Solid State Research, Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Virgilio L. Lew
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nir S. Gov
- Department of Chemical Physics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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43
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Glushakova S, Humphrey G, Leikina E, Balaban A, Miller J, Zimmerberg J. New stages in the program of malaria parasite egress imaged in normal and sickle erythrocytes. Curr Biol 2010; 20:1117-21. [PMID: 20537541 PMCID: PMC3541015 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2010.04.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2009] [Revised: 04/09/2010] [Accepted: 04/21/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The apicomplexan parasite Plasmodium falciparum causes malignant malaria. The mechanism of parasite egress from infected erythrocytes that disseminate parasites in the host at the end of each asexual cycle is unknown. Two new stages of the egress program are revealed: (1) swelling of the parasitophorous vacuole accompanied by shrinkage of the erythrocyte compartment, and (2) poration of the host cell membrane seconds before erythrocyte rupture because of egress. Egress was inhibited in dehydrated cells from patients with sickle cell disease in accord with experimental dehydration of normal cells, suggesting that vacuole swelling involves intake of water from the erythrocyte compartment. Erythrocyte membrane poration occurs in relaxed cells, thus excluding involvement of osmotic pressure in this process. Poration does not depend on cysteine protease activity, because protease inhibition blocks egress but not poration, and poration is required for the parasite cycle because the membrane sealant P1107 interferes with egress. We suggest the following egress program: parasites initiate water influx into the vacuole from the erythrocyte cytosol to expand the vacuole for parasite separation and vacuole rupture upon its critical swelling. Separated parasites leave the erythrocyte by breaching its membrane, weakened by putative digestion of erythrocyte cytoskeleton and membrane poration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Glushakova
- Program in Physical Biology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Glen Humphrey
- Program in Physical Biology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Evgenia Leikina
- Program in Physical Biology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Amanda Balaban
- Program in Physical Biology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jeffrey Miller
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Joshua Zimmerberg
- Program in Physical Biology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Goldfain A, Smith B, Cowell LG. Towards an ontological representation of resistance: the case of MRSA. J Biomed Inform 2010; 44:35-41. [PMID: 20206294 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbi.2010.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2009] [Revised: 02/21/2010] [Accepted: 02/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This paper addresses a family of issues surrounding the biological phenomenon of resistance and its representation in realist ontologies. The treatments of resistance terms in various existing ontologies are examined and found to be either overly narrow, internally inconsistent, or otherwise problematic. We propose a more coherent characterization of resistance in terms of what we shall call blocking dispositions, which are collections of mutually coordinated dispositions which are of such a sort that they cannot undergo simultaneous realization within a single bearer. A definition of 'protective resistance' is proposed for use in the Infectious Disease Ontology (IDO) and we show how this definition can be used to characterize the antibiotic resistance in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The ontological relations between entities in our MRSA case study are used alongside a series of logical inference rules to illustrate logical reasoning about resistance. A description logic representation of blocking dispositions is also provided. We demonstrate that our characterization of resistance is sufficiently general to cover two other cases of resistance in the infectious disease domain involving HIV and malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Goldfain
- Blue Highway, 2-212 Center for Science & Technology Syracuse, NY 13244-4100, USA.
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45
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Arashiki N, Otsuka Y, Ito D, Yang M, Komatsu T, Sato K, Inaba M. The covalent modification of spectrin in red cell membranes by the lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2009; 391:1543-7. [PMID: 20036642 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.12.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2009] [Accepted: 12/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Spectrin strengthens the red cell membrane through its direct association with membrane lipids and through protein-protein interactions. Spectrin loss reduces the membrane stability and results in various types of hereditary spherocytosis. However, less is known about acquired spectrin damage. Here, we showed that alpha- and beta-spectrin in human red cells are the primary targets of the lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) by immunoblotting and mass spectrometry analyses. The level of HNE adducts in spectrin (particularly alpha-spectrin) and several other membrane proteins was increased following the HNE treatment of red cell membrane ghosts prepared in the absence of MgATP. In contrast, ghost preparation in the presence of MgATP reduced HNE adduct formation, with preferential beta-spectrin modification and increased cross-linking of the HNE-modified spectrins. Exposure of intact red cells to HNE resulted in selective HNE-spectrin adduct formation with a similar preponderance of HNE-beta-spectrin modifications. These findings indicate that HNE adduction occurs preferentially in spectrin at the interface between the skeletal proteins and lipid bilayer in red cells and suggest that HNE-spectrin adduct aggregation results in the extrusion of damaged spectrin and membrane lipids under physiological and disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuto Arashiki
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
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46
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Effects of elevated intracellular calcium on the osmotic fragility of human red blood cells. Cell Calcium 2009; 47:29-36. [PMID: 19954845 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2009.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2009] [Accepted: 11/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
High throughput methodologies that measure the distribution of osmotic fragilities in red blood cell populations have enabled the investigation of dynamic changes in red cell homeostasis and membrane permeability in health and disease. The common assumption in the interpretation of dynamic changes in osmotic fragility curves is that left or right shifts reflect a decreased or increased hydration state of the cells, respectively, allowing direct inferences on membrane transport from osmotic fragility measurements. However, the assumed correlation between shifts in osmotic fragility and hydration state has never been directly explored, and may prove invalid in certain conditions. We investigated here whether this correlation holds for red cells exposed to elevated intracellular calcium. The results showed that elevated cell calcium causes a progressive increase in osmotic fragility with minimal contribution from cell hydration (<8%). Loss of membrane area by the release of 160+/-40nm diameter (mean+/-SD) vesicles is shown to be a major contributor, but may not account for the full non-hydration component. The rest must reflect a specific calcium-induced lytic vulnerability of the membrane causing rupture before the cells attain their maximal spherical volumes. The implications of these findings are discussed.
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47
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Flickering analysis of erythrocyte mechanical properties: dependence on oxygenation level, cell shape, and hydration level. Biophys J 2009; 97:1606-15. [PMID: 19751665 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2009.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2009] [Revised: 05/15/2009] [Accepted: 06/10/2009] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Erythrocytes (red blood cells) play an essential role in the respiratory functions of vertebrates, carrying oxygen from lungs to tissues and CO(2) from tissues to lungs. They are mechanically very soft, enabling circulation through small capillaries. The small thermally induced displacements of the membrane provide an important tool in the investigation of the mechanics of the cell membrane. However, despite numerous studies, uncertainties in the interpretation of the data, and in the values derived for the main parameters of cell mechanics, have rendered past conclusions from the fluctuation approach somewhat controversial. Here we revisit the experimental method and theoretical analysis of fluctuations, to adapt them to the case of cell contour fluctuations, which are readily observable experimentally. This enables direct measurements of membrane tension, of bending modulus, and of the viscosity of the cell cytoplasm. Of the various factors that influence the mechanical properties of the cell, we focus here on: 1), the level of oxygenation, as monitored by Raman spectrometry; 2), cell shape; and 3), the concentration of hemoglobin. The results show that, contrary to previous reports, there is no significant difference in cell tension and bending modulus between oxygenated and deoxygenated states, in line with the softness requirement for optimal circulatory flow in both states. On the other hand, tension and bending moduli of discocyte- and spherocyte-shaped cells differ markedly, in both the oxygenated and deoxygenated states. The tension in spherocytes is much higher, consistent with recent theoretical models that describe the transitions between red blood cell shapes as a function of membrane tension. Cell cytoplasmic viscosity is strongly influenced by the hydration state. The implications of these results to circulatory flow dynamics in physiological and pathological conditions are discussed.
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48
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Lew VL, Tiffert T. Is invasion efficiency in malaria controlled by pre-invasion events? Trends Parasitol 2007; 23:481-4. [PMID: 17804296 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2007.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2007] [Revised: 06/27/2007] [Accepted: 08/22/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The invasion efficiency of Plasmodium falciparum merozoites was found to decrease with increasing red blood cell density, a finding relevant to protection strategies against falciparum malaria. The mechanism of this 'density effect' remained unexplained. Searching for possible explanations, we studied selected video recordings of the dynamic events during merozoite invasion and identified a pre-invasion stage as a crucial mediator of invasion efficiency. We suggest that the role of the pre-invasion stage is to induce the apical alignment of the merozoite, and propose a working hypothesis on its mechanism, with a crucial role for elevated intracellular Ca2+.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virgilio L Lew
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Physiological Laboratory, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK.
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49
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Lew VL, Daw N, Etzion Z, Tiffert T, Muoma A, Vanagas L, Bookchin RM. Effects of age-dependent membrane transport changes on the homeostasis of senescent human red blood cells. Blood 2007; 110:1334-42. [PMID: 17456724 PMCID: PMC1939906 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2006-11-057232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about age-related changes in red blood cell (RBC) membrane transport and homeostasis. We investigated first whether the known large variation in plasma membrane Ca2+ (PMCA) pump activity was correlated with RBC age. Glycated hemoglobin, Hb A1c, was used as a reliable age marker for normal RBCs. We found an inverse correlation between PMCA strength and Hb A1c content, indicating that PMCA activity declines monotonically with RBC age. The previously described subpopulation of high-Na+, low-density RBCs had the highest Hb A1c levels, suggesting it represents a late homeostatic condition of senescent RBCs. Thus, the normal densification process of RBCs with age must undergo late reversal, requiring a membrane permeability increase with net NaCl gain exceeding KCl loss. Activation of a nonselective cation channel, Pcat, was considered the key link in this density reversal. Investigation of Pcat properties showed that its most powerful activator was increased intracellular Ca2+. Pcat was comparably selective to Na+, K+, choline, and N-methyl-D-glucamine, indicating a fairly large, poorly selective cation permeability pathway. Based on these observations, a working hypothesis is proposed to explain the mechanism of progressive RBC densification with age and of the late reversal to a low-density condition with altered ionic gradients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virgilio L Lew
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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50
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Williams TN, Mwangi TW, Wambua S, Peto TEA, Weatherall DJ, Gupta S, Recker M, Penman BS, Uyoga S, Macharia A, Mwacharo JK, Snow RW, Marsh K. Negative epistasis between the malaria-protective effects of alpha+-thalassemia and the sickle cell trait. Nat Genet 2005; 37:1253-7. [PMID: 16227994 PMCID: PMC3521056 DOI: 10.1038/ng1660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2005] [Accepted: 08/25/2005] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The hemoglobinopathies, disorders of hemoglobin structure and production, protect against death from malaria. In sub-Saharan Africa, two such conditions occur at particularly high frequencies: presence of the structural variant hemoglobin S and alpha(+)-thalassemia, a condition characterized by reduced production of the normal alpha-globin component of hemoglobin. Individually, each is protective against severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria, but little is known about their malaria-protective effects when inherited in combination. We investigated this question by studying a population on the coast of Kenya and found that the protection afforded by each condition inherited alone was lost when the two conditions were inherited together, to such a degree that the incidence of both uncomplicated and severe P. falciparum malaria was close to baseline in children heterozygous with respect to the mutation underlying the hemoglobin S variant and homozygous with respect to the mutation underlying alpha(+)-thalassemia. Negative epistasis could explain the failure of alpha(+)-thalassemia to reach fixation in any population in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas N Williams
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/Wellcome Trust Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research, Coast, PO Box 230, Kilifi District Hospital, Kilifi, Kenya.
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