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Walzer KA, Tandel J, Byerly JH, Daniels AM, Gullicksrud JA, Whelan EC, Carro SD, Krespan E, Beiting DP, Striepen B. Transcriptional control of the Cryptosporidium life cycle. Nature 2024; 630:174-180. [PMID: 38811723 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07466-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
The parasite Cryptosporidium is a leading agent of diarrhoeal disease in young children, and a cause and consequence of chronic malnutrition1,2. There are no vaccines and only limited treatment options3. The parasite infects enterocytes, in which it engages in asexual and sexual replication4, both of which are essential to continued infection and transmission. However, their molecular mechanisms remain largely unclear5. Here we use single-cell RNA sequencing to reveal the gene expression programme of the entire Cryptosporidium parvum life cycle in culture and in infected animals. Diverging from the prevailing model6, we find support for only three intracellular stages: asexual type-I meronts, male gamonts and female gametes. We reveal a highly organized program for the assembly of components at each stage. Dissecting the underlying regulatory network, we identify the transcription factor Myb-M as the earliest determinant of male fate, in an organism that lacks genetic sex determination. Conditional expression of this factor overrides the developmental program and induces widespread maleness, while conditional deletion ablates male development. Both have a profound impact on the infection. A large set of stage-specific genes now provides the opportunity to understand, engineer and disrupt parasite sex and life cycle progression to advance the development of vaccines and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn A Walzer
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jayesh Tandel
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jessica H Byerly
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Abigail M Daniels
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jodi A Gullicksrud
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Eoin C Whelan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stephen D Carro
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elise Krespan
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel P Beiting
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Boris Striepen
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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2
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Gong Z, Qu Z, Cai J. Gene cloning, expression, and enzyme kinetics analysis of Eimeria tenella 2- methylcitrate synthase. Vet Parasitol 2024; 328:110193. [PMID: 38704976 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
In prokaryotes and lower eukaryotes, 2-methylcitrate cycle (2-MCC) is the main pathway for propionate decomposition and transformation, but little is known about the 2-MCC pathway of Eimeria tenella. The analysis of genomic data found that the coding gene of 2- methylcitrate synthase (EC 2.3.3.5, PrpC) exists in E. tenella, which is a key enzyme of 2-MCC pathway. Through the search analysis of the database (ToxoDB), it was found that ETH_ 00026655 contains the complete putative sequence of EtprpC. In this study, we amplified the ORF sequence of EtprpC based on putative sequence. Then, prokaryotic expression, enzyme activity and kinetic analysis was performed. The results showed that the EtprpC ORF sequence was 1272 bp, encoding a 46.3 kDa protein comprising 424 amino acids. Enzyme activity assays demonstrate linearity between the initial reaction rate (OD/min) and EtPrpC concentration (ranging from 1.5 to 9 µg/reaction), with optimal enzyme activity observed at 41°C and pH 8.0. The results of enzymatic kinetic analysis showed that the Km of EtPrpC for propionyl-CoA, oxaloacetic acid, and acetyl-CoA was 5.239 ± 0.17 mM, 1.102 ± 0.08 μM, and 5.999 ± 1.24 μM, respectively. The Vmax was 191.11 ± 19.1 nmol/min/mg, 225.48 ± 14.4 nmol/min/mg, and 370.02 ± 25.8 nmol/min/mg when EtPrpC concentration at 4, 6, and 8 μg, respectively. Although the ability of EtPrpC to catalyze acetyl-CoA is only 0.11% of its ability to catalyze propionyl-CoA, it indicates that the 2-MCC pathway in E. tenella is similar to that in bacteria and may have a bypass function in the TCA cycle. This study can provide the theoretical foundation for the new drug targets and the development of new anticoccidial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxing Gong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Province 750021, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China; Innovation of Research Program of Gastrointestinal Infection and Mucosal Immunity of Poultry and Pig, 730046, People's Republic of China; Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zigang Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China; Innovation of Research Program of Gastrointestinal Infection and Mucosal Immunity of Poultry and Pig, 730046, People's Republic of China; Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianping Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China; Innovation of Research Program of Gastrointestinal Infection and Mucosal Immunity of Poultry and Pig, 730046, People's Republic of China; Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China.
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Wang L, Liu D, Zhu Y, Wang F, Cai W, Feng Q, Su S, Hou Z, Xu J, Hu J, Tao J. Comparative proteomic analysis of wall-forming bodies and oocyst wall reveals the molecular basis underlying oocyst wall formation in Eimeria necatrix. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:460. [PMID: 38111000 PMCID: PMC10729351 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06076-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The durable oocyst wall formed from the contents of wall-forming bodies (WFBs) protects Eimeria parasites from harsh conditions and enhances parasite transmission. Comprehending the contents of WFBs and proteins involved in oocyst wall formation is pivotal to understanding the mechanism of the oocyst wall formation and the search for novel targets to disrupt parasite transmission. METHODS Total proteins extracted from WFBs and the oocyst wall of Eimeria necatrix were subjected to comparative proteomic analysis using tandem mass tag in conjunction with liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry techniques. After functional clustering analysis of the identified proteins, three proteins, including E. necatrix disulfide isomerase (EnPDI), thioredoxin (EnTrx) and phosphoglycerate kinase (EnPGK), were selected for further study to confirm their potential roles in oocyst wall formation. RESULTS A total of 3009 and 2973 proteins were identified from WFBs and the oocyst wall of E. necatrix, respectively. Among these proteins, 1102 were identified as differentially expressed proteins, of which 506 were upregulated and 596 downregulated in the oocyst wall compared to the WFBs. A total of 108 proteins, including compositional proteins of the oocyst wall, proteases, oxidoreductases, proteins involved in glycosylation, proteins involved in synthesis of the acid-fast lipid layer and proteins related to transport, were proposed to be involved in oocyst wall formation. The approximate molecular sizes of native EnPDI, EnTrx and EnPGK proteins were 55, 50 and 45 kDa, respectively. EnPDI was present in both type 1 and type 2 WFBs, EnTrx was present only in type 2 WFB2 and EnPGK was present only in type 1 WFBs, whereas all of them were localized to the outer layer of the oocyst wall, indicating that all of them participate in the formation of the oocyst wall. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the proteomes of WFBs and the oocyst wall of E. necatrix. The data obtained from this study form a basis for deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying oocyst wall formation of Eimeria parasites. They also provide valuable resources for future studies on the development of novel therapeutic agents and vaccines aimed at combating coccidian transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lele Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Dandan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Feiyan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Weimin Cai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianqian Feng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Shijie Su
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaofeng Hou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinjun Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjie Hu
- School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences and Yunnan Key Laboratory for Plateau Mountain Ecology and Restoration of Degraded Environments, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianping Tao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.
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Jia L, Zhao Q, Zhu S, Han H, Zhao H, Yu Y, Yang J, Dong H. Proteomic Analysis of Fractionated Eimeria tenella Sporulated Oocysts Reveals Involvement in Oocyst Wall Formation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17051. [PMID: 38069374 PMCID: PMC10707475 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Eimeria tenella is the most pathogenic intracellular protozoan parasite of the Eimeria species. Eimeria oocyst wall biogenesis appears to play a central role in oocyst transmission. Proteome profiling offers insights into the mechanisms governing the molecular basis of oocyst wall formation and identifies targets for blocking parasite transmission. Tandem mass tags (TMT)-labeled quantitative proteomics was used to analyze the oocyst wall and sporocysts of E. tenella. A combined total of 2865 E. tenella proteins were identified in the oocyst wall and sporocyst fractions; among these, 401 DEPs were identified, of which 211 were upregulated and 190 were downregulated. The 211 up-regulated DEPs were involved in various biological processes, including DNA replication, fatty acid metabolism and biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, and propanoate metabolism. Among these proteins, several are of interest for their likely role in oocyst wall formation, including two tyrosine-rich gametocyte proteins (EtGAM56, EtSWP1) and two cysteine-rich proteins (EtOWP2, EtOWP6). Concurrently, 96 uncharacterized proteins may also participate in oocyst wall formation. The present study significantly expands our knowledge of the proteome of the oocyst wall of E. tenella, thereby providing a theoretical basis for further understanding of the biosynthesis and resilience of the E. tenella oocyst wall.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hui Dong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Minhang, Shanghai 200241, China; (L.J.); (Q.Z.); (S.Z.); (H.H.); (H.Z.); (Y.Y.); (J.Y.)
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5
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Gong Z, Qu Z, Yu Z, Li J, Liu B, Ma X, Cai J. Label-free quantitative detection and comparative analysis of lysine acetylation during the different life stages of Eimeria tenella. J Proteome Res 2023; 22:2785-2802. [PMID: 37562054 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.2c00726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Proteome-wide lysine acetylation has been documented in apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium falciparum. Here, we conducted the first lysine acetylome in unsporulated oocysts (USO), sporulated 7 h oocysts (SO 7h), sporulated oocysts (SO), sporozoites (S), and the second generation merozoites (SMG) of Eimeria tenella through a 4D label-free quantitative technique. Altogether, 8532 lysine acetylation sites on 2325 proteins were identified in E. tenella, among which 5445 sites on 1493 proteins were quantified. In addition, 557, 339, 478, 248, 241, and 424 differentially expressed proteins were identified in the comparisons SO7h vs USO, SO vs SO7h, SO vs USO, S vs SO, SMG vs S, and USO vs SMG, respectively. The bioinformatics analysis of the acetylome showed that the lysine acetylation is widespread on proteins of diverse functions. Moreover, the dynamic changes of lysine acetylome among E. tenella different life stages revealed significant regulation during the whole process of E. tenella growth and stage conversion. This study provides a beginning for the investigation of the regulate role of lysine acetylation in E. tenella and may provide new strategies for anticoccidiosis drug and vaccine development. Raw data are publicly available at iProX with the data set identifier PXD040368.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zigang Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province; Innovation of Research Program of Gastrointestinal Infection and Mucosal Immunity of Poultry and Pig; Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengqing Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Province 750021, People's Republic of China
| | - Jidong Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Province 750021, People's Republic of China
| | - Baohong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province; Innovation of Research Program of Gastrointestinal Infection and Mucosal Immunity of Poultry and Pig; Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueting Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province; Innovation of Research Program of Gastrointestinal Infection and Mucosal Immunity of Poultry and Pig; Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianping Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province; Innovation of Research Program of Gastrointestinal Infection and Mucosal Immunity of Poultry and Pig; Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225009, People's Republic of China
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Liu J, Shi F, Zhang Y, Tang X, Wang C, Gao Y, Suo J, Yu Y, Chen L, Zhang N, Sun P, Liu X, Suo X. Evidence of high-efficiency cross fertilization in Eimeria acervulina revealed using two lines of transgenic parasites. Int J Parasitol 2023; 53:81-89. [PMID: 36549444 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Eimeria species are apicomplexan parasites with a direct life cycle consisting of a replicative phase involving multiple rounds of asexual replication in the intestine or other organs including kidneys, liver, and gallbladder, depending on the species, followed by a sexual phase or gamogony involving the development and fertilization of gametes, an essential process for Eimeria transmission. Recent advances in the genetic manipulation of these parasites made it possible to conduct genetic crosses combined with genomic approaches to elucidate the genetic determinants of Eimeria development, virulence, drug resistance, and immune evasion. Here, we employed genetic techniques to generate two transgenic Eimeria acervulina lines, EaGAM56 and EaHAP2, each expressing two unique fluorescent proteins, with one controlled by a constitutive promotor for cross-efficiency analysis and the other by a male or female gametocyte stage-specific promoter to observe sexual development. The expression of fluorescent proteins in the transgenic lines was analyzed in different developmental stages of the E. acervulina life cycle by immunoblotting and by examination of frozen sections using fluorescence microscopy. The effect of infective doses on cross-fertilization was further investigated by conducting several genetic crosses between the two transgenic lines at different doses and ratios. Two transgenic lines expressing constitutive and gametocyte-specific fluorescence proteins were generated and characterized. These transgenic parasites display synchronous development in chickens, comparable with that of the wild type. Genetic crosses between the two transgenic parasites showed that a high rate of oocysts co-expressing the two reporters could be achieved following inoculation with high doses of infective oocysts. We further showed that the proportion of co-transfected oocysts can be modulated by altering the ratio of the transgenic parental lines. Higher infective doses and similar numbers of functional gametocytes from the parents increase the rate of cross-fertilization. Our data highlight the usefulness of genetic manipulation and fluorescently-labeled transgenic gametocytes as tools to study Eimeria development and to elucidate the factors that modulate sexual development. This work sets the stage for the implementation of novel approaches to investigate other aspects of Eimeria pathogenesis, virulence, and drug susceptibility and resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Fangyun Shi
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture & Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193 China
| | - Xinming Tang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Chaoyue Wang
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yang Gao
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jingxia Suo
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ying Yu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Linlin Chen
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Pei Sun
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xianyong Liu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xun Suo
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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7
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Feix AS, Cruz-Bustos T, Ruttkowski B, Joachim A. Inhibition of sexual stage-specific proteins results in reduced numbers of sexual stages and oocysts of Cystoisospora suis (Apicomplexa: Coccidia) in vitro. Int J Parasitol 2022; 52:829-841. [PMID: 36270547 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2022.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Parasites of the order Coccidia (phylum: Alveolata, subphylum: Apicomplexa) have sophisticated life cycles that include a switch from asexual to sexual development, characterised by distinct cell types. During the development of gametes (gamogony), substantial changes occur at the cellular and subcellular levels, leading to cell fusion of micro- and microgametes, and the development of a zygote that forms a protective outer layer for environmental survival as an oocyst, the transmissible stage. Studies on the porcine coccidian Cystoisospora suis already identified changes in transcription profiles during different time points in the parasite's development and identified proteins with potential roles in the sexual development of this parasite. Here, we focus on three proteins that are possibly involved in the sexual development of C. suis. Enkurin and hapless protein 2 (HAP2) play important roles in signal transduction and gamete fusion during the fertilisation process, and oocyst wall forming protein 1 (OWP1) is a homologue of oocyst wall forming proteins of related parasites. We evaluated their locations in the different life cycle stages of C. suis and their inhibition by specific antibodies in vitro. Immunolocalization detected enkurin in merozoites and sporulated oocysts, HAP2 in merozoites and microgamonts, and OWP2 in merozoites, macrogamonts, oocysts and sporozoites. Up to 100% inhibition of the development of sexual stages and oocyst formation with purified chicken immunoglobulin IgY sera against recombinant enkurin, HAP2, and especially OWP1, were demonstrated. We conclude that the three investigated sexual stage-specific proteins constitute targets for in vivo intervention strategies to interrupt parasite development and transmission to susceptible hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Sophia Feix
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, Vienna A-1210, Austria.
| | - Teresa Cruz-Bustos
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, Vienna A-1210, Austria
| | - Bärbel Ruttkowski
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, Vienna A-1210, Austria
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, Vienna A-1210, Austria
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8
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Li H, Sun L, Jiang Y, Wang B, Wu Z, Sun J, Zhang X, Li H, Zhao X. Identification and characterization of Eimeria tenella EtTrx1 protein. Vet Parasitol 2022; 310:109785. [PMID: 35994916 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Thioredoxin (Trx) is a widespread protein regulator of redox reactions in all organisms. It operates together with NADPH and thioredoxin reductase as a general protein disulfide catalytic system. Recently, Trx has been found to be related to the process by which apicomplexan protozoa invade host cells. In this study, Eimeria tenella thioredoxin (EtTrx1) was identified and its gene structural features, expression levels at different developmental stages, localization in sporozoites, roles in adhesion and invasion, and immunogenicity were investigated. Sequence analysis indicated that EtTrx1 contains a Trx domain with a WCGPC motif in 29-33 aa and a typical Trx fold, and belongs to thioredoxin family. EtTrx1 was detected on the surface of sporozoites using anti-EtTrx1 polyclonal antibodies under non-permeabilized conditions by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and also in a secretion form. EtTrx1 protein was highly transcribed and expressed in merozoites and sporozoites by quantitative PCR and western blot. The attachment assay showed that the adherence rates of yeast cells expressing EtTrx1 on the surface to host cells were 3.1-fold higher than those of the blank control. Specific anti-EtTrx1 antibodies inhibited the invasion of sporozoites into DF-1 cells. The highest inhibition rate was up to 36.75% compared to the control group. Immunization with recombinant EtTrx1 peptides also showed significant protection against lethal infections in chickens. It could offer moderate protective efficacy (Anticoccidial Index [ACI]: 163.70), induce humoral responses, and be an effective candidate for the development of new vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Li
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lingyu Sun
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yingying Jiang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Bingxiang Wang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhiyuan Wu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jinkun Sun
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, China; Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City, Shandong Province 271018, China
| | - Hongmei Li
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, China; Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City, Shandong Province 271018, China.
| | - Xiaomin Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, China; Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City, Shandong Province 271018, China.
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9
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Abstract
Apicomplexans are important pathogens that cause severe infections in humans and animals. The biology and pathogeneses of these parasites have shown that proteins are intrinsically modulated during developmental transitions, physiological processes and disease progression. Also, proteins are integral components of parasite structural elements and organelles. Among apicomplexan parasites, Eimeria species are an important disease aetiology for economically important animals wherein identification and characterisation of proteins have been long-winded. Nonetheless, this review seeks to give a comprehensive overview of constitutively expressed Eimeria proteins. These molecules are discussed across developmental stages, organelles and sub-cellular components vis-à-vis their biological functions. In addition, hindsight and suggestions are offered with intention to summarise the existing trend of eimerian protein characterisation and to provide a baseline for future studies.
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10
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Ma X, Liu B, Gong Z, Qu Z, Cai J. Phosphoproteomic Comparison of Four Eimeria tenella Life Cycle Stages. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212110. [PMID: 34829991 PMCID: PMC8624187 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein phosphorylation is an important post-translational modification (PTM) involved in diverse cellular functions. It is the most prevalent PTM in both Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium falciparum, but its status in Eimeria tenella has not been reported. Herein, we performed a comprehensive, quantitative phosphoproteomic profile analysis of four stages of the E. tenella life cycle: unsporulated oocysts (USO), partially sporulated (7 h) oocysts (SO7h), sporulated oocysts (SO), and sporozoites (S). A total of 15,247 phosphorylation sites on 9514 phosphopeptides corresponding to 2897 phosphoproteins were identified across the four stages. In addition, 456, 479, and 198 differentially expressed phosphoproteins (DEPPs) were identified in the comparisons SO7h vs. USO, SO vs. SO7h, and S vs. SO, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses of DEPPs suggested that they were involved in diverse functions. For SO7h vs. USO, DEPPs were mainly involved in cell division, actin cytoskeleton organization, positive regulation of transport, and pyruvate metabolism. For SO vs. SO7h, they were related to the peptide metabolic process, translation, and RNA transport. DEPPs in the S vs. SO comparison were associated with the tricarboxylic acid metabolic process, positive regulation of ATPase activity, and calcium ion binding. Time course sequencing data analysis (TCseq) identified six clusters with similar expression change characteristics related to carbohydrate metabolism, cytoskeleton organization, and calcium ion transport, demonstrating different regulatory profiles across the life cycle of E. tenella. The results revealed significant changes in the abundance of phosphoproteins during E. tenella development. The findings shed light on the key roles of protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation in the E. tenella life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueting Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China; (X.M.); (Z.G.); (Z.Q.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Baohong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China; (X.M.); (Z.G.); (Z.Q.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (J.C.); Tel.: +86-(931)-834-2580 (B.L.); +86-(931)-834-2489 (J.C.)
| | - Zhenxing Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China; (X.M.); (Z.G.); (Z.Q.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Zigang Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China; (X.M.); (Z.G.); (Z.Q.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jianping Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China; (X.M.); (Z.G.); (Z.Q.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (J.C.); Tel.: +86-(931)-834-2580 (B.L.); +86-(931)-834-2489 (J.C.)
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11
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Tucker MS, O’Brien CN, Jenkins MC, Rosenthal BM. Dynamically expressed genes provide candidate viability biomarkers in a model coccidian. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258157. [PMID: 34597342 PMCID: PMC8486141 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Eimeria parasites cause enteric disease in livestock and the closely related Cyclosporacayetanensis causes human disease. Oocysts of these coccidian parasites undergo maturation (sporulation) before becoming infectious. Here, we assessed transcription in maturing oocysts of Eimeria acervulina, a widespread chicken parasite, predicted gene functions, and determined which of these genes also occur in C. cayetanensis. RNA-Sequencing yielded ~2 billion paired-end reads, 92% of which mapped to the E. acervulina genome. The ~6,900 annotated genes underwent temporally-coordinated patterns of gene expression. Fifty-three genes each contributed >1,000 transcripts per million (TPM) throughout the study interval, including cation-transporting ATPases, an oocyst wall protein, a palmitoyltransferase, membrane proteins, and hypothetical proteins. These genes were enriched for 285 gene ontology (GO) terms and 13 genes were ascribed to 17 KEGG pathways, defining housekeeping processes and functions important throughout sporulation. Expression differed in mature and immature oocysts for 40% (2,928) of all genes; of these, nearly two-thirds (1,843) increased their expression over time. Eight genes expressed most in immature oocysts, encoding proteins promoting oocyst maturation and development, were assigned to 37 GO terms and 5 KEGG pathways. Fifty-six genes underwent significant upregulation in mature oocysts, each contributing at least 1,000 TPM. Of these, 40 were annotated by 215 GO assignments and 9 were associated with 18 KEGG pathways, encoding products involved in respiration, carbon fixation, energy utilization, invasion, motility, and stress and detoxification responses. Sporulation orchestrates coordinated changes in the expression of many genes, most especially those governing metabolic activity. Establishing the long-term fate of these transcripts in sporulated oocysts and in senescent and deceased oocysts will further elucidate the biology of coccidian development, and may provide tools to assay infectiousness of parasite cohorts. Moreover, because many of these genes have homologues in C. cayetanensis, they may prove useful as biomarkers for risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S. Tucker
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, MD, United States of America
| | - Celia N. O’Brien
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, MD, United States of America
| | - Mark C. Jenkins
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, MD, United States of America
| | - Benjamin M. Rosenthal
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, MD, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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12
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Zhao N, Ming S, Sun L, Wang B, Li H, Zhang X, Zhao X. Identification and Characterization of Eimeria tenella Microneme Protein (EtMIC8). Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0022821. [PMID: 34479414 PMCID: PMC8562341 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00228-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microneme proteins (MICs) of Eimeria tenella play key roles in motility, migration, attachment, and invasion processes. More than 20 apicomplexan parasite's MICs have been identified, with nine Eimeria MICs being reported. In this study, a novel E. tenella MIC was identified, and its gene structural features, developmental expression levels, localization, role in adhesion and invasion, and immunogenicity were studied. The results showed that the open reading frame was 1,650 bp, encoding 550 amino acids. It contains a signal sequence, a transmembrane region, four low-complexity boxes, and five epidermal growth factor-like domains (EGF). Subcellular localization revealed its distribution on the membrane surface of the parasite. These characteristics are consistent with the common features of MICs and are named EtMIC8. Anti-EtMIC8 antibodies recognized a specific binding of about 100 kDa in E. tenella, which was twice as large as the prokaryotic expression (about 50 kDa), suggesting that MIC8 may exist naturally as a dimer. EtMIC8 was expressed at higher levels in sporozoites (3.08-fold) and merozoites (2.1-fold) than in sporulated oocysts. The attachment assays using a yeast surface display of MIC8 and its different domains showed that the adherence rates of EtMIC8 to host cells were significantly higher than those of the control (3.17-fold), which was the full contribution of EGF, but neither was alone. Anti-EtMIC8 antibodies significantly reduced the invasion rate of sporozoites into host cells compared to those of the control (P < 0.01). Recombinant EtMIC8-EGF peptides could provide moderate protective efficacy (anticoccidial index [ACI]: 169.7), induce humoral responses, and upregulate CD3+CD8+ lymphocyte cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningning Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian City, Shandong Province, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shuzhen Ming
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lingyu Sun
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Bingxiang Wang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hongmei Li
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiaomin Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian City, Shandong Province, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian City, Shandong Province, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian City, Shandong Province, China
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13
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Sporulation rate and viability of Eimeria tenella oocysts stored in potassium sorbate solution. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:2297-2301. [PMID: 34050827 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06792-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In order to find a new preservation solution for avian coccidial oocysts that can replace potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) solution, Eimeria tenella oocysts were preserved in 0.1 to 10% potassium sorbate (C6H7KO2) solution in this study. The results showed that there was no significant difference between the sporulation rate of E. tenella oocysts preserved in 0.1 to 10% C6H7KO2 solution and in 2.5% K2Cr2O7 solution (p > 0.05). The 0.5 to 10% C6H7KO2 solution could also effectively inhibit the growth of bacterial microorganisms. E. tenella oocysts preserved in 1% C6H7KO2 solution at 4 °C for 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, with the oocyst production of E. tenella oocysts being 1.3-, 1.2-, 1.6-, and 1.3-fold higher than that of oocysts stored in 2.5% K2Cr2O7 solution (p < 0.05). In conclusion, C6H7KO2 could replace K2Cr2O7 as the preservation solution of avian coccidial oocysts.
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Ramakrishnan C, Smith NC. Recent achievements and doors opened for coccidian parasite research and development through transcriptomics of enteric sexual stages. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2021; 243:111373. [PMID: 33961917 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2021.111373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Coccidia is the largest group of parasites within the Apicomplexa, a phylum of unicellular, obligate parasites characterized by the possession of an apical complex of organelles and structures in the asexual stages of their life cycles, as well as by a sexual reproductive phase that occurs enterically in host animals. Coccidian sexual reproduction involves morphologically distinct microgametes and macrogametes that combine to form a diploid zygote and, ultimately, following meiosis and mitosis, haploid, infectious sporozoites, inside sporocysts within an oocyst. Recent transcriptomic analyses have identified genes involved in coccidian sexual stage development and reproduction, including genes encoding for microgamete- and macrogamete-specific proteins with roles in gamete motility, fusion and fertilization, and in the formation of the resilient oocyst wall that allows coccidians to persist for long periods in the environment. Transcriptomics has also provided important clues about the regulation of gene expression in the transformation of parasites from one developmental stage to the next, a complex sequence of events that may involve transcription factors such as the apicomplexan Apetala2 (ApiAP2) family, alternative splicing, regulatory RNAs and MORC (a microrchida homologue and regulator of sexual stage development in Toxoplasma gondii). The molecular dissection of coccidian sexual development and reproduction by transcriptomic analyses may lead to the development of novel transmission-blocking strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra Ramakrishnan
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicholas C Smith
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.
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15
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Mtshali SA, Adeleke MA. A review of adaptive immune responses to Eimeria tenella and Eimeria maxima challenge in chickens. WORLD POULTRY SCI J 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00439339.2020.1833693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. A. Mtshali
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - M. A. Adeleke
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
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16
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Fan XC, Liu TL, Wang Y, Wu XM, Wang YX, Lai P, Song JK, Zhao GH. Genome-wide analysis of differentially expressed profiles of mRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs in chickens during Eimeria necatrix infection. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:167. [PMID: 32245514 PMCID: PMC7118956 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04047-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eimeria necatrix, the most highly pathogenic coccidian in chicken small intestines, can cause high morbidity and mortality in susceptible birds and devastating economic losses in poultry production, but the underlying molecular mechanisms in interaction between chicken and E. necatrix are not entirely revealed. Accumulating evidence shows that the long-non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) are key regulators in various infectious diseases. However, the expression profiles and roles of these two non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) during E. necatrix infection are still unclear. METHODS The expression profiles of mRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs in mid-segments of chicken small intestines at 108 h post-infection (pi) with E. necatrix were analyzed by using the RNA-seq technique. RESULTS After strict filtering of raw data, we putatively identified 49,183 mRNAs, 818 lncRNAs and 4153 circRNAs. The obtained lncRNAs were classified into four types, including 228 (27.87%) intergenic, 67 (8.19%) intronic, 166 (20.29%) anti-sense and 357 (43.64%) sense-overlapping lncRNAs; of these, 571 were found to be novel. Five types were also predicted for putative circRNAs, including 180 exonic, 54 intronic, 113 antisense, 109 intergenic and 3697 sense-overlapping circRNAs. Eimeria necatrix infection significantly altered the expression of 1543 mRNAs (707 upregulated and 836 downregulated), 95 lncRNAs (49 upregulated and 46 downregulated) and 13 circRNAs (9 upregulated and 4 downregulated). Target predictions revealed that 38 aberrantly expressed lncRNAs would cis-regulate 73 mRNAs, and 1453 mRNAs could be trans-regulated by 87 differentially regulated lncRNAs. Additionally, 109 potential sponging miRNAs were also identified for 9 circRNAs. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of target mRNAs for lncRNAs, and sponging miRNA targets and source genes for circRNAs identified associations of both lncRNAs and circRNAs with host immune defense and pathogenesis during E. necatrix infection. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, the present study provides the first genome-wide analysis of mRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs in chicken small intestines infected with E. necatrix. The obtained data will offer novel clues for exploring the interaction mechanisms between chickens and Eimeria spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Cheng Fan
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China.,Center of Animal Disease Prevention and Control of Huyi District, Xi'an, 710300, China
| | - Ting-Li Liu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China.,State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Xue-Mei Wu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Yu-Xin Wang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Peng Lai
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Jun-Ke Song
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Guang-Hui Zhao
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China.
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Escotte-Binet S, Huguenin A, Aubert D, Martin AP, Kaltenbach M, Florent I, Villena I. Metallopeptidases of Toxoplasma gondii: in silico identification and gene expression. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 25:26. [PMID: 29737275 PMCID: PMC5939537 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2018025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Metallopeptidases are a family of proteins with domains that remain highly conserved throughout evolution. These hydrolases require divalent metal cation(s) to activate the water molecule in order to carry out their catalytic action on peptide bonds by nucleophilic attack. Metallopeptidases from parasitic protozoa, including Toxoplasma, are investigated because of their crucial role in parasite biology. In the present study, we screened the T. gondii database using PFAM motifs specific for metallopeptidases in association with the MEROPS peptidase Database (release 10.0). In all, 49 genes encoding proteins with metallopeptidase signatures were identified in the Toxoplasma genome. An Interpro Search enabled us to uncover their domain/motif organization, and orthologs with the highest similarity by BLAST were used for annotation. These 49 Toxoplasma metallopeptidases clustered into 15 families described in the MEROPS database. Experimental expression analysis of their genes in the tachyzoite stage revealed transcription for all genes studied. Further research on the role of these peptidases should increase our knowledge of basic Toxoplasma biology and provide opportunities to identify novel therapeutic targets. This type of study would also open a path towards the comparative biology of apicomplexans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandie Escotte-Binet
- EA 7510, ESCAPE, Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51100 Reims, France - Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, Toxoplasmosis National Reference Center, Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center, Maison Blanche Hospital, 51100 Reims, France
| | - Antoine Huguenin
- EA 7510, ESCAPE, Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51100 Reims, France - Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, Toxoplasmosis National Reference Center, Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center, Maison Blanche Hospital, 51100 Reims, France
| | - Dominique Aubert
- EA 7510, ESCAPE, Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51100 Reims, France - Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, Toxoplasmosis National Reference Center, Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center, Maison Blanche Hospital, 51100 Reims, France
| | - Anne-Pascaline Martin
- EA 7510, ESCAPE, Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51100 Reims, France
| | - Matthieu Kaltenbach
- EA 7510, ESCAPE, Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51100 Reims, France
| | - Isabelle Florent
- UMR7245 CNRS-MNHN, National Museum of Natural History, Department Adaptations of the Living, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Villena
- EA 7510, ESCAPE, Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51100 Reims, France - Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, Toxoplasmosis National Reference Center, Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center, Maison Blanche Hospital, 51100 Reims, France
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18
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Su S, Hou Z, Liu D, Jia C, Wang L, Xu J, Tao J. Comparative transcriptome analysis of Eimeria necatrix third-generation merozoites and gametocytes reveals genes involved in sexual differentiation and gametocyte development. Vet Parasitol 2018; 252:35-46. [PMID: 29559148 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Eimeria necatrix is one of the most pathogenic parasites causing high mortality in chicken older than 8 weeks. Eimeria spp. possess a coccidian lifecycle including both sexual and asexual stages. Sexual differentiation and development occupies a central place in the life cycle of the Eimeria parasite. However, our knowledge of the sexual differentiation and gametocyte development of Eimeria is very limited. Here using RNA sequencing, we conducted a comparative transcriptome analysis between third-generation merozoites (MZ-3) and gametocytes (GAM) of E. necatrix to identify genes with functions related to sexual differentiation and gametocyte development. Approximately 4267 genes were differentially expressed between MZ-3 and GAM. Compared with MZ-3, 2789 genes were upregulated and 1478 genes were downregulated in GAM. Approximately 329 genes in MZ-3 and 1289 genes in GAM were further analyzed in the evaluation of stage-specific genes. Gene Ontology (GO) classification and KEGG analysis revealed that 953 upregulated gametocyte genes were annotated with 170 GO assignments, and 405 upregulated genes were associated with 231 signaling pathways. We also predicted a further 83 upregulated gametocyte genes, of which 53 were involved in the biosynthesis of the oocyst wall, and 30 were involved in microgametocyte development. This information offers insights into the mechanisms governing the sexual development of E. necatrix and may potentially allow the identification of targets for blocking parasite transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijie Su
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Zhaofeng Hou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Dandan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Chuanli Jia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Lele Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jinjun Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jianping Tao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
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Gong Z, Yin H, Ma X, Liu B, Han Z, Gou L, Cai J. Widespread 5-methylcytosine in the genomes of avian Coccidia and other apicomplexan parasites detected by an ELISA-based method. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:1573-1579. [PMID: 28361273 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5434-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
To date, little is known about cytosine methylation in the genomic DNA of apicomplexan parasites, although it has been confirmed that this important epigenetic modification exists in many lower eukaryotes, plants, and animals. In the present study, ELISA-based detection demonstrated that low levels of 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) are present in Eimeria spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium spp., and Neospora caninum. The proportions of 5-mC in genomic DNA were 0.18 ± 0.02% in E tenella sporulated oocysts, 0.19 ± 0.01% in E. tenella second-generation merozoites, 0.22 ± 0.04% in T. gondii tachyzoites, 0.28 ± 0.03% in N. caninum tachyzoites, and 0.06 ± 0.01, 0.11 ± 0.01, and 0.09 ± 0.01% in C. andersoni, C. baileyi, and C. parvum sporulated oocysts, respectively. In addition, we found that the percentages of 5-mC in E. tenella varied considerably at different life stages, with sporozoites having the highest percentage of 5-mC (0.78 ± 0.10%). Similar stage differences in 5-mC were also found in E. maxima, E. necatrix, and E. acervulina, the levels of 5-mC in their sporozoites being 4.3-, 1.8-, 2.5-, and 2.0-fold higher than that of sporulated oocysts, respectively (p < 0.01). Furthermore, a total DNA methyltransferase-like activity was detected in whole cell extracts prepared from E. tenella sporozoites. In conclusion, genomic DNA methylation is present in these apicomplexan parasites and may play a role in the stage conversion of Eimeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxing Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueting Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Baohong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenglan Han
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingqiao Gou
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianping Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China. .,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, People's Republic of China.
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Wang Z, Huang B, Dong H, Zhao Q, Zhu S, Xia W, Xu S, Xie Y, Cui X, Tang M, Men Q, Yang Z, Li C, Zhu X, Han H. Molecular Characterization and Functional Analysis of a Novel Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase 4 from Eimeria tenella. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168132. [PMID: 27977727 PMCID: PMC5158193 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Eimeria tenella is an obligate intracellular parasite that actively invades cecal epithelial cells of chickens. The basis of cell invasion is not completely understood, but some key molecules of host cell invasion have been discovered. This paper investigated the characteristics of calcium-dependent protein kinase 4 (EtCDPK4), a critical molecule in E. tenella invasion of host cells. A full-length EtCDPK4 cDNA was identified from E. tenella using rapid amplification of cDNA ends. EtCDPK4 had an open reading frame of 1803 bp encoding a protein of 600 amino acids. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting were used to explore differences in EtCDPK4 transcription and translation in four developmental stages of E. tenella. EtCDPK4 was expressed at higher levels in sporozoites, but translation was higher in second-generation merozoites. In vitro invasion inhibition assays explored whether EtCDPK4 was involved in invasion of DF-1 cells by E. tenella sporozoites. Polyclonal antibodies against recombinant EtCDPK4 (rEtCDPK4) inhibited parasite invasion, decreasing it by approximately 52%. Indirect immunofluorescence assays explored EtCDPK4 distribution during parasite development after E. tenella sporozoite invasion of DF-1 cells in vitro. The results showed that EtCDPK4 might be important in sporozoite invasion and development. To analyze EtCDPK4 functional domains according to the structural characteristics of EtCDPK4 and study the kinase activity of rEtCDPK4, an in vitro phosphorylation system was established. We verified that rEtCDPK4 was a protein kinase that was completely dependent on Ca2+ for enzyme activity. Specific inhibitors of rEtCDPK4 activity were screened by kinase activity in vitro. Some specific inhibitors were applied to assays of DF-1 cell invasion by E. tenella sporozoites to confirm that the inhibitors functioned in vitro. W-7, H-7, H-89, and myristoylated peptide inhibited DF-1 invasion by E. tenella sporozoites. The experimental results showed that EtCDPK4 may be involved in E. tenella invasion of chicken cecal epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwen Wang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Minhang, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Bing Huang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Minhang, Shanghai, PR China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Hui Dong
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Minhang, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Qiping Zhao
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Minhang, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Shunhai Zhu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Minhang, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Weili Xia
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Minhang, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Shuaibin Xu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Minhang, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yuxiang Xie
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Minhang, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Xiaoxia Cui
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Minhang, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Min Tang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Minhang, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Qifei Men
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Minhang, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Zhiyuang Yang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Minhang, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Cong Li
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Minhang, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Xuelong Zhu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Minhang, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Hongyu Han
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Minhang, Shanghai, PR China
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Use of fluorescent nanoparticles to investigate nutrient acquisition by developing Eimeria maxima macrogametocytes. Sci Rep 2016; 6:29030. [PMID: 27352801 PMCID: PMC4926162 DOI: 10.1038/srep29030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The enteric disease coccidiosis, caused by the unicellular parasite Eimeria, is a major and reoccurring problem for the poultry industry. While the molecular machinery driving host cell invasion and oocyst wall formation has been well documented in Eimeria, relatively little is known about the host cell modifications which lead to acquisition of nutrients and parasite growth. In order to understand the mechanism(s) by which nutrients are acquired by developing intracellular gametocytes and oocysts, we have performed uptake experiments using polystyrene nanoparticles (NPs) of 40 nm and 100 nm in size, as model NPs typical of organic macromolecules. Cytochalasin D and nocodazole were used to inhibit, respectively, the polymerization of the actin and microtubules. The results indicated that NPs entered the parasite at all stages of macrogametocyte development and early oocyst maturation via an active energy dependent process. Interestingly, the smaller NPs were found throughout the parasite cytoplasm, while the larger NPs were mainly localised to the lumen of large type 1 wall forming body organelles. NP uptake was reduced after microfilament disruption and treatment with nocodazole. These observations suggest that E. maxima parasites utilize at least 2 or more uptake pathways to internalize exogenous material during the sexual stages of development.
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Sojka D, Hartmann D, Bartošová-Sojková P, Dvořák J. Parasite Cathepsin D-Like Peptidases and Their Relevance as Therapeutic Targets. Trends Parasitol 2016; 32:708-723. [PMID: 27344362 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2016.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of aspartic cathepsin D-like peptidases (APDs) has been often discussed as an antiparasite intervention strategy. APDs have been considered as virulence factors of Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp., and have been demonstrated to have important roles in protein trafficking mechanisms of apicomplexan parasites. APDs also initiate blood digestion as components of multienzyme proteolytic complexes in malaria, platyhelminths, nematodes, and ticks. Increasing DNA and RNA sequencing data indicate that parasites express multiple APD isoenzymes of various functions that can now be specifically evaluated using new functional-genomic and biochemical tools, from which we can further assess the potential of APDs as targets for novel effective intervention strategies against parasitic diseases that still pose an alarming threat to mankind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sojka
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice 370 05, Czech Republic.
| | - David Hartmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Bartošová-Sojková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Dvořák
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 14220, Czech Republic; Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 16610, Czech Republic; School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
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Matsubayashi M, Kawahara F, Hatta T, Yamagishi J, Miyoshi T, Anisuzzaman, Sasai K, Isobe T, Kita K, Tsuji N. Transcriptional profiles of virulent and precocious strains of Eimeria tenella at sporozoite stage; novel biological insight into attenuated asexual development. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 40:54-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Revised: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Blake DP. Eimeria genomics: Where are we now and where are we going? Vet Parasitol 2015; 212:68-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Revised: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Abstract
SUMMARYTo determine the involvement of the actin cytoskeleton in macrogametocyte growth and oocyst wall formation, freshly purified macrogametocytes and oocysts were stained with Oregon Green 514 conjugated phalloidin to visualize F-actin microfilaments, while Evans blue staining was used to detect type 1 wall forming bodies (WFB1s) and the outer oocyst wall. The double-labelled parasites were then analysed at various stages of sexual development using three-dimensional confocal microscopy. The results showed F-actin filaments were distributed throughout the entire cytoplasm of mature Eimeria maxima macrogametocytes forming a web-like meshwork of actin filaments linking the type 1 WFBs together into structures resembling ‘beads on a string’. At the early stages of oocyst wall formation, F-actin localization changed in alignment with the egg-shaped morphology of the forming oocysts with F-actin microfilaments making direct contact with the WFB1s. In tissue oocysts, the labelled actin cytoskeleton was situated underneath the forming outer layer of the oocyst wall. Treatment of macrogametocytes in vitro with the actin depolymerizing agents, Cytochalasin D and Latrunculin, led to a reduction in the numbers of mature WFB1s in the cytoplasm of the developing macrogametocytes, indicating that the actin plays an important role in WFB1 transport and oocyst wall formation in E. maxima.
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Walker RA, Sharman PA, Miller CM, Lippuner C, Okoniewski M, Eichenberger RM, Ramakrishnan C, Brossier F, Deplazes P, Hehl AB, Smith NC. RNA Seq analysis of the Eimeria tenella gametocyte transcriptome reveals clues about the molecular basis for sexual reproduction and oocyst biogenesis. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:94. [PMID: 25765081 PMCID: PMC4345034 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1298-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The protozoan Eimeria tenella is a common parasite of chickens, causing avian coccidiosis, a disease of on-going concern to agricultural industries. The high prevalence of E. tenella can be attributed to the resilient oocyst stage, which is transmitted between hosts in the environment. As in related Coccidia, development of the eimerian oocyst appears to be dependent on completion of the parasite’s sexual cycle. RNA Seq transcriptome profiling offers insights into the mechanisms governing the biology of E. tenella sexual stages (gametocytes) and the potential to identify targets for blocking parasite transmission. Results Comparisons between the sequenced transcriptomes of E. tenella gametocytes and two asexual developmental stages, merozoites and sporozoites, revealed upregulated gametocyte transcription of 863 genes. Many of these genes code for proteins involved in coccidian sexual biology, such as oocyst wall biosynthesis and fertilisation, and some of these were characterised in more depth. Thus, macrogametocyte-specific expression and localisation was confirmed for two proteins destined for incorporation into the oocyst wall, as well as for a subtilisin protease and an oxidoreductase. Homologues of an oocyst wall protein and oxidoreductase were found in the related coccidian, Toxoplasma gondii, and shown to be macrogametocyte-specific. In addition, a microgametocyte gamete fusion protein, EtHAP2, was discovered. Conclusions The need for novel vaccine candidates capable of controlling coccidiosis is rising and this panel of gametocyte targets represents an invaluable resource for development of future strategies to interrupt parasite transmission, not just in Eimeria but in other Coccidia, including Toxoplasma, where transmission blocking is a relatively unexplored strategy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1298-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Walker
- Queensland Tropical Health Alliance Research Laboratory, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns Campus, McGregor Road, Smithfield, QLD, 4878, Australia. .,Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Philippa A Sharman
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns Campus, McGregor Road, Smithfield, QLD, 4878, Australia.
| | - Catherine M Miller
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns Campus, McGregor Road, Smithfield, QLD, 4878, Australia.
| | - Christoph Lippuner
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland. .,Department of Farm Animal, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Michal Okoniewski
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Ramon M Eichenberger
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Chandra Ramakrishnan
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Fabien Brossier
- Apicomplexes et Immunité Mucosale, INRA, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37380, Nouzilly, France. .,Université François Rabelais de Tours, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37000, Tours, France.
| | - Peter Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Adrian B Hehl
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Nicholas C Smith
- Queensland Tropical Health Alliance Research Laboratory, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns Campus, McGregor Road, Smithfield, QLD, 4878, Australia.
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Identification and characterization of a cathepsin-L-like peptidase in Eimeria tenella. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:4335-48. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4107-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Aminopeptidase N1 (EtAPN1), an M1 metalloprotease of the apicomplexan parasite Eimeria tenella, participates in parasite development. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2014; 13:884-95. [PMID: 24839124 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00062-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Aminopeptidases N are metalloproteases of the M1 family that have been reported in numerous apicomplexan parasites, including Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, Cryptosporidium, and Eimeria. While investigating the potency of aminopeptidases as therapeutic targets against coccidiosis, one of the most important avian diseases caused by the genus Eimeria, we identified and characterized Eimeria tenella aminopeptidase N1 (EtAPN1). Its inhibition by bestatin and amastatin, as well as its reactivation by divalent ions, is typical of zinc-dependent metalloproteases. EtAPN1 shared a similar sequence, three-dimensional structure, and substrate specificity and similar kinetic parameters with A-M1 from Plasmodium falciparum (PfA-M1), a validated target in the treatment of malaria. EtAPN1 is synthesized as a 120-kDa precursor and cleaved into 96-, 68-, and 38-kDa forms during sporulation. Further, immunolocalization assays revealed that, similar to PfA-M1, EtAPN1 is present during the intracellular life cycle stages in both the parasite cytoplasm and the parasite nucleus. The present results support the hypothesis of a conserved role between the two aminopeptidases, and we suggest that EtAPN1 might be a valuable target for anticoccidiosis drugs.
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Chapman HD, Barta JR, Blake D, Gruber A, Jenkins M, Smith NC, Suo X, Tomley FM. A selective review of advances in coccidiosis research. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2014; 83:93-171. [PMID: 23876872 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407705-8.00002-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Coccidiosis is a widespread and economically significant disease of livestock caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria. This disease is worldwide in occurrence and costs the animal agricultural industry many millions of dollars to control. In recent years, the modern tools of molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology and immunology have been used to expand greatly our knowledge of these parasites and the disease they cause. Such studies are essential if we are to develop new means for the control of coccidiosis. In this chapter, selective aspects of the biology of these organisms, with emphasis on recent research in poultry, are reviewed. Topics considered include taxonomy, systematics, genetics, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, transfection, oocyst biogenesis, host cell invasion, immunobiology, diagnostics and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- H David Chapman
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA.
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Abstract
SUMMARYEimeriais a common genus of apicomplexan parasites that infect diverse vertebrates, most notably poultry, causing serious disease and economic loss. Like all apicomplexans, eimerians have a complex life cycle characterized by asexual divisions that amplify the parasite population in preparation for sexual reproduction. This can be divided into three events: gametocytogenesis, producing gametocytes from merozoites; gametogenesis, producing microgametes and macrogametes from gametocytes; and fertilization of macrogametes by microgametes, producing diploid zygotes with ensuing meiosis completing the sexual phase. Sexual development inEimeriadepends on the differential expression of stage-specific genes, rather than presence or absence of sex chromosomes. Thus, it involves the generation of specific structures and, implicitly, storage of proteins and regulation of protein expression in macrogametes, in preparation for fertilization. InEimeria, the formation of a unique, resilient structure, the oocyst wall, is essential for completion of the sexual phase and parasite transmission. In this review, we piece together the molecular events that underpin sexual reproduction inEimeriaand use additional details from analogous events inPlasmodiumto fill current knowledge gaps. The mechanisms governing sexual stage formation and subsequent fertilization may represent targets for counteracting parasite transmission.
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