1
|
Lin L, Liu Y, Liang R, Guo Y, Xu R, Fan R, Jiao Z, Zhao W, Yue L, Lu M, Liu S, Su XZ, Li J. Size-dependent enhancement of gene expression by Plasmodium 5'UTR introns. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:238. [PMID: 38802937 PMCID: PMC11131223 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06319-0] [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: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eukaryotic genes contain introns that are removed by the spliceosomal machinery during mRNA maturation. Introns impose a huge energetic burden on a cell; therefore, they must play an essential role in maintaining genome stability and/or regulating gene expression. Many genes (> 50%) in Plasmodium parasites contain predicted introns, including introns in 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTR). However, the roles of UTR introns in the gene expression of malaria parasites remain unknown. METHODS In this study, an episomal dual-luciferase assay was developed to evaluate gene expression driven by promoters with or without a 5'UTR intron from four Plasmodium yoelii genes. To investigate the effect of the 5'UTR intron on endogenous gene expression, the pytctp gene was tagged with 3xHA at the N-terminal of the coding region, and parasites with or without the 5'UTR intron were generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. RESULTS We showed that promoters with 5'UTR introns had higher activities in driving gene expression than those without 5'UTR introns. The results were confirmed in recombinant parasites expressing an HA-tagged gene (pytctp) driven by promoter with or without 5'UTR intron. The enhancement of gene expression was intron size dependent, but not the DNA sequence, e.g. the longer the intron, the higher levels of expression. Similar results were observed when a promoter from one strain of P. yoelii was introduced into different parasite strains. Finally, the 5'UTR introns were alternatively spliced in different parasite development stages, suggesting an active mechanism employed by the parasites to regulate gene expression in various developmental stages. CONCLUSIONS Plasmodium 5'UTR introns enhance gene expression in a size-dependent manner; the presence of alternatively spliced mRNAs in different parasite developmental stages suggests that alternative slicing of 5'UTR introns is one of the key mechanisms in regulating parasite gene expression and differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lirong Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yanjing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Rui Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yue Guo
- School of Medicine, Huzhou University, Huzhou, 313000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruixue Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Ruoxi Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Zhiwei Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Wenting Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Lixia Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Mingke Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Shengfa Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Xin-Zhuan Su
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA.
| | - Jian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dar A, Godara P, Prusty D, Bashir M. Plasmodium falciparum topoisomerases: Emerging targets for anti-malarial therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116056. [PMID: 38171145 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116056] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Different metabolic pathways like DNA replication, transcription, and recombination generate topological constrains in the genome. These topological constraints are resolved by essential molecular machines known as topoisomerases. To bring changes in DNA topology, the topoisomerases create a single or double-stranded nick in the template DNA, hold the nicked ends to let the tangled DNA pass through, and finally re-ligate the breaks. The DNA nicking and re-ligation activities as well as ATPase activities (when present) in topoisomerases are subjected to inhibition by several anticancer and antibacterial drugs, thus establishing these enzymes as successful targets in anticancer and antibacterial therapies. The anti-topoisomerase drugs interfere with the functioning of these enzymes and result in the accumulation of DNA tangles or lethal genomic breaks, thereby promoting host cell (or organism) death. The potential of topoisomerases in the human malarial parasite, Plasmodium falciparum in antimalarial drug development has received little attention so far. Interestingly, the parasite genome encodes orthologs of topoisomerases found in eukaryotes, prokaryotes, and archaea, thus, providing an enormous opportunity for investigating these enzymes for antimalarial therapeutics. This review focuses on the features of Plasmodium falciparum topoisomerases (PfTopos) with respect to their closer counterparts in other organisms. We will discuss overall advances and basic challenges with topoisomerase research in Plasmodium falciparum and our attempts to understand the interaction of PfTopos with classical and new-generation topoisomerase inhibitors using in silico molecular docking approach. The recent episodes of parasite resistance against artemisinin, the only effective antimalarial drug at present, further highlight the significance of investigating new drug targets including topoisomerases in antimalarial therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Dar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, India.
| | - Priya Godara
- Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
| | | | - Masarat Bashir
- COTS, Sheri-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Mirgund, Srinagar, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chahine Z, Gupta M, Lenz T, Hollin T, Abel S, Banks CAS, Saraf A, Prudhomme J, Florens L, Le Roch KG. PfMORC protein regulates chromatin accessibility and transcriptional repression in the human malaria parasite, P. falciparum. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.11.557253. [PMID: 37745554 PMCID: PMC10515874 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.11.557253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The environmental challenges the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, faces during its progression into its various lifecycle stages warrant the use of effective and highly regulated access to chromatin for transcriptional regulation. Microrchidia (MORC) proteins have been implicated in DNA compaction and gene silencing across plant and animal kingdoms. Accumulating evidence has shed light into the role MORC protein plays as a transcriptional switch in apicomplexan parasites. In this study, using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing tool along with complementary molecular and genomics approaches, we demonstrate that PfMORC not only modulates chromatin structure and heterochromatin formation throughout the parasite erythrocytic cycle, but is also essential to the parasite survival. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by deep sequencing (ChIP-seq) experiments suggest that PfMORC binds to not only sub-telomeric regions and genes involved in antigenic variation but is also most likely a key modulator of stage transition. Protein knockdown experiments followed by chromatin conformation capture (Hi-C) studies indicate that downregulation of PfMORC induces the collapse of the parasite heterochromatin structure leading to its death. All together these findings confirm that PfMORC plays a crucial role in chromatin structure and gene regulation, validating this factor as a strong candidate for novel antimalarial strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Z Chahine
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, CA, USA
| | - M Gupta
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, CA, USA
| | - T Lenz
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, CA, USA
| | - T Hollin
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, CA, USA
| | - S Abel
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, CA, USA
| | - CAS Banks
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - A Saraf
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - J Prudhomme
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, CA, USA
| | - L Florens
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - KG Le Roch
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Batugedara G, Lu XM, Hristov B, Abel S, Chahine Z, Hollin T, Williams D, Wang T, Cort A, Lenz T, Thompson TA, Prudhomme J, Tripathi AK, Xu G, Cudini J, Dogga S, Lawniczak M, Noble WS, Sinnis P, Le Roch KG. Novel insights into the role of long non-coding RNA in the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5086. [PMID: 37607941 PMCID: PMC10444892 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40883-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The complex life cycle of Plasmodium falciparum requires coordinated gene expression regulation to allow host cell invasion, transmission, and immune evasion. Increasing evidence now suggests a major role for epigenetic mechanisms in gene expression in the parasite. In eukaryotes, many lncRNAs have been identified to be pivotal regulators of genome structure and gene expression. To investigate the regulatory roles of lncRNAs in P. falciparum we explore the intergenic lncRNA distribution in nuclear and cytoplasmic subcellular locations. Using nascent RNA expression profiles, we identify a total of 1768 lncRNAs, of which 718 (~41%) are novels in P. falciparum. The subcellular localization and stage-specific expression of several putative lncRNAs are validated using RNA-FISH. Additionally, the genome-wide occupancy of several candidate nuclear lncRNAs is explored using ChIRP. The results reveal that lncRNA occupancy sites are focal and sequence-specific with a particular enrichment for several parasite-specific gene families, including those involved in pathogenesis and sexual differentiation. Genomic and phenotypic analysis of one specific lncRNA demonstrate its importance in sexual differentiation and reproduction. Our findings bring a new level of insight into the role of lncRNAs in pathogenicity, gene regulation and sexual differentiation, opening new avenues for targeted therapeutic strategies against the deadly malaria parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gayani Batugedara
- Department of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Xueqing M Lu
- Department of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Borislav Hristov
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195-5065, USA
| | - Steven Abel
- Department of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Zeinab Chahine
- Department of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Thomas Hollin
- Department of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Desiree Williams
- Department of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Tina Wang
- Department of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Anthony Cort
- Department of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Todd Lenz
- Department of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Trevor A Thompson
- Department of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Jacques Prudhomme
- Department of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Abhai K Tripathi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Guoyue Xu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | | | - Sunil Dogga
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
| | | | | | - Photini Sinnis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Karine G Le Roch
- Department of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Muema JM, Mutunga JM, Obonyo MA, Getahun MN, Mwakubambanya RS, Akala HM, Cheruiyot AC, Yeda RA, Juma DW, Andagalu B, Johnson JL, Roth AL, Bargul JL. Isoliensinine from Cissampelos pariera rhizomes exhibits potential gametocytocidal and anti-malarial activities against Plasmodium falciparum clinical isolates. Malar J 2023; 22:161. [PMID: 37208735 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04590-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The unmet demand for effective malaria transmission-blocking agents targeting the transmissible stages of Plasmodium necessitates intensive discovery efforts. In this study, a bioactive bisbenzylisoquinoline (BBIQ), isoliensinine, from Cissampelos pariera (Menispermaceae) rhizomes was identified and characterized for its anti-malarial activity. METHODS Malaria SYBR Green I fluorescence assay was performed to evaluate the in vitro antimalarial activity against D6, Dd2, and F32-ART5 clones, and immediate ex vivo (IEV) susceptibility for 10 freshly collected P. falciparum isolates. To determine the speed- and stage-of-action of isoliensinine, an IC50 speed assay and morphological analyses were performed using synchronized Dd2 asexuals. Gametocytocidal activity against two culture-adapted gametocyte-producing clinical isolates was determined using microscopy readouts, with possible molecular targets and their binding affinities deduced in silico. RESULTS Isoliensinine displayed a potent in vitro gametocytocidal activity at mean IC50gam values ranging between 0.41 and 0.69 µM for Plasmodium falciparum clinical isolates. The BBIQ compound also inhibited asexual replication at mean IC50Asexual of 2.17 µM, 2.22 µM, and 2.39 µM for D6, Dd2 and F32-ART5 respectively, targeting the late-trophozoite to schizont transition. Further characterization demonstrated a considerable immediate ex vivo potency against human clinical isolates at a geometric mean IC50IEV = 1.433 µM (95% CI 0.917-2.242). In silico analyses postulated a probable anti-malarial mechanism of action by high binding affinities for four mitotic division protein kinases; Pfnek1, Pfmap2, Pfclk1, and Pfclk4. Additionally, isoliensinine was predicted to possess an optimal pharmacokinetics profile and drug-likeness properties. CONCLUSION These findings highlight considerable grounds for further exploration of isoliensinine as an amenable scaffold for malaria transmission-blocking chemistry and target validation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jackson M Muema
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, Kenya.
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya.
| | - James M Mutunga
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
- School of Engineering Design, Technology and Professional Programs, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Meshack A Obonyo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, Egerton, Kenya
| | - Merid N Getahun
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (Icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Hoseah M Akala
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Agnes C Cheruiyot
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Redemptah A Yeda
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Dennis W Juma
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Ben Andagalu
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Jaree L Johnson
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Amanda L Roth
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Joel L Bargul
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, Kenya.
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (Icipe), Nairobi, Kenya.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Khurana J, Shrivastava A, Singh A, Gupta A. Exploring potential of Plasmodium RUVBL proteins as anti-malarial drug target. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:736-752. [PMID: 34877896 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.2011418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Although malaria related cases and deaths have consistently declined over time, growing resistance to existing anti-malarial drugs in Plasmodium remains a matter of extreme concern. Since we rely so heavily on use of chemotherapy for malaria treatment and knowing that all the available anti-malarial drug will become virtually useless in the near future, we have to increase our understanding of basic biology of the parasite as well as characterize new molecular targets that can be exploited for anti-malarial therapy. In the present study, PfRUVBLs (AAA family member proteins) were evaluated for their potential as novel anti-malarial drug target candidates, using computational approaches. Virtual High-throughput screening of various pharmacophore libraries obtained from three different databases (which included, Asinex, ZINC15 & PubChem) followed by extra precision docking, resulted in identification of relevant hit compounds that showed binding affinity with the active region of PfRUVBL1 protein. Based on molecular docking data, MD simulations, and protein-ligand interaction studies, combined with toxicity assessment & ADME profiling data, at least three best hits were eventually identified that could be novel potent inhibitors of PfRUVBL1 protein and can be further tested for anti-malarial activity using in vitro protocols. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juhi Khurana
- Epigenetics and Human Disease Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Ashish Shrivastava
- Bioinformatics Lab, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Ashutosh Singh
- Bioinformatics Lab, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Ashish Gupta
- Epigenetics and Human Disease Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, India
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Duraisingh MT, Gubbels MJ, Zarringhalam K. A rising tide of parasite transcriptomics propels pathogen biology. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3001997. [PMID: 36696650 PMCID: PMC9876607 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Twenty years ago, the first transcriptome of the intraerythrocytic developmental cycle of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum was published in PLOS Biology. Since then, transcriptomics studies have transformed the study of parasite biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manoj T. Duraisingh
- Department of Immunology & Infectious Diseases, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Marc-Jan Gubbels
- Department of Biology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kourosh Zarringhalam
- Department of Mathematics, University of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chew M, Ye W, Omelianczyk RI, Pasaje CF, Hoo R, Chen Q, Niles JC, Chen J, Preiser P. Selective expression of variant surface antigens enables Plasmodium falciparum to evade immune clearance in vivo. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4067. [PMID: 35831417 PMCID: PMC9279368 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31741-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum has developed extensive mechanisms to evade host immune clearance. Currently, most of our understanding is based on in vitro studies of individual parasite variant surface antigens and how this relates to the processes in vivo is not well-understood. Here, we have used a humanized mouse model to identify parasite factors important for in vivo growth. We show that upregulation of the specific PfEMP1, VAR2CSA, provides the parasite with protection from macrophage phagocytosis and clearance in the humanized mice. Furthermore, parasites adapted to thrive in the humanized mice show reduced NK cell-mediated killing through interaction with the immune inhibitory receptor, LILRB1. Taken together, these findings reveal new insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms that the parasite utilizes to coordinate immune escape in vivo. Identification and targeting of these specific parasite variant surface antigens crucial for immune evasion provides a unique approach for therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Chew
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Weijian Ye
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Charisse Flerida Pasaje
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Regina Hoo
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.,Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB101SA, UK
| | - Qingfeng Chen
- Humanized Mouse Unit, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency of Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jacquin C Niles
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jianzhu Chen
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore, Singapore. .,Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Peter Preiser
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore. .,Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Stochastic expression of invasion genes in Plasmodium falciparum schizonts. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3004. [PMID: 35637187 PMCID: PMC9151791 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30605-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetically identical cells are known to exhibit differential phenotypes in the same environmental conditions. These phenotypic variants are linked to transcriptional stochasticity and have been shown to contribute towards adaptive flexibility of a wide range of unicellular organisms. Here, we investigate transcriptional heterogeneity and stochastic gene expression in Plasmodium falciparum by performing the quasilinear multiple annealing and looping based amplification cycles (MALBAC) based amplification and single cell RNA sequencing of blood stage schizonts. Our data reveals significant transcriptional variations in the schizont stage with a distinct group of highly variable invasion gene transcripts being identified. Moreover, the data reflects several diversification processes including putative developmental “checkpoint”; transcriptomically distinct parasite sub-populations and transcriptional switches in variable gene families (var, rifin, phist). Most of these features of transcriptional variability are preserved in isogenic parasite cell populations (albeit with a lesser amplitude) suggesting a role of epigenetic factors in cell-to-cell transcriptional variations in human malaria parasites. Lastly, we apply quantitative RT-PCR and RNA-FISH approach and confirm stochastic expression of key invasion genes, such as, msp1, msp3, msp7, eba181 and ama1 which represent prime candidates for invasion-blocking vaccines. Genetically identical cells can be phenotypically diverse to allow adaptive flexibility in a given environment. This phenotypic diversity is driven by epigenetic and transcriptional variability. Here, Tripathi et al. perform scRNA-seq of isogenic and non-isogenic Plasmodium falciparum schizont populations to explore transcriptional heterogeneity and stochastic gene expression during the course of development.
Collapse
|
10
|
Parreira KS, Scarpelli P, Rezende Lima W, Garcia RS. Contribution of Transcriptome to Elucidate the Biology of Plasmodium spp. Curr Top Med Chem 2022; 22:169-187. [PMID: 35021974 DOI: 10.2174/1568026622666220111140803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In the present review, we discuss some of the new technologies that have been applied to elucidate how Plasmodium spp escape from the immune system and subvert the host physiology to orchestrate the regulation of its biological pathways. Our manuscript describes how techniques such as microarray approaches, RNA-Seq and single-cell RNA sequencing have contributed to the discovery of transcripts and changed the concept of gene expression regulation in closely related malaria parasite species. Moreover, the text highlights the contributions of high-throughput RNA sequencing for the current knowledge of malaria parasite biology, physiology, vaccine target and the revelation of new players in parasite signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Pedro Scarpelli
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wânia Rezende Lima
- Departamento de Medicina, Instituto de Biotecnologia-Universidade Federal de Catalão
| | - R S Garcia
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kurtz DM, Soo J, Co Ting Keh L, Alig S, Chabon JJ, Sworder BJ, Schultz A, Jin MC, Scherer F, Garofalo A, Macaulay CW, Hamilton EG, Chen B, Olsen M, Schroers-Martin JG, Craig AFM, Moding EJ, Esfahani MS, Liu CL, Dührsen U, Hüttmann A, Casasnovas RO, Westin JR, Roschewski M, Wilson WH, Gaidano G, Rossi D, Diehn M, Alizadeh AA. Enhanced detection of minimal residual disease by targeted sequencing of phased variants in circulating tumor DNA. Nat Biotechnol 2021; 39:1537-1547. [PMID: 34294911 PMCID: PMC8678141 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-021-00981-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Circulating tumor-derived DNA (ctDNA) is an emerging biomarker for many cancers, but the limited sensitivity of current detection methods reduces its utility for diagnosing minimal residual disease. Here we describe phased variant enrichment and detection sequencing (PhasED-seq), a method that uses multiple somatic mutations in individual DNA fragments to improve the sensitivity of ctDNA detection. Leveraging whole-genome sequences from 2,538 tumors, we identify phased variants and their associations with mutational signatures. We show that even without molecular barcodes, the limits of detection of PhasED-seq outperform prior methods, including duplex barcoding, allowing ctDNA detection in the ppm range in participant samples. We profiled 678 specimens from 213 participants with B cell lymphomas, including serial cell-free DNA samples before and during therapy for diffuse large B cell lymphoma. In participants with undetectable ctDNA after two cycles of therapy using a next-generation sequencing-based approach termed cancer personalized profiling by deep sequencing, an additional 25% have ctDNA detectable by PhasED-seq and have worse outcomes. Finally, we demonstrate the application of PhasED-seq to solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David M Kurtz
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Joanne Soo
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lyron Co Ting Keh
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Stefan Alig
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jacob J Chabon
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Foresight Diagnostics, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Brian J Sworder
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Andre Schultz
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michael C Jin
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Florian Scherer
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Garofalo
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Charles W Macaulay
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Emily G Hamilton
- Program in Cancer Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Binbin Chen
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mari Olsen
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Joseph G Schroers-Martin
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Alexander F M Craig
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Everett J Moding
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mohammad S Esfahani
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Chih Long Liu
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ulrich Dührsen
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, West German Cancer Center Essen, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Andreas Hüttmann
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, West German Cancer Center Essen, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Jason R Westin
- Department of Lymphoma/Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mark Roschewski
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Wyndham H Wilson
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gianluca Gaidano
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Davide Rossi
- Hematology, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland and Institute of Oncology Research, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Maximilian Diehn
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Ash A Alizadeh
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gil JP, Fançony C. Plasmodium falciparum Multidrug Resistance Proteins ( pfMRPs). Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:759422. [PMID: 34790129 PMCID: PMC8591188 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.759422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The capacity of the lethal Plasmodium falciparum parasite to develop resistance against anti-malarial drugs represents a central challenge in the global control and elimination of malaria. Historically, the action of drug transporters is known to play a pivotal role in the capacity of the parasite to evade drug action. MRPs (Multidrug Resistance Protein) are known in many phylogenetically diverse groups to be related to drug resistance by being able to handle a large range of substrates, including important endogenous substances as glutathione and its conjugates. P. falciparum MRPs are associated with in vivo and in vitro altered drug response, and might be important factors for the development of multi-drug resistance phenotypes, a latent possibility in the present, and future, combination therapy environment. Information on P. falciparum MRPs is scattered in the literature, with no specialized review available. We herein address this issue by reviewing the present state of knowledge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Pedro Gil
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Faculty of Sciences, BioISI-Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.,Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Nova University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Fançony
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Angola (CISA)/Instituto Nacional de Investigação em Saúde (INIS), Caxito, Angola
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Daniyan MO. Heat Shock Proteins as Targets for Novel Antimalarial Drug Discovery. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1340:205-236. [PMID: 34569027 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-78397-6_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum, the parasitic agent that is responsible for a severe and dangerous form of human malaria, has a history of long years of cohabitation with human beings with attendant negative consequences. While there have been some gains in the fight against malaria through the application of various control measures and the use of chemotherapeutic agents, and despite the global decline in malaria cases and associated deaths, the continual search for new and effective therapeutic agents is key to achieving sustainable development goals. An important parasite survival strategy, which is also of serious concern to the scientific community, is the rate at which the parasites continually develop resistance to drugs. Among the key players in the parasite's ability to develop resistance, maintain cellular integrity, and survives within an unusual environment of the red blood cells are the molecular chaperones of the heat shock proteins (HSP) family. HSPs constitute a novel avenue for antimalarial drug discovery and by exploring their ubiquitous nature and multifunctional activities, they may be suitable targets for the discovery of multi-targets antimalarial drugs, needed to fight incessant drug resistance. In this chapter, features of selected families of plasmodial HSPs that can be exploited in drug discovery are presented. Also, known applications of HSPs in small molecule screening, their potential usefulness in high throughput drug screening, as well as possible challenges are highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Oluwatoyin Daniyan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Norwood VM, Murillo-Solano C, Goertzen MG, Brummel BR, Perry DL, Rocca JR, Chakrabarti D, Huigens RW. Ring Distortion of Vincamine Leads to the Identification of Re-Engineered Antiplasmodial Agents. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:20455-20470. [PMID: 34395993 PMCID: PMC8359148 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c02480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
There is a significant need for new agents to combat malaria, which resulted in ∼409,000 deaths globally in 2019. We utilized a ring distortion strategy to create complex and diverse compounds from vincamine with the goal of discovering molecules with re-engineered biological activities. We found compound 8 (V3b) to target chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum Dd2 parasites (EC50 = 1.81 ± 0.09 μM against Dd2 parasites; EC50 > 40 μM against HepG2 cells) and established structure-activity relationships for 25 related analogues. New analogue 30 (V3ss, Dd2, EC50 = 0.25 ± 0.004 μM; HepG2, EC50 > 25 μM) was found to demonstrate the most potent activity, which prevents exit on the parasite from the schizont stage of intraerythrocytic development and requires >24 h to kill P. falciparum Dd2 cells. These findings demonstrate the potential that vincamine ring distortion has toward the discovery of novel antimalarial agents and other therapies significant to human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Verrill M. Norwood
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery
and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, 1345 Center Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Claribel Murillo-Solano
- Division
of Molecular Microbiology, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 12722 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Michael G. Goertzen
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery
and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, 1345 Center Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Beau R. Brummel
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery
and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, 1345 Center Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - David L. Perry
- Division
of Molecular Microbiology, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 12722 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - James R. Rocca
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery
and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, 1345 Center Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
- McKnight
Brain Institute, J H Miller Health Center, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100015, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Debopam Chakrabarti
- Division
of Molecular Microbiology, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 12722 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
- . Phone: (407) 882-2256
| | - Robert William Huigens
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery
and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, 1345 Center Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
- . Phone: (352) 273-7718
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhao Y, Li M, Yang Y, Wu T, Huang Q, Wu Q, Ren C. Identification of Macrophage Polarization-Related Genes as Biomarkers of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Based on Bioinformatics Analyses. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:9921012. [PMID: 34250093 PMCID: PMC8238569 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9921012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by lung inflammation and remodeling. Macrophage polarization is associated with inflammation and tissue remodeling, as well as immunity. Therefore, this study attempts to investigate the diagnostic value and regulatory mechanism of macrophage polarization-related genes for COPD by bioinformatics analysis and to provide a new theoretical basis for experimental research. METHODS The raw gene expression profile dataset (GSE124180) was collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Next, a weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was conducted to screen macrophage polarization-related genes. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the COPD and normal samples were generated using DESeq2 v3.11 and overlapped with the macrophage polarization-related genes. Moreover, functional annotations of overlapped genes were conducted by Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) Bioinformatics Resource. The immune-related genes were selected, and their correlation with the differential immune cells was analyzed by Pearson. Finally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to verify the diagnostic value of genes. RESULTS A total of 4922 coexpressed genes related to macrophage polarization were overlapped with the 203 DEGs between the COPD and normal samples, obtaining 25 genes related to COPD and macrophage polarization. GEM, S100B, and GZMA of them participated in the immune response, which were considered the candidate biomarkers. GEM and S100B were significantly correlated with marker genes of B cells which had a significant difference between the COPD and normal samples. Moreover, GEM was highly associated with the genes in the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, and calcium signaling pathway based on a Pearson correlation analysis of the candidate genes and the genes in the B cell receptor signaling pathway. PPI network analysis also indicated that GEM might participate in the regulation of the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway. The ROC curve showed that GEM possessed an excellent accuracy in distinguishing COPD from normal samples. CONCLUSIONS The data provide a transcriptome-based evidence that GEM is related to COPD and macrophage polarization likely contributes to COPD diagnosis. At the same time, it is hoped that in-depth functional mining can provide new ideas for exploring the COPD pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yalin Zhao
- Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Kunming First People's Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Meihua Li
- Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Kunming First People's Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Yanxia Yang
- Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Kunming First People's Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Kunming First People's Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Qingyuan Huang
- Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Kunming First People's Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Qinghua Wu
- Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Kunming First People's Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Chaofeng Ren
- Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Kunming First People's Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kamaliddin C, Guillochon E, Salnot V, Rombaut D, Huguet S, Guillonneau F, Houzé S, Cot M, Deloron P, Argy N, Bertin GI. Comprehensive Analysis of Transcript and Protein Relative Abundance During Blood Stages of Plasmodium falciparum Infection. J Proteome Res 2021; 20:1206-1216. [PMID: 33475364 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.0c00496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum is the main causative agent of human malaria. During the intraerythrocytic development cycle, the P. falciparum morphology changes dramatically from circulating young rings to sequestered mature trophozoites and schizonts. Sequestered forms contribute to the pathophysiology of severe malaria as the infected erythrocytes obstruct the microvascular flow in deep organs and induce local inflammation. However, the sequestration mechanism limits the access to the corresponding parasitic form in the clinical samples from patients infected with P. falciparum. To complement this deficiency, we aimed to evaluate the relevance of mRNA study as a proxy of protein expression in sequestered parasites. To do so, we conducted a proteotranscriptomic analysis using five independent P. falciparum laboratory strain samples. RNA sequencing was performed, and the mRNA expression level was assessed on circulating ring-stage parasites. The level of protein expression were measured by LC-MS/MS on the corresponding sequestered mature forms after 18-24 h of maturation. Overall, our results showed a strong transcriptome/transcriptome and a very strong proteome/proteome correlation between samples. Moreover, positive correlations of mRNA and protein expression levels were found between ring-stage transcriptomes and mature form proteomes. However, twice more transcripts were identified at the ring stage than proteins at the mature trophozoite stage. A high level of transcript expression did not guarantee the detection of the corresponding protein. Finally, we pointed out discrepancies at the individual gene level. Taken together, our results show that transcript and protein expressions are overall correlated. However, mRNA abundance is not a perfect proxy of protein expression at the individual level. Importantly, our study shows limitations of the "blind" use of RNA-seq and the importance of multiomics approaches for P. falciparum blood stage study in clinical samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Kamaliddin
- Université de Paris UMR261-MERIT Faculté de Pharmacie, 4 Ave. de l'observatoire, Île-de-France, FR 75006 Paris, France
| | - Emilie Guillochon
- Université de Paris UMR261-MERIT Faculté de Pharmacie, 4 Ave. de l'observatoire, Île-de-France, FR 75006 Paris, France
| | - Virginie Salnot
- Université de Paris, 3p5-Proteom'IC Platform Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS, UMR8104, Île-de-France, FR 75006 Paris, France
| | - David Rombaut
- Université de Paris, 3p5-Proteom'IC Platform Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS, UMR8104, Île-de-France, FR 75006 Paris, France
| | - Stéphanie Huguet
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, INRAE, Université Evry, Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay (IPS2), 91405 Orsay, France.,Université de Paris, CNRS, INRAE, Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay (IPS2), 91405 Orsay, France
| | - François Guillonneau
- Université de Paris, 3p5-Proteom'IC Platform Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS, UMR8104, Île-de-France, FR 75006 Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Houzé
- Université de Paris UMR261-MERIT Faculté de Pharmacie, 4 Ave. de l'observatoire, Île-de-France, FR 75006 Paris, France.,Centre National de Référence pour le Paludisme, Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital, 75018 Paris, France.,Parasitology Laboratory, Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Michel Cot
- Université de Paris UMR261-MERIT Faculté de Pharmacie, 4 Ave. de l'observatoire, Île-de-France, FR 75006 Paris, France
| | - Philippe Deloron
- Université de Paris UMR261-MERIT Faculté de Pharmacie, 4 Ave. de l'observatoire, Île-de-France, FR 75006 Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Argy
- Université de Paris UMR261-MERIT Faculté de Pharmacie, 4 Ave. de l'observatoire, Île-de-France, FR 75006 Paris, France.,Centre National de Référence pour le Paludisme, Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital, 75018 Paris, France.,Parasitology Laboratory, Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Gwladys I Bertin
- Université de Paris UMR261-MERIT Faculté de Pharmacie, 4 Ave. de l'observatoire, Île-de-France, FR 75006 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Nasamu AS, Falla A, Pasaje CFA, Wall BA, Wagner JC, Ganesan SM, Goldfless SJ, Niles JC. An integrated platform for genome engineering and gene expression perturbation in Plasmodium falciparum. Sci Rep 2021; 11:342. [PMID: 33431920 PMCID: PMC7801740 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77644-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Establishing robust genome engineering methods in the malarial parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, has the potential to substantially improve the efficiency with which we gain understanding of this pathogen's biology to propel treatment and elimination efforts. Methods for manipulating gene expression and engineering the P. falciparum genome have been validated. However, a significant barrier to fully leveraging these advances is the difficulty associated with assembling the extremely high AT content DNA constructs required for modifying the P. falciparum genome. These are frequently unstable in commonly-used circular plasmids. We address this bottleneck by devising a DNA assembly framework leveraging the improved reliability with which large AT-rich regions can be efficiently manipulated in linear plasmids. This framework integrates several key functional genetics outcomes via CRISPR/Cas9 and other methods from a common, validated framework. Overall, this molecular toolkit enables P. falciparum genetics broadly and facilitates deeper interrogation of parasite genes involved in diverse biological processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Armiyaw S Nasamu
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 56-341B, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Alejandra Falla
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 56-341B, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Charisse Flerida A Pasaje
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 56-341B, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Bridget A Wall
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 56-341B, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Jeffrey C Wagner
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 56-341B, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Suresh M Ganesan
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 56-341B, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Stephen J Goldfless
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 56-341B, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Jacquin C Niles
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 56-341B, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Dash S, Bhatt S, Sandell LL, Seidel CW, Ahn Y, Krumlauf RE, Trainor PA. The Mediator Subunit, Med23 Is Required for Embryonic Survival and Regulation of Canonical WNT Signaling During Cranial Ganglia Development. Front Physiol 2020; 11:531933. [PMID: 33192541 PMCID: PMC7642510 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.531933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of the vertebrate head is a complex and dynamic process, which requires integration of all three germ layers and their derivatives. Of special importance are ectoderm-derived cells that form the cranial placodes, which then differentiate into the cranial ganglia and sensory organs. Critical to a fully functioning head, defects in cranial placode and sensory organ development can result in congenital craniofacial anomalies. In a forward genetic screen aimed at identifying novel regulators of craniofacial development, we discovered an embryonically lethal mouse mutant, snouty, which exhibits malformation of the facial prominences, cranial nerves and vasculature. The snouty mutation was mapped to a single nucleotide change in a ubiquitously expressed gene, Med23, which encodes a subunit of the global transcription co-factor complex, Mediator. Phenotypic analyses revealed that the craniofacial anomalies, particularly of the cranial ganglia, were caused by a failure in the proper specification of cranial placode neuronal precursors. Molecular analyses determined that defects in cranial placode neuronal differentiation in Med23 sn/sn mutants were associated with elevated WNT/β-catenin signaling, which can be partially rescued through combined Lrp6 and Wise loss-of-function. Our work therefore reveals a surprisingly tissue specific role for the ubiquitously expressed mediator complex protein Med23 in placode differentiation during cranial ganglia development. This highlights the importance of coupling general transcription to the regulation of WNT signaling during embryogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soma Dash
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Shachi Bhatt
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, United States.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Lisa L Sandell
- Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases, School of Dentistry, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | | | - Youngwook Ahn
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Robb E Krumlauf
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, United States.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Paul A Trainor
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, United States.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
do Carmo MAV, Fidelis M, Sanchez CA, Castro AP, Camps I, Colombo FA, Marques MJ, Myoda T, Granato D, Azevedo L. Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) seeds as a novel source of bioactive compounds with promising antimalarial and antischistosomicidal properties. Food Res Int 2020; 136:109334. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
20
|
Govindaraju G, Kadumuri RV, Sethumadhavan DV, Jabeena CA, Chavali S, Rajavelu A. N 6-Adenosine methylation on mRNA is recognized by YTH2 domain protein of human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Epigenetics Chromatin 2020; 13:33. [PMID: 32867812 PMCID: PMC7457798 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-020-00355-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium falciparum exhibits high translational plasticity during its development in RBCs, yet the regulation at the post-transcriptional level is not well understood. The N6-methyl adenosine (m6A) is an important epigenetic modification primarily present on mRNA that controls the levels of transcripts and efficiency of translation in eukaryotes. Recently, the dynamics of m6A on mRNAs at all three developmental stages of P. falciparum in RBCs have been profiled; however, the proteins that regulate the m6A containing mRNAs in the parasites are unknown. Results Using sequence analysis, we computationally identified that the P. falciparum genome encodes two putative YTH (YT521-B Homology) domain-containing proteins, which could potentially bind to m6A containing mRNA. We developed a modified methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) assay using PfYTH2 and find that it binds selectively to m6A containing transcripts. The PfYTH2 has a conserved aromatic amino acid cage that forms the methyl-binding pocket. Through site-directed mutagenesis experiments and molecular dynamics simulations, we show that F98 residue is important for m6A binding on mRNA. Fluorescence depolarization assay confirmed that PfYTH2 binds to methylated RNA oligos with high affinity. Further, MeRIP sequencing data revealed that PfYTH2 has more permissive sequence specificity on target m6A containing mRNA than other known eukaryotic YTH proteins. Taken together, here we identify and characterize PfYTH2 as the major protein that could regulate m6A containing transcripts in P. falciparum. Conclusion Plasmodium spp. lost the canonical m6A-specific demethylases in their genomes, however, the YTH domain-containing proteins seem to be retained. This study presents a possibility that the YTH proteins are involved in post-transcriptional control in P. falciparum, and might orchestrate the translation of mRNA in various developmental stages of P. falciparum. This is perhaps the first characterization of the methyl-reading function of YTH protein in any parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gayathri Govindaraju
- Pathogen Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thycaud PO, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India.,Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Tiger Circle Road, Madhav Nagar, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Rajashekar Varma Kadumuri
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, Karakambadi Road, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, 517507, India
| | - Devadathan Valiyamangalath Sethumadhavan
- Pathogen Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thycaud PO, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India.,Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Tiger Circle Road, Madhav Nagar, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - C A Jabeena
- Pathogen Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thycaud PO, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India.,Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Tiger Circle Road, Madhav Nagar, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Sreenivas Chavali
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, Karakambadi Road, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, 517507, India
| | - Arumugam Rajavelu
- Pathogen Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thycaud PO, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Rapid activation of distinct members of multigene families in Plasmodium spp. Commun Biol 2020; 3:351. [PMID: 32620892 PMCID: PMC7334209 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-1081-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The genomes of Plasmodium spp. encode a number of different multigene families that are thought to play a critical role for survival. However, with the exception of the P. falciparum var genes, very little is known about the biological roles of any of the other multigene families. Using the recently developed Selection Linked Integration method, we have been able to activate the expression of a single member of a multigene family of our choice in Plasmodium spp. from its endogenous promoter. We demonstrate the usefulness of this approach by activating the expression of a unique var, rifin and stevor in P. falciparum as well as yir in P. yoelii. Characterization of the selected parasites reveals differences between the different families in terms of mutual exclusive control, co-regulation, and host adaptation. Our results further support the application of the approach for the study of multigene families in Plasmodium and other organisms. Omelianczyk, Loh et al. activate the expression of a single member of a multigene family in Plasmodium spp. from its endogenous promoter, identifying differences between the different families. This study supports the application of the Selection Linked Integration method for studying multigene families in Plasmodium.
Collapse
|
22
|
Paciaroni NG, Perry DL, Norwood VM, Murillo-Solano C, Collins J, Tenneti S, Chakrabarti D, Huigens RW. Re-Engineering of Yohimbine's Biological Activity through Ring Distortion: Identification and Structure-Activity Relationships of a New Class of Antiplasmodial Agents. ACS Infect Dis 2020; 6:159-167. [PMID: 31913597 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Select natural products are ideal starting points for ring distortion, or the dramatic altering of inherently complex molecules through short synthetic pathways, to generate an array of novel compounds with diverse skeletal architectures. A major goal of our ring distortion approach is to re-engineer the biological activity of indole alkaloids to identify new compounds with diverse biological activities in areas of significance to human health and medicine. In this study, we re-engineered the biological activity of the indole alkaloid yohimbine through ring rearrangement and ring cleavage synthesis pathways to discover new series of antiplasmodial agents. One new compound, Y7j, was found to demonstrate good potency against chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum Dd2 cells (EC50 = 0.33 μM) without eliciting cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells (EC50 > 40 μM). Y7j demonstrated stage-specific action against parasites at the late ring/trophozoite stage. A series of analogues was synthesized to gain structure-activity relationship insights, and we learned that both benzyl groups of Y7j are required for activity and fine-tuning of antiplasmodial activities could be accomplished by changing substitution patterns on the benzyl moieties. This study demonstrates the potential for ring distortion to drive new discoveries and change paradigms in chemical biology and drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas G. Paciaroni
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, 1345 Center Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - David L. Perry
- Division of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 12722 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Verrill M. Norwood
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, 1345 Center Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Claribel Murillo-Solano
- Division of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 12722 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Jennifer Collins
- Division of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 12722 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Srinivasarao Tenneti
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, 1345 Center Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Debopam Chakrabarti
- Division of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 12722 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Robert W. Huigens
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, 1345 Center Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
Every microarray experiment is based on a common format. First, a large number of nucleotide "spots" are arrayed onto a substrate, typically a glass slide, a silicon chip, or microbeads. Second, a complex population of nucleic acids (isolated from cells, selected from in vitro-synthesized libraries, or obtained from another source) is labeled, typically with fluorescent dyes. Third, the labeled nucleic acids are allowed to hybridize to their complementary spot(s) on the microarray. Fourth, the hybridized microarray is washed, allowing the amount of hybridized label to then be quantified. Analysis of the raw data generates a readout of the levels of each species of RNA in the original complex population. This introduction includes several examples of microarray applications and provides a discussion of the basic steps of most microarray experiments.
Collapse
|
24
|
Daniyan MO, Przyborski JM, Shonhai A. Partners in Mischief: Functional Networks of Heat Shock Proteins of Plasmodium falciparum and Their Influence on Parasite Virulence. Biomolecules 2019; 9:E295. [PMID: 31340488 PMCID: PMC6681276 DOI: 10.3390/biom9070295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The survival of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum under the physiologically distinct environments associated with their development in the cold-blooded invertebrate mosquito vectors and the warm-blooded vertebrate human host requires a genome that caters to adaptability. To this end, a robust stress response system coupled to an efficient protein quality control system are essential features of the parasite. Heat shock proteins constitute the main molecular chaperone system of the cell, accounting for approximately two percent of the malaria genome. Some heat shock proteins of parasites constitute a large part (5%) of the 'exportome' (parasite proteins that are exported to the infected host erythrocyte) that modify the host cell, promoting its cyto-adherence. In light of their importance in protein folding and refolding, and thus the survival of the parasite, heat shock proteins of P. falciparum have been a major subject of study. Emerging evidence points to their role not only being cyto-protection of the parasite, as they are also implicated in regulating parasite virulence. In undertaking their roles, heat shock proteins operate in networks that involve not only partners of parasite origin, but also potentially functionally associate with human proteins to facilitate parasite survival and pathogenicity. This review seeks to highlight these interplays and their roles in parasite pathogenicity. We further discuss the prospects of targeting the parasite heat shock protein network towards the developments of alternative antimalarial chemotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael O Daniyan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State 220005, Nigeria.
| | - Jude M Przyborski
- Center of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, University of Heidelberg Medical School, INF324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Addmore Shonhai
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Mathematical & Natural Sciences, University of Venda, P. Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ararat-Sarria M, Patarroyo MA, Curtidor H. Parasite-Related Genetic and Epigenetic Aspects and Host Factors Influencing Plasmodium falciparum Invasion of Erythrocytes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 8:454. [PMID: 30693273 PMCID: PMC6339890 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria, a disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, is widespread throughout tropical and sub-tropical regions worldwide; it mostly affects children and pregnant woman. Eradication has stalled despite effective prevention measures and medication being available for this disease; this has mainly been due to the parasite's resistance to medical treatment and the mosquito vector's resistance to insecticides. Tackling such resistance involves using renewed approaches and techniques for accruing a deep understanding of the parasite's biology, and developing new drugs and vaccines. Studying the parasite's invasion of erythrocytes should shed light on its ability to switch between invasion phenotypes related to the expression of gene sets encoding proteins acting as ligands during target cell invasion, thereby conferring mechanisms for evading a particular host's immune response and adapting to changes in target cell surface receptors. This review considers some factors influencing the expression of such phenotypes, such as Plasmodium's genetic, transcriptional and epigenetic characteristics, and explores some host-related aspects which could affect parasite phenotypes, aiming at integrating knowledge regarding this topic and the possible relationship between the parasite's biology and host factors playing a role in erythrocyte invasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Ararat-Sarria
- Receptor-Ligand Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia.,PhD Programme in Biomedical and Biological Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Manuel A Patarroyo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Immunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia.,School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Hernando Curtidor
- Receptor-Ligand Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia.,School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Candidate Biomarkers and Molecular Mechanism Investigation for Glioblastoma Multiforme Utilizing WGCNA. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:4246703. [PMID: 30356407 PMCID: PMC6178162 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4246703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
To reveal the potential molecular mechanism of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and provide the candidate biomarkers for GBM gene therapy. Microarray dataset GSE50161 was obtained from GEO database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between GBM samples and control samples, followed by the module partition analysis based on WGCNA. Then, the pathway and functional enrichment analyses of DEGs were performed. The hub genes were further investigated, followed by the survival analysis and data validation. A total of 1913 DEGs were investigated between two groups, followed by analysis of 5 modules using WGCNA. These DEGs were mainly enriched in functions like inflammatory response. The hub genes including upregulated N-Myc and STAT Interactor (NMI), Capping Actin Protein-Gelsolin Like (CAPG), and Proteasome Subunit Beta 8 (PSMB8) were revealed as potential liquid biopsy molecules for GBM diagnose. Moreover, Nucleolar and Spindle Associated Protein 1 (NUSAP1) and G Protein-Coupled Receptor 65 (GPR65) were outstanding genes in survival analysis. Our results suggested that CPNE6, HAPLN2, CMTM3, NMI, CAPG, and PSMB8 might be used as potential molecules for liquid biopsy of GBM. NUSAP1 and GPR65 might be novel prognostic targets for GBM gene therapy. Furthermore, the upregulated NMI might play an important role in GBM progression via inflammatory response.
Collapse
|
27
|
Simam J, Rono M, Ngoi J, Nyonda M, Mok S, Marsh K, Bozdech Z, Mackinnon M. Gene copy number variation in natural populations of Plasmodium falciparum in Eastern Africa. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:372. [PMID: 29783949 PMCID: PMC5963192 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4689-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene copy number variants (CNVs), which consist of deletions and amplifications of single or sets of contiguous genes, contribute to the great diversity in the Plasmodium falciparum genome. In vitro studies in the laboratory have revealed their important role in parasite fitness phenotypes such as red cell invasion, transmissibility and cytoadherence. Studies of natural parasite populations indicate that CNVs are also common in the field and thus may facilitate adaptation of the parasite to its local environment. RESULTS In a survey of 183 fresh field isolates from three populations in Eastern Africa with different malaria transmission intensities, we identified 94 CNV loci using microarrays. All CNVs had low population frequencies (minor allele frequency < 5%) but each parasite isolate carried an average of 8 CNVs. Nine CNVs showed high levels of population differentiation (FST > 0.3) and nine exhibited significant clines in population frequency across a gradient in transmission intensity. The clearest example of this was a large deletion on chromosome 9 previously reported only in laboratory-adapted isolates. This deletion was present in 33% of isolates from a population with low and highly seasonal malaria transmission, and in < 9% of isolates from populations with higher transmission. Subsets of CNVs were strongly correlated in their population frequencies, implying co-selection. CONCLUSIONS These results support the hypothesis that CNVs are the target of selection in natural populations of P. falciparum. Their environment-specific patterns observed here imply an important role for them in conferring adaptability to the parasite thus enabling it to persist in its highly diverse ecological environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Martin Rono
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program, Kilifi, Kenya.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Pwani University Bioscience Research Centre, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Joyce Ngoi
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Mary Nyonda
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sachel Mok
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Kevin Marsh
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Zbynek Bozdech
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Awandare GA, Nyarko PB, Aniweh Y, Ayivor-Djanie R, Stoute JA. Plasmodium falciparum strains spontaneously switch invasion phenotype in suspension culture. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5782. [PMID: 29636510 PMCID: PMC5893586 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24218-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The extensive redundancy in the use of invasion ligands by Plasmodium falciparum, and its unique ability to switch between invasion pathways have hampered vaccine development. P. falciparum strains Dd2 and W2mef have been shown to change from sialic acid (SA)-dependent to SA-independent phenotypes when selected on neuraminidase-treated erythrocytes. Following an observation of increasing ability of Dd2 to invade neuraminidase-treated cells when cultured for several weeks, we systematically investigated this phenomenon by comparing invasion phenotypes of Dd2, W2mef and 3D7 strains of P. falciparum that were cultured with gentle shaking (Suspended) or under static (Static) conditions. While Static Dd2 and W2mef remained SA-dependent for the entire duration of the investigation, Suspended parasites spontaneously and progressively switched to SA-independent phenotype from week 2 onwards. Furthermore, returning Suspended cultures to Static conditions led to a gradual reversal to SA-dependent phenotype. The switch to SA-independent phenotype was accompanied by upregulation of the key invasion ligand, reticulocyte-binding homologue 4 (RH4), and the increased invasion was inhibited by antibodies to the RH4 receptor, CR1. Our data demonstrates a novel mechanism for inducing the switching of invasion pathways in P. falciparum parasites and may provide clues for understanding the mechanisms involved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gordon A Awandare
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana. .,Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.
| | - Prince B Nyarko
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Yaw Aniweh
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Reuben Ayivor-Djanie
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - José A Stoute
- Department of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Reid AJ, Talman AM, Bennett HM, Gomes AR, Sanders MJ, Illingworth CJR, Billker O, Berriman M, Lawniczak MK. Single-cell RNA-seq reveals hidden transcriptional variation in malaria parasites. eLife 2018; 7:33105. [PMID: 29580379 PMCID: PMC5871331 DOI: 10.7554/elife.33105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-cell RNA-sequencing is revolutionising our understanding of seemingly homogeneous cell populations but has not yet been widely applied to single-celled organisms. Transcriptional variation in unicellular malaria parasites from the Plasmodium genus is associated with critical phenotypes including red blood cell invasion and immune evasion, yet transcriptional variation at an individual parasite level has not been examined in depth. Here, we describe the adaptation of a single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) protocol to deconvolute transcriptional variation for more than 500 individual parasites of both rodent and human malaria comprising asexual and sexual life-cycle stages. We uncover previously hidden discrete transcriptional signatures during the pathogenic part of the life cycle, suggesting that expression over development is not as continuous as commonly thought. In transmission stages, we find novel, sex-specific roles for differential expression of contingency gene families that are usually associated with immune evasion and pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Reid
- Malaria Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Arthur M Talman
- Malaria Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Hayley M Bennett
- Malaria Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ana R Gomes
- Malaria Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mandy J Sanders
- Malaria Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Oliver Billker
- Malaria Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Berriman
- Malaria Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mara Kn Lawniczak
- Malaria Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Rocamora F, Zhu L, Liong KY, Dondorp A, Miotto O, Mok S, Bozdech Z. Oxidative stress and protein damage responses mediate artemisinin resistance in malaria parasites. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1006930. [PMID: 29538461 PMCID: PMC5868857 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to their remarkable parasitocidal activity, artemisinins represent the key components of first-line therapies against Plasmodium falciparum malaria. However, the decline in efficacy of artemisinin-based drugs jeopardizes global efforts to control and ultimately eradicate the disease. To better understand the resistance phenotype, artemisinin-resistant parasite lines were derived from two clones of the 3D7 strain of P. falciparum using a selection regimen that mimics how parasites interact with the drug within patients. This long term in vitro selection induced profound stage-specific resistance to artemisinin and its relative compounds. Chemosensitivity and transcriptional profiling of artemisinin-resistant parasites indicate that enhanced adaptive responses against oxidative stress and protein damage are associated with decreased artemisinin susceptibility. This corroborates our previous findings implicating these cellular functions in artemisinin resistance in natural infections. Genomic characterization of the two derived parasite lines revealed a spectrum of sequence and copy number polymorphisms that could play a role in regulating artemisinin response, but did not include mutations in pfk13, the main marker of artemisinin resistance in Southeast Asia. Taken together, here we present a functional in vitro model of artemisinin resistance that is underlined by a new set of genetic polymorphisms as potential genetic markers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frances Rocamora
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Lei Zhu
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Kek Yee Liong
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Arjen Dondorp
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Olivo Miotto
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Genomics and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sachel Mok
- Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Zbynek Bozdech
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
In the mosquito-human life cycle, the six species of malaria parasites infecting humans (Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale wallickeri, Plasmodium ovale curtisi, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium knowlesi) undergo 10 or more morphological states, replicate from single to 10,000+ cells, and vary in total population from one to many more than 106 organisms. In the human host, only a small number of these morphological stages lead to clinical disease and the vast majority of all malaria-infected patients in the world produce few (if any) symptoms in the human. Human clinical disease (e.g., fever, anemia, coma) is the result of the parasite preprogrammed biology in concert with the human pathophysiological response. Caveats and corollaries that add variation to this host-parasite interaction include parasite genetic diversity of key proteins, coinfections, comorbidities, delays in treatment, human polymorphisms, and environmental determinants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danny A Milner
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, American Society for Clinical Pathology, Center for Global Health, Chicago, Illinois 60603
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Hameed MW, Juszczak I, Bock R, van Dongen JT. Comparison of mitochondrial gene expression and polysome loading in different tobacco tissues. PLANT METHODS 2017; 13:112. [PMID: 29255478 PMCID: PMC5729415 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-017-0257-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate translational regulation of gene expression in plant mitochondria, a mitochondrial polysome isolation protocol was established for tobacco to investigate polysomal mRNA loading as a proxy for translational activity. Furthermore, we developed an oligonucleotide based microarray platform to determine the level of Nicotiana tabacum and Arabidopsis thaliana mitochondrial mRNA. RESULTS Microarray analysis of free and polysomal mRNAs was used to characterize differences in the levels of free transcripts and ribosome-bound mRNAs in various organs of tobacco plants. We have observed higher mitochondrial transcript levels in young leaves, flowers and floral buds as compared to fully expanded leaves and roots. A similar pattern of abundance was observed for ribosome-bound mitochondrial mRNAs in these tissues. However, the accumulation of the mitochondrial protein COX2 was found to be inversely related to that of its ribosome-bound mRNA. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that the association of mitochondrial mRNAs to ribosomes is largely determined by the total transcript level of a gene. However, at least for Cox2, we demonstrated that the level of ribosome-bound mRNA is not reflected by the amount of COX2 protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Waqar Hameed
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270 Pakistan
| | - Ilona Juszczak
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
- Molecular Physiology, University of Bonn, Kirschallee 1, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Ralph Bock
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Joost Thomas van Dongen
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
- Institute of Biology I, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Curtidor H, Reyes C, Bermúdez A, Vanegas M, Varela Y, Patarroyo ME. Conserved Binding Regions Provide the Clue for Peptide-Based Vaccine Development: A Chemical Perspective. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22122199. [PMID: 29231862 PMCID: PMC6149789 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22122199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic peptides have become invaluable biomedical research and medicinal chemistry tools for studying functional roles, i.e., binding or proteolytic activity, naturally-occurring regions’ immunogenicity in proteins and developing therapeutic agents and vaccines. Synthetic peptides can mimic protein sites; their structure and function can be easily modulated by specific amino acid replacement. They have major advantages, i.e., they are cheap, easily-produced and chemically stable, lack infectious and secondary adverse reactions and can induce immune responses via T- and B-cell epitopes. Our group has previously shown that using synthetic peptides and adopting a functional approach has led to identifying Plasmodium falciparumconserved regions binding to host cells. Conserved high activity binding peptides’ (cHABPs) physicochemical, structural and immunological characteristics have been taken into account for properly modifying and converting them into highly immunogenic, protection-inducing peptides (mHABPs) in the experimental Aotus monkey model. This article describes stereo–electron and topochemical characteristics regarding major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-mHABP-T-cell receptor (TCR) complex formation. Some mHABPs in this complex inducing long-lasting, protective immunity have been named immune protection-inducing protein structures (IMPIPS), forming the subunit components in chemically synthesized vaccines. This manuscript summarizes this particular field and adds our recent findings concerning intramolecular interactions (H-bonds or π-interactions) enabling proper IMPIPS structure as well as the peripheral flanking residues (PFR) to stabilize the MHCII-IMPIPS-TCR interaction, aimed at inducing long-lasting, protective immunological memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hernando Curtidor
- Colombian Institute of Immunology Foundation (FIDIC Nonprofit-Making Organisation), Bogotá 111321, Colombia.
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rosario, Bogotá 111321, Colombia.
| | - César Reyes
- Colombian Institute of Immunology Foundation (FIDIC Nonprofit-Making Organisation), Bogotá 111321, Colombia.
| | - Adriana Bermúdez
- Colombian Institute of Immunology Foundation (FIDIC Nonprofit-Making Organisation), Bogotá 111321, Colombia.
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rosario, Bogotá 111321, Colombia.
| | - Magnolia Vanegas
- Colombian Institute of Immunology Foundation (FIDIC Nonprofit-Making Organisation), Bogotá 111321, Colombia.
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rosario, Bogotá 111321, Colombia.
| | - Yahson Varela
- Colombian Institute of Immunology Foundation (FIDIC Nonprofit-Making Organisation), Bogotá 111321, Colombia.
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Applied and Environmental Sciences University (UDCA), Bogotá 111321, Colombia.
| | - Manuel E Patarroyo
- Colombian Institute of Immunology Foundation (FIDIC Nonprofit-Making Organisation), Bogotá 111321, Colombia.
- Faculty of Medicine, National University of Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Bulashevska S, Adebiyi E, Brors B, Eils R. New Insights into the Genetic Regulation of Plasmodium Falciparum Obtained by Bayesian Modeling. GENE REGULATION AND SYSTEMS BIOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/117762500700100013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The most fatal and prevalent form of malaria is caused by the bloodborne pathogen Plasmodium falciparum (henceforth P.f). Annually, approximately three million people died of malaria. Despite P.f devastivating effect globally, the vast majority of its proteins have not been characterized experimentally. In this work, we provide computational insight that explore the modalities of the regulation for some important group of genes of P.f, namely components of the glycolytic pathway, and those involved in apicoplast metabolism. Glycolysis is a crucial pathway in the maintenance of the parasite while the recently discovered apicoplast contains a range of metabolic pathways and housekeeping processes that differ radically to those of the host, which makes it ideal for drug therapy. We have been able to validate some of our findings from available literature and therefore provide a basis to give theoretical insight for some genes regulations, which has not been characterized experimentally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Bulashevska
- Division Theoretical Bioinformatics’, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ezekiel Adebiyi
- Department of Computer and Information Sciences, Covenant University, PMB 1023, Ota, Nigeria
| | - Benedikt Brors
- Department of Computer and Information Sciences, Covenant University, PMB 1023, Ota, Nigeria
| | - Roland Eils
- Department of Computer and Information Sciences, Covenant University, PMB 1023, Ota, Nigeria
- Department ‘Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics’, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), University of Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Turnbull LB, Siwo GH, Button-Simons KA, Tan A, Checkley LA, Painter HJ, Llinás M, Ferdig MT. Simultaneous genome-wide gene expression and transcript isoform profiling in the human malaria parasite. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187595. [PMID: 29112986 PMCID: PMC5675406 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene expression DNA microarrays have been vital for characterizing whole-genome transcriptional profiles. Nevertheless, their effectiveness relies heavily on the accuracy of genome sequences, the annotation of gene structures, and the sequence-dependent performance of individual probes. Currently available gene expression arrays for the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum rely on an average of 2 probes per gene, usually positioned near the 3′ end of genes; consequently, existing designs are prone to measurement bias and cannot capture complexities such as the occurrence of transcript isoforms arising from alternative splicing or alternative start/ stop sites. Here, we describe two novel gene expression arrays with exon-focused probes designed with an average of 12 and 20 probes spanning each gene. This high probe density minimizes signal noise inherent in probe-to-probe sequence-dependent hybridization intensity. We demonstrate that these exon arrays accurately profile genome-wide expression, comparing favorably to currently available arrays and RNA-seq profiling, and can detect alternatively spliced transcript isoforms as well as non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Of the 964 candidate alternate splicing events from published RNA-seq studies, 162 are confirmed using the exon array. Furthermore, the exon array predicted 330 previously unidentified alternate splicing events. Gene expression microarrays continue to offer a cost-effective alternative to RNA-seq for the simultaneous monitoring of gene expression and alternative splicing events. Microarrays may even be preferred in some cases due to their affordability and the rapid turn-around of results when hundreds of samples are required for fine-scale systems biology investigations, including the monitoring of the networks of gene co-expression in the emergence of drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey B. Turnbull
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Geoffrey H. Siwo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
- IBM Research Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Katrina A. Button-Simons
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Asako Tan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
- Illumina, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Lisa A. Checkley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Heather J. Painter
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Center for Malaria Research, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Manuel Llinás
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Center for Malaria Research, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Michael T. Ferdig
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Cellier G, Arribat S, Chiroleu F, Prior P, Robène I. Tube-Wise Diagnostic Microarray for the Multiplex Characterization of the Complex Plant Pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 8:821. [PMID: 28596774 PMCID: PMC5442206 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.00821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Ralstonia solanacearum is a well-known agricultural and ecological threat worldwide. The complexity of the R. solanacearum species complex (Rssc) represents a challenge for the accurate characterization of epidemiological strains by official services and research laboratories. The majority of protocols only focus on a narrow range of strains; however, this species complex includes strains that represent major constraints and are under strict regulation. The main drawback associated with the current methods of detecting and characterizing Rssc strains is their reliance on combining different protocols to properly characterize the strains at the ecotype level, which require time and money. Therefore, we used microarray technology (ArrayTube) to develop a standard protocol, which characterizes 17 major groups of interest in the Rssc, in a single multiplex reaction. These 17 majors groups are linked with a phylogenetic assignation (phylotypes, sequevars), but also with an ecotype assignation associated with a range of hosts (e.g., brown rot, Moko). Probes were designed with a 50-mer length constraint and thoroughly evaluated for any flaws or secondary structures. The strains are characterized based on a DNA extraction from pure culture. Validation data showed strong intra-repeatability, inter-repeatability, and reproducibility as well as good specificity. A hierarchical analysis of the probe groups is suitable for an accurate characterization. Compared with single marker detection tests, the method described in this paper addresses efficiently the issue of combining several tests by testing a large number of phylogenetic markers in a single reaction assay. This custom microarray (RsscAT) represents a significant improvement in the epidemiological monitoring of Rssc strains worldwide, and it has the potential to provide insights for phylogenetic incongruence of Rssc strains based on the host of isolation and may be used to indicate potentially emergent strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Cellier
- Tropical Pests and Diseases Unit, Plant Health Laboratory, ANSESSaint-Pierre, France
| | - Sandrine Arribat
- UMR Peuplements Végétaux et Bioagresseurs en Milieu Tropical, CIRADSaint-Pierre, France
| | - Frédéric Chiroleu
- UMR Peuplements Végétaux et Bioagresseurs en Milieu Tropical, CIRADSaint-Pierre, France
| | - Philippe Prior
- UMR Peuplements Végétaux et Bioagresseurs en Milieu Tropical, CIRADSaint-Pierre, France
- Département Santé des Plantes et Environnement, Institut National de la Recherche AgronomiqueSaint-Pierre, France
| | - Isabelle Robène
- UMR Peuplements Végétaux et Bioagresseurs en Milieu Tropical, CIRADSaint-Pierre, France
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Acevedo-Luna N, Mariño-Ramírez L, Halbert A, Hansen U, Landsman D, Spouge JL. Most of the tight positional conservation of transcription factor binding sites near the transcription start site reflects their co-localization within regulatory modules. BMC Bioinformatics 2016; 17:479. [PMID: 27871221 PMCID: PMC5117513 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-016-1354-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transcription factors (TFs) form complexes that bind regulatory modules (RMs) within DNA, to control specific sets of genes. Some transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) near the transcription start site (TSS) display tight positional preferences relative to the TSS. Furthermore, near the TSS, RMs can co-localize TFBSs with each other and the TSS. The proportion of TFBS positional preferences due to TFBS co-localization within RMs is unknown, however. ChIP experiments confirm co-localization of some TFBSs genome-wide, including near the TSS, but they typically examine only a few TFs at a time, using non-physiological conditions that can vary from lab to lab. In contrast, sequence analysis can examine many TFs uniformly and methodically, broadly surveying the co-localization of TFBSs with tight positional preferences relative to the TSS. Results Our statistics found 43 significant sets of human motifs in the JASPAR TF Database with positional preferences relative to the TSS, with 38 preferences tight (±5 bp). Each set of motifs corresponded to a gene group of 135 to 3304 genes, with 42/43 (98%) gene groups independently validated by DAVID, a gene ontology database, with FDR < 0.05. Motifs corresponding to two TFBSs in a RM should co-occur more than by chance alone, enriching the intersection of the gene groups corresponding to the two TFs. Thus, a gene-group intersection systematically enriched beyond chance alone provides evidence that the two TFs participate in an RM. Of the 903 = 43*42/2 intersections of the 43 significant gene groups, we found 768/903 (85%) pairs of gene groups with significantly enriched intersections, with 564/768 (73%) intersections independently validated by DAVID with FDR < 0.05. A user-friendly web site at http://go.usa.gov/3kjsH permits biologists to explore the interaction network of our TFBSs to identify candidate subunit RMs. Conclusions Gene duplication and convergent evolution within a genome provide obvious biological mechanisms for replicating an RM near the TSS that binds a particular TF subunit. Of all intersections of our 43 significant gene groups, 85% were significantly enriched, with 73% of the significant enrichments independently validated by gene ontology. The co-localization of TFBSs within RMs therefore likely explains much of the tight TFBS positional preferences near the TSS. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12859-016-1354-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Acevedo-Luna
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Leonardo Mariño-Ramírez
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20894, USA
| | - Armand Halbert
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20894, USA
| | - Ulla Hansen
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - David Landsman
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20894, USA
| | - John L Spouge
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20894, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Cruz-Dávalos DI, Llamas B, Gaunitz C, Fages A, Gamba C, Soubrier J, Librado P, Seguin-Orlando A, Pruvost M, Alfarhan AH, Alquraishi SA, Al-Rasheid KAS, Scheu A, Beneke N, Ludwig A, Cooper A, Willerslev E, Orlando L. Experimental conditions improving in-solution target enrichment for ancient DNA. Mol Ecol Resour 2016; 17:508-522. [PMID: 27566552 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.12595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
High-throughput sequencing has dramatically fostered ancient DNA research in recent years. Shotgun sequencing, however, does not necessarily appear as the best-suited approach due to the extensive contamination of samples with exogenous environmental microbial DNA. DNA capture-enrichment methods represent cost-effective alternatives that increase the sequencing focus on the endogenous fraction, whether it is from mitochondrial or nuclear genomes, or parts thereof. Here, we explored experimental parameters that could impact the efficacy of MYbaits in-solution capture assays of ~5000 nuclear loci or the whole genome. We found that varying quantities of the starting probes had only moderate effect on capture outcomes. Starting DNA, probe tiling, the hybridization temperature and the proportion of endogenous DNA all affected the assay, however. Additionally, probe features such as their GC content, number of CpG dinucleotides, sequence complexity and entropy and self-annealing properties need to be carefully addressed during the design stage of the capture assay. The experimental conditions and probe molecular features identified in this study will improve the recovery of genetic information extracted from degraded and ancient remains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana I Cruz-Dávalos
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 5-7, 1350K, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Undergraduate Program on Genomic Sciences, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad s/n, 62210, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Bastien Llamas
- Australian Centre for Ancient DNA, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Charleen Gaunitz
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 5-7, 1350K, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Antoine Fages
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 5-7, 1350K, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Laboratoire d'Anthropobiologie Moléculaire et d'Imagerie de Synthèse, CNRS UMR 5288, Université de Toulouse, University Paul Sabatier, 31000, Toulouse, France
| | - Cristina Gamba
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 5-7, 1350K, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Julien Soubrier
- Australian Centre for Ancient DNA, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Pablo Librado
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 5-7, 1350K, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andaine Seguin-Orlando
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 5-7, 1350K, Copenhagen, Denmark.,National High-Throughput DNA Sequencing Center, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 2D, 1353K, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mélanie Pruvost
- Institut Jacques Monod, UMR7592 CNRS, Université Paris 7, 75205, Paris cédex 13, France
| | - Ahmed H Alfarhan
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Alquraishi
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled A S Al-Rasheid
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amelie Scheu
- Palaeogenetics Group, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Anselm-Franz-von-Bentzel-Weg 7, 55099, Mainz, Germany.,Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, 2, Ireland
| | - Norbert Beneke
- Naturwissenschaftliches Referat an der Zentrale, Deutsches Archäologisches Institut, Im Dol 2-6, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Arne Ludwig
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, 10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alan Cooper
- Australian Centre for Ancient DNA, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Eske Willerslev
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 5-7, 1350K, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ludovic Orlando
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 5-7, 1350K, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Laboratoire d'Anthropobiologie Moléculaire et d'Imagerie de Synthèse, CNRS UMR 5288, Université de Toulouse, University Paul Sabatier, 31000, Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Antony HA, Pathak V, Parija SC, Ghosh K, Bhattacherjee A. Transcriptomic Analysis of Chloroquine-Sensitive and Chloroquine-Resistant Strains ofPlasmodium falciparum: Toward Malaria Diagnostics and Therapeutics for Global Health. OMICS-A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2016; 20:424-32. [DOI: 10.1089/omi.2016.0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hiasindh Ashmi Antony
- Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India
| | - Vrushali Pathak
- Department of Haematogenetics, National Institute of Immunohaematology (NII), Mumbai, India
| | - Subhash Chandra Parija
- Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
A Plasmodium yoelii Mei2-Like RNA Binding Protein Is Essential for Completion of Liver Stage Schizogony. Infect Immun 2016; 84:1336-1345. [PMID: 26883588 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01417-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium parasites employ posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms as their life cycle transitions between host cell invasion and replication within both the mosquito vector and mammalian host. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) provide one mechanism for modulation of RNA function. To explore the role of Plasmodium RBPs during parasite replication, we searched for RBPs that might play a role during liver stage development, the parasite stage that exhibits the most extensive growth and replication. We identified a parasite ortholog of the Mei2 (Meiosis inhibited 2) RBP that is conserved among Plasmodium species (PlasMei2) and exclusively transcribed in liver stage parasites. Epitope-tagged Plasmodium yoelii PlasMei2 was expressed only during liver stage schizogony and showed an apparent granular cytoplasmic location. Knockout of PlasMei2 (plasmei2(-)) in P. yoelii only affected late liver stage development. The P. yoelii plasmei2(-) liver stage size increased progressively until late in development, similar to wild-type parasite development. However, P. yoelii plasmei2(-) liver stage schizonts exhibited an abnormal DNA segregation phenotype and failed to form exoerythrocytic merozoites. Consequently the cellular integrity of P. yoelii plasmei2(-) liver stages became increasingly compromised late in development and the majority of P. yoelii plasmei2(-) underwent cell death by the time wild-type liver stages mature and release merozoites. This resulted in a complete block of P. yoelii plasmei2(-) transition from liver stage to blood stage infection in mice. Our results show for the first time the importance of a Plasmodium RBP in the coordinated progression of late liver stage schizogony and maturation of new invasive forms.
Collapse
|
41
|
Adjalley SH, Chabbert CD, Klaus B, Pelechano V, Steinmetz LM. Landscape and Dynamics of Transcription Initiation in the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Cell Rep 2016; 14:2463-75. [PMID: 26947071 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Revised: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A comprehensive map of transcription start sites (TSSs) across the highly AT-rich genome of P. falciparum would aid progress toward deciphering the molecular mechanisms that underlie the timely regulation of gene expression in this malaria parasite. Using high-throughput sequencing technologies, we generated a comprehensive atlas of transcription initiation events at single-nucleotide resolution during the parasite intra-erythrocytic developmental cycle. This detailed analysis of TSS usage enabled us to define architectural features of plasmodial promoters. We demonstrate that TSS selection and strength are constrained by local nucleotide composition. Furthermore, we provide evidence for coordinate and stage-specific TSS usage from distinct sites within the same transcription unit, thereby producing transcript isoforms, a subset of which are developmentally regulated. This work offers a framework for further investigations into the interactions between genomic sequences and regulatory factors governing the complex transcriptional program of this major human pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie H Adjalley
- Genome Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christophe D Chabbert
- Genome Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bernd Klaus
- Genome Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Vicent Pelechano
- Genome Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lars M Steinmetz
- Genome Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; Stanford Genome Technology Center, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA; Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Parisot N, Peyretaillade E, Dugat-Bony E, Denonfoux J, Mahul A, Peyret P. Probe Design Strategies for Oligonucleotide Microarrays. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1368:67-82. [PMID: 26614069 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3136-1_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Oligonucleotide microarrays have been widely used for gene detection and/or quantification of gene expression in various samples ranging from a single organism to a complex microbial assemblage. The success of a microarray experiment, however, strongly relies on the quality of designed probes. Consequently, probe design is of critical importance and therefore multiple parameters should be considered for each probe in order to ensure high specificity, sensitivity, and uniformity as well as potentially quantitative power. Moreover, to assess the complete gene repertoire of complex biological samples such as those studied in the field of microbial ecology, exploratory probe design strategies must be also implemented to target not-yet-described sequences. To design such probes, two algorithms, KASpOD and HiSpOD, have been developed and they are available via two user-friendly web services. Here, we describe the use of this software necessary for the design of highly effective probes especially in the context of microbial oligonucleotide microarrays by taking into account all the crucial parameters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Parisot
- Université d'Auvergne, EA 4678, CIDAM, Clermont Université, BP 10448, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Eric Peyretaillade
- Université d'Auvergne, EA 4678, CIDAM, Clermont Université, BP 10448, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Eric Dugat-Bony
- Génie et Microbiologie des Procédés Alimentaires, Centre de Biotechnologies Agro-Industrielles, INRA, AgroParisTech, UMR 782, Thiverval-Grignon, France
| | - Jérémie Denonfoux
- Genomic Platform and R&D, Genoscreen, Campus de l'Institut Pasteur, Lille, France
| | | | - Pierre Peyret
- Université d'Auvergne, EA 4678, CIDAM, Clermont Université, BP 10448, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Adjalley SH, Scanfeld D, Kozlowski E, Llinás M, Fidock DA. Genome-wide transcriptome profiling reveals functional networks involving the Plasmodium falciparum drug resistance transporters PfCRT and PfMDR1. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:1090. [PMID: 26689807 PMCID: PMC4687325 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-2320-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The acquisition of multidrug resistance by Plasmodium falciparum underscores the need to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms so as to counter their impact on malaria control. For the many antimalarials whose mode of action relates to inhibition of heme detoxification inside infected erythrocytes, the digestive vacuole transporters PfCRT and PfMDR1 constitute primary resistance determinants. RESULTS Using gene expression microarrays over the course of the parasite intra-erythrocytic developmental cycle, we compared the transcriptomic profiles between P. falciparum strains displaying mutant or wild-type pfcrt or varying in pfcrt or pfmdr1 expression levels. To account for differences in the time of sampling, we developed a computational method termed Hypergeometric Analysis of Time Series, which combines Fast Fourier Transform with a modified Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. Our analysis revealed coordinated changes in genes involved in protein catabolism, translation initiation and DNA/RNA metabolism. We also observed differential expression of genes with a role in transport or coding for components of the digestive vacuole. Interestingly, a global comparison of all profiled transcriptomes uncovered a tight correlation between the transcript levels of pfcrt and pfmdr1, extending to dozens of other genes, suggesting an intricate regulatory balance in order to maintain optimal physiological processes. CONCLUSIONS This study provides insight into the mechanisms by which P. falciparum adjusts to the acquisition of mutations or gene amplification in key transporter loci that mediate drug resistance. Our results implicate several biological pathways that may be differentially regulated to compensate for impaired transporter function and alterations in parasite vacuole physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie H Adjalley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA. .,Present addresses: Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK.
| | - Daniel Scanfeld
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA. .,Present addresses: Google Inc., New York, NY, 10011, USA.
| | - Elyse Kozlowski
- Department of Molecular Biology & Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA. .,Present addresses: Pulmonary Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - Manuel Llinás
- Department of Molecular Biology & Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Chemistry, Center for Malaria Research and Center for Infectious Diseases Dynamics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - David A Fidock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA. .,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Kensche PR, Hoeijmakers WAM, Toenhake CG, Bras M, Chappell L, Berriman M, Bártfai R. The nucleosome landscape of Plasmodium falciparum reveals chromatin architecture and dynamics of regulatory sequences. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 44:2110-24. [PMID: 26578577 PMCID: PMC4797266 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv1214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In eukaryotes, the chromatin architecture has a pivotal role in regulating all DNA-associated processes and it is central to the control of gene expression. For Plasmodium falciparum, a causative agent of human malaria, the nucleosome positioning profile of regulatory regions deserves particular attention because of their extreme AT-content. With the aid of a highly controlled MNase-seq procedure we reveal how positioning of nucleosomes provides a structural and regulatory framework to the transcriptional unit by demarcating landmark sites (transcription/translation start and end sites). In addition, our analysis provides strong indications for the function of positioned nucleosomes in splice site recognition. Transcription start sites (TSSs) are bordered by a small nucleosome-depleted region, but lack the stereotypic downstream nucleosome arrays, highlighting a key difference in chromatin organization compared to model organisms. Furthermore, we observe transcription-coupled eviction of nucleosomes on strong TSSs during intraerythrocytic development and demonstrate that nucleosome positioning and dynamics can be predictive for the functionality of regulatory DNA elements. Collectively, the strong nucleosome positioning over splice sites and surrounding putative transcription factor binding sites highlights the regulatory capacity of the nucleosome landscape in this deadly human pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip Reiner Kensche
- Department of Molecular Biology, Radboud University, 6525GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Maaike Bras
- Department of Molecular Biology, Radboud University, 6525GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lia Chappell
- Parasite Genomics Group, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, CB10 1SA Hinxton, UK
| | - Matthew Berriman
- Parasite Genomics Group, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, CB10 1SA Hinxton, UK
| | - Richárd Bártfai
- Department of Molecular Biology, Radboud University, 6525GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Vembar SS, Macpherson CR, Sismeiro O, Coppée JY, Scherf A. The PfAlba1 RNA-binding protein is an important regulator of translational timing in Plasmodium falciparum blood stages. Genome Biol 2015; 16:212. [PMID: 26415947 PMCID: PMC4587749 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-015-0771-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transcriptome-wide ribosome occupancy studies have suggested that during the intra-erythrocytic lifecycle of Plasmodium falciparum, select mRNAs are post-transcriptionally regulated. A subset of these encodes parasite virulence factors required for invading host erythrocytes, and are currently being developed as vaccine candidates. However, the molecular mechanisms that govern post-transcriptional regulation are currently unknown. Results We explore the previously identified DNA/RNA-binding protein PfAlba1, which localizes to multiple foci in the cytoplasm of P. falciparum trophozoites. We establish that PfAlba1 is essential for asexual proliferation, and subsequently investigate parasites overexpressing epitope-tagged PfAlba1 to identify its RNA targets and effects on mRNA homeostasis and translational regulation. Using deep sequencing of affinity-purified PfAlba1-associated RNAs, we identify 1193 transcripts that directly bind to PfAlba1 in trophozoites. For 105 such transcripts, 43 % of which are uncharacterized and 13 % of which encode erythrocyte invasion components, the steady state levels significantly change at this stage, evidencing a role for PfAlba1 in maintaining mRNA homeostasis. Additionally, we discover that binding of PfAlba1 to four erythrocyte invasion mRNAs, Rap1, RhopH3, CDPK1, and AMA1, is linked to translation repression in trophozoites whereas release of these mRNAs from a PfAlba1 complex in mature stages correlates with protein synthesis. Conclusions We show that PfAlba1 binds to a sub-population of asexual stage mRNAs and fine-tunes the timing of translation. This mode of post-transcriptional regulation may be especially important for P. falciparum erythrocyte invasion components that have to be assembled into apical secretory organelles in a highly time-dependent manner towards the end of the parasite’s asexual lifecycle. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13059-015-0771-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shruthi Sridhar Vembar
- Unité Biologie des Interactions Hôte-Parasite, Département de Parasites et Insectes Vecteurs, Institut Pasteur, Paris, 75015, France. .,CNRS, ERL 9195, Paris, 75015, France. .,INSERM, UMR 1201, Paris, 75015, France.
| | - Cameron Ross Macpherson
- Unité Biologie des Interactions Hôte-Parasite, Département de Parasites et Insectes Vecteurs, Institut Pasteur, Paris, 75015, France.,CNRS, ERL 9195, Paris, 75015, France.,INSERM, UMR 1201, Paris, 75015, France
| | - Odile Sismeiro
- Plate-forme 2, Transcriptome et Epigenome, Institut Pasteur, Paris, 75015, France
| | - Jean-Yves Coppée
- Plate-forme 2, Transcriptome et Epigenome, Institut Pasteur, Paris, 75015, France
| | - Artur Scherf
- Unité Biologie des Interactions Hôte-Parasite, Département de Parasites et Insectes Vecteurs, Institut Pasteur, Paris, 75015, France. .,CNRS, ERL 9195, Paris, 75015, France. .,INSERM, UMR 1201, Paris, 75015, France.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Olshina MA, Angrisano F, Marapana DS, Riglar DT, Bane K, Wong W, Catimel B, Yin MX, Holmes AB, Frischknecht F, Kovar DR, Baum J. Plasmodium falciparum coronin organizes arrays of parallel actin filaments potentially guiding directional motility in invasive malaria parasites. Malar J 2015; 14:280. [PMID: 26187846 PMCID: PMC4506582 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0801-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gliding motility in Plasmodium parasites, the aetiological agents of malaria disease, is mediated by
an actomyosin motor anchored in the outer pellicle of the motile cell. Effective motility is dependent on a parasite myosin motor and turnover of dynamic parasite actin filaments. To date, however, the basis for directional motility is not known. Whilst myosin is very likely orientated as a result of its anchorage within the parasite, how actin filaments are orientated to facilitate directional force generation remains unexplained. In addition, recent evidence has questioned the linkage between actin filaments and secreted surface antigens leaving the way by which motor force is transmitted to the extracellular milieu unknown. Malaria parasites possess a markedly reduced repertoire of actin regulators, among which few are predicted to interact with filamentous (F)-actin directly. One of these, PF3D7_1251200, shows strong homology to the coronin family of actin-filament binding proteins, herein referred to as PfCoronin. Methods Here the N terminal beta propeller domain of PfCoronin (PfCor-N) was expressed to assess its ability to bind and bundle pre-formed actin filaments by sedimentation assay, total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy and confocal imaging as well as to explore its ability to bind phospholipids. In parallel a tagged PfCoronin line in Plasmodium falciparum was generated to determine the cellular localization of the protein during asexual parasite development and blood-stage merozoite invasion. Results A combination of biochemical approaches demonstrated that the N-terminal beta-propeller domain of PfCoronin is capable of binding F-actin and facilitating formation of parallel filament bundles. In parasites, PfCoronin is expressed late in the asexual lifecycle and localizes to the pellicle region of invasive merozoites before and during erythrocyte entry. PfCoronin also associates strongly with membranes within the cell, likely mediated by interactions with phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) at the plasma membrane. Conclusions These data suggest PfCoronin may fulfil a key role as the critical determinant of actin filament organization in the Plasmodium cell. This raises the possibility that macro-molecular organization of actin mediates directional motility in gliding parasites. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-015-0801-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maya A Olshina
- Infection and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. .,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
| | - Fiona Angrisano
- Infection and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. .,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
| | - Danushka S Marapana
- Infection and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. .,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
| | - David T Riglar
- Infection and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. .,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. .,Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Ave WAB 536, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Kartik Bane
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Heidelberg Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Wilson Wong
- Infection and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. .,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
| | - Bruno Catimel
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Melbourne Tumour Biology Branch, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. .,Systems Biology and Personalised Medicine Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
| | - Meng-Xin Yin
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| | - Andrew B Holmes
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| | - Friedrich Frischknecht
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Heidelberg Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - David R Kovar
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, USA.
| | - Jake Baum
- Infection and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. .,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. .,Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Level 6, South Kensington, London, SW72AZ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Zhao W, Dauwels J, Cao J. The effects of cell asynchrony on gene expression levels: analysis and application to Plasmodium falciparum. IEEE J Biomed Health Inform 2015; 19:1301-7. [PMID: 26011871 DOI: 10.1109/jbhi.2015.2434499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the intraerythrocytic developmental cycle of Plasmodium falciparum, time-series gene expression data is commonly measured of infected red blood cells. However, the observed data are usually blurred due to cell asynchrony during experiments. In this paper, the effect of cell asynchrony is investigated by conducting numerical experiments. The simulation results suggest that cell asynchrony has varying effects on different intrinsic expression patterns. Specifically, the intrinsic patterns with high expression around the late life stage are more likely to be affected by cell asynchrony. It is also investigated how the effect of cell asynchrony depends on the experimental conditions. From this analysis, the burst rate r% in infection period and the standard deviation σ of growth rate are identified to have a strong impact on the blurring due to cell asynchrony. Consequently, it is important to measure these two parameters during biological experiments in order to deblur time-series gene expression data.
Collapse
|
48
|
Genome-Wide Gene Expression in relation to Age in Large Laboratory Cohorts of Drosophila melanogaster. GENETICS RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:835624. [PMID: 26090231 PMCID: PMC4454753 DOI: 10.1155/2015/835624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Revised: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Aging is a complex process characterized by a steady decline in an organism's ability to perform life-sustaining tasks. In the present study, two cages of approximately 12,000 mated Drosophila melanogaster females were used as a source of RNA from individuals sampled frequently as a function of age. A linear model for microarray data method was used for the microarray analysis to adjust for the box effect; it identified 1,581 candidate aging genes. Cluster analyses using a self-organizing map algorithm on the 1,581 significant genes identified gene expression patterns across different ages. Genes involved in immune system function and regulation, chorion assembly and function, and metabolism were all significantly differentially expressed as a function of age. The temporal pattern of data indicated that gene expression related to aging is affected relatively early in life span. In addition, the temporal variance in gene expression in immune function genes was compared to a random set of genes. There was an increase in the variance of gene expression within each cohort, which was not observed in the set of random genes. This observation is compatible with the hypothesis that D. melanogaster immune function genes lose control of gene expression as flies age.
Collapse
|
49
|
Mitochondrial ATP synthase is dispensable in blood-stage Plasmodium berghei rodent malaria but essential in the mosquito phase. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:10216-23. [PMID: 25831536 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1423959112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial ATP synthase is driven by chemiosmotic oxidation of pyruvate derived from glycolysis. Blood-stage malaria parasites eschew chemiosmosis, instead relying almost solely on glycolysis for their ATP generation, which begs the question of whether mitochondrial ATP synthase is necessary during the blood stage of the parasite life cycle. We knocked out the mitochondrial ATP synthase β subunit gene in the rodent malaria parasite, Plasmodium berghei, ablating the protein that converts ADP to ATP. Disruption of the β subunit gene of the ATP synthase only marginally reduced asexual blood-stage parasite growth but completely blocked mouse-to-mouse transmission via Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes. Parasites lacking the β subunit gene of the ATP synthase generated viable gametes that fuse and form ookinetes but cannot progress beyond this stage. Ookinetes lacking the β subunit gene of the ATP synthase had normal motility but were not viable in the mosquito midgut and never made oocysts or sporozoites, thereby abrogating transmission to naive mice via mosquito bite. We crossed the self-infertile ATP synthase β subunit knockout parasites with a male-deficient, self-infertile strain of P. berghei, which restored fertility and production of oocysts and sporozoites, which demonstrates that mitochondrial ATP synthase is essential for ongoing viability through the female, mitochondrion-carrying line of sexual reproduction in P. berghei malaria. Perturbation of ATP synthase completely blocks transmission to the mosquito vector and could potentially be targeted for disease control.
Collapse
|
50
|
Hameed MW. Hypoxia up-regulates mitochondrial genome-encoded transcripts in Arabidopsis roots. Genes Genet Syst 2015; 90:325-34. [DOI: 10.1266/ggs.14-00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Waqar Hameed
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, ICCBS, University of Karachi
- Pakistan and Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology
| |
Collapse
|