1
|
Fulgione D, Maselli V, Rivieccio E, Aceto S, Salvemini M, Buglione M. Evolutionary Plasticity in Insular Lizard, Adapting over Reproduction, Metabolism, and Color Variation. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1478. [PMID: 38132304 PMCID: PMC10740616 DOI: 10.3390/biology12121478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The Italian wall lizard (Podarcis siculus) living on islets exhibits a melanic skin coloration and a suite of adaptive traits lacking in nearby mainland populations. On islets, the unpredictable environmental conditions and highly fluctuating population densities are believed to have produced reversed island syndrome (RIS). Several physiological, behavioral, and life-history changes based on the RIS could result from positive selection on increased activity of melanocortins. We hypothesize that phenotypes on islets are the product of a plastic variation depending on the regulation of specific genes. Focusing on control systems that determine the insular-adapted phenotype, we demonstrated that reproductive markers, involved in the hypothalamus-hypophysis-gonadal axis, and metabolism markers, flags for hypophysis-melanocortin receptors, are all up-regulated in island lizards under the RIS. This behavior, combined with the observed limited variation in the mitochondrial genome, agrees with the hypothesis that plasticity enables populations to persist in novel environmental conditions and that over time, natural selection will "fine-tune" the population to the environment by modifying the phenotype under selection. We believe that analysis of the transcriptome and the single gene expression, such that all the variations observed in the island populations, can be useful to shed light on evolutionary plasticity as a process affecting animals' populations in general.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Fulgione
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (S.A.); (M.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Valeria Maselli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (S.A.); (M.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Eleonora Rivieccio
- Department of Humanities Studies, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Serena Aceto
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (S.A.); (M.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Marco Salvemini
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (S.A.); (M.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Maria Buglione
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (S.A.); (M.S.); (M.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alexander AJT, Salvemini M, Sreenu VB, Hughes J, Telleria EL, Ratinier M, Arnaud F, Volf P, Brennan B, Varjak M, Kohl A. Characterisation of the antiviral RNA interference response to Toscana virus in sand fly cells. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011283. [PMID: 36996243 PMCID: PMC10112792 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) (Bunyavirales, Phenuiviridae, Phlebovirus, Toscana phlebovirus) and other related human pathogenic arboviruses are transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies. TOSV has been reported in nations bordering the Mediterranean Sea among other regions. Infection can result in febrile illness as well as meningitis and encephalitis. Understanding vector-arbovirus interactions is crucial to improving our knowledge of how arboviruses spread, and in this context, immune responses that control viral replication play a significant role. Extensive research has been conducted on mosquito vector immunity against arboviruses, with RNA interference (RNAi) and specifically the exogenous siRNA (exo-siRNA) pathway playing a critical role. However, the antiviral immunity of phlebotomine sand flies is less well understood. Here we were able to show that the exo-siRNA pathway is active in a Phlebotomus papatasi-derived cell line. Following TOSV infection, distinctive 21 nucleotide virus-derived small interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs) were detected. We also identified the exo-siRNA effector Ago2 in this cell line, and silencing its expression rendered the exo-siRNA pathway largely inactive. Thus, our data show that this pathway is active as an antiviral response against a sand fly transmitted bunyavirus, TOSV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Salvemini
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
| | | | - Joseph Hughes
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Erich L. Telleria
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Maxime Ratinier
- IVPC UMR754, INRAE, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, EPHE, PSL Research University, Lyon, France
| | - Frédérick Arnaud
- IVPC UMR754, INRAE, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, EPHE, PSL Research University, Lyon, France
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Benjamin Brennan
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Margus Varjak
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Alain Kohl
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ashraf F, Weedall GD. Characterization of the glutathione S-transferase genes in the sand flies Phlebotomus papatasi and Lutzomyia longipalpis shows expansion of the novel glutathione S-transferase xi (X) class. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 31:417-433. [PMID: 35238100 PMCID: PMC9540044 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis control often relies upon insecticidal control of phlebotomine sandfly vector populations. Such methods are vulnerable to the evolution of insecticide resistance via a range of molecular mechanisms. There is evidence that two major resistance mechanisms, target site insensitivity and metabolic resistance, have evolved in some sandfly populations and further genetic characterization of resistance would be useful to understand and combat it. To facilitate the study of the mechanisms of metabolic resistance, here we improved the annotation and characterized a major detoxification gene family, the glutathione-s-transferases (GST), in the genomes of two sand fly species: Phlebotomus papatasi and Lutzomyia longipalpis. The compositions of the GST gene family differ markedly from those of Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes. Most strikingly, the xi (X) class of GSTs appears to have expanded in both sand fly genomes. Our results provide a basis for further studies of metabolic resistance mechanisms in these important disease vector species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Ashraf
- School of Biological and Environmental SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpoolUK
| | - Gareth D. Weedall
- School of Biological and Environmental SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpoolUK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Olajide JS, Olopade B, Cai J. Functional Intricacy and Symmetry of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Parasitic Infections. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:751523. [PMID: 34692567 PMCID: PMC8531492 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.751523] [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: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
RNAs are a class of molecules and the majority in eukaryotes are arbitrarily termed non- coding transcripts which are broadly classified as short and long non-coding RNAs. Recently, knowledge of the identification and functions of long non-coding RNAs have continued to accumulate and they are being recognized as important molecules that regulate parasite-host interface, parasite differentiation, host responses, and disease progression. Herein, we present and integrate the functions of host and parasite long non-coding RNAs during infections within the context of epigenetic re-programming and molecular crosstalk in the course of host-parasite interactions. Also, the modular range of parasite and host long non-coding RNAs in coordinated parasite developmental changes and host immune dynamic landscapes are discussed. We equally canvass the prospects of long non-coding RNAs in disease diagnosis and prognosis. Hindsight and suggestions are offered with the aim that it will bolster our understanding for future works on host and parasite long non-coding RNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Seun Olajide
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Veterinary Research Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Centre for Distance Learning, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Bolatito Olopade
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Jianping Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Veterinary Research Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Masoudzadeh N, Mizbani A, Rafati S. Transcriptomic profiling in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis patients. Expert Rev Proteomics 2020; 17:533-541. [PMID: 32886890 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2020.1812390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), caused by different Leishmania parasite species, is associated with parasite-induced immune-mediated skin inflammation and ulceration. Whereas many CL studies focus on gene expression signatures in mouse models, the transcriptional response driving human patients in the field is less characterized. Human studies in CL disease provide the opportunity to directly investigate the host-pathogen interaction in the cutaneous lesion site. AREAS COVERED Advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies, particularly their application for evaluation of the global gene expression changes, have made transcriptomics as a powerful tool to understand the pathogen-host molecular interactions. EXPERT COMMENTARY In this review, we focus on the transcriptomics studies that have been performed so far on human blood or tissue-driven samples to investigate Leishmania parasites interplay with the CL patients. Further, we summarize microarray and RNA-seq studies associated with lesion biopsies of CL patients to discuss how current whole genome analysis along with systems biology approaches have developed novel CL biomarkers for further applications, not only for research, but also for accelerating vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin Masoudzadeh
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Mizbani
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Sima Rafati
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li WJ, Song YJ, Han HL, Xu HQ, Wei D, Smagghe G, Wang JJ. Genome-wide analysis of long non-coding RNAs in adult tissues of the melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett). BMC Genomics 2020; 21:600. [PMID: 32867696 PMCID: PMC7457495 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-07014-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in many fundamental biological processes, such as transcription regulation, protein degradation, and cell differentiation. Information on lncRNA in the melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) is currently limited. Results We constructed 24 RNA-seq libraries from eight tissues (midgut, Malpighian tubules, fat body, ovary, and testis) of Z. cucurbitae adults. A total of 3124 lncRNA transcripts were identified. Among those, 1464 were lincRNAs, 1037 were intronic lncRNAs, 301 were anti-sense lncRNAs, and 322 were sense lncRNAs. The majority of lncRNAs contained two exons and one isoform. Differentially expressed lncRNAs were analyzed between tissues, and Malpighian tubules versus testis had the largest number. Some lncRNAs exhibited strong tissue specificity. Specifically expressed lncRNAs were identified and filtered in tissues of female and male Z. cucurbitae based on their expression levels. Four midgut-specific lncRNAs were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and the data were consistent with RNA-seq data. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses of targets of midgut-specific lncRNAs indicated an enrichment of the metabolic process. Conclusions This was the first systematic identification of lncRNA in the melon fly. Expressions of lncRNAs in multiple adult tissues were evaluated by quantitative transcriptomic analysis. These qualitative and quantitative analyses of lncRNAs, especially the tissue-specific lncRNAs in Z. cucurbitae, provide useful data for further functional studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Jun Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.,International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yu-Jia Song
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.,International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hong-Liang Han
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.,International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hui-Qian Xu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.,International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Dong Wei
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.,International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China. .,International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China. .,Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China. .,International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cavallero S, Lombardo F, Salvemini M, Pizzarelli A, Cantacessi C, D’Amelio S. Comparative Transcriptomics Reveals Clues for Differences in Pathogenicity between Hysterothylacium aduncum, Anisakis simplex sensu stricto and Anisakis pegreffii. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11030321. [PMID: 32197414 PMCID: PMC7140869 DOI: 10.3390/genes11030321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Ascaridoid nematodes are widespread in marine fishes. Despite their major socioeconomic importance, mechanisms associated to the fish-borne zoonotic disease anisakiasis are still obscure. RNA-Seq and de-novo assembly were herein applied to RNA extracted from larvae and dissected pharynx of Hysterothylacium aduncum (HA), a non-pathogenic nematode. Assembled transcripts in HA were annotated and compared to the transcriptomes of the zoonotic species Anisakis simplex sensu stricto (AS) and Anisakis pegreffii (AP). Approximately 60,000,000 single-end reads were generated for HA, AS and AP. Transcripts in HA encoded for 30,254 putative peptides while AS and AP encoded for 20,574 and 20,840 putative peptides, respectively. Differential gene expression analyses yielded 471, 612 and 526 transcripts up regulated in the pharynx of HA, AS and AP. The transcriptomes of larvae and pharynx of HA were enriched in transcripts encoding collagen, peptidases, ribosomal proteins and in heat-shock motifs. Transcripts encoding proteolytic enzymes, anesthetics, inhibitors of primary hemostasis and virulence factors, anticoagulants and immunomodulatory peptides were up-regulated in AS and AP pharynx. This study represents the first transcriptomic characterization of a marine parasitic nematode commonly recovered in fish and probably of negligible concern for public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serena Cavallero
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.C.); (F.L.); (A.P.)
| | - Fabrizio Lombardo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.C.); (F.L.); (A.P.)
| | - Marco Salvemini
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Corso Umberto I, 40, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Antonella Pizzarelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.C.); (F.L.); (A.P.)
| | - Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK;
| | - Stefano D’Amelio
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.C.); (F.L.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Acuña SM, Floeter-Winter LM, Muxel SM. MicroRNAs: Biological Regulators in Pathogen-Host Interactions. Cells 2020; 9:E113. [PMID: 31906500 PMCID: PMC7016591 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
An inflammatory response is essential for combating invading pathogens. Several effector components, as well as immune cell populations, are involved in mounting an immune response, thereby destroying pathogenic organisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. In the past decade, microRNAs (miRNAs), a group of noncoding small RNAs, have emerged as functionally significant regulatory molecules with the significant capability of fine-tuning biological processes. The important role of miRNAs in inflammation and immune responses is highlighted by studies in which the regulation of miRNAs in the host was shown to be related to infectious diseases and associated with the eradication or susceptibility of the infection. Here, we review the biological aspects of microRNAs, focusing on their roles as regulators of gene expression during pathogen-host interactions and their implications in the immune response against Leishmania, Trypanosoma, Toxoplasma, and Plasmodium infectious diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sandra Marcia Muxel
- Department of Physiology, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-090 São Paulo, Brazil; (S.M.A.); (L.M.F.-W.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yao Q, Dong Y, Chen J, Quan L, Zhang W, Chen B. Transcriptome Analysis of Female and Male Conopomorpha sinensis (Lepidoptera: Gracilariidae) Adults With a Focus on Hormone and Reproduction. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 112:2966-2975. [PMID: 31504646 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toz225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Conopomorpha sinensis Bradley is the dominant borer pest of litchi and longan in the Asian-pacific area. Reduction or interference of reproduction and mating of adult moths is one of the most used strategies to control C. sinensis. Insect reproduction is a critical biological process closely related to endocrine control. Conopomorpha sinensis genome and transcriptome information is limited, hampering both our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying hormone activity and reproduction and the development of control strategies for this borer pest. To explore the sex differences in gene expression profiles influencing these biological processes, de novo transcriptomes were assembled from female and male adult C. sinensis specimens. This analysis yielded 184,422 unigenes with an average length of 903 bp and 405,961 transcripts after sequencing and assembly. About 45.06, 22.41, 19.53, 34.05, 35.82, 36.42, and 19.85% of the unigenes had significant matches in seven public databases. Subsequently, gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis revealed comprehensive information about the function of each gene and identified enriched categories and pathways that were associated with the 2,890 female-biased genes and 2,964 male-biased genes. In addition, we identified some important unigenes related to hormone activity and reproduction among the sex-differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including unigenes coding for ecdysone-induced protein 78C, juvenile hormone (JH)-regulated gene fatty acyl-CoA reductase, vitellogenin, etc. Our findings provide a more comprehensive portrait of the sex differences involved in the relationship of two important physiological features-hormone activity and reproduction in C. sinensis and members of the family Gracillariidae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Yao
- Plant Protection Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yizhi Dong
- Plant Protection Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Science, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Linfa Quan
- Plant Protection Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenqing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Institute of Entomology, Sun-Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bingxu Chen
- Plant Protection Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Buglione M, Petrelli S, Maselli V, Trapanese M, Salvemini M, Aceto S, Di Cosmo A, Fulgione D. Fixation of genetic variation and optimization of gene expression: The speed of evolution in isolated lizard populations undergoing Reverse Island Syndrome. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224607. [PMID: 31711071 PMCID: PMC6846358 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ecological theory of island biogeography suggests that mainland populations should be more genetically divergent from those on large and distant islands rather than from those on small and close islets. Some island populations do not evolve in a linear way, but the process of divergence occurs more rapidly because they undergo a series of phenotypic changes, jointly known as the Island Syndrome. A special case is Reversed Island Syndrome (RIS), in which populations show drastic phenotypic changes both in body shape, skin colouration, age of sexual maturity, aggressiveness, and food intake rates. The populations showing the RIS were observed on islets nearby mainland and recently raised, and for this they are useful models to study the occurrence of rapid evolutionary change. We investigated the timing and mode of evolution of lizard populations adapted through selection on small islets. For our analyses, we used an ad hoc model system of three populations: wild-type lizards from the mainland and insular lizards from a big island (Capri, Italy), both Podarcis siculus siculus not affected by the syndrome, and a lizard population from islet (Scopolo) undergoing the RIS (called P. s. coerulea because of their melanism). The split time of the big (Capri) and small (Scopolo) islands was determined using geological events, like sea-level rises. To infer molecular evolution, we compared five complete mitochondrial genomes for each population to reconstruct the phylogeography and estimate the divergence time between island and mainland lizards. We found a lower mitochondrial mutation rate in Scopolo lizards despite the phenotypic changes achieved in approximately 8,000 years. Furthermore, transcriptome analyses showed significant differential gene expression between islet and mainland lizard populations, suggesting the key role of plasticity in these unpredictable environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Buglione
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Petrelli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Maselli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Trapanese
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Salvemini
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Serena Aceto
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Di Cosmo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Fulgione
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II Naples, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Meccariello A, Salvemini M, Primo P, Hall B, Koskinioti P, Dalíková M, Gravina A, Gucciardino MA, Forlenza F, Gregoriou ME, Ippolito D, Monti SM, Petrella V, Perrotta MM, Schmeing S, Ruggiero A, Scolari F, Giordano E, Tsoumani KT, Marec F, Windbichler N, Arunkumar KP, Bourtzis K, Mathiopoulos KD, Ragoussis J, Vitagliano L, Tu Z, Papathanos PA, Robinson MD, Saccone G. Maleness-on-the-Y ( MoY) orchestrates male sex determination in major agricultural fruit fly pests. Science 2019; 365:1457-1460. [PMID: 31467189 DOI: 10.1126/science.aax1318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In insects, rapidly evolving primary sex-determining signals are transduced by a conserved regulatory module controlling sexual differentiation. In the agricultural pest Ceratitis capitata (Mediterranean fruit fly, or Medfly), we identified a Y-linked gene, Maleness-on-the-Y (MoY), encoding a small protein that is necessary and sufficient for male development. Silencing or disruption of MoY in XY embryos causes feminization, whereas overexpression of MoY in XX embryos induces masculinization. Crosses between transformed XY females and XX males give rise to males and females, indicating that a Y chromosome can be transmitted by XY females. MoY is Y-linked and functionally conserved in other species of the Tephritidae family, highlighting its potential to serve as a tool for developing more effective control strategies against these major agricultural insect pests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Meccariello
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II," 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Marco Salvemini
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II," 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Pasquale Primo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II," 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Brantley Hall
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Panagiota Koskinioti
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, A-1400 Vienna, Austria.,Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Martina Dalíková
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Gravina
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II," 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Federica Forlenza
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II," 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria-Eleni Gregoriou
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Domenica Ippolito
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II," 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Simona Maria Monti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), CNR, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Petrella
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II," 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Stephan Schmeing
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences and SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alessia Ruggiero
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), CNR, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Scolari
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Ennio Giordano
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II," 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Konstantina T Tsoumani
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - František Marec
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Nikolai Windbichler
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Kallare P Arunkumar
- Centre of Excellence for Genetics and Genomics of Silkmoths, Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad 500 039, India
| | - Kostas Bourtzis
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, A-1400 Vienna, Austria
| | - Kostas D Mathiopoulos
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Jiannis Ragoussis
- Department of Human Genetics and Bioengineering, McGill University and Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada
| | - Luigi Vitagliano
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), CNR, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Zhijian Tu
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Philippos Aris Papathanos
- Section of Genomics and Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy. .,Department of Entomology, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Mark D Robinson
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences and SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Giuseppe Saccone
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II," 80126 Napoli, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Petrella V, Aceto S, Colonna V, Saccone G, Sanges R, Polanska N, Volf P, Gradoni L, Bongiorno G, Salvemini M. Identification of sex determination genes and their evolution in Phlebotominae sand flies (Diptera, Nematocera). BMC Genomics 2019; 20:522. [PMID: 31238870 PMCID: PMC6593557 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5898-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera, Nematocera) are important vectors of several pathogens, including Leishmania parasites, causing serious diseases of humans and dogs. Despite their importance as disease vectors, most aspects of sand fly biology remain unknown including the molecular basis of their reproduction and sex determination, aspects also relevant for the development of novel vector control strategies. RESULTS Using comparative genomics/transcriptomics data mining and transcriptional profiling, we identified the sex determining genes in phlebotomine sand flies and proposed the first model for the sex determination cascade of these insects. For all the genes identified, we produced manually curated gene models, developmental gene expression profile and performed evolutionary molecular analysis. We identified and characterized, for the first time in a Nematocera species, the transformer (tra) homolog which exhibits both conserved and novel features. The analysis of the tra locus in sand flies and its expression pattern suggest that this gene is able to autoregulate its own splicing, as observed in the fruit fly Ceratitis capitata and several other insect species. CONCLUSIONS Our results permit to fill the gap about sex determination in sand flies, contribute to a better understanding of this developmental pathway in Nematocera and open the way for the identification of sex determining orthologs in other species of this important Diptera sub-order. Furthermore, the sex determination genes identified in our work also provide the opportunity of future biotechnological applications to control natural population of sand flies, reducing their impact on public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Petrella
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Serena Aceto
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenza Colonna
- National Research Council, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Saccone
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Remo Sanges
- Stazione Zoologica “Anton Dohrn”, Naples, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Nikola Polanska
- Department of Parasitology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Luigi Gradoni
- Unit of Vector-borne Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Gioia Bongiorno
- Unit of Vector-borne Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Salvemini
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Immunotherapy in clinical canine leishmaniosis: a comparative update. Res Vet Sci 2019; 125:218-226. [PMID: 31280121 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2019.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniosis due to Leishmania infantum is a complex infection that can affect both humans and dogs, and present a wide range of clinical signs and clinicopathological abnormalities. The conventional treatment of this disease is challenging due to the fact that complete parasitological cure commonly does not occur. Furthermore, treatment of the disease with the conventionally used drugs has several shortcomings. These include the need for long-term treatment, side effects and the formation of drug resistance. Moreover, it is important to highlight that the host immune responses play a crucial role in the outcome of this infection. For this reason, the use of immunotherapy in clinical leishmaniosis to improve the result of treatment with the conventional anti-leishmanial drugs by enhancing the immune response is imperative. The aim of this review is to provide a comparative overview of the wide range of immunotherapeutical approaches and strategies for the treatment of L. infantum infection in animals focusing on dogs.
Collapse
|
14
|
Meibers HE, Finch G, Gregg RT, Glenn S, Assani KD, Jennings EC, Davies B, Rosendale AJ, Holmes CJ, Gantz JD, Spacht DE, Lee RE, Denlinger DL, Weirauch MT, Benoit JB. Sex- and developmental-specific transcriptomic analyses of the Antarctic mite, Alaskozetes antarcticus, reveal transcriptional shifts underlying oribatid mite reproduction. Polar Biol 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-018-2427-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
15
|
Phuphisut O, Ajawatanawong P, Limpanont Y, Reamtong O, Nuamtanong S, Ampawong S, Chaimon S, Dekumyoy P, Watthanakulpanich D, Swierczewski BE, Adisakwattana P. Transcriptomic analysis of male and female Schistosoma mekongi adult worms. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:504. [PMID: 30201055 PMCID: PMC6131826 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3086-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosoma mekongi is one of five major causative agents of human schistosomiasis and is endemic to communities along the Mekong River in southern Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos) and northern Cambodia. Sporadic cases of schistosomiasis have been reported in travelers and immigrants who have visited endemic areas. Schistosoma mekongi biology and molecular biology is poorly understood, and few S. mekongi gene and transcript sequences are available in public databases. Results Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) of male and female S. mekongi adult worms (a total of three biological replicates for each sex) were analyzed and the results demonstrated that approximately 304.9 and 363.3 million high-quality clean reads with quality Q30 (> 90%) were obtained from male and female adult worms, respectively. A total of 119,604 contigs were assembled with an average length of 1273 nt and an N50 of 2017 nt. From the contigs, 20,798 annotated protein sequences and 48,256 annotated transcript sequences were obtained using BLASTP and BLASTX searches against the UniProt Trematoda database. A total of 4658 and 3509 transcripts were predominantly expressed in male and female worms, respectively. Male-biased transcripts were mostly involved in structural organization while female-biased transcripts were typically involved in cell differentiation and egg production. Interestingly, pathway enrichment analysis suggested that genes involved in the phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway may play important roles in the cellular processes and reproductive systems of S. mekongi worms. Conclusions We present comparative transcriptomic analyses of male and female S. mekongi adult worms, which provide a global view of the S. mekongi transcriptome as well as insights into differentially-expressed genes associated with each sex. This work provides valuable information and sequence resources for future studies of gene function and for ongoing whole genome sequencing efforts in S. mekongi. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-3086-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Orawan Phuphisut
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pravech Ajawatanawong
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yanin Limpanont
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Onrapak Reamtong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Supaporn Nuamtanong
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sumate Ampawong
- Department of Tropical Pathology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Salisa Chaimon
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Paron Dekumyoy
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Dorn Watthanakulpanich
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Brett E Swierczewski
- Department of Enteric Diseases, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Poom Adisakwattana
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Martin-Martin I, Aryan A, Meneses C, Adelman ZN, Calvo E. Optimization of sand fly embryo microinjection for gene editing by CRISPR/Cas9. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006769. [PMID: 30180160 PMCID: PMC6150542 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 technology has rapidly emerged as a very effective tool for gene editing. Although great advances on gene editing in the medical entomology field have arisen, no attempts of gene editing have been reported in sand flies, the vectors of Leishmaniasis. Methodology/Principal findings Here, we described a detailed protocol for sand fly embryo microinjection taking into consideration the sand fly life cycle, and manipulation and oviposition requirements of this non-model organism. Following our microinjection protocol, a hatching rate of injected embryos of 11.90%-14.22% was achieved, a rate consistent with other non-model organism dipterans such as mosquitoes. Essential factors for the adaptation of CRISPR/Cas9 technology to the sand fly field were addressed including the selection of a target gene and the design and production of sgRNA. An in vitro cleavage assay was optimized to test the activity of each sgRNA and a protocol for Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (spCas9) protein expression and purification was described. Relevant considerations for a successful gene editing in the sand fly such as specifics of embryology and double-stranded break DNA repair mechanisms were discussed. Conclusion and significance The step-by-step methodology reported in this article will be of significant use for setting up a sand fly embryo microinjection station for the incorporation of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in the sand fly field. Gene editing strategies used in mosquitoes and other model insects have been adapted to work with sand flies, providing the tools and relevant information for adapting gene editing techniques to the vectors of Leishmaniasis. Gene editing in sand flies will provide essential information on the biology of these vectors of medical and veterinary relevance and will rise a better understanding of vector-parasite-host interactions. The CRISPR/Cas9 system, based on the adaptive immune system in bacteria and archaea against viral infections, has been adapted and has rapidly emerged as a very effective genetic engineering tool in many organisms. Although great advances on gene editing in the medical entomology field have arisen, no attempts have been reported in sand flies, the vectors of Leishmania spp. Leishmaniasis is one of the most neglected parasitic diseases with twelve million people affected worldwide. Despite their importance as disease vectors, sand fly genetics and molecular studies are limited when compared to other insects. In this article, gene editing strategies used in mosquitoes and other model insects have been adapted to work with sand flies, providing the tools and relevant information for adapting embryo microinjection techniques to sand flies, an essential step in a successful gene editing experiment. We believe gene editing in sand flies will provide essential information of medical and veterinary relevance on the biology of these vectors, and will further a better understanding of vector-parasite-host interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ines Martin-Martin
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Azadeh Aryan
- Department of Entomology and Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Claudio Meneses
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Zach N. Adelman
- Department of Entomology and Agrilife Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Eric Calvo
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Baxarias M, Álvarez-Fernández A, Martínez-Orellana P, Montserrat-Sangrà S, Ordeix L, Rojas A, Nachum-Biala Y, Baneth G, Solano-Gallego L. Does co-infection with vector-borne pathogens play a role in clinical canine leishmaniosis? Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:135. [PMID: 29554918 PMCID: PMC5859550 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2724-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The severity of canine leishmaniosis (CanL) due to Leishmania infantum might be affected by other vector-borne organisms that mimic its clinical signs and clinicopathological abnormalities. The aim of this study was to determine co-infections with other vector-borne pathogens based on serological and molecular techniques in dogs with clinical leishmaniosis living in Spain and to associate them with clinical signs and clinicopathological abnormalities as well as disease severity. METHODS Sixty-one dogs with clinical leishmaniosis and 16 apparently healthy dogs were tested for Rickettsia conorii, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Bartonella henselae antigens by the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and for E. canis, Anaplasma spp., Hepatozoon spp., Babesia spp. and filarioid DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS Among the dogs examined by IFAT, the seroprevalences were: 69% for R. conorii, 57% for E. canis, 44% for A. phagocytophilum and 37% for B. henselae; while the prevalences found by PCR were: 8% for Ehrlichia/Anaplasma, 3% for Anaplasma platys and 1% for H. canis. No other pathogen DNA was detected. Statistical association was found between dogs with clinical leishmaniosis and seroreactivity to R. conorii antigen (Fisher's exact test: P = 0.025, OR = 4.1, 95% CI = 1-17) and A. phagocytophilum antigen (Fisher's exact test: P = 0.002, OR = 14.3, 95% CI = 2-626) and being positive to more than one serological or molecular tests (co-infections) (Mann-Whitney test: U = 243, Z = -2.6, n 1 = 14, n 2 = 61, P = 0.01) when compared with healthy dogs. Interestingly, a statistical association was found between the presence of R. conorii, E. canis, A. phagocytophilum and B. henselae antibodies in sick dogs and some clinicopathological abnormalities such as albumin and albumin/globulin ratio decrease and increase in serum globulins. Furthermore, seroreactivity with A. phagocytophilum antigens was statistically associated with CanL clinical stages III and IV. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that dogs with clinical leishmaniosis from Catalonia (Spain) have a higher rate of co-infections with other vector-borne pathogens when compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, positivity to some vector-borne pathogens was associated with more marked clinicopathological abnormalities as well as disease severity with CanL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Baxarias
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Alejandra Álvarez-Fernández
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Pamela Martínez-Orellana
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Sara Montserrat-Sangrà
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Laura Ordeix
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.,Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Alicia Rojas
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Laia Solano-Gallego
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Cavallero S, Lombardo F, Su X, Salvemini M, Cantacessi C, D'Amelio S. Tissue-specific transcriptomes of Anisakis simplex (sensu stricto) and Anisakis pegreffii reveal potential molecular mechanisms involved in pathogenicity. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:31. [PMID: 29321072 PMCID: PMC5763927 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2585-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Larval stages of the sibling species of parasitic nematodes Anisakis simplex (sensu stricto) (s.s.) (AS) and Anisakis pegreffii (AP) are responsible for a fish-borne zoonosis, known as anisakiasis, that humans aquire via the ingestion of raw or undercooked infected fish or fish-based products. These two species differ in geographical distribution, genetic background and peculiar traits involved in pathogenicity. However, thus far little is known of key molecules potentially involved in host-parasite interactions. Here, high-throughput RNA-Seq and bioinformatics analyses of sequence data were applied to the characterization of the whole sets of transcripts expressed by infective larvae of AS and AP, as well as of their pharyngeal tissues, in a bid to identify transcripts potentially involved in tissue invasion and host-pathogen interplay. Results Approximately 34,000,000 single-end reads were generated from cDNA libraries for each species. Transcripts identified in AS and AP encoded 19,403 and 10,424 putative peptides, respectively, and were classified based on homology searches, protein motifs, gene ontology and biological pathway mapping. Differential gene expression analysis yielded 226 and 339 transcripts upregulated in the pharyngeal regions of AS and AP, respectively, compared with their corresponding whole-larvae datasets. These included proteolytic enzymes, molecules encoding anesthetics, inhibitors of primary hemostasis and virulence factors, anticoagulants and immunomodulatory peptides. Conclusions This work provides the scientific community with a list of key transcripts expressed by AS and AP pharyngeal tissues and corresponding annotation information which represents a ready-to-use resource for future functional studies of biological pathways specifically involved in host-parasite interplay. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-017-2585-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serena Cavallero
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Lombardo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Xiaopei Su
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marco Salvemini
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stefano D'Amelio
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Liu F, Guo D, Yuan Z, Chen C, Xiao H. Genome-wide identification of long non-coding RNA genes and their association with insecticide resistance and metamorphosis in diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15870. [PMID: 29158595 PMCID: PMC5696462 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16057-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is a class of noncoding RNA >200 bp in length that has essential roles in regulating a variety of biological processes. Here, we constructed a computational pipeline to identify lncRNA genes in the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), a major insect pest of cruciferous vegetables. In total, 3,324 lncRNAs corresponding to 2,475 loci were identified from 13 RNA-Seq datasets, including samples from parasitized, insecticide-resistant strains and different developmental stages. The identified P. xylostella lncRNAs had shorter transcripts and fewer exons than protein-coding genes. Seven out of nine randomly selected lncRNAs were validated by strand-specific RT-PCR. In total, 54-172 lncRNAs were specifically expressed in the insecticide resistant strains, among which one lncRNA was located adjacent to the sodium channel gene. In addition, 63-135 lncRNAs were specifically expressed in different developmental stages, among which three lncRNAs overlapped or were located adjacent to the metamorphosis-associated genes. These lncRNAs were either strongly or weakly co-expressed with their overlapping or neighboring mRNA genes. In summary, we identified thousands of lncRNAs and presented evidence that lncRNAs might have key roles in conferring insecticide resistance and regulating the metamorphosis development in P. xylostella.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feiling Liu
- College of Life Sciences and Resource Environment, Yichun University, Yichun, 336000, China
| | - Dianhao Guo
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Zhuting Yuan
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Chen Chen
- College of Life Sciences and Resource Environment, Yichun University, Yichun, 336000, China
| | - Huamei Xiao
- College of Life Sciences and Resource Environment, Yichun University, Yichun, 336000, China.
- The Center for Translational Medicine, Yichun University, Yichun, 336000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Patino LH, Ramírez JD. RNA-seq in kinetoplastids: A powerful tool for the understanding of the biology and host-pathogen interactions. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 49:273-282. [PMID: 28179142 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The kinetoplastids include a large number of parasites responsible for serious diseases in humans and animals (Leishmania and Trypanosoma brucei) considered endemic in several regions of the world. These parasites are characterized by digenetic life cycles that undergo morphological and genetic changes that allow them to adapt to different microenvironments on their vertebrates and invertebrates hosts. Recent advances in ´omics´ technology, specifically transcriptomics have allowed to reveal aspects associated with such molecular changes. So far, different techniques have been used to evaluate the gene expression profile during the various stages of the life cycle of these parasites and during the host-parasite interactions. However, some of them have serious drawbacks that limit the precise study and full understanding of their transcriptomes. Therefore, recently has been implemented the latest technology (RNA-seq), which overcomes the drawbacks of traditional methods. In this review, studies that so far have used RNA-seq are presented and allowed to expand our knowledge regarding the biology of these parasites and their interactions with their hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luz Helena Patino
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR (GIMUR), Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24# 63C-69, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR (GIMUR), Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24# 63C-69, Bogotá, Colombia.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Liu GH, Xu MJ, Chang QC, Gao JF, Wang CR, Zhu XQ. De novo transcriptomic analysis of the female and male adults of the blood fluke Schistosoma turkestanicum. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:143. [PMID: 26968659 PMCID: PMC4788885 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1436-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosoma turkestanicum is a parasite of considerable veterinary importance as an agent of animal schistosomiasis in many countries, including China. The S. turkestanicum cercariae can also infect humans, causing cercarial dermatitis in many countries and regions of the world. In spite of its significance as a pathogen of animals and humans, there is little transcriptomic and genomic data in the public databases. Methods Herein, we performed the transcriptome Illumina RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of adult males and females of S. turkestanicum and de novo transcriptome assembly. Results Approximately 81.1 (female) and 80.5 (male) million high-quality clean reads were obtained and then 29,526 (female) and 41,346 (male) unigenes were assembled. A total of 34,624 unigenes were produced from S. turkestanicum females and males, with an average length of 878 nucleotides (nt) and N50 of 1480 nt. Of these unigenes, 25,158 (72.7 %) were annotated by blast searches against the NCBI non-redundant protein database. Among these, 21,995 (63.5 %), 22,189 (64.1 %) and 13,754 (39.7 %) of the unigenes had significant similarity in the NCBI non-redundant protein (NR), non-redundant nucleotide (NT) and Swiss-Prot databases, respectively. In addition, 3150 unigenes were identified to be expressed specifically in females and 1014 unigenes were identified to be expressed specifically in males. Interestingly, several pathways associated with gonadal development and sex maintenance were found, including the Wnt signaling pathway (103; 2 %) and progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation (77; 1.5 %). Conclusions The present study characterized and compared the transcriptomes of adult female and male blood fluke, S. turkestanicum. These results will not only serve as valuable resources for future functional genomics studies to understand the molecular aspects of S. turkestanicum, but also will provide essential information for ongoing whole genome sequencing efforts on this pathogenic blood fluke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Hua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, PR China
| | - Min-Jun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, PR China.,College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510642, PR China
| | - Qiao-Cheng Chang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, 163319, PR China
| | - Jun-Feng Gao
- Department of Parasitology, Heilongjiang Institute of Veterinary Science, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, 161006, PR China
| | - Chun-Ren Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, 163319, PR China.
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, PR China. .,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|