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Wang X, Qu L, Chen J, Hu K, Zhou Z, Zhang J, An Y, Zheng J. Rhoptry proteins affect the placental barrier in the context of Toxoplasma gondii infection: Signaling pathways and functions. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 280:116567. [PMID: 38850700 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116567] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic and pathogenic obligate intracellular parasitic protozoan that is widespread worldwide and can infect most warm-blooded animals, seriously endangering human health and affecting livestock production. Toxoplasmosis caused by T. gondii infection has different clinical manifestations, which are mainly determined by the virulence of T. gondii and host differences. Among the manifestations of this condition, abortion, stillbirth, and fetal malformation can occur if a woman is infected with T. gondii in early pregnancy. Here, we discuss how the T. gondii rhoptry protein affects host pregnancy outcomes and speculate on the related signaling pathways involved. The effects of rhoptry proteins of T. gondii on the placental barrier are complex. Rhoptry proteins not only regulate interferon-regulated genes (IRGs) to ensure the survival of parasites in activated cells but also promote the spread of worms in tissues and the invasive ability of the parasites. The functions of these rhoptry proteins and the associated signaling pathways highlight relevant mechanisms by which Toxoplasma crosses the placental barrier and influences fetal development and will guide future studies to uncover the complexity of the host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lai Qu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Kaisong Hu
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhengjie Zhou
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yiming An
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingtong Zheng
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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Chen J, Zhang C, Yang Z, Wu W, Zou W, Xin Z, Zheng S, Liu R, Yang L, Peng H. Intestinal microbiota imbalance resulted by anti-Toxoplasma gondii immune responses aggravate gut and brain injury. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:284. [PMID: 38956725 PMCID: PMC11221008 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06349-8] [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: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii infection affects a significant portion of the global population, leading to severe toxoplasmosis and, in immunocompromised patients, even death. During T. gondii infection, disruption of gut microbiota further exacerbates the damage to intestinal and brain barriers. Therefore, identifying imbalanced probiotics during infection and restoring their equilibrium can regulate the balance of gut microbiota metabolites, thereby alleviating tissue damage. METHODS Vimentin gene knockout (vim-/-) mice were employed as an immunocompromised model to evaluate the influence of host immune responses on gut microbiota balance during T. gondii infection. Behavioral experiments were performed to assess changes in cognitive levels and depressive tendencies between chronically infected vim-/- and wild-type (WT) mice. Fecal samples were subjected to 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing, and serum metabolites were analyzed to identify potential gut probiotics and their metabolites for the treatment of T. gondii infection. RESULTS Compared to the immunocompetent WT sv129 mice, the immunocompromised mice exhibited lower levels of neuronal apoptosis and fewer neurobehavioral abnormalities during chronic infection. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed a significant decrease in the abundance of probiotics, including several species of Lactobacillus, in WT mice. Restoring this balance through the administration of Lactobacillus murinus and Lactobacillus gasseri significantly suppressed the T. gondii burden in the intestine, liver, and brain. Moreover, transplantation of these two Lactobacillus spp. significantly improved intestinal barrier damage and alleviated inflammation and neuronal apoptosis in the central nervous system. Metabolite detection studies revealed that the levels of various Lactobacillus-related metabolites, including indole-3-lactic acid (ILA) in serum, decreased significantly after T. gondii infection. We confirmed that L. gasseri secreted much more ILA than L. murinus. Notably, ILA can activate the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor signaling pathway in intestinal epithelial cells, promoting the activation of CD8+ T cells and the secretion of interferon-gamma. CONCLUSION Our study revealed that host immune responses against T. gondii infection severely disrupted the balance of gut microbiota, resulting in intestinal and brain damage. Lactobacillus spp. play a crucial role in immune regulation, and the metabolite ILA is a promising therapeutic compound for efficient and safe treatment of T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiating Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Southern Medical University), Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Southern Medical University), Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zihan Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Southern Medical University), Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiling Wu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Southern Medical University), Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Weihao Zou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Southern Medical University), Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zixuan Xin
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Southern Medical University), Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuyu Zheng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Southern Medical University), Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Runchun Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Southern Medical University), Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Southern Medical University), Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongjuan Peng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Southern Medical University), Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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Cudjoe O, Afful R, Hagan TA. Toxoplasma-host endoplasmic reticulum interaction: How T. gondii activates unfolded protein response and modulates immune response. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2024; 6:100223. [PMID: 38352129 PMCID: PMC10861954 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2024.100223] [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] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a neurotropic single-celled zoonotic parasite that can infect human beings and animals. Infection with T. gondii is usually asymptomatic in immune-competent individual, however, it can cause symptomatic and life-threatening conditions in immunocompromised individuals and in developing foetuses. Although the mechanisms that allow T. gondii to persist in host cells are poorly understood, studies in animal models have greatly improved our understanding of Toxoplasma-host cell interaction and how this interaction modulates parasite proliferation and development, host immune response and virulence of the parasite. T. gondii is capable of recruiting the host endoplasmic reticulum (ER), suggesting it may influence the host ER function. Herein, we provide an overview of T. gondii infection and the role of host ER during stressed conditions. Furthermore, we highlight studies that explore T. gondii's interaction with the host ER. We delve into how this interaction activates the unfolded protein response (UPR) and ER stress-mediated apoptosis. Additionally, we examine how T. gondii exploits these pathways to its advantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obed Cudjoe
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Klintaps College of Health and Allied Sciences, DTD TDC Plot 30A, Klagon, Tema, Ghana
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Roger Afful
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Klintaps College of Health and Allied Sciences, DTD TDC Plot 30A, Klagon, Tema, Ghana
| | - Tonny Abraham Hagan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, China
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Dupont D, Robert M, Brenier-Pinchart M, Lefevre A, Wallon M, Pelloux H. Toxoplasma gondii, a plea for a thorough investigation of its oncogenic potential. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22147. [PMID: 38034818 PMCID: PMC10685377 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22147] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
It is estimated that 30 % of the world's population harbours the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, particularly in the brain. Beyond its implication in potentially severe opportunistic or congenital infections, this persistence has long been considered as without consequence. However, certain data in animals and humans suggest that this carriage may be linked to various neuropsychiatric or neurodegenerative disorders. The hypothesis of a potential cerebral oncogenicity of the parasite is also emerging. In this personal view, we will present the epidemiological arguments in favour of an association between toxoplasmosis and cerebral malignancy, before considering the points that could underlie a potential causal link. More specifically, we will focus on the brain as the preferred location for T. gondii persistence and the propensity of this parasite to interfere with the apoptosis and cell cycle signalling pathways of their host cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Dupont
- Institut des Agents Infectieux, Parasitologie Mycologie, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, 69004, France
- Physiologie intégrée du système d’éveil, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, INSERM U1028-CNRS UMR 5292, Faculté de Médecine, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Bron, 69500, France
| | - M.G. Robert
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, 38000, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut pour l'Avancée des Biosciences (IAB), INSERM U1209-CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, 38000, France
| | - M.P. Brenier-Pinchart
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, 38000, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut pour l'Avancée des Biosciences (IAB), INSERM U1209-CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, 38000, France
| | - A. Lefevre
- Institut des Agents Infectieux, Parasitologie Mycologie, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, 69004, France
| | - M. Wallon
- Institut des Agents Infectieux, Parasitologie Mycologie, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, 69004, France
- Physiologie intégrée du système d’éveil, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, INSERM U1028-CNRS UMR 5292, Faculté de Médecine, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Bron, 69500, France
| | - H. Pelloux
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, 38000, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut pour l'Avancée des Biosciences (IAB), INSERM U1209-CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, 38000, France
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Overview of Apoptosis, Autophagy, and Inflammatory Processes in Toxoplasma gondii Infected Cells. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020253. [PMID: 36839525 PMCID: PMC9966443 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular parasite. During the parasitic invasion, T. gondii creates a parasitophorous vacuole, which enables the modulation of cell functions, allowing its replication and host infection. It has effective strategies to escape the immune response and reach privileged immune sites and remain inactive in a controlled environment in tissue cysts. This current review presents the factors that affect host cells and the parasite, as well as changes in the immune system during host cell infection. The secretory organelles of T. gondii (dense granules, micronemes, and rhoptries) are responsible for these processes. They are involved with proteins secreted by micronemes and rhoptries (MIC, AMA, and RONs) that mediate the recognition and entry into host cells. Effector proteins (ROP and GRA) that modify the STAT signal or GTPases in immune cells determine their toxicity. Interference byhost autonomous cells during parasitic infection, gene expression, and production of microbicidal molecules such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), result in the regulation of cell death. The high level of complexity in host cell mechanisms prevents cell death in its various pathways. Many of these abilities play an important role in escaping host immune responses, particularly by manipulating the expression of genes involved in apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, and inflammation. Here we present recent works that define the mechanisms by which T. gondii interacts with these processes in infected host cells.
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Obed C, Wu M, Chen Y, An R, Cai H, Luo Q, Yu L, Wang J, Liu F, Shen J, Du J. Toxoplasma gondii dense granule protein 3 promotes endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis by activating the PERK pathway. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:276. [PMID: 35918751 PMCID: PMC9344675 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05394-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is a neurotropic single-celled parasite that can infect mammals, including humans. Central nervous system infection with T. gondii infection can lead to Toxoplasma encephalitis. Toxoplasma infection can cause endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein response (UPR) activation, which ultimately can lead to apoptosis of host cells. The dense granule protein GRA3 has been identified as one of the secretory proteins that contribute to the virulence of T. gondii; however, the mechanism remains enigmatic. Methods The expression of the GRA3 gene in RH, ME49, Wh3, and Wh6 strains was determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR). pEGFP-GRA3Wh6 was constructed by inserting Chinese 1 Wh6 GRA3 (GRA3Wh6) cDNA into a plasmid encoding the enhanced GFP. Mouse neuro2a (N2a) cells were transfected with either pEGFP or pEGFP-GRA3Wh6 (GRA3Wh6) and incubated for 24–36 h. N2a cell apoptosis and ER stress-associated proteins were determined using flow cytometry and immunoblotting. Furthermore, N2a cells were pretreated with GSK2656157 (a PERK inhibitor) and Z-ATAD-FMK (a caspase-12 inhibitor) before GRA3Wh6 transfection, and the effect of the inhibitors on GRA3Wh6-induced ER stress and apoptosis were investigated. Results GRA3 gene expression was higher in the less virulent strains of type II ME49 and type Chinese 1 Wh6 strains compared with the virulent strains of type I RH strain and type Chinese 1 Wh3 strain. Transfection with GRA3Wh6 plasmid induced neuronal apoptosis and increased the expression of GRP78, p-PERK, cleaved caspase-12, cleaved caspase-3, and CHOP compared with the control vector. Pretreatment with GSK2656157 and Z-ATAD-FMK decreased apoptosis in N2a cells, and similarly, ER stress- and apoptosis-associated protein levels were significantly decreased. Conclusion GRA3 induces neural cell apoptosis via the ER stress signaling pathway, which could play a role in toxoplasmic encephalitis. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Cudjoe Obed
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,The Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,The Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Minmin Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,The Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,The Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ying Chen
- The Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ran An
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,The Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,The Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Haijian Cai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,The Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,The Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Qingli Luo
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Li Yu
- The Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,The Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,The Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,The Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,The Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,The Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jilong Shen
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China. .,The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Jian Du
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China. .,The Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China. .,The Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China. .,The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
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DU K, Lu F, Xie C, Ding H, Shen Y, Gao Y, Lu S, Zhuo X. Toxoplasma gondii infection induces cell apoptosis via multiple pathways revealed by transcriptome analysis. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2022; 23:315-327. [PMID: 35403386 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2100877] [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] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide parasite that can infect almost all kinds of mammals and cause fatal toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients. Apoptosis is one of the principal strategies of host cells to clear pathogens and maintain organismal homeostasis, but the mechanism of cell apoptosis induced by T. gondii remains obscure. To explore the apoptosis influenced by T. gondii, Vero cells infected or uninfected with the parasite were subjected to apoptosis detection and subsequent dual RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Using high-throughput Illumina sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, we found that pro-apoptosis genes such as DNA damage-inducible transcript 3 (DDIT3), growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible α (GADD45A), caspase-3 (CASP3), and high-temperature requirement protease A2 (HtrA2) were upregulated, and anti-apoptosis genes such as poly(adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribose) polymerase family member 3 (PARP3), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) repeat containing 5 (BIRC5) were downregulated. Besides, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 1 (TRAF1), TRAF2, TNF receptor superfamily member 10b (TNFRSF10b), disabled homolog 2 (DAB2)-interacting protein (DAB2IP), and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 3 (ITPR3) were enriched in the upstream of TNF, TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathways, and TRAIL-receptor 2 (TRAIL-R2) was regarded as an important membrane receptor influenced by T. gondii that had not been previously considered. In conclusion, the T. gondii RH strain could promote and mediate apoptosis through multiple pathways mentioned above in Vero cells. Our findings improve the understanding of the T. gondii infection process through providing new insights into the related cellular apoptosis mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaige DU
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China.,Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Fei Lu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Chengzuo Xie
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Haojie Ding
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yu Shen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yafan Gao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Shaohong Lu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Xunhui Zhuo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China.
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Gao FF, Quan JH, Lee MA, Ye W, Yuk JM, Cha GH, Choi IW, Lee YH. Trichomonas vaginalis induces apoptosis via ROS and ER stress response through ER-mitochondria crosstalk in SiHa cells. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:603. [PMID: 34895315 PMCID: PMC8665556 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05098-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Trichomonas vaginalis causes lesions on the cervicovaginal mucosa in women; however, its pathogenesis remains unclear. We have investigated the involvement of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in the induction of apoptosis by T. vaginalis and its molecular mechanisms in human cervical cancer SiHa cells. Methods Apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ER stress response and Bcl-2 family protein expression were evaluated using immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, 5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethyl-imidacarbocyanine iodide dye staining and western blotting. Results Trichomonas vaginalis induced mitochondrial ROS production, apoptosis, the ER stress response and mitochondrial dysfunction, such as MMP depolarization and an imbalance in Bcl-2 family proteins, in SiHa cells in a parasite burden- and infection time-dependent manner. Pretreatment with N-acetyl cysteine (ROS scavenger) or 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA; ER stress inhibitor) significantly alleviated apoptosis, mitochondrial ROS production, mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress response in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, T. vaginalis induced the phosphorylation of apoptosis signal regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) in SiHa cells, whereas 4-PBA or SP600125 (JNK inhibitor) pretreatment significantly attenuated ASK1/JNK phosphorylation, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis and ER stress response in SiHa cells, in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, T. vaginalis excretory/secretory products also induced mitochondrial ROS production, apoptosis and the ER stress response in SiHa cells, in a time-dependent manner. Conclusions Trichomonas vaginalis induces apoptosis through mitochondrial ROS and ER stress responses, and also promotes ER stress-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis via the IRE1/ASK1/JNK/Bcl-2 family protein pathways in SiHa cells. These data suggest that T. vaginalis-induced apoptosis is affected by ROS and ER stress response via ER–mitochondria crosstalk. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-05098-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Fei Gao
- Brain Korea 21 FOUR Project for Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Korea.,Department of Medical Science and Department of Infection Biology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, 6 Munhwa-dong, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 35015, Korea
| | - Juan-Hua Quan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524001, China
| | - Min A Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chungnam National University, DeaJeon, 35015, Korea
| | - Wei Ye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524001, China
| | - Jae-Min Yuk
- Brain Korea 21 FOUR Project for Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Korea.,Department of Medical Science and Department of Infection Biology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, 6 Munhwa-dong, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 35015, Korea
| | - Guang-Ho Cha
- Department of Medical Science and Department of Infection Biology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, 6 Munhwa-dong, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 35015, Korea
| | - In-Wook Choi
- Department of Medical Science and Department of Infection Biology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, 6 Munhwa-dong, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 35015, Korea
| | - Young-Ha Lee
- Brain Korea 21 FOUR Project for Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Korea. .,Department of Medical Science and Department of Infection Biology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, 6 Munhwa-dong, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 35015, Korea.
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9
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Liu B, Ma X, Cai J. Construction and Analysis of Coexpression Network to Understand Biological Responses in Chickens Infected by Eimeria tenella. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:688684. [PMID: 34307529 PMCID: PMC8299102 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.688684] [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: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidiosis, caused by various Eimeria species, is a major parasitic disease in chickens. Our understanding of how chickens respond to coccidian infections is highly limited at both the molecular and cellular levels. In this study, coexpression modules were identified by weighted gene coexpression network analysis in chickens infected with Eimeria tenella. A total of 15 correlation modules were identified using 5,175 genes with 24 chicken samples, 12 with primary and 12 with secondary E. tenella infection. The analysis of the interactions between these modules showed a high degree of scale independence. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes enrichment analyses revealed that genes in these functional modules were involved in a broad categories of functions, such as immune response, amino acid metabolism, cellular responses to lipids, sterol biosynthetic processes, and RNA transport. Two modules viz yellow and magenta were identified significantly associating with infection status. Preservation analysis showed that most of the modules identified in E. tenella infections were highly or moderately preserved in chickens infected with either Eimeria acervulina or Eimeria maxima. These analyses outline a biological responses landscape for chickens infected by E. tenella, and also indicates that infections with these three Eimeria species elicit similar biological responses in chickens at the system level. These findings provide new clues and ideas for investigating the relationship between parasites and host, and the control of parasitic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xueting Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jianping Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
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10
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Peng M, Chen F, Wu Z, Shen J. Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, a Target for Drug Design and Drug Resistance in Parasitosis. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:670874. [PMID: 34135878 PMCID: PMC8200641 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.670874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) can be induced when cellular protein homeostasis is damaged, and cells can activate the unfolded protein response (UPR) to restore protein homeostasis or induce cell death to facilitate the survival of the whole system. Globally, parasites are a constant threat to human health and are therefore considered a serious public health problem. Parasitic infection can cause ER stress in host cells, and parasites also possess part or all of the UPR under ER stress conditions. In this review, we aim to clarify the role of ER stress pathways and related molecules in parasites for their survival and development, the pathogenesis of parasitosis in hosts, and the artemisinin resistance of Plasmodium, which provides some potential drug design targets to inhibit survival of parasites, relieves pathological damage of parasitosis, and solves the problem of artemisinin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Peng
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (SYSU), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fang Chen
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongdao Wu
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (SYSU), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia Shen
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (SYSU), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Li JX, He JJ, Elsheikha HM, Ma J, Xu XP, Zhu XQ. ROP18-Mediated Transcriptional Reprogramming of HEK293T Cell Reveals New Roles of ROP18 in the Interplay Between Toxoplasma gondii and the Host Cell. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:586946. [PMID: 33330132 PMCID: PMC7734210 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.586946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii secretes a number of virulence-related effector proteins, such as the rhoptry protein 18 (ROP18). To further broaden our understanding of the molecular functions of ROP18, we examined the transcriptional response of human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293T) to ROP18 of type I T. gondii RH strain. Using RNA-sequencing, we compared the transcriptome of ROP18-expressing HEK293T cells to control HEK293T cells. Our analysis revealed that ROP18 altered the expression of 750 genes (467 upregulated genes and 283 downregulated genes) in HEK293T cells. Gene ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly enriched in extracellular matrix– and immune–related GO terms and pathways. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were involved in several disease-related pathways, such as nervous system diseases and eye disease. ROP18 significantly increased the alternative splicing pattern “retained intron” and altered the expression of 144 transcription factors (TFs). These results provide new insight into how ROP18 may influence biological processes in the host cells via altering the expression of genes, TFs, and pathways. More in vitro and in vivo studies are required to substantiate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Xi Li
- 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, China
| | - Jun-Jun He
- 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, China
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Jun Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Pei 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, China.,Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 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, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China
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12
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Chen KY, Chen YJ, Cheng CJ, Jhan KY, Wang LC. Excretory/secretory products of Angiostrongylus cantonensis fifth-stage larvae induce endoplasmic reticulum stress via the Sonic hedgehog pathway in mouse astrocytes. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:317. [PMID: 32552877 PMCID: PMC7301976 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04189-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiostrongylus cantonensis is an important food-borne zoonotic parasite. Humans are non-permissive hosts, and this parasite develops into fifth-stage larvae (L5) in the brain and subarachnoid cavity and then induces eosinophilic meningitis and eosinophilic meningoencephalitis. Excretory/secretory products (ESPs) are valuable targets for the investigation of host-parasite interactions. These products contain a wide range of molecules for penetrating defensive barriers and avoiding the immune response of the host. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been found to be associated with a wide range of parasitic infections and inflammation. ER stress can increase cell survival via the activation of downstream signalling. However, the mechanisms of ER stress in A. cantonensis infection have not yet been clarified. This study was designed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of ER stress in astrocytes after treatment with the ESPs of A. cantonensis L5. RESULTS The results demonstrated that A. cantonensis infection activated astrocytes in the mouse hippocampus and induced the expression of ER stress-related molecules. Next, the data showed that the expression of ER stress-related molecules and the Ca2+ concentration were significantly increased in activated astrocytes after treatment with the ESPs of L5 of A. cantonensis. Ultimately, we found that ESPs induced GRP78 expression via the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signalling pathway. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that in astrocytes, the ESPs of A. cantonensis L5 induce ER stress and that the Shh signalling pathway plays an important role in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuang-Yao Chen
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Ju Chen
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ju Cheng
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Yuan Jhan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Lian-Chen Wang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan. .,Molecular Infectious Disease Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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13
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Zhou LJ, Chen M, Puthiyakunnon S, He C, Xia J, He CY, Deng SQ, Peng HJ. Toxoplasma gondii ROP18 inhibits human glioblastoma cell apoptosis through a mitochondrial pathway by targeting host cell P2X1. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:284. [PMID: 31164145 PMCID: PMC6547611 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3529-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Apoptosis plays a critical role in the embryonic development, homeostasis of immune system and host defense against intracellular microbial pathogens. Infection by the obligate intracellular pathogen Toxoplasma gondii can both inhibit and induce host cell apoptosis; however, the parasitic factors involved remain unclear. The T. gondii virulence factor ROP18 (TgROP18) has been reported to regulate host cell apoptosis; nevertheless, results for this regulation have been rarely reported or have provided contradictory findings. Human purinergic receptor 1 (P2X1) is an ATP-gated ion channel that responds to ATP stimulation and functions in cell apoptosis mediation. The precise roles of TgROP18 in T. gondii pathogenesis, and the relationship between TgROP18 and host P2X1 in host cell apoptosis are yet to be revealed. Methods Apoptosis rates were determined by flow cytometry (FCM) and TUNEL assay. The interaction between TgROP18 and the host P2X1 was measured by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) assay. Calcium influx and mitochondrial membrane depolarization were determined by FCM after JC-1 staining. The translocation of cytochrome C (Cyt C), Bax and Bcl2 proteins, expression of the apoptotic proteins PARP and caspase activation were detected by western blotting. Results The apoptosis rates of glial or immune cells (human SF268, mouse RAW264.7 and human THP-1 cells) infected by any T. gondii strain (RH-type I, ME49-type II and VEG-type III) were significantly inhibited compared with their uninfected controls. TgROP18 inhibited ATP-induced apoptosis of SF268 with P2X1 expression, but had no effect on RAW264.7 or THP-1 cells without detectable P2X1 expression. It was further identified that TgROP18 interacted with P2X1, and overexpression of ROP18 in COS7 cells significantly inhibited cell apoptosis mediated by P2X1. Moreover, TgROP18 also inhibited P2X1-mediated Ca2+ influx, translocation of cytochrome C from the mitochondria to the cytosol, and ATP-triggered caspase activation. Conclusions Toxoplasma gondii infection inhibits ATP-induced host cell apoptosis, regardless of strain virulence and host cell lines. TgROP18 targets the purinergic receptor P2X1 of the SF268 human neural cells and inhibits ATP-induced apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway, suggesting a sensor role for the host proapoptotic protein P2X1 in this process. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3529-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Juan Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Santhosh Puthiyakunnon
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng He
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Xia
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Cynthia Y He
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sheng-Qun Deng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Juan Peng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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14
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Diallo MA, Sausset A, Gnahoui-David A, Silva ARE, Brionne A, Le Vern Y, Bussière FI, Tottey J, Lacroix-Lamandé S, Laurent F, Silvestre A. Eimeria tenella ROP kinase EtROP1 induces G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and inhibits host cell apoptosis. Cell Microbiol 2019; 21:e13027. [PMID: 30941872 PMCID: PMC6593979 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Coccidia are obligate intracellular protozoan parasites responsible for human and veterinary diseases. Eimeria tenella, the aetiologic agent of caecal coccidiosis, is a major pathogen of chickens. In Toxoplasma gondii, some kinases from the rhoptry compartment (ROP) are key virulence factors. ROP kinases hijack and modulate many cellular functions and pathways, allowing T. gondii survival and development. E. tenella's kinome comprises 28 putative members of the ROP kinase family; most of them are predicted, as pseudokinases and their functions have never been characterised. One of the predicted kinase, EtROP1, was identified in the rhoptry proteome of E. tenella sporozoites. Here, we demonstrated that EtROP1 is active, and the N-terminal extension is necessary for its catalytic kinase activity. Ectopic expression of EtROP1 followed by co-immunoprecipitation identified cellular p53 as EtROP1 partner. Further characterisation confirmed the interaction and the phosphorylation of p53 by EtROP1. E. tenella infection or overexpression of EtROP1 resulted both in inhibition of host cell apoptosis and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. This work functionally described the first ROP kinase from E. tenella and its noncanonical structure. Our study provides the first mechanistic insight into host cell apoptosis inhibition by E. tenella. EtROP1 appears as a new candidate for coccidiosis control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alix Sausset
- Infectiologie et Santé Publique, INRA, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | | | | | | | - Yves Le Vern
- Infectiologie et Santé Publique, INRA, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | | | - Julie Tottey
- Infectiologie et Santé Publique, INRA, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | | | - Fabrice Laurent
- Infectiologie et Santé Publique, INRA, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Anne Silvestre
- Infectiologie et Santé Publique, INRA, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
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15
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Encephalitis is mediated by ROP18 of Toxoplasma gondii, a severe pathogen in AIDS patients. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E5344-E5352. [PMID: 29784816 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1801118115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotropic parasite Toxoplasma gondii is a globally distributed parasitic protozoan among mammalian hosts, including humans. During the course of infection, the CNS is the most commonly damaged organ among invaded tissues. The polymorphic rhoptry protein 18 (ROP18) is a key serine (Ser)/threonine (Thr) kinase that phosphorylates host proteins to modulate acute virulence. However, the basis of neurotropism and the specific substrates through which ROP18 exerts neuropathogenesis remain unknown. Using mass spectrometry, we performed proteomic analysis of proteins that selectively bind to active ROP18 and identified RTN1-C, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein that is preferentially expressed in the CNS. We demonstrated that ROP18 is associated with the N-terminal portion of RTN1-C and specifically phosphorylates RTN1-C at Ser7/134 and Thr4/8/118. ROP18 phosphorylation of RTN1-C triggers ER stress-mediated apoptosis in neural cells. Remarkably, ROP18 phosphorylation of RTN1-C enhances glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) acetylation by attenuating the activity of histone deacetylase (HDAC), and this event is associated with an increase of neural apoptosis. These results clearly demonstrate that both RTN1-C and HDACs are involved in T. gondii ROP18-mediated pathogenesis of encephalitis during Toxoplasma infection.
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16
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Chen Q, Pang MH, Ye XH, Yang G, Lin C. The Toxoplasma gondii ME-49 strain upregulates levels of A20 that inhibit NF-κB activation and promotes apoptosis in human leukaemia T-cell lines. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:305. [PMID: 29776374 PMCID: PMC5960183 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2837-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Acute T-lymphocyte leukaemia is a form of haematological malignancy with abnormal activation of NF-κB pathway, which results in high expression of A20 and ABIN1, which constitute a negative feedback mechanism for the regulation of NF-κB activation. Clinical studies have found that acute T-lymphocyte leukaemia patients are susceptible to Toxoplasma gondii infection; however, the effect of T. gondii on the proliferation and apoptosis of human leukaemia T-cells remains unclear. Here, we used the T. gondii ME-49 strain to infect human leukaemia T-cell lines Jurkat and Molt-4, to explore the effect of T. gondii on proliferation and apoptosis, which is mediated by NF-κB in human leukaemia T-cells. Methods The Tunel assay was used to detect cell apoptosis. Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to detect cell proliferation viability. The apoptosis level and the expression level of NF-κB related proteins in human leukaemia T-cells were detected by flow cytometry and Western blotting. Results Western blotting analyses revealed that the T. gondii ME-49 strain increased the expression of A20 and decreased both ABIN1 expression and NF-κB p65 phosphorylation. By constructing a lentiviral-mediated shRNA to knockdown the A20 gene in Jurkat T-cells and Molt-4 T-cells, the apoptosis levels of the two cell lines decreased after T. gondii ME-49 infection, and levels of NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and ABIN1 were higher than in the non-konckdown group. After knockingdown ABIN1 gene expression by constructing the lentiviral-mediated shRNA and transfecting the recombinant expression plasmid containing the ABIN1 gene into two cell lines, apoptosis levels and cleaved caspase-8 expression increased or decreased in response to T. gondii ME-49 infection, respectively. Conclusions Our data suggest that ABIN1 protects human leukaemia T-cells by allowing them to resist the apoptosis induced by T. gondii ME-49 and that the T. gondii ME-49 strain induces the apoptosis of human leukaemia T-cells via A20-mediated downregulation of ABIN1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Min-Hui Pang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health statistics, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Hong Ye
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510632, People's Republic of China.
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17
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Wei W, Zhang F, Chen H, Tang Y, Xing T, Luo Q, Yu L, Du J, Shen J, Zhang L. Toxoplasma gondii dense granule protein 15 induces apoptosis in choriocarcinoma JEG-3 cells through endoplasmic reticulum stress. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:251. [PMID: 29665822 PMCID: PMC5904991 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2835-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii, a single-celled parasite commonly found in mammals, has been shown to induce trophoblast cell apoptosis and subsequently cause fetal damage and abortion. Although dense granule protein 15 (GRA15) has been identified as a key component in innate immunity to T. gondii infection and its pathogenesis, its role in host cell apoptosis remains unclarified. Methods Type II GRA15 (GRA15II) cDNA was inserted into a plasmid encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (pEGFP). Choriocarcinoma JEG-3 cells were transfected with either pEGFP or pEGFP-GRA15II and cultured for 24 h. Cell apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) responses were assessed. Inhibitors targeting inositol-requiring kinase 1α (IRE1α; 4μ8C, 100 nM) or c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK; SP6000125, 20 μM) were added 12 h after plasmid transfection, followed by testing the effect of GRA15II on ERS. Results When compared to pEGFP, pEGFP-GRA15II transfection facilitated cell apoptosis (P < 0.05), increased mRNA expression of caspase-3, caspase-4, 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and X-box binding protein-1 (XBP1) (all P < 0.05), and promoted protein expression of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, Bax, CHOP, GRP78, phospho-JNK, and phospho-IRE1α (all P < 0.05). The 4μ8C and SP6000125 decreased apoptosis and protein expression of XBP1s, CHOP, TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2), phosphorylated apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), cleaved caspase-3, phospho-JNK, and Bax (all P < 0.05) in pEGFP-GRA15II transfected cells. Conclusions Toxoplasma GRA15II induced ERS and subsequently caused apoptosis of choriocarcinoma JEG-3 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Fangfang Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology and the Key Laboratory of Microbiology (Anhui), School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - He Chen
- Laboratory of Clinical Diagnostics, the First Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yuanyuan Tang
- Department of Pathogen Biology and the Key Laboratory of Microbiology (Anhui), School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Tian Xing
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Qingli Luo
- Department of Pathogen Biology and the Key Laboratory of Microbiology (Anhui), School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Pathogen Biology and the Key Laboratory of Microbiology (Anhui), School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jian Du
- Department of Pathogen Biology and the Key Laboratory of Microbiology (Anhui), School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jilong Shen
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China. .,Department of Pathogen Biology and the Key Laboratory of Microbiology (Anhui), School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China. .,Laboratory of Clinical Diagnostics, the First Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Linjie Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
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18
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Xia J, Kong L, Zhou LJ, Wu SZ, Yao LJ, He C, He CY, Peng HJ. Genome-Wide Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation-Based Proteomic Analysis of Toxoplasma gondii ROP18's Human Interactome Shows Its Key Role in Regulation of Cell Immunity and Apoptosis. Front Immunol 2018; 9:61. [PMID: 29459857 PMCID: PMC5807661 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii rhoptry protein ROP18 (TgROP18) is a key virulence factor secreted into the host cell during invasion, where it modulates the host cell response by interacting with its host targets. However, only a few TgROP18 targets have been identified. In this study, we applied a high-throughput protein-protein interaction (PPI) screening in human cells using bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) to identify the targets of Type I strain ROP18 (ROP18I) and Type II strain ROP18 (ROP18II). From a pool of more than 18,000 human proteins, 492 and 141 proteins were identified as the targets of ROP18I and ROP18II, respectively. Gene ontology, search tool for the retrieval of interacting genes/proteins PPI network, and Ingenuity pathway analyses revealed that the majority of these proteins were associated with immune response and apoptosis. This indicates a key role of TgROP18 in manipulating host's immunity and cell apoptosis, which might contribute to the immune escape and successful parasitism of the parasite. Among the proteins identified, the immunity-related proteins N-myc and STAT interactor, IL20RB, IL21, ubiquitin C, and vimentin and the apoptosis-related protein P2RX1 were further verified as ROP18I targets by sensitized emission-fluorescence resonance energy transfer (SE-FRET) and co-immunoprecipitation. Our study substantially contributes to the current limited knowledge on human targets of TgROP18 and provides a novel tool to investigate the function of parasite effectors in human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xia
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Kong
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Juan Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shui-Zhen Wu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Jie Yao
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng He
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cynthia Y He
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hong-Juan Peng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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19
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Zhang X, Su R, Cheng Z, Zhu W, Li Y, Wang Y, Du J, Cai Y, Luo Q, Shen J, Yu L. A mechanistic study of Toxoplasma gondii ROP18 inhibiting differentiation of C17.2 neural stem cells. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:585. [PMID: 29169404 PMCID: PMC5701453 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2529-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Congenital infection of Toxoplasma gondii is an important factor causing birth defects. The neural stem cells (NSCs) are found to be one of the target cells for the parasite during development of the brain. As a key virulence factor of the parasite that hijacks host cellular functions, ROP18 has been demonstrated to mediate the inhibition of host innate and adaptive immune responses through specific binding different host immunity related molecules. However, its pathogenic actions in NSCs remain elusive. Results In the present study, ROP18 recombinant adenovirus (Ad-ROP18) was constructed and used to infect C17.2 NSCs. After 3d- or 5d–culture in differentiation medium, the differentiation of C17.2 NSCs and the activity of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were detected. The results showed that the protein level of βIII-tubulin, a marker of neurons, in the Ad-ROP18-transfected C17.2 NSCs was significantly decreased, indicating that the differentiation of C17.2 NSCs was inhibited by the ROP18. The β-catenin level in the Ad-ROP18-transfected C17.2 NSCs was found to be lower than that in the Ad group. Also, neurogenin1 (Ngn1) and neurogenin2 (Ngn2) were downregulated significantly (P < 0.05) in the Ad-ROP18-transfected C17.2 NSCs compared to the Ad group. Accordingly, the TOP flash/FOP flash dual-luciferase report system showed that the transfection of Ad-ROP18 decreased the Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity in the C17.2 NSCs. Conclusions The inhibition effect of the ROP18 from T. gondii (TgROP18) on the neuronal differentiation of C17.2 NSCs was at least partly mediated through inhibiting the activity of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, eventually resulting in the downregulation of Ngn1 and Ngn2. The findings help to better understand potential mechanisms of brain pathology induced by TgROP18.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology; Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology; Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Su
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology; Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology; Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengyang Cheng
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology; Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology; Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanbo Zhu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology; Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology; Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yelin Li
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology; Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology; Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongzhong Wang
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Modern Biomanufacturing, School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230039, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Du
- Department of Biochemistry, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yihong Cai
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Qingli Luo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology; Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology; Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Jilong Shen
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology; Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology; Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology; Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology; Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China.
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20
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Tang Y, Zheng M, An R, Chen L, Gong L, Cai H, Liu K, Yu L, Shen J, Du J. Proteasomal degradation of T. gondii ROP18 requires Derlin2. Acta Trop 2017; 174:106-113. [PMID: 28669563 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2017] [Revised: 05/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
T. gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite, belonging to the Phylum Apicomplexa, infecting all warm-blooded animals including humans. During host cell invasion, specialized cytoskeletal and secretory organelles play a pivotal role. ROP18, as a member of the ROP2 family, has been identified as a key virulence factor mediating pathogenesis in T. gondii. Here, we identify an ER-resident protein, Derlin2, a factor implicated in the removal of misfolded proteins from the ER for cytosolic degradation, as a component of the machinery required for ER-associated protein degradation (ERAD). We identified Derlin2 interacting with ROP18 by yeast two-hybrid screening system. The interaction between ROP18 and Derlin2 was further confirmed through in vitro GST pull-down and in vivo immunoprecipitation assays. By immunofluorescence assay, we found that ROP18 co-localized with Derlin2 in the endoplasmic reticulum. Using overexpression and knockdown approaches, we demonstrated that Derlin2 was required for T. gondii ROP18 degradation. Consistently, cycloheximide chase experiments showed that the degradation of ROP18 relied on the Derlin2, but not Derlin1. These results indicate that interaction between Derlin2 and ROP18 is functionally relevant and leads ultimately to degradation of ROP18. The finding provides the basis for future studies on Derlin2-dependent ERAD of T. gondii ROP18 and subsequent antigen generation.
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21
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Brasil TR, Freire-de-Lima CG, Morrot A, Vetö Arnholdt AC. Host- Toxoplasma gondii Coadaptation Leads to Fine Tuning of the Immune Response. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1080. [PMID: 28955329 PMCID: PMC5601305 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii has successfully developed strategies to evade host's immune response and reach immune privileged sites, which remains in a controlled environment inside quiescent tissue cysts. In this review, we will approach several known mechanisms used by the parasite to modulate mainly the murine immune system at its favor. In what follows, we review recent findings revealing interference of host's cell autonomous immunity and cell signaling, gene expression, apoptosis, and production of microbicide molecules such as nitric oxide and oxygen reactive species during parasite infection. Modulation of host's metalloproteinases of extracellular matrix is also discussed. These immune evasion strategies are determinant to parasite dissemination throughout the host taking advantage of cells from the immune system to reach brain and retina, crossing crucial hosts' barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Rigueti Brasil
- Laboratório de Biologia do Reconhecer, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Alexandre Morrot
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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22
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Babaie J, Sayyah M, Choopani S, Asgari T, Golkar M, Gharagozli K. Toxoplasmosis accelerates acquisition of epilepsy in rats undergoing chemical kindling. Epilepsy Res 2017; 135:137-142. [PMID: 28688333 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2017.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 06/11/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurologic disorders worldwide with no distinguishable cause in 60% of patients. One-third of the world population has been infected with Toxoplasma gondii. This intracellular parasite has high tropism for excitable cells including neurons. We assessed impact of acute and chronic T. gondii infection on epileptogenesis in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) kindling model in male rats. T. gondii cysts were administered to rats by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection. The presence of T. gondii cysts in the brain of rats was verified by hematoxylin-eosin staining. One and eight weeks after cysts injection, as acute and chronic phases of infection, PTZ (30mg/kg, i.p.) was injected to the rats every other day until manifestation of generalized seizures. Histologic findings confirmed cerebral toxoplasmosis in rats. The rats with acute or chronic Toxoplasma infection became kindled by lower number of PTZ injections (14.8±1 and 13.6±1 injections, respectively) compared to corresponding uninfected rats (18.7±1 and 16.9±1 injections, p<0.05). Toxoplasma infection increased the rate of kindling in rats. The chronically-infected rats achieved focal and also generalized seizures earlier than the rats with acute infection. Toxoplasmosis might be considered as a risk factor for acquisition of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jalal Babaie
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sayyah
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Samira Choopani
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tara Asgari
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Golkar
- Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kourosh Gharagozli
- Department of Neurology, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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23
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Babaie J, Sayyah M, Fard-Esfahani P, Golkar M, Gharagozli K. Contribution of dopamine neurotransmission in proconvulsant effect of Toxoplasma gondii infection in male mice. J Neurosci Res 2017; 95:1894-1905. [PMID: 28266723 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2016] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurologic disorders worldwide with no distinguishable cause in 60% of patients. One-third of world's population is infected with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). This intracellular parasite has high tendency to excitable cells including neurons. We assessed seizure susceptibility and involvement of dopaminergic system in male mice with acute and chronic T. gondii infection. Mice were infected by intraperitoneal injection of T. gondii cysts. Acute and chronic stages of infection were determined by quantification of SAG1/BAG1 transcripts and level of repetitive REP-529 sequence in the brain of mice by real-time PCR. Threshold of clonic seizures was measured by tail vein infusion of pentylenetetrazole. The infected mice were pretreated with D1 and D2 dopamine receptor antagonists, and seizure threshold was measured. Moreover, seizure threshold was determined after treatment of toxoplasmosis by sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. SAG1 level reached the maximum at week 2 after infection and then declined. The maximum level of BAG1 was observed at the week 3 and preserved till the week 8. REP-529 was detected at first week after infection, reached maximum at the week 3 and kept at this level till the eighth week. Threshold of seizures significantly decreased in both acute and chronic phases of infection. D1 and D2 receptors antagonists inhibited proconvulsant effect of toxoplasmosis. Chemotherapy inhibited parasite growth and multiplication, and returned seizure susceptibility to the level of non-infected mice. Dopaminergic neurotransmission participates in proconvulsant effect of T. gondii. The effect of parasite is eliminated by antibiotic therapy. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jalal Babaie
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.,Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sayyah
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Majid Golkar
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kourosh Gharagozli
- Department of Neurology, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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