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Yu LM, Wang ZR, Fan QX, Jia T, Zhang TH, Zhu XQ, Liu Q. mRNA 5-methylcytosine in Eimeria tenella oocysts: An abundant post-transcriptional modification associated with broad-ranging biological processes. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 280:135817. [PMID: 39306157 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.135817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 09/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
Eimeria tenella is the major causative agent of chicken coccidiosis. 5-Methylcytosine (m5C) is a type of RNA chemical modifications reported to regulate diverse biological processes. However, the distribution and biological functions of m5C in E. tenella mRNAs are yet to be known. Herein, we report transcriptome-wide profiling of mRNA m5C in E. tenella by employing m5C RNA immunoprecipitation followed by a deep-sequencing approach (m5C-RIP-seq). Our data showed that m5C peaks were distributed across the whole mRNA body. Compared with unsporulated oocysts, there were 2813 hypermethylated and 1850 hypomethylated m5C peaks in sporulated oocysts. Generally, a positive correlation between m5C modification and gene expression levels was observed. The mRNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and m5C-RIP-seq data were consistent with the results of the quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (MeRIP-qPCR), respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis predicated diverse biological functions and pathways, including microtubule motor activity, helicase activity, cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and spliceosome. Meanwhile, stage-specific gene expression signatures of m5C-related regulators were observed. Altogether, our findings reveal the transcriptional significance of m5C modification in E. tenella oocysts, providing resources and clues for further in-depth research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Mei Yu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province 030801, PR China
| | - Zi-Rui Wang
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province 030801, PR China
| | - Qing-Xin Fan
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province 030801, PR China
| | - Tao Jia
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province 030801, PR China
| | - Tian-Hong Zhang
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province 030801, PR China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province 030801, PR China.
| | - Qing Liu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province 030801, PR China.
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Nan H, Lu X, Zhang C, Yang X, Ying Z, Ma L. Identification and function characterization of NcAP2XII-4 in Neospora caninum. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:392. [PMID: 39277758 PMCID: PMC11402202 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06477-1] [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: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite in the Apicomplexa controlled by complex signaling pathways. Transcriptional control, an important way to regulate gene expression, has been almost absent in the N. caninum life process. However, to date, research on the transcriptional regulation of the AP2 family factors in N. caninum has been extremely limited. A prior study demonstrated that removing rhoptry protein 5 (ROP5), a significant virulence factor, resulted in abnormal expression levels of predicted NcAP2XII-4 in N. caninum, suggesting that the factor may regulate the function of ROP5. This study aimed to identify NcAP2XII-4 and its function in transcriptional regulation. METHODS The NcAP2XII-4 gene was identified by analyzing the N. caninum genome. A polyclonal antibody against the protein was prepared and purified, and its expression and localization in the parasite were detected using western blot (WB) and immunofluorescence assay (IFA). The ΔNcAP2XII-4 strain was constructed from the Nc1 strain using CRISPR/Cas9 to study its effect on the growth and development of N. caninum, and DAP-Seq and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) were used to verify the transcriptional regulatory functions of the gene. RESULTS Bioinformatic analysis showed that NcAP2XII-4 consists of 11,976 bp and encodes 3991 amino acids, with a predicted molecular mass of 410 kDa. The protein has two AP2 domains, 1207aa-1251aa and 3453aa-3500aa, and is predicted to be located in the nucleus. The results of PCR, WB, and IFA were in accordance with the bioinformatics analysis. ΔNcAP2XII-4 was successfully constructed, but the strain could not be released and ultimately succumbed within parasitophorous vacuoles (PVs). Plaque assays demonstrated that parasites lacking this gene could not form plaques. One motif was successfully identified using DAP-Seq technique. Two prokaryotic expression vectors containing the AP2 domain of NcAP2XII-4 were successfully constructed, and two prokaryotic expression proteins, AP2-D1 and AP2-D2, and ROP5 biotinylated probes were prepared. Using EMSA, NcAP2XII-4 was shown to regulate ROP5 transcription by binding to its promoter. CONCLUSIONS NcAP2XII-4 is an essential gene in N. caninum. This study provides a foundation for further research on transcriptional regulation in N. caninum and identifies a new candidate factor for the development of vaccines against N. caninum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huizhu Nan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, Hebei, China
- Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Xin Lu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, Hebei, China
- Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, Hebei, China
- Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, Hebei, China
- Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Zhu Ying
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Lei Ma
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, Hebei, China.
- Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
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Zhao D, Suo J, Liang L, Liang R, Zhou R, Ding J, Liu X, Suo X, Zhang S, Tang X. Innovative prevention and control of coccidiosis: targeting sporogony for new control agent development. Poult Sci 2024; 103:104246. [PMID: 39260244 PMCID: PMC11416347 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.104246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Coccidiosis is one of the most significant diseases affecting the poultry industry, with recent estimates indicating that it causes annual losses exceeding £10 billion globally. Increasing concerns over drug residues and resistance have elevated the importance of safe and effective vaccines as the primary method for controlling coccidiosis and other animal diseases. However, current commercial live vaccines for coccidiosis can negatively impact the feed conversion rates of young broilers and induce subclinical symptoms of coccidiosis, limiting their widespread adoption. Eimeria species, the causative agents of coccidiosis, exhibit unique biological characteristics. Their life cycle involves 2 or more generations of schizogony and 1 generation of gametogony within the host, followed by sporogony in a suitable external environment. Sporogony is crucial for Eimeria oocysts to become infectious and propagate within the host. Focusing on the sporogony process of Eimeria presents a promising approach to overcoming technical challenges in the efficient control of coccidiosis, addressing the urgent need for sustainable and healthy farming practices. This paper systematically reviews existing control strategies for coccidiosis, identifies current challenges, and emphasizes the research progress and future directions in developing control agents targeting sporogony. The goal is to provide guidance for the formulation of scientific prevention and control measures for coccidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Prevention and Control (North) & Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Products and Chemical Drugs of MARA, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Jingxia Suo
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the MARA, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lin Liang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Prevention and Control (North) & Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Products and Chemical Drugs of MARA, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ruiying Liang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Prevention and Control (North) & Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Products and Chemical Drugs of MARA, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Rongqiong Zhou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Jiabo Ding
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Prevention and Control (North) & Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Products and Chemical Drugs of MARA, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xianyong Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the MARA, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xun Suo
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the MARA, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Sixin Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Xinming Tang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Prevention and Control (North) & Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Products and Chemical Drugs of MARA, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
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Ma X, Liu B, Gong Z, Wang J, Qu Z, Cai J. Comparative proteomic analysis across the developmental stages of the Eimeria tenella. Genomics 2024; 116:110792. [PMID: 38215860 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2024.110792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Eimeria tenella is the main pathogen responsible for coccidiosis in chickens. The life cycle of E. tenella is, arguably, the least complex of all Coccidia, with only one host. However, it presents different developmental stages, either in the environment or in the host and either intracellular or extracellular. Its signaling and metabolic pathways change with its different developmental stages. Until now, little is known about the developmental regulation and transformation mechanisms of its life cycle. In this study, protein profiles from the five developmental stages, including unsporulated oocysts (USO), partially sporulated (7 h) oocysts (SO7h), sporulated oocysts (SO), sporozoites (S) and second-generation merozoites (M2), were harvested using the label-free quantitative proteomics approach. Then the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) for these stages were identified. A total of 314, 432, 689, and 665 DEPs were identified from the comparison of SO7h vs USO, SO vs SO7h, S vs SO, and M2 vs S, respectively. By conducting weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), six modules were dissected. Proteins in blue and brown modules were calculated to be significantly positively correlated with the E. tenella developmental stages of sporozoites (S) and second-generation merozoites (M2), respectively. In addition, hub proteins with high intra-module degree were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses revealed that hub proteins in blue modules were involved in electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation. Hub proteins in the brown module were involved in RNA splicing. These findings provide new clues and ideas to enhance our fundamental understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying parasite development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueting Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Baohong Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou 730046, China.
| | - Zhenxing Gong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Province 750021, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Zigang Qu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Jianping Cai
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou 730046, China.
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Zhang L, Song Z, Li P, Song X, Tang X, Hu D. Molecular characterization and immune protective efficacy of 3 Eimeria tenella antigens. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103234. [PMID: 37980744 PMCID: PMC10685023 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Avian coccidiosis caused by Eimeria is a serious parasitic disease that poses a threat to the poultry industry. Currently, prevention and treatment mainly rely on the administration of anticoccidials and live oocyst vaccines. However, the prevalence of drug resistance and the inherent limitations of live vaccines have driven the development of novel vaccines. In this study, the surface protein (Et-SAG14), a previously annotated rhoptry protein (Eten5-B), and a gametocyte phosphoglucomutase (Et-PGM1) were characterized and the vaccine potential of the recombinant proteins were evaluated. Et-SAG14 was dispersed in the form of particles in the sporozoite and merozoite stages, whereas Et-PGM1 was distributed in the apical part of the sporozoite and merozoite stages. The previously annotated rhoptry Eten5-B was found not to be located in the rhoptry but distributed in the cytoplasm of sporozoites and merozoites. Immunization with rEten5-B significantly elevated host interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) transcript levels and exhibited moderate anticoccidial effects with an anticoccidial index (ACI) of 161. Unexpectedly, both recombinant Et-SAG14 and Et-PGM1 immunization significantly reduced host IFN-γ and IL-10 transcription levels, and did not show protection against E. tenella challenge (ACI < 80). These results suggest that the rEten5-B protein can trigger immune protection against E. tenella and may be a potential and effective subunit vaccine for the control of coccidiosis in poultry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Zhixuan Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Peiyao Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Xingju Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, Nanning 530004, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Xinming Tang
- Institute of Animal Science (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Dandan Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, Nanning 530004, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning 530004, China.
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Tucker MS, O’Brien CN, Johnson AN, Dubey JP, Rosenthal BM, Jenkins MC. RNA-Seq of Phenotypically Distinct Eimeria maxima Strains Reveals Coordinated and Contrasting Maturation and Shared Sporogonic Biomarkers with Eimeria acervulina. Pathogens 2023; 13:2. [PMID: 38276148 PMCID: PMC10818985 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Strains of Eimeria maxima, an enteric parasite of poultry, vary in virulence. Here, we performed microscopy and RNA sequencing on oocysts of strains APU-1 (which exhibits more virulence) and APU-2. Although each underwent parallel development, APU-1 initially approached maturation more slowly. Each strain sporulated by hour 36; their gene expression diverged somewhat thereafter. Candidate biomarkers of viability included 58 genes contributing at least 1000 Transcripts Per Million throughout sporulation, such as cation-transporting ATPases and zinc finger domain-containing proteins. Many genes resemble constitutively expressed genes also important to Eimeria acervulina. Throughout sporulation, the expression of only a few genes differed between strains; these included cyclophilin A, EF-1α, and surface antigens (SAGs). Mature and immature oocysts uniquely differentially express certain genes, such as an X-Pro dipeptidyl-peptidase domain-containing protein in immature oocysts and a profilin in mature oocysts. The immature oocysts of each strain expressed more phosphoserine aminotransferase and the mature oocysts expressed more SAGs and microneme proteins. These data illuminate processes influencing sporulation in Eimeria and related genera, such as Cyclospora, and identify biological processes which may differentiate them. Drivers of development and senescence may provide tools to assess the viability of oocysts, which would greatly benefit the poultry industry and food safety applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S. Tucker
- Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA (J.P.D.); (B.M.R.); (M.C.J.)
| | - Celia N. O’Brien
- Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA (J.P.D.); (B.M.R.); (M.C.J.)
| | - Alexis N. Johnson
- Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA (J.P.D.); (B.M.R.); (M.C.J.)
- Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Washington, DC 20006, USA
| | - Jitender P. Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA (J.P.D.); (B.M.R.); (M.C.J.)
| | - Benjamin M. Rosenthal
- Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA (J.P.D.); (B.M.R.); (M.C.J.)
| | - Mark C. Jenkins
- Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA (J.P.D.); (B.M.R.); (M.C.J.)
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Cai W, Feng Q, Wang L, Su S, Hou Z, Liu D, Kang X, Xu J, Pan Z, Tao J. Localization in vivo and in vitro confirms EnApiAP2 protein encoded by ENH_00027130 as a nuclear protein in Eimeria necatrix. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1305727. [PMID: 38116134 PMCID: PMC10728482 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1305727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Apicomplexan AP2 family of proteins (ApiAP2) are transcription factors (TFs) that regulate parasite growth and development, but little is known about the ApiAP2 TFs in Eimeria spp. ENH_00027130 sequence is predicted to encode a Eimeria necatrix ApiAP2 protein (EnApiAP2). Methods The cDNAs encoding full-length and truncated EnApiAP2 protein were cloned and sequenced, respectively. Then, the two cDNAs were cloned into the pET28a(+) expression vector and expressed expressed in Escherichia coli BL21. The mouse polyclonal antibody (pAb) and monoclonal antibody (mAb) against recombinant EnApiAP2 (rEnApiAP2) and EnApiAP2tr (rEnApiAP2tr) were prepared and used to localize the native EnApiAP2 protein in E. necatrix, respectively. Finally, the recombinant pEGFP-C1-ΔNLS-EnApiAP2s (knockout of a nuclear localization sequence, NLS) and pEGFP-C1-EnApiAP2 plasmid were constructed and transfected into DF-1 cells, respectively, to further observe subcellular localization of EnApiAP2 protein. Results The EnApiAP2 gene had a size of 5019 bp and encoded 1672 amino acids, containing a conserved AP2 domain with a secondary structure consisting of an α-helix and three antiparallel β-strands. The rEnApiAP2 and rEnApiAP2tr were predominantly expressed in the form of inclusion bodies, and could be recognized by the 6×His tag mAb and the serum of convalescent chickens after infection with E. necatrix, respectively. The native EnApiAP2 protein was detected in sporozoites (SZ) and second generation merozoites (MZ-2) extracts, with a size of approximately 210 kDa. A quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis showed that the transcription level of EnApiAP2 was significantly higher in SZ than in MZ-2, third generation merozoites (MZ-3) and gametocytes (P<0.01). EnApiAP2 protein was localized in the nuclei of SZ, MZ-2 and MZ-3 of E. necatrix. The protein of EnApiAP2 was localized in the nucleus of the DF-1 cells, whereas the ΔNLS-EnApiAP2 was expressed in the cytoplasm, which further confirmed that EnApiAP2 is nucleoprotein. Discussion EnApiAP2 protein encoded by ENH_00027130 sequence was localized in the nucleus of E. necatrix parasites, and relied on the NLS for migration to DF-1 cell nucleus. The function of EnApiAP2 need further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weimin Cai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Qianqian Feng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Liyue Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Shijie Su
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhaofeng Hou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Dandan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xilong Kang
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jinjun Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhiming Pan
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Principal's Office, Suqian University, Suqian, China
| | - Jianping Tao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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Liu Q, Liu X, Zhao X, Zhu XQ, Suo X. Live attenuated anticoccidial vaccines for chickens. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:1087-1099. [PMID: 37770352 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Chicken coccidiosis, caused by infection with single or multiple Eimeria species, results in significant economic losses to the global poultry industry. Over the past decades, considerable efforts have been made to generate attenuated Eimeria strains, and the use of live attenuated anticoccidial vaccines for disease prevention has achieved tremendous success. In this review, we evaluate the advantages and limitations of the methods of attenuation as well as attenuated Eimeria strains in a historical perspective. Also, we summarize the recent exciting research advances in transient/stable transfection systems and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based genome editing developed for Eimeria parasites, and discuss trends and challenges of developing live attenuated anticoccidial vaccines based on transgenesis and genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Liu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province 030801, PR China
| | - Xianyong Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100093, PR China
| | - Xiaomin Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong Province 271018, PR China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province 030801, PR China.
| | - Xun Suo
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100093, PR China.
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