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Kywe C, Lundquist EA, Ackley BD, Lansdon P. The MAB-5/Hox family transcription factor is important for Caenorhabditis elegans innate immune response to Staphylococcus epidermidis infection. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2024; 14:jkae054. [PMID: 38478633 PMCID: PMC11075571 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkae054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Innate immunity functions as a rapid defense against broad classes of pathogenic agents. While the mechanisms of innate immunity in response to antigen exposure are well-studied, how pathogen exposure activates the innate immune responses and the role of genetic variation in immune activity is currently being investigated. Previously, we showed significant survival differences between the N2 and the CB4856 Caenorhabditis elegans isolates in response to Staphylococcus epidermidis infection. One of those differences was expression of the mab-5 Hox family transcription factor, which was induced in N2, but not CB4856, after infection. In this study, we use survival assays and RNA-sequencing to better understand the role of mab-5 in response to S. epidermidis. We found that mab-5 loss-of-function (LOF) mutants were more susceptible to S. epidermidis infection than N2 or mab-5 gain-of-function (GOF) mutants, but not as susceptible as CB4856 animals. We then conducted transcriptome analysis of infected worms and found considerable differences in gene expression profiles when comparing animals with mab-5 LOF to either N2 or mab-5 GOF. N2 and mab-5 GOF animals showed a significant enrichment in expression of immune genes and C-type lectins, whereas mab-5 LOF mutants did not. Overall, gene expression profiling in mab-5 mutants provided insight into MAB-5 regulation of the transcriptomic response of C. elegans to pathogenic bacteria and helps us to understand mechanisms of innate immune activation and the role that transcriptional regulation plays in organismal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Kywe
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Erik A Lundquist
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Brian D Ackley
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Patrick Lansdon
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
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2
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Yang RQ, Chen YH, Wu QY, Tang J, Niu SZ, Zhao Q, Ma YC, Zou CG. Indole produced during dysbiosis mediates host-microorganism chemical communication. eLife 2023; 12:e85362. [PMID: 37987602 PMCID: PMC10691800 DOI: 10.7554/elife.85362] [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: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
An imbalance of the gut microbiota, termed dysbiosis, has a substantial impact on host physiology. However, the mechanism by which host deals with gut dysbiosis to maintain fitness remains largely unknown. In Caenorhabditis elegans, Escherichia coli, which is its bacterial diet, proliferates in its intestinal lumen during aging. Here, we demonstrate that progressive intestinal proliferation of E. coli activates the transcription factor DAF-16, which is required for maintenance of longevity and organismal fitness in worms with age. DAF-16 up-regulates two lysozymes lys-7 and lys-8, thus limiting the bacterial accumulation in the gut of worms during aging. During dysbiosis, the levels of indole produced by E. coli are increased in worms. Indole is involved in the activation of DAF-16 by TRPA-1 in neurons of worms. Our finding demonstrates that indole functions as a microbial signal of gut dysbiosis to promote fitness of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Qiu Yang
- State key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan UniversityKunmingChina
| | - Yong-Hong Chen
- State key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan UniversityKunmingChina
| | - Qin-yi Wu
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Sinomedicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese MedicineKunmingChina
| | - Jie Tang
- State key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan UniversityKunmingChina
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research Development on Severe Infectious Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeKunmingChina
| | - Shan-Zhuang Niu
- State key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan UniversityKunmingChina
| | - Qiu Zhao
- State key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan UniversityKunmingChina
| | - Yi-Cheng Ma
- State key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan UniversityKunmingChina
| | - Cheng-Gang Zou
- State key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan UniversityKunmingChina
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3
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Chipman LB, Luc S, Nicastro IA, Hulahan JJ, Dann DC, Bodas DM, Pasquinelli AE. Expression, not sequence, distinguishes miR-238 from its miR-239ab sister miRNAs in promoting longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1011055. [PMID: 38011256 PMCID: PMC10703411 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression by base-pairing to target sequences in messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and recruiting factors that induce translational repression and mRNA decay. In animals, nucleotides 2-8 at the 5' end of the miRNA, called the seed region, are often necessary and sometimes sufficient for functional target interactions. MiRNAs that contain identical seed sequences are grouped into families where individual members have the potential to share targets and act redundantly. A rare exception seemed to be the miR-238/239ab family in Caenorhabditis elegans, as previous work indicated that loss of miR-238 reduced lifespan while deletion of the miR-239ab locus resulted in enhanced longevity and thermal stress resistance. Here, we re-examined these potentially opposing roles using new strains that individually disrupt each miRNA sister. We confirmed that loss of miR-238 is associated with a shortened lifespan but could detect no longevity or stress phenotypes in animals lacking miR-239a or miR-239b, individually or in combination. Additionally, dozens of genes were mis-regulated in miR-238 mutants but almost no gene expression changes were detected in either miR-239a or miR-239b mutants compared to wild type animals. We present evidence that the lack of redundancy between miR-238 and miR-239ab is independent of their sequence differences; miR-239a or miR-239b could substitute for the longevity role of miR-238 when expressed from the miR-238 locus. Altogether, these studies disqualify miR-239ab as negative regulators of aging and demonstrate that expression, not sequence, dictates the specific role of miR-238 in promoting longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura B. Chipman
- Molecular Biology Department, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - San Luc
- Molecular Biology Department, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Ian A. Nicastro
- Molecular Biology Department, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Jesse J. Hulahan
- Molecular Biology Department, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Delaney C. Dann
- Molecular Biology Department, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Devavrat M. Bodas
- Molecular Biology Department, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Amy E. Pasquinelli
- Molecular Biology Department, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
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4
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Mokoena NZ, Steyn H, Hugo A, Dix-Peek T, Dickens C, Gcilitshana OMN, Sebolai O, Albertyn J, Pohl CH. Eicosapentaenoic acid influences the pathogenesis of Candida albicans in Caenorhabditis elegans via inhibition of hyphal formation and stimulation of the host immune response. Med Microbiol Immunol 2023; 212:349-368. [PMID: 37672050 PMCID: PMC10501937 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-023-00777-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
The intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), is associated with health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory properties. This fatty acid also exhibits antifungal properties in vitro. In order to determine if this antifungal property is valid in vivo, we examined how EPA affects Candida albicans pathogenesis in the Caenorhabditis elegans infection model, an alternative to mammalian host models. The nematodes were supplemented with EPA prior to infection, and the influence of EPA on C. elegans lipid metabolism, survival and immune response was studied. In addition, the influence of EPA on hyphal formation in C. albicans was investigated. It was discovered that EPA supplementation changed the lipid composition, but not the unsaturation index of C. elegans by regulating genes involved in fatty acid and eicosanoid production. EPA supplementation also delayed killing of C. elegans by C. albicans due to the inhibition of hyphal formation in vivo, via the action of the eicosanoid metabolite of EPA, 17,18-epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid. Moreover, EPA supplementation also caused differential expression of biofilm-related gene expression in C. albicans and stimulated the immune response of C. elegans. This provides a link between EPA and host susceptibility to microbial infection in this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Z Mokoena
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - H Steyn
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - A Hugo
- Department of Animal Science, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - T Dix-Peek
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - C Dickens
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - O M N Gcilitshana
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - O Sebolai
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - J Albertyn
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - C H Pohl
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
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5
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Madhu B, Lakdawala MF, Gumienny TL. The DBL-1/TGF-β signaling pathway tailors behavioral and molecular host responses to a variety of bacteria in Caenorhabditis elegans. eLife 2023; 12:e75831. [PMID: 37750680 PMCID: PMC10567113 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75831] [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: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Generating specific, robust protective responses to different bacteria is vital for animal survival. Here, we address the role of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) member DBL-1 in regulating signature host defense responses in Caenorhabditis elegans to human opportunistic Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens. Canonical DBL-1 signaling is required to suppress avoidance behavior in response to Gram-negative, but not Gram-positive bacteria. We propose that in the absence of DBL-1, animals perceive some bacteria as more harmful. Animals activate DBL-1 pathway activity in response to Gram-negative bacteria and strongly repress it in response to select Gram-positive bacteria, demonstrating bacteria-responsive regulation of DBL-1 signaling. DBL-1 signaling differentially regulates expression of target innate immunity genes depending on the bacterial exposure. These findings highlight a central role for TGF-β in tailoring a suite of bacteria-specific host defenses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhoomi Madhu
- Department of Biology, Texas Woman’s UniversityDentonUnited States
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Mohammed Farhan Lakdawala
- Department of Biology, Texas Woman’s UniversityDentonUnited States
- AbbVie (United States)WorcesterUnited States
| | - Tina L Gumienny
- Department of Biology, Texas Woman’s UniversityDentonUnited States
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6
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Tsai YT, Chang CH, Tsai HY. Rege-1 promotes C. elegans survival by modulating IIS and TOR pathways. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010869. [PMID: 37556491 PMCID: PMC10441803 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic pathways are known to sense the environmental stimuli and result in physiological adjustments. The responding processes need to be tightly controlled. Here, we show that upon encountering P. aeruginosa, C. elegans upregulate the transcription factor ets-4, but this upregulation is attenuated by the ribonuclease, rege-1. As such, mutants with defective REGE-1 ribonuclease activity undergo ets-4-dependent early death upon challenge with P. aeruginosa. Furthermore, mRNA-seq analysis revealed associated global changes in two key metabolic pathways, the IIS (insulin/IGF signaling) and TOR (target of rapamycin) kinase signaling pathways. In particular, failure to degrade ets-4 mRNA in activity-defective rege-1 mutants resulted in upregulation of class II longevity genes, which are suppressed during longevity, and activation of TORC1 kinase signaling pathway. Genetic inhibition of either pathway way was sufficient to abolish the poor survival phenotype in rege-1 worms. Further analysis of ETS-4 ChIP data from ENCODE and characterization of one upregulated class II gene, ins-7, support that the Class II genes are activated by ETS-4. Interestingly, deleting an upregulated Class II gene, acox-1.5, a peroxisome β-oxidation enzyme, largely rescues the fat lost phenotype and survival difference between rege-1 mutants and wild-types. Thus, rege-1 appears to be crucial for animal survival due to its tight regulation of physiological responses to environmental stimuli. This function is reminiscent of its mammalian ortholog, Regnase-1, which modulates the intestinal mTORC1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ting Tsai
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Hsi Chang
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yue Tsai
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center of Precision Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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7
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Ma C, Xue T, Peng Q, Zhang J, Guan J, Ding W, Li Y, Xia P, Zhou L, Zhao T, Wang S, Quan L, Li CY, Liu Y. A novel N 6-Deoxyadenine methyltransferase METL-9 modulates C. elegans immunity via dichotomous mechanisms. Cell Res 2023; 33:628-639. [PMID: 37271765 PMCID: PMC10397248 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-023-00826-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-Methyldeoxyadenine (6mA) has been rediscovered as a DNA modification with potential biological function in metazoans. However, the physiological function and regulatory mechanisms regarding the establishment, maintenance and removal of 6mA in eukaryotes are still poorly understood. Here we show that genomic 6mA levels change in response to pathogenic infection in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). We further identify METL-9 as the methyltransferase that catalyzes DNA 6mA modifications upon pathogen infection. Deficiency of METL-9 impairs the induction of innate immune response genes and renders the animals more susceptible to pathogen infection. Interestingly, METL-9 functions through both 6mA-dependent and -independent mechanisms to transcriptionally regulate innate immunity. Our findings reveal that 6mA is a functional DNA modification in immunomodulation in C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengchuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Beijing, China.
- Research Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Tingling Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Peng
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jialiang Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- PKU-Tsinghua-NIBS Graduate Program, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wanqiu Ding
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Peixue Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Liankui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Shanghai Zelixir Biotech Company Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Li Quan
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chuan-Yun Li
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Ying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Beijing, China.
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8
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Qu C, Xia Y, Yang Q, Li W, Hu M, Lu P. Novel insights into rice deterioration for nitrogen controlled atmosphere and re-aeration storage based on no-targeted metabolomics. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2023.114631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
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9
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Goswamy D, Gonzalez X, Labed SA, Irazoqui JE. C. elegans orphan nuclear receptor NHR-42 represses innate immunity and promotes lipid loss downstream of HLH-30/TFEB. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1094145. [PMID: 36860863 PMCID: PMC9968933 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1094145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, transcription factors of the Microphthalmia-TFE (MiT) family, including TFEB and TFE3 in mammals and HLH-30 in Caenorhabditis elegans, have emerged as important regulators of innate immunity and inflammation in invertebrates and vertebrates. Despite great strides in knowledge, the mechanisms that mediate downstream actions of MiT transcription factors in the context of innate host defense remain poorly understood. Here, we report that HLH-30, which promotes lipid droplet mobilization and host defense, induces the expression of orphan nuclear receptor NHR-42 during infection with Staphylococcus aureus. Remarkably, NHR-42 loss of function promoted host infection resistance, genetically defining NHR-42 as an HLH-30-controlled negative regulator of innate immunity. During infection, NHR-42 was required for lipid droplet loss, suggesting that it is an important effector of HLH-30 in lipid immunometabolism. Moreover, transcriptional profiling of nhr-42 mutants revealed wholesale activation of an antimicrobial signature, of which abf-2, cnc-2, and lec-11 were important for the enhanced survival of infection of nhr-42 mutants. These results advance our knowledge of the mechanisms by which MiT transcription factors promote host defense, and by analogy suggest that TFEB and TFE3 may similarly promote host defense via NHR-42-homologous nuclear receptors in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Javier E. Irazoqui
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
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10
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Peterson ND, Icso JD, Salisbury JE, Rodríguez T, Thompson PR, Pukkila-Worley R. Pathogen infection and cholesterol deficiency activate the C. elegans p38 immune pathway through a TIR-1/SARM1 phase transition. eLife 2022; 11:e74206. [PMID: 35098926 PMCID: PMC8923663 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular signaling regulators can be concentrated into membrane-free, higher ordered protein assemblies to initiate protective responses during stress - a process known as phase transition. Here, we show that a phase transition of the Caenorhabditis elegans Toll/interleukin-1 receptor domain protein (TIR-1), an NAD+ glycohydrolase homologous to mammalian sterile alpha and TIR motif-containing 1 (SARM1), underlies p38 PMK-1 immune pathway activation in C. elegans intestinal epithelial cells. Through visualization of fluorescently labeled TIR-1/SARM1 protein, we demonstrate that physiologic stresses, both pathogen and non-pathogen, induce multimerization of TIR-1/SARM1 into visible puncta within intestinal epithelial cells. In vitro enzyme kinetic analyses revealed that, like mammalian SARM1, the NAD+ glycohydrolase activity of C. elegans TIR-1 is dramatically potentiated by protein oligomerization and a phase transition. Accordingly, C. elegans with genetic mutations that specifically block either multimerization or the NAD+ glycohydrolase activity of TIR-1/SARM1 fail to induce p38 PMK phosphorylation, are unable to increase immune effector expression, and are dramatically susceptible to bacterial infection. Finally, we demonstrate that a loss-of-function mutation in nhr-8, which alters cholesterol metabolism and is used to study conditions of sterol deficiency, causes TIR-1/SARM1 to oligomerize into puncta in intestinal epithelial cells. Cholesterol scarcity increases p38 PMK-1 phosphorylation, primes immune effector induction in a manner that requires TIR-1/SARM1 oligomerization and its intrinsic NAD+ glycohydrolase activity, and reduces pathogen accumulation in the intestine during a subsequent infection. These data reveal a new adaptive response that allows a metazoan host to anticipate pathogen threats during cholesterol deprivation, a time of relative susceptibility to infection. Thus, a phase transition of TIR-1/SARM1 as a prerequisite for its NAD+ glycohydrolase activity is strongly conserved across millions of years of evolution and is essential for diverse physiological processes in multiple cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D Peterson
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Janneke D Icso
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - J Elizabeth Salisbury
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Tomás Rodríguez
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Paul R Thompson
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Read Pukkila-Worley
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
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11
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Molina J, Nikolic D, Jeevarathanam JR, Abzalimov R, Park EJ, Pedales R, Mojica ERE, Tandang D, McLaughlin W, Wallick K, Adams J, Novy A, Pell SK, van Breemen RB, Pezzuto JM. Living with a giant, flowering parasite: metabolic differences between Tetrastigma loheri Gagnep. (Vitaceae) shoots uninfected and infected with Rafflesia (Rafflesiaceae) and potential applications for propagation. PLANTA 2021; 255:4. [PMID: 34841446 PMCID: PMC8627921 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-021-03787-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Metabolites in Rafflesia-infected and non-infected Tetrastigma were compared which may have applications in Rafflesia propagation. Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, here reported for the first time in Vitaceae, were abundant in non-infected shoots and may be a form of defense. In Rafflesia-infected shoots, oxylipins, which mediate immune response, were elevated. Endemic to the forests of Southeast Asia, Rafflesia (Rafflesiaceae) is a genus of holoparasitic plants producing the largest flowers in the world, yet completely dependent on its host, the tropical grape vine, Tetrastigma. Rafflesia species are threatened with extinction, making them an iconic symbol of plant conservation. Thus far, propagation has proved challenging, greatly decreasing efficacy of conservation efforts. This study compared the metabolites in the shoots of Rafflesia-infected and non-infected Tetrastigma loheri to examine how Rafflesia infection affects host metabolomics and elucidate the Rafflesia infection process. Results from LC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics analysis showed benzylisoquinoline alkaloids were naturally more abundant in non-infected shoots and are here reported for the first time in the genus Tetrastigma, and in the grape family, Vitaceae. These metabolites have been implicated in plant defense mechanisms and may prevent a Rafflesia infection. In Rafflesia-infected shoots, oxygenated fatty acids, or oxylipins, and a flavonoid, previously shown involved in plant immune response, were significantly elevated. This study provides a preliminary assessment of metabolites that differ between Rafflesia-infected and non-infected Tetrastigma hosts and may have applications in Rafflesia propagation to meet conservation goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanmaire Molina
- Department of Biology, Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
| | - Dejan Nikolic
- College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Rinat Abzalimov
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Facility, Advanced Science Research Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eun-Jung Park
- College of Pharmacy, Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Ronniel Pedales
- Institute of Biology, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Elmer-Rico E Mojica
- Department of Chemistry and Physical Sciences, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Pace University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Danilo Tandang
- Philippine National Herbarium (PNH), Botany Division, National Museum of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
- Academia Sinica, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Kyle Wallick
- United States Botanic Garden, Washington, DC, USA
| | - James Adams
- United States Botanic Garden, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ari Novy
- San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas, CA, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of California-San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Susan K Pell
- United States Botanic Garden, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Richard B van Breemen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - John M Pezzuto
- College of Pharmacy, Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Western New England University, Springfield, MA, USA
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12
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Jamiu AT, Albertyn J, Sebolai O, Gcilitshana O, Pohl CH. Inhibitory effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids alone or in combination with fluconazole on Candida krusei biofilms in vitro and in Caenorhabditis elegans. Med Mycol 2021; 59:1225-1237. [PMID: 34558629 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myab055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of infections by non-albicans Candida species, including Candida krusei, is increasing. Candida krusei exhibits intrinsic resistance to fluconazole and rapidly develops acquired resistance to other antifungals. Moreover, this yeast can form biofilm with increased resistance. Hence, there is a need to develop novel therapeutic strategies to combat infections caused by this pathogen. One such approach is through combination therapy with natural compounds, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). This study aims to investigate the effect of PUFAs on fluconazole susceptibility of C. krusei biofilms, as well as the conserved nature of these effects in the Caenorhabditis elegans infection model. C. krusei biofilms were exposed to various fatty acids as well as combinations of fluconazole and linoleic acid (LA) or gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). The effect of these treatments on biofilm formation, cell ultrastructure, membrane integrity, oxidative stress and efflux pump activity was evaluated. In addition, the ability of the PUFAs to prolong survival and reduce the fungal burden of infected C. elegans, in the absence and presence of fluconazole, was assessed. Two P|UFAs, LA and GLA had he displayed significant inhibition of C. krusei biofilms and both of them increased the susceptibility of C. krusei biofilm to fluconazole in vitro via induction of oxidative stress, cell membrane damage, and disruption of efflux pump activity. These PUFAs also extended the lifespan of infected nematodes and displayed a potentiating effect with fluconazole in this model. This may pave the way for future studies into novel antifungal drug targets and treatment options. LAY ABSTRACT The pathogenic yeast, Candida krusei, is naturally resistant to the antifungal drug, fluconazole. This study finds that polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic and gamma-linolenic acid, can inhibit C. krusei and overcome this resistance of in vitro biofilms, as well as in a nematode infection model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullahi Temitope Jamiu
- Pathogenic Yeast Research Group, Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Jacobus Albertyn
- Pathogenic Yeast Research Group, Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Olihile Sebolai
- Pathogenic Yeast Research Group, Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Onele Gcilitshana
- Pathogenic Yeast Research Group, Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Carolina H Pohl
- Pathogenic Yeast Research Group, Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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13
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Wani KA, Goswamy D, Taubert S, Ratnappan R, Ghazi A, Irazoqui JE. NHR-49/PPAR-α and HLH-30/TFEB cooperate for C. elegans host defense via a flavin-containing monooxygenase. eLife 2021; 10:62775. [PMID: 33978570 PMCID: PMC8139828 DOI: 10.7554/elife.62775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The model organism Caenorhabditis elegans mounts transcriptional defense responses against intestinal bacterial infections that elicit overlapping starvation and infection responses, the regulation of which is not well understood. Direct comparison of C. elegans that were starved or infected with Staphylococcus aureus revealed a large infection-specific transcriptional signature, which was almost completely abrogated by deletion of transcription factor hlh-30/TFEB, except for six genes including a flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) gene, fmo-2/FMO5. Deletion of fmo-2/FMO5 severely compromised infection survival, thus identifying the first FMO with innate immunity functions in animals. Moreover, fmo-2/FMO5 induction required the nuclear hormone receptor, NHR-49/PPAR-α, which controlled host defense cell non-autonomously. These findings reveal an infection-specific host response to S. aureus, identify HLH-30/TFEB as its main regulator, reveal FMOs as important innate immunity effectors in animals, and identify the mechanism of FMO regulation through NHR-49/PPAR-α during S. aureus infection, with implications for host defense and inflammation in higher organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khursheed A Wani
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, UMass Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Debanjan Goswamy
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, UMass Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Stefan Taubert
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Ramesh Ratnappan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, United States.,Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, United States.,Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, United States.,Department of Physiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Arjumand Ghazi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, United States.,Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, United States.,Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, United States.,Department of Physiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Javier E Irazoqui
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, UMass Medical School, Worcester, United States
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14
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Anderson
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Read Pukkila-Worley
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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15
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Chamoli M, Goyala A, Tabrez SS, Siddiqui AA, Singh A, Antebi A, Lithgow GJ, Watts JL, Mukhopadhyay A. Polyunsaturated fatty acids and p38-MAPK link metabolic reprogramming to cytoprotective gene expression during dietary restriction. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4865. [PMID: 32978396 PMCID: PMC7519657 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18690-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The metabolic state of an organism instructs gene expression modalities, leading to changes in complex life history traits, such as longevity. Dietary restriction (DR), which positively affects health and life span across species, leads to metabolic reprogramming that enhances utilisation of fatty acids for energy generation. One direct consequence of this metabolic shift is the upregulation of cytoprotective (CyTP) genes categorized in the Gene Ontology (GO) term of "Xenobiotic Detoxification Program" (XDP). How an organism senses metabolic changes during nutritional stress to alter gene expression programs is less known. Here, using a genetic model of DR, we show that the levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially linoleic acid (LA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are increased following DR and these PUFAs are able to activate the CyTP genes. This activation of CyTP genes is mediated by the conserved p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38-MAPK) pathway. Consequently, genes of the PUFA biosynthesis and p38-MAPK pathway are required for multiple paradigms of DR-mediated longevity, suggesting conservation of mechanism. Thus, our study shows that PUFAs and p38-MAPK pathway function downstream of DR to help communicate the metabolic state of an organism to regulate expression of CyTP genes, ensuring extended life span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Chamoli
- Molecular Aging Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Blvd., Novato, CA, 94945, USA
| | - Anita Goyala
- Molecular Aging Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Syed Shamsh Tabrez
- Molecular Aging Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
- Department of Molecular Genetics of Ageing, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, 50931, Germany
| | - Atif Ahmed Siddiqui
- Molecular Aging Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Anupama Singh
- Molecular Aging Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Adam Antebi
- Department of Molecular Genetics of Ageing, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, 50931, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, 50931, Germany
| | - Gordon J Lithgow
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Blvd., Novato, CA, 94945, USA
| | - Jennifer L Watts
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-7520, USA
| | - Arnab Mukhopadhyay
- Molecular Aging Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India.
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16
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Jaladanki CK, He Y, Zhao LN, Maurer-Stroh S, Loo LH, Song H, Fan H. Virtual screening of potentially endocrine-disrupting chemicals against nuclear receptors and its application to identify PPARγ-bound fatty acids. Arch Toxicol 2020; 95:355-374. [PMID: 32909075 PMCID: PMC7811525 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02897-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors (NRs) are key regulators of energy homeostasis, body development, and sexual reproduction. Xenobiotics binding to NRs may disrupt natural hormonal systems and induce undesired adverse effects in the body. However, many chemicals of concerns have limited or no experimental data on their potential or lack-of-potential endocrine-disrupting effects. Here, we propose a virtual screening method based on molecular docking for predicting potential endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that bind to NRs. For 12 NRs, we systematically analyzed how multiple crystal structures can be used to distinguish actives and inactives found in previous high-throughput experiments. Our method is based on (i) consensus docking scores from multiple structures at a single functional state (agonist-bound or antagonist-bound), (ii) multiple functional states (agonist-bound and antagonist-bound), and (iii) multiple pockets (orthosteric site and alternative sites) of these NRs. We found that the consensus enrichment from multiple structures is better than or comparable to the best enrichment from a single structure. The discriminating power of this consensus strategy was further enhanced by a chemical similarity-weighted scoring scheme, yielding better or comparable enrichment for all studied NRs. Applying this optimized method, we screened 252 fatty acids against peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and successfully identified 3 previously unknown fatty acids with Kd = 100-250 μM including two furan fatty acids: furannonanoic acid (FNA) and furanundecanoic acid (FUA), and one cyclopropane fatty acid: phytomonic acid (PTA). These results suggested that the proposed method can be used to rapidly screen and prioritize potential EDCs for further experimental evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaitanya K Jaladanki
- Bioinformatics Institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 30 Biopolis Street, Matrix No. 07-01, Singapore, 138671, Singapore
- Toxicity Mode-of-Action Discovery (ToxMAD) Platform, Innovations in Food and Chemical Safety Programme, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138671, Singapore
| | - Yang He
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Li Na Zhao
- Bioinformatics Institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 30 Biopolis Street, Matrix No. 07-01, Singapore, 138671, Singapore
| | - Sebastian Maurer-Stroh
- Bioinformatics Institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 30 Biopolis Street, Matrix No. 07-01, Singapore, 138671, Singapore
- Toxicity Mode-of-Action Discovery (ToxMAD) Platform, Innovations in Food and Chemical Safety Programme, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138671, Singapore
| | - Lit-Hsin Loo
- Bioinformatics Institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 30 Biopolis Street, Matrix No. 07-01, Singapore, 138671, Singapore
- Toxicity Mode-of-Action Discovery (ToxMAD) Platform, Innovations in Food and Chemical Safety Programme, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138671, Singapore
| | - Haiwei Song
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore, 138673, Singapore.
| | - Hao Fan
- Bioinformatics Institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 30 Biopolis Street, Matrix No. 07-01, Singapore, 138671, Singapore.
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17
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NHR-49 Transcription Factor Regulates Immunometabolic Response and Survival of Caenorhabditis elegans during Enterococcus faecalis Infection. Infect Immun 2020; 88:IAI.00130-20. [PMID: 32482643 PMCID: PMC7375755 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00130-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune response to pathogens is energetically expensive to the host; however, the cellular source of energy to fuel immune response remains unknown. In this study, we show that Caenorhabditis elegans exposed to pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria or yeast rapidly utilizes lipid droplets, the major energy reserve. The nematode’s response to the pathogenic bacterium Enterococcus faecalis entails metabolic rewiring for the upregulation of several genes involved in lipid utilization and downregulation of lipid synthesis genes. Immune response to pathogens is energetically expensive to the host; however, the cellular source of energy to fuel immune response remains unknown. In this study, we show that Caenorhabditis elegans exposed to pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria or yeast rapidly utilizes lipid droplets, the major energy reserve. The nematode’s response to the pathogenic bacterium Enterococcus faecalis entails metabolic rewiring for the upregulation of several genes involved in lipid utilization and downregulation of lipid synthesis genes. Genes encoding acyl-CoA synthetase ACS-2, involved in lipid metabolism, and flavin monooxygenase FMO-2, involved in detoxification, are two highly upregulated genes during E. faecalis infection. We find that both ACS-2 and FMO-2 are necessary for survival and rely on NHR-49, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) ortholog, for upregulation during E. faecalis infection. Thus, NHR-49 regulates an immunometabolic axis of survival in C. elegans by modulating breakdown of lipids as well as immune effector production upon E. faecalis exposure.
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18
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Healthspan pathway maps in C. elegans and humans highlight transcription, proliferation/biosynthesis and lipids. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:12534-12581. [PMID: 32634117 PMCID: PMC7377848 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The molecular basis of aging and of aging-associated diseases is being unraveled at an increasing pace. An extended healthspan, and not merely an extension of lifespan, has become the aim of medical practice. Here, we define health based on the absence of diseases and dysfunctions. Based on an extensive review of the literature, in particular for humans and C. elegans, we compile a list of features of health and of the genes associated with them. These genes may or may not be associated with survival/lifespan. In turn, survival/lifespan genes that are not known to be directly associated with health are not considered. Clusters of these genes based on molecular interaction data give rise to maps of healthspan pathways for humans and for C. elegans. Overlaying healthspan-related gene expression data onto the healthspan pathway maps, we observe the downregulation of (pro-inflammatory) Notch signaling in humans and of proliferation in C. elegans. We identify transcription, proliferation/biosynthesis and lipids as a common theme on the annotation level, and proliferation-related kinases on the gene/protein level. Our literature-based data corpus, including visualization, should be seen as a pilot investigation of the molecular underpinnings of health in two different species. Web address: http://pathways.h2020awe.eu.
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19
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Yoon KH, Lee TY, Moon JH, Choi SY, Choi YJ, Mitchell RJ, Il Lee J. Consumption of Oleic Acid During Matriphagy in Free-Living Nematodes Alleviates the Toxic Effects of the Bacterial Metabolite Violacein. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8087. [PMID: 32415196 PMCID: PMC7229185 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64953-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal behaviors benefit the survival of young, contributing directly to the mother’s reproductive fitness. An extreme form of this is seen in matriphagy, when a mother performs the ultimate sacrifice and offers her body as a meal for her young. Whether matriphagy offers only a single energy-rich meal or another possible benefit to the young is unknown. Here, we characterized the toxicity of a bacterial secondary metabolite, namely, violacein, in Caenorhabditis elegans and found it is not only toxic towards adults, but also arrests growth and development of C. elegans larvae. To counteract this, C. elegans resorted to matriphagy, with the mothers holding their eggs within their bodies and hatching the young larvae internally, which eventually led to the mothers’ death. This violacein-induced matriphagy alleviated some of the toxic effects of violacein, allowing a portion of the internally-hatched young to bypass developmental arrest. Using genetic and pharmacological experiments, we found the consumption of oleate, a monounsaturated fatty acid produced by the mother, during matriphagy is partially responsible. As such, our study provides experimental evidence of why such a drastic and peculiar maternal behavior may have arisen in nematode natural habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung-Hye Yoon
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, College of Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Mirae Campus, Gangwon-do, South Korea.,Department of Physiology, Mitohormesis Research Center, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Gangwon-do, South Korea
| | - Tong Young Lee
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, College of Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Mirae Campus, Gangwon-do, South Korea
| | - Je-Hyun Moon
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, College of Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Mirae Campus, Gangwon-do, South Korea
| | - Seong Yeol Choi
- School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, 50 UNIST-gil, Ulsan, South Korea
| | - Yun Ji Choi
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, College of Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Mirae Campus, Gangwon-do, South Korea
| | - Robert J Mitchell
- School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, 50 UNIST-gil, Ulsan, South Korea.
| | - Jin Il Lee
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, College of Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Mirae Campus, Gangwon-do, South Korea.
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20
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DAF-16 and SMK-1 Contribute to Innate Immunity During Adulthood in Caenorhabditis elegans. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2020; 10:1521-1539. [PMID: 32161087 PMCID: PMC7202018 DOI: 10.1534/g3.120.401166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Aging is accompanied by a progressive decline in immune function termed "immunosenescence". Deficient surveillance coupled with the impaired function of immune cells compromises host defense in older animals. The dynamic activity of regulatory modules that control immunity appears to underlie age-dependent modifications to the immune system. In the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans levels of PMK-1 p38 MAP kinase diminish over time, reducing the expression of immune effectors that clear bacterial pathogens. Along with the PMK-1 pathway, innate immunity in C. elegans is regulated by the insulin signaling pathway. Here we asked whether DAF-16, a Forkhead box (FOXO) transcription factor whose activity is inhibited by insulin signaling, plays a role in host defense later in life. While in younger C. elegans DAF-16 is inactive unless stimulated by environmental insults, we found that even in the absence of acute stress the transcriptional activity of DAF-16 increases in an age-dependent manner. Beginning in the reproductive phase of adulthood, DAF-16 upregulates a subset of its transcriptional targets, including genes required to kill ingested microbes. Accordingly, DAF-16 has little to no role in larval immunity, but functions specifically during adulthood to confer resistance to bacterial pathogens. We found that DAF-16-mediated immunity in adults requires SMK-1, a regulatory subunit of the PP4 protein phosphatase complex. Our data suggest that as the function of one branch of the innate immune system of C. elegans (PMK-1) declines over time, DAF-16-mediated immunity ramps up to become the predominant means of protecting adults from infection, thus reconfiguring immunity later in life.
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21
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Foster KJ, Cheesman HK, Liu P, Peterson ND, Anderson SM, Pukkila-Worley R. Innate Immunity in the C. elegans Intestine Is Programmed by a Neuronal Regulator of AWC Olfactory Neuron Development. Cell Rep 2020; 31:107478. [PMID: 32268082 PMCID: PMC7215899 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.03.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Olfactory neurons allow animals to discriminate nutritious food sources from potential pathogens. From a forward genetic screen, we uncovered a surprising requirement for the olfactory neuron gene olrn-1 in the regulation of intestinal epithelial immunity in Caenorhabditis elegans. During nematode development, olrn-1 is required to program the expression of odorant receptors in the AWC olfactory neuron pair. Here, we show that olrn-1 also functions in AWC neurons in the cell non-autonomous suppression of the canonical p38 MAPK PMK-1 immune pathway in the intestine. Low activity of OLRN-1, which activates the p38 MAPK signaling cassette in AWC neurons during larval development, also de-represses the p38 MAPK PMK-1 pathway in the intestine to promote immune effector transcription, increased clearance of an intestinal pathogen, and resistance to bacterial infection. These data reveal an unexpected connection between olfactory receptor development and innate immunity and show that anti-pathogen defenses in the intestine are developmentally programmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J Foster
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Hilary K Cheesman
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Pengpeng Liu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Nicholas D Peterson
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Sarah M Anderson
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Read Pukkila-Worley
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA; Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.
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22
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Mokoena NZ, Sebolai OM, Albertyn J, Pohl CH. Synthesis and function of fatty acids and oxylipins, with a focus on Caenorhabditis elegans. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2020; 148:106426. [PMID: 32032704 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2020.106426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) exhibit a diverse range of important biological functions in most biological systems. These PUFAs can be oxygenated via enzymatic or free radical-mediated reactions to form bioactive oxygenated lipid mediators termed oxylipins. Eicosanoids are broad class of oxylipins that are transient and locally synthesized signalling molecules, including prostaglandins, leukotrienes, lipoxins and thromboxanes, which mediate various physiological responses, such as inflammation. In addition to arachidonic acid-derived eicosanoids, current developments in lipidomic methodologies have brought attention to vast number of oxylipins produced from other PUFAs, including omega-3. Although, the molecular mechanisms of how PUFAs and oxylipins contribute to majority of the fundamental biological processes are largely unclear, a model organism Caenorhabditis elegans remains a powerful model for exploring lipid metabolism and functions of PUFAs and oxylipins. For instance, the ability of C. elegans to modify fatty acid composition with dietary supplementation and genetic manipulation enables the dissection of the roles of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs in many biological processes that include aging, reproduction, and neurobiology. However, much remains to be elucidated concerning the roles of oxylipins, but thus far, C. elegans is well-known for the synthesis of vast set of cytochrome (CYP) eicosanoids. These CYP eicosanoids are extremely susceptible to changes in the relative bioavailability of the different PUFAs, thus providing a better insight into complex mechanisms connecting essential dietary fatty acids to various biological processes. Therefore, this review provides an overview of the synthesis and function of PUFAs and oxylipins in mammals. It also focusses on what is known regarding the production of PUFAs and oxylipins in C. elegans and their functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Z Mokoena
- Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - O M Sebolai
- Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - J Albertyn
- Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - C H Pohl
- Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
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23
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Monteiro HR, Pestana JLT, Novais SC, Leston S, Ramos F, Soares AMVM, Devreese B, Lemos MFL. Assessment of fipronil toxicity to the freshwater midge Chironomus riparius: Molecular, biochemical, and organismal responses. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2019; 216:105292. [PMID: 31546069 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2019.105292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Fipronil is a phenylpyrazole insecticide that entered the market to replace organochlorides and organophosphates. Fipronil impairs the regular inhibition of nerve impulses that ultimately result in paralysis and death of insects. Because of its use as a pest control, and due to runoff events, fipronil has been detected in freshwater systems near agricultural areas, and therefore might represent a threat to non-target aquatic organisms. In this study, the toxicity of fipronil to the freshwater midge Chironomus riparius was investigated at biochemical, molecular, and whole organism (e.g. growth, emergence, and behavior) levels. At the individual level, chronic (28 days) exposure to fipronil resulted in reduced larval growth and emergence with a lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) of 0.081 μg L-1. Adult weight, which is directly linked to the flying performance and fecundity of midges, was also affected (LOEC = 0.040 μg L-1). Additionally, behavioral changes such as irregular burrowing behavior of C. riparius larvae (EC50 = 0.084 μg L-1) and impairment of adult flying performance were observed. At a biochemical level, acute (48 h) exposure to fipronil increased cellular oxygen consumption (as indicated by the increase of electron transport system (ETS) activity) and decreased antioxidant and detoxification defenses (as suggested by the decrease in catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities). Exposure to fipronil also caused alterations in the fatty acid profile of C. riparius, since high levels of stearidonic acid (SDA) were observed. A comparison between exposed and non-exposed larvae also revealed alterations in the expression of globins, cytoskeleton and motor proteins, and proteins involved in protein biosynthesis. These alterations may aid in the interpretation of potential mechanisms of action that lead to the effects observed at the organism level. Present results show that environmentally relevant concentrations of fipronil are toxic to chironomid populations which call for monitoring of phenylpyrazole insecticides and of their ecological effects in freshwaters. Present results also emphasize the importance of complementing ecotoxicological data with molecular approaches such as proteomics, for a better interpretation of the mode of action of insecticides in aquatic invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo R Monteiro
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ESTM, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Peniche, Portugal; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Laboratory for Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - João L T Pestana
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Sara C Novais
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ESTM, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Peniche, Portugal
| | - Sara Leston
- CFE - Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; REQUIMTE/LAQV, Pharmacy Faculty, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Fernando Ramos
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Pharmacy Faculty, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Bart Devreese
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Laboratory for Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marco F L Lemos
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ESTM, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Peniche, Portugal
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Liu C, Ji P, Timper P. Maternal Stress Reduces the Susceptibility of Root-Knot Nematodes to Pasteuria Penetrans. J Nematol 2019; 51:e2019-40. [PMID: 34179816 PMCID: PMC6916145 DOI: 10.21307/jofnem-2019-040] [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: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pasteuria penetrans is an obligate parasite of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.). Endospores of P. penetrans attach to the cuticle of second-stage juveniles (J2) and complete their life cycle within the nematode female body. Infected females will be filled with spores and will be sterilized. Studies with Daphnia magna and its parasite Pasteuria ramosa showed that a poor maternal environment can lead to offspring resistant to P. ramosa. Therefore, we hypothesized that Meloidogyne arenaria females raised under a stressed environment would produce offspring that were more resistant to P. penetrans. Females were exposed to a stressed environment created by crowding and low-food supply, or a non-stressed environment and their offspring evaluated for endospore attachment and infection by P. penetrans. No difference in spore attachment was observed between the two treatments. However, infection rate of P. penetrans in the stressed treatment was significantly lower than that in the non-stressed treatment (8 vs 18%). Mothers raised under stressed conditions appeared to produce more resistant offspring than did mothers raised under favorable conditions. Under stressful conditions, M. arenaria mothers may provide their progeny with enhanced survival traits. In the field, when nematode populations are not managed, they often reach the carrying capacity of their host plant by the end of the season. This study suggests that the next generation of inoculum may be more resistant to infection by P. penetrans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, Tifton, GA, 31793
- Entomology and Nematology Department, 1881 Natural Area Dr, Gainesville, FL 32611
| | - Pingsheng Ji
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, Tifton, GA, 31793
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Anderson SM, Cheesman HK, Peterson ND, Salisbury JE, Soukas AA, Pukkila-Worley R. The fatty acid oleate is required for innate immune activation and pathogen defense in Caenorhabditis elegans. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1007893. [PMID: 31206555 PMCID: PMC6597122 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatty acids affect a number of physiological processes, in addition to forming the building blocks of membranes and body fat stores. In this study, we uncover a role for the monounsaturated fatty acid oleate in the innate immune response of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. From an RNAi screen for regulators of innate immune defense genes, we identified the two stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturases that synthesize oleate in C. elegans. We show that the synthesis of oleate is necessary for the pathogen-mediated induction of immune defense genes. Accordingly, C. elegans deficient in oleate production are hypersusceptible to infection with diverse human pathogens, which can be rescued by the addition of exogenous oleate. However, oleate is not sufficient to drive protective immune activation. Together, these data add to the known health-promoting effects of monounsaturated fatty acids, and suggest an ancient link between nutrient stores, metabolism, and host susceptibility to bacterial infection. The evolution of multicellular organisms has been shaped by their interactions with pathogenic microorganisms. The microscopic nematode C. elegans eats bacteria for food and has evolved inducible immune defenses toward ingested pathogens that are coordinated within intestinal epithelial cells. C. elegans, therefore, presents a genetic system to characterize the requirements for the activation of innate immune defenses. Here, we show that the monounsaturated fatty acid oleate is necessary for the induction of innate immune defenses and for protection against bacterial pathogens, which defines a new link between metabolism and the regulation of anti-pathogen responses in a metazoan host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Anderson
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Hilary K. Cheesman
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Nicholas D. Peterson
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - J. Elizabeth Salisbury
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Alexander A. Soukas
- Center for Human Genomic Medicine and Diabetes Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Read Pukkila-Worley
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Identification of a Conserved, Orphan G Protein-Coupled Receptor Required for Efficient Pathogen Clearance in Caenorhabditis elegans. Infect Immun 2019; 87:IAI.00034-19. [PMID: 30692178 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00034-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors contribute to host defense across the animal kingdom, transducing many signals involved in both vertebrate and invertebrate immune responses. While it has become well established that the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans triggers innate immune responses following infection with numerous bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens, the mechanisms by which C. elegans recognizes these pathogens have remained somewhat more elusive. C. elegans G protein-coupled receptors have been implicated in recognizing pathogen-associated damage and activating downstream host immune responses. Here we identify and characterize a novel G protein-coupled receptor required to regulate the C. elegans response to infection with Microbacterium nematophilum We show that this receptor, which we designate pathogen clearance-defective receptor 1 (PCDR-1), is required for efficient pathogen clearance following infection. PCDR-1 acts upstream of multiple G proteins, including the C. elegans Gαq ortholog, EGL-30, in rectal epithelial cells to promote pathogen clearance via a novel mechanism.
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Peterson ND, Cheesman HK, Liu P, Anderson SM, Foster KJ, Chhaya R, Perrat P, Thekkiniath J, Yang Q, Haynes CM, Pukkila-Worley R. The nuclear hormone receptor NHR-86 controls anti-pathogen responses in C. elegans. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1007935. [PMID: 30668573 PMCID: PMC6358101 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear hormone receptors (NHRs) are ligand-gated transcription factors that control adaptive host responses following recognition of specific endogenous or exogenous ligands. Although NHRs have expanded dramatically in C. elegans compared to other metazoans, the biological function of only a few of these genes has been characterized in detail. Here, we demonstrate that an NHR can activate an anti-pathogen transcriptional program. Using genetic epistasis experiments, transcriptome profiling analyses and chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing, we show that, in the presence of an immunostimulatory small molecule, NHR-86 binds to the promoters of immune effectors to activate their transcription. NHR-86 is not required for resistance to the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa at baseline, but activation of NHR-86 by this compound drives a transcriptional program that provides protection against this pathogen. Interestingly, NHR-86 targets immune effectors whose basal regulation requires the canonical p38 MAPK PMK-1 immune pathway. However, NHR-86 functions independently of PMK-1 and modulates the transcription of these infection response genes directly. These findings characterize a new transcriptional regulator in C. elegans that can induce a protective host response towards a bacterial pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D. Peterson
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Hilary K. Cheesman
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Pengpeng Liu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Sarah M. Anderson
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Kyle J. Foster
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Richa Chhaya
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Paola Perrat
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Jose Thekkiniath
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Qiyuan Yang
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Cole M. Haynes
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Read Pukkila-Worley
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Penkov S, Mitroulis I, Hajishengallis G, Chavakis T. Immunometabolic Crosstalk: An Ancestral Principle of Trained Immunity? Trends Immunol 2018; 40:1-11. [PMID: 30503793 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Memory was traditionally considered an exclusive hallmark of adaptive immunity. This dogma was challenged by recent reports that myeloid cells can retain 'memory' of earlier challenges, enabling them to respond strongly to a secondary stimulus. This process, designated 'trained immunity', is initiated by modulation of precursors of myeloid cells in the bone marrow. The ancestral innate immune system of lower organisms (e.g., Caenorhabditis elegans) can build long-lasting memory that modifies responses to secondary pathogen encounters. We posit that changes in cellular metabolism may be a common denominator of innate immune memory from lower animals to mammals. We discuss evidence from C. elegans and murine/human systems supporting the concept of an ancestral principle regulating innate immune memory by controlling cellular metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sider Penkov
- Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden of the Helmholtz Zentrum München at the University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus of TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Equal contribution.
| | - Ioannis Mitroulis
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus of TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany; National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Germany of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany, and of the Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany, and of the Helmholtz Association/Helmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany; Department of Haematology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece; Equal contribution
| | - George Hajishengallis
- University of Pennsylvania, Penn Dental Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Triantafyllos Chavakis
- Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden of the Helmholtz Zentrum München at the University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus of TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus of TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany; National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Germany of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany, and of the Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany, and of the Helmholtz Association/Helmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Neuherberg, Germany.
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Kim Y, Choudhry QN, Chatterjee N, Choi J. Immune and xenobiotic response crosstalk to chemical exposure by PA01 infection in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 210:1082-1090. [PMID: 30208533 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Most organisms simultaneously face various chemical and biological stresses in the environment. Herein, we investigated how pathogen infection modifies an organism's response to chemical exposure. To explore this phenomenon, we conducted a toxicity study combined with pathogen infection by using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and various environmental chemicals. C. elegans preinfected with PA01, when subsequently exposed to chemicals, became sensitized to the toxicity of nonylphenol (NP) and cadmium (Cd), whereas they became tolerant to the toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs); this led us to conduct a mechanistic study focusing on AgNP exposure. A gene expression profiling study revealed that most of the immune response genes activated by PA01 infection remained activated after subsequent exposure to AgNPs, thereby suggesting that the acquired tolerance of C. elegans to AgNP exposure may be due to boosted immunity resulting from PA01 preinfection. Further, a functional genetic analysis revealed that the immune response pathway (i.e., PMK-1/p38 MAPK) was involved in defense against AgNP exposure in PA01-preinfected C. elegans, thus suggesting immune and stress response crosstalk to xenobiotic exposure. This study will aid in the elucidation of how pathogen infection impacts the way the defense system responds to subsequent xenobiotic exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngho Kim
- School of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Siripdaero, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02504, Republic of Korea
| | - Qaisra Naheed Choudhry
- School of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Siripdaero, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02504, Republic of Korea
| | - Nivedita Chatterjee
- School of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Siripdaero, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02504, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhee Choi
- School of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Siripdaero, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02504, Republic of Korea.
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30
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Khan SA, Haider A, Mahmood W, Roome T, Abbas G. Gamma-linolenic acid ameliorated glycation-induced memory impairment in rats. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2017; 55:1817-1823. [PMID: 28545346 PMCID: PMC7012036 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2017.1331363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT γ-Linolenic acid (GLA) is an important constituent of anti-ageing supplements. OBJECTIVE The current study investigates the anti-ageing effect of GLA in Sprague-Dawley rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS GLA (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 2, 10, 20 and 24 μM) was initially evaluated for its effect on the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in vitro. For in vivo assessment (1, 5 or 15 mg/kg), the rat model of accelerated ageing was developed using d-fructose (1000 mg/kg (i.p.) plus 10% in drinking water for 40 days). Morris water maze was used to evaluate impairment in learning and memory. The blood of treated animals was used to measure glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. The interaction of GLA with active residues of receptor of AGE (RAGE) was analyzed using AutoDock Vina. RESULTS Our data showed that GLA inhibited the production of AGEs (IC50 = 1.12 ± 0.05 μM). However, this effect was more significant at lower tested doses. A similar pattern was also observed in in vivo experiments, where the effect of fructose was reversed by GLA only at lowest tested dose of 1 mg/kg. The HbA1c levels also revealed significant reduction at lower doses (1 and 5 mg/kg). The in silico data exhibited promising interaction of GLA with active residues (Try72, Arg77 and Gln67) of RAGE. CONCLUSION The GLA, at lower doses, possesses therapeutic potential against glycation-induced memory decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahab Ali Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbottabad, K.P.K., Pakistan
| | - Ali Haider
- Department of Pharmacy, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbottabad, K.P.K., Pakistan
| | - Wajahat Mahmood
- Department of Pharmacy, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbottabad, K.P.K., Pakistan
| | - Talat Roome
- Department of Pathology, Dow International Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Ghulam Abbas
- Pharmacology Section, H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical & Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
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Fatin SN, Boon-Khai T, Shu-Chien AC, Khairuddean M, Al-Ashraf Abdullah A. A Marine Actinomycete Rescues Caenorhabditis elegans from Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection through Restitution of Lysozyme 7. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2267. [PMID: 29201023 PMCID: PMC5696594 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to conventional antimicrobial treatment is a major scourge in healthcare. Therefore, it is crucial that novel potent anti-infectives are discovered. The aim of the present study is to screen marine actinomycetes for chemical entities capable of overcoming P. aeruginosa infection through mechanisms involving anti-virulence or host immunity activities. A total of 18 actinomycetes isolates were sampled from marine sediment of Songsong Island, Kedah, Malaysia. Upon confirming that the methanolic crude extract of these isolates do not display direct bactericidal activities, they were tested for capacity to rescue Caenorhabditis elegans infected with P. aeruginosa strain PA14. A hexane partition of the extract from one isolate, designated as Streptomyces sp. CCB-PSK207, could promote the survival of PA14 infected worms by more than 60%. Partial 16S sequence analysis on this isolate showed identity of 99.79% with Streptomyces sundarbansensis. This partition did not impair feeding behavior of C. elegans worms. Tested on PA14, the partition also did not affect bacterial growth or its ability to colonize host gut. The production of biofilm, protease, and pyocyanin in PA14 were uninterrupted, although there was an increase in elastase production. In lys-7::GFP worms, this partition was shown to induce the expression of lysozyme 7, an important innate immunity defense molecule that was repressed during PA14 infection. GC-MS analysis of the bioactive fraction of Streptomyces sp. CCB-PSK207 revealed the presence of methyl esters of branched saturated fatty acids. In conclusion, this is the first report of a marine actinomycete producing metabolites capable of rescuing C. elegans from PA14 through a lys-7 mediated activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siti N. Fatin
- Centre for Chemical Biology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bayan Lepas, Malaysia
| | - Tan Boon-Khai
- Centre for Chemical Biology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bayan Lepas, Malaysia
| | - Alexander Chong Shu-Chien
- Centre for Chemical Biology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bayan Lepas, Malaysia
- Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals (IPHARM), National Institute of Biotechnology Malaysia, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Bukit Gambir, Malaysia
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia
| | - Melati Khairuddean
- School of Chemical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia
| | - Amirul Al-Ashraf Abdullah
- Centre for Chemical Biology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bayan Lepas, Malaysia
- Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals (IPHARM), National Institute of Biotechnology Malaysia, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Bukit Gambir, Malaysia
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia
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Zou X, Lu Y, Sun Q, Huang H, Liu M, Bao S. Transcriptome analysis of Meloidogyne incognita encumbered by Pasteuria penetrans endospores provides new insights into bacteria and nematode interaction. NEMATOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1163/15685411-00003090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Root-knot nematodes (RKN,Meloidogynespp.) are one of the most harmful pests in agriculture.Pasteuria penetrans, an obligate hyperparasite of RKN, is an effective biological control agent. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of interaction betweenP. penetransand the second-stage juvenile (J2) ofMeloidogyne incognita. Here, we used transcriptome sequencing to characterise the differential expression profiles between control J2 ofM. incognitaand J2 encumbered byP. penetransendospores. A total of 445 genes were found to be differentially expressed, including 406 up-regulated and 39 down-regulated genes. Thirty-seven putative immune-related genes encoding collagens, cytochrome P450, lysozymes and other active proteins were identified. Genes involved in the ‘biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids’ pathway and several core sets of immune effectors were up-regulated, indicating conserved immune mechanisms among different nematodes. Down-regulation of cytochrome P450-related genes might suggest a specific defence response ofM. incognitaencumbered byP. penetransendospores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Zou
- Institute of Tropical Biosciences and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops of Ministry of Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, P.R. China
| | - Yan Lu
- Institute of Tropical Biosciences and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops of Ministry of Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, P.R. China
| | - Qianguang Sun
- Institute of Tropical Biosciences and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops of Ministry of Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, P.R. China
| | - Huiqin Huang
- Institute of Tropical Biosciences and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops of Ministry of Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, P.R. China
| | - Min Liu
- Institute of Tropical Biosciences and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops of Ministry of Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, P.R. China
| | - Shixiang Bao
- Institute of Tropical Biosciences and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops of Ministry of Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, P.R. China
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Henry P, Owopetu O, Adisa D, Nguyen T, Anthony K, Ijoni-Animadu D, Jamadar S, Abdel-Rahman F, Saleh MA. Fatty acids composition of Caenorhabditis elegans using accurate mass GCMS-QTOF. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART. B, PESTICIDES, FOOD CONTAMINANTS, AND AGRICULTURAL WASTES 2016; 51:546-552. [PMID: 27166662 PMCID: PMC5052121 DOI: 10.1080/03601234.2016.1170555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The free living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a proven model organism for lipid metabolism research. Total lipids of C. elegans were extracted using chloroform and methanol in 2:1 ratio (v/v). Fatty acids composition of the extracted total lipids was converted to their corresponding fatty acids methyl esters (FAMEs) and analyzed by gas chromatography/accurate mass quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry using both electron ionization and chemical ionization techniques. Twenty-eight fatty acids consisting of 12 to 22 carbon atoms were identified, 65% of them were unsaturated. Fatty acids containing 12 to17 carbons were mostly saturated with stearic acid (18:0) as the major constituent. Several branched-chain fatty acids were identified. Methyl-14-methylhexadecanoate (iso- 17:0) was the major identified branched fatty acid. This is the first report to detect the intact molecular parent ions of the identified fatty acids in C. elegans using chemical ionization compared to electron ionization which produced fragmentations of the FAMEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parise Henry
- Department of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas 77004, USA
| | - Olufunmilayo Owopetu
- Department of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas 77004, USA
| | - Demilade Adisa
- Department of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas 77004, USA
| | - Thao Nguyen
- Department of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas 77004, USA
| | - Kevin Anthony
- Department of Chemistry, Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas 77004, USA
| | - David Ijoni-Animadu
- Department of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas 77004, USA
| | - Sakha Jamadar
- Department of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas 77004, USA
| | | | - Mahmoud A. Saleh
- Department of Chemistry, Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas 77004, USA
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Zugasti O, Thakur N, Belougne J, Squiban B, Kurz CL, Soulé J, Omi S, Tichit L, Pujol N, Ewbank JJ. A quantitative genome-wide RNAi screen in C. elegans for antifungal innate immunity genes. BMC Biol 2016; 14:35. [PMID: 27129311 PMCID: PMC4850687 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-016-0256-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caenorhabditis elegans has emerged over the last decade as a useful model for the study of innate immunity. Its infection with the pathogenic fungus Drechmeria coniospora leads to the rapid up-regulation in the epidermis of genes encoding antimicrobial peptides. The molecular basis of antimicrobial peptide gene regulation has been previously characterized through forward genetic screens. Reverse genetics, based on RNAi, provide a complementary approach to dissect the worm's immune defenses. RESULTS We report here the full results of a quantitative whole-genome RNAi screen in C. elegans for genes involved in regulating antimicrobial peptide gene expression. The results will be a valuable resource for those contemplating similar RNAi-based screens and also reveal the limitations of such an approach. We present several strategies, including a comprehensive class clustering method, to overcome these limitations and which allowed us to characterize the different steps of the interaction between C. elegans and the fungus D. coniospora, leading to a complete description of the MAPK pathway central to innate immunity in C. elegans. The results further revealed a cross-tissue signaling, triggered by mitochondrial dysfunction in the intestine, that suppresses antimicrobial peptide gene expression in the nematode epidermis. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results provide an unprecedented system's level insight into the regulation of C. elegans innate immunity. They represent a significant contribution to our understanding of host defenses and will lead to a better comprehension of the function and evolution of animal innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Zugasti
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université UM2, Inserm, U1104, CNRS UMR7280, 13288, Marseille, France
- Present address: Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille, CNRS, UMR6216, Case 907, Marseille, France
| | - Nishant Thakur
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université UM2, Inserm, U1104, CNRS UMR7280, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Jérôme Belougne
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université UM2, Inserm, U1104, CNRS UMR7280, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Barbara Squiban
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université UM2, Inserm, U1104, CNRS UMR7280, 13288, Marseille, France
- Present address: Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - C Léopold Kurz
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université UM2, Inserm, U1104, CNRS UMR7280, 13288, Marseille, France
- Present address: Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille, CNRS, UMR6216, Case 907, Marseille, France
| | - Julien Soulé
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université UM2, Inserm, U1104, CNRS UMR7280, 13288, Marseille, France
- Present address: Institut de Genomique Fonctionnelle, 141, rue de la Cardonille, 34094, Montpellier Cedex 05, France
| | - Shizue Omi
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université UM2, Inserm, U1104, CNRS UMR7280, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Laurent Tichit
- Institut de Mathématiques de Marseille, Aix Marseille Université, I2M Centrale Marseille, CNRS UMR 7373, 13453, Marseille, France
| | - Nathalie Pujol
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université UM2, Inserm, U1104, CNRS UMR7280, 13288, Marseille, France.
| | - Jonathan J Ewbank
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université UM2, Inserm, U1104, CNRS UMR7280, 13288, Marseille, France.
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Witting M, Schmitt-Kopplin P. The Caenorhabditis elegans lipidome. Arch Biochem Biophys 2016; 589:27-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2015.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Zhou Y, Falck JR, Rothe M, Schunck WH, Menzel R. Role of CYP eicosanoids in the regulation of pharyngeal pumping and food uptake in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Lipid Res 2015; 56:2110-23. [PMID: 26399467 PMCID: PMC4617398 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m061887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Revised: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 (CYP)-dependent eicosanoids comprise epoxy- and hydroxy-metabolites of long-chain PUFAs (LC-PUFAs). In mammals, CYP eicosanoids contribute to the regulation of cardiovascular and renal function. Caenorhabditis elegans produces a large set of CYP eicosanoids; however, their role in worm's physiology is widely unknown. Mutant strains deficient in LC-PUFA/eicosanoid biosynthesis displayed reduced pharyngeal pumping frequencies. This impairment was rescued by long-term eicosapentaenoic and/or arachidonic acid supplementation, but not with a nonmetabolizable LC-PUFA analog. Short-term treatment with 17,18-epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (17,18-EEQ), the most abundant CYP eicosanoid in C. elegans, was as effective as long-term LC-PUFA supplementation in the mutant strains. In contrast, 20-HETE caused decreased pumping frequencies. The opposite effects of 17,18-EEQ and 20-HETE were mirrored by the actions of neurohormones. 17,18-EEQ mimicked the stimulating effect of serotonin when added to starved worms, whereas 20-HETE shared the inhibitory effect of octopamine in the presence of abundant food. In wild-type worms, serotonin increased free 17,18-EEQ levels, whereas octopamine selectively induced the synthesis of hydroxy-metabolites. These results suggest that CYP eicosanoids may serve as second messengers in the regulation of pharyngeal pumping and food uptake in C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Zhou
- Department of Biology, Ecology, Humboldt University of Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - John R. Falck
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX 75390
| | | | | | - Ralph Menzel
- Department of Biology, Ecology, Humboldt University of Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
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37
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Fairfax KC, Harrison LM, Cappello M. Molecular cloning and characterization of a nematode polyprotein antigen/allergen from the human and animal hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2014; 198:37-44. [PMID: 25481749 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2014.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Revised: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Nematodes are unable to synthesize fatty acids de novo and must acquire them from the environment or host. It is hypothesized that two unique classes of fatty acid and retinol binding proteins that nematodes produce (fatty acid and retinol binding (FAR) and nematode polyprotein antigen/allergen (NPA)) are used to meet this need. A partial cDNA has been cloned corresponding to four subunits of a putative Ancylostoma ceylanicum NPA (AceNPA). The translated amino acid sequence of AceNPA shares sequence identity with similar proteins from Dictyocaulus viviparus, Ascaris suum, and Ostertagia ostertagi. Immunoblot experiments using a polyclonal anti-AceNPA IgG revealed proteins corresponding to the expected sizes of single, as well as two or three un-cleaved NPA subunits in adult excretory/secretory proteins and soluble adult worm extracts. Immunohistochemistry experiments localize AceNPA to the cuticle, pseudocoelomic space and testes suggesting a role in hookworm biology that is distinct from what has previously been defined for other hookworm lipid binding proteins. A single recombinant subunit of AceNPA (rAceNPAb) demonstrated binding in vitro to fluorescent fatty acids DAUDA, cis-parinaric acid, as well as retinol, at equilibrium dissociation constants in the low micromolar range. Further, in vitro data reveal that rAceNPAb binds fatty acids with chain lengths of C12-C22, with the greatest affinities for arachidonic, linoleic (C18), and eicosapentaenoic (C20) acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keke C Fairfax
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
| | - Lisa M Harrison
- Infectious Diseases Section and Program in International Child Health, Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michael Cappello
- Infectious Diseases Section and Program in International Child Health, Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Bond MR, Ghosh SK, Wang P, Hanover JA. Conserved nutrient sensor O-GlcNAc transferase is integral to C. elegans pathogen-specific immunity. PLoS One 2014; 9:e113231. [PMID: 25474640 PMCID: PMC4256294 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Discriminating pathogenic bacteria from bacteria used as a food source is key to Caenorhabidits elegans immunity. Using mutants defective in the enzymes of O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) cycling, we examined the role of this nutrient-sensing pathway in the C. elegans innate immune response. Genetic analysis showed that deletion of O-GlcNAc transferase (ogt-1) yielded animals hypersensitive to the human pathogen S. aureus but not to P. aeruginosa. Genetic interaction studies revealed that nutrient-responsive OGT-1 acts through the conserved β-catenin (BAR-1) pathway and in concert with p38 MAPK (PMK-1) to modulate the immune response to S. aureus. Moreover, whole genome transcriptional profiling revealed that O-GlcNAc cycling mutants exhibited deregulation of unique stress- and immune-responsive genes. The participation of nutrient sensor OGT-1 in an immunity module evolutionarily conserved from C. elegans to humans reveals an unexplored nexus between nutrient availability and a pathogen-specific immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle R. Bond
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Salil K. Ghosh
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Pathology, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - John A. Hanover
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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39
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Quantitative proteome analysis of Caenorhabditis elegans upon exposure to nematicidal Bacillus thuringiensis. J Proteomics 2014; 113:337-50. [PMID: 25452134 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2014.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Revised: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Caenorhabditis elegans can be infected by a plethora of pathogens, most of them are also pathogenic for humans. Consequently, the nematode has emerged as a powerful surrogate host to model microbial human infectious diseases in a non-vertebrate, for the study of innate immunity and host-pathogen interactions. Signaling cascades are well investigated that face bacterial or fungal pathogens. We analyzed the downstream processes of these cascades, i.e. the differential expression of effector and regulatory molecules due to a microbial challenge with a pathogenic strain of the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in comparison to a non-pathogenic Bt strain. The protein abundance profile of the nematode was studied by quantitative proteomics using iTRAQ labeling and 2D-LC-MS analysis. We developed (i) a novel method for the preparation of defined C. elegans samples; (ii) a pooling strategy for fractions in 2D-LC separation schemes; and (iii) an isobaric labeling scheme reducing the number of necessary LC-MS experiments. More than 3,600 proteins were quantified, 288 of which showed altered abundances, implicating protein classes such as lectins, lysozymes, and transthyretin-like proteins to be involved in the nematode innate immune defense. A number of gene products previously only identified by transcriptomic profiling could be verified at the protein level. Moreover, several other protein classes such as proteases, proteins related to autophagy and apoptosis, structural proteins, and proteins involved in chromatin organization were detected. The results provide an overview of the physiological response towards a pathogen at protein level in the important model organism C. elegans, giving insights into highly complex host-pathogen interactions. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE This study identified system-wide effects of Bt intoxication on C. elegans at protein level, expanding the catalogue of immune effectors potentially acting towards the pathogen, and provide verification for numerous gene products implicated in previous transcriptomic studies. The data present evidence in support of both a general defense response as well as a specific reaction against the Bt toxin within the nematode. The described findings will also contribute to a deeper understanding of host-microbe interaction in other organisms, including humans, and may provide key information that touches far reaching aspects of coevolutionary processes.
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40
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Genome-wide evaluation of the interplay between Caenorhabditis elegans and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis during in vivo biofilm formation. Infect Immun 2014; 83:17-27. [PMID: 25312958 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00110-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The formation of an incapacitating biofilm on Caenorhabditis elegans by Yersinia pseudotuberculosis represents a tractable model for investigating the genetic basis for host-pathogen interplay during the biofilm-mediated infection of a living surface. Previously we established a role for quorum sensing (QS) and the master motility regulator, FlhDC, in biofilm formation by Y. pseudotuberculosis on C. elegans. To obtain further genome-wide insights, we used transcriptomic analysis to obtain comparative information on C. elegans in the presence and absence of biofilm and on wild-type Y. pseudotuberculosis and Y. pseudotuberculosis QS mutants. Infection of C. elegans with the wild-type Y. pseudotuberculosis resulted in the differential regulation of numerous genes, including a distinct subset of nematode C-lectin (clec) and fatty acid desaturase (fat) genes. Evaluation of the corresponding C. elegans clec-49 and fat-3 deletion mutants showed delayed biofilm formation and abolished biofilm formation, respectively. Transcriptomic analysis of Y. pseudotuberculosis revealed that genes located in both of the histidine utilization (hut) operons were upregulated in both QS and flhDC mutants. In addition, mutation of the regulatory gene hutC resulted in the loss of biofilm, increased expression of flhDC, and enhanced swimming motility. These data are consistent with the existence of a regulatory cascade in which the Hut pathway links QS and flhDC. This work also indicates that biofilm formation by Y. pseudotuberculosis on C. elegans is an interactive process during which the initial attachment/recognition of Yersinia to/by C. elegans is followed by bacterial growth and biofilm formation.
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41
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Mitochondrial UPR-regulated innate immunity provides resistance to pathogen infection. Nature 2014; 516:414-7. [PMID: 25274306 PMCID: PMC4270954 DOI: 10.1038/nature13818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Metazoans identify and eliminate bacterial pathogens in microbe-rich environments such as the intestinal lumen; however, the mechanisms are unclear. Host cells could potentially use intracellular surveillance or stress response programs to detect pathogens that target monitored cellular activities and then initiate innate immune responses. Mitochondrial function is evaluated by monitoring mitochondrial protein import efficiency of the transcription factor ATFS-1, which mediates the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPR(mt)). During mitochondrial stress, mitochondrial import is impaired, allowing ATFS-1 to traffic to the nucleus where it mediates a transcriptional response to re-establish mitochondrial homeostasis. Here we examined the role of ATFS-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans during pathogen exposure, because during mitochondrial stress ATFS-1 induced not only mitochondrial protective genes but also innate immune genes that included a secreted lysozyme and anti-microbial peptides. Exposure to the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa caused mitochondrial dysfunction and activation of the UPR(mt). C. elegans lacking atfs-1 were susceptible to P. aeruginosa, whereas hyper-activation of ATFS-1 and the UPR(mt) improved clearance of P. aeruginosa from the intestine and prolonged C. elegans survival in a manner mainly independent of known innate immune pathways. We propose that ATFS-1 import efficiency and the UPR(mt) is a means to detect pathogens that target mitochondria and initiate a protective innate immune response.
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42
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Zhu H, Han M. Exploring developmental and physiological functions of fatty acid and lipid variants through worm and fly genetics. Annu Rev Genet 2014; 48:119-48. [PMID: 25195508 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genet-041814-095928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Lipids are more than biomolecules for energy storage and membrane structure. With ample structural variation, lipids critically participate in nearly all aspects of cellular function. Lipid homeostasis and metabolism are closely related to major human diseases and health problems. However, lipid functional studies have been significantly underdeveloped, partly because of the difficulty in applying genetics and common molecular approaches to tackle the complexity associated with lipid biosynthesis, metabolism, and function. In the past decade, a number of laboratories began to analyze the roles of lipid metabolism in development and other physiological functions using animal models and combining genetics, genomics, and biochemical approaches. These pioneering efforts have not only provided valuable insights regarding lipid functions in vivo but have also established feasible methodology for future studies. Here, we review a subset of these studies using Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhu Zhu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309;
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43
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Vrablik TL, Watts JL. Polyunsaturated fatty acid derived signaling in reproduction and development: insights from Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster. Mol Reprod Dev 2013; 80:244-59. [PMID: 23440886 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2012] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) exhibit a diverse range of critical functions in biological systems. PUFAs modulate the biophysical properties of membranes and, along with their derivatives, the eicosanoids and endocannabinoids, form a wide array potent lipid signaling molecules. Much of our early understanding of PUFAs and PUFA-derived signaling stems from work in mammals; however, technological advances have made comprehensive lipid analysis possible in small genetic models such as Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster. These models have a number of advantages, such as simple anatomy and genome-wide genetic screening techniques, which can broaden our understanding of fatty-acid-derived signaling in biological systems. Here we review what is known about PUFAs, eicosanoids, and endocannabinoids in the development and reproduction of C. elegans and D. melanogaster. Fatty acid signaling appears to be fundamental for multicellular organisms, and simple invertebrates often employ functionally similar pathways. In particular, studies in C. elegans and Drosophila are providing insight into the roles of PUFAs and PUFA-derived signaling in early developmental processes, such as meiosis, fertilization, and early embryonic cleavage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy L Vrablik
- School of Molecular Biosciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-7520, USA
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44
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Jiao J, Zhang Y. Transgenic Biosynthesis of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: A Sustainable Biochemical Engineering Approach for Making Essential Fatty Acids in Plants and Animals. Chem Rev 2013; 113:3799-814. [DOI: 10.1021/cr300007p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Jiao
- Chronic Disease Research Institute,
Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health,
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Food Science and
Nutrition, School of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang
University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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45
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Chambers MC, Song KH, Schneider DS. Listeria monocytogenes infection causes metabolic shifts in Drosophila melanogaster. PLoS One 2012; 7:e50679. [PMID: 23272066 PMCID: PMC3521769 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2012] [Accepted: 10/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunity and metabolism are intimately linked; manipulating metabolism, either through diet or genetics, has the power to alter survival during infection. However, despite metabolism's powerful ability to alter the course of infections, little is known about what being “sick” means metabolically. Here we describe the metabolic changes occurring in a model system when Listeria monocytogenes causes a lethal infection in Drosophila melanogaster. L. monocytogenes infection alters energy metabolism; the flies gradually lose both of their energy stores, triglycerides and glycogen, and show decreases in both intermediate metabolites and enzyme message for the two main energy pathways, beta-oxidation and glycolysis. L. monocytogenes infection also causes enzymatic reduction in the anti-oxidant uric acid, and knocking out the enzyme uric oxidase has a complicated effect on immunity. Free amino acid levels also change during infection, including a drop in tyrosine levels which may be due to robust L. monocytogenes induced melanization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moria C. Chambers
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Kyung Han Song
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - David S. Schneider
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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46
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Simonsen KT, Gallego SF, Færgeman NJ, Kallipolitis BH. Strength in numbers: "Omics" studies of C. elegans innate immunity. Virulence 2012; 3:477-84. [PMID: 23076279 PMCID: PMC3524146 DOI: 10.4161/viru.21906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
For more than ten years the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has proven to be a valuable model for studies of the host response to various bacterial and fungal pathogens. When exposed to a pathogenic organism, a clear response is elicited in the nematode, which is characterized by specific alterations on the transcriptional and translational levels. Early on, researchers took advantage of the possibility to conduct large-scale investigations of the C. elegans immune response. Multiple studies demonstrated that C. elegans does indeed mount a protective response against invading pathogens, thus rendering this small nematode a very useful and simple host model for the study of innate immunity and host-pathogen interactions. Here, we provide an overview of key aspects of innate immunity in C. elegans revealed by recent whole-genome transcriptomics and proteomics studies of the global response of C. elegans to various bacterial and fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina T Simonsen
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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47
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Sinha A, Rae R, Iatsenko I, Sommer RJ. System wide analysis of the evolution of innate immunity in the nematode model species Caenorhabditis elegans and Pristionchus pacificus. PLoS One 2012; 7:e44255. [PMID: 23028509 PMCID: PMC3461006 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2012] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolution of genetic mechanisms used to combat bacterial infections is critical for the survival of animals and plants, yet how these genes evolved to produce a robust defense system is poorly understood. Studies of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans have uncovered a plethora of genetic regulators and effectors responsible for surviving pathogens. However, comparative studies utilizing other free-living nematodes and therefore providing an insight into the evolution of innate immunity have been lacking. Here, we take a systems biology approach and use whole genome microarrays to profile the transcriptional response of C. elegans and the necromenic nematode Pristionchus pacificus after exposure to the four different pathogens Serratia marcescens, Xenorhabdus nematophila, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus thuringiensis DB27. C. elegans is susceptible to all four pathogens whilst P. pacificus is only susceptible to S. marcescens and X. nematophila. We show an unexpected level of specificity in host responses to distinct pathogens within and across species, revealing an enormous complexity of effectors of innate immunity. Functional domains enriched in the transcriptomes on different pathogens are similar within a nematode species but different across them, suggesting differences in pathogen sensing and response networks. We find translation inhibition to be a potentially conserved response to gram-negative pathogens in both the nematodes. Further computational analysis indicates that both nematodes when fed on pathogens up-regulate genes known to be involved in other stress responses like heat shock, oxidative and osmotic stress, and genes regulated by DAF-16/FOXO and TGF-beta pathways. This study presents a platform for comparative systems analysis of two nematode model species, and a catalog of genes involved in the evolution of nematode immunity and identifies both pathogen specific and pan-pathogen responses. We discuss the potential effects of ecology on evolution of downstream effectors and upstream regulators on evolution of nematode innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Sinha
- Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Department of Evolutionary Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Robbie Rae
- Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Department of Evolutionary Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Igor Iatsenko
- Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Department of Evolutionary Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ralf J. Sommer
- Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Department of Evolutionary Biology, Tübingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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48
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Van Herreweghe JM, Michiels CW. Invertebrate lysozymes: Diversity and distribution, molecular mechanism and in vivo function. J Biosci 2012; 37:327-48. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-012-9201-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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49
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Boehnisch C, Wong D, Habig M, Isermann K, Michiels NK, Roeder T, May RC, Schulenburg H. Protist-type lysozymes of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans contribute to resistance against pathogenic Bacillus thuringiensis. PLoS One 2011; 6:e24619. [PMID: 21931778 PMCID: PMC3169628 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2011] [Accepted: 08/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogens represent a universal threat to other living organisms. Most organisms express antimicrobial proteins and peptides, such as lysozymes, as a protection against these challenges. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans harbours 15 phylogenetically diverse lysozyme genes, belonging to two distinct types, the protist- or Entamoeba-type (lys genes) and the invertebrate-type (ilys genes) lysozymes. In the present study we characterized the role of several protist-type lysozyme genes in defence against a nematocidal strain of the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. Based on microarray and subsequent qRT-PCR gene expression analysis, we identified protist-type lysozyme genes as one of the differentially transcribed gene classes after infection. A functional genetic analysis was performed for three of these genes, each belonging to a distinct evolutionary lineage within the protist-type lysozymes (lys-2, lys-5, and lys-7). Their knock-out led to decreased pathogen resistance in all three cases, while an increase in resistance was observed when two out of three tested genes were overexpressed in transgenic lines (lys-5, lys-7, but not lys-2). We conclude that the lysozyme genes lys-5, lys-7, and possibly lys-2 contribute to resistance against B. thuringiensis, thus highlighting the particular role of lysozymes in the nematode's defence against pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Boehnisch
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Department of Animal Evolutionary Ecology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Wong
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France
- INSERM, Marseille, France
- CNRS, Marseille, France
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Habig
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Nicolaas K. Michiels
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Department of Animal Evolutionary Ecology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Roeder
- Department of Zoophysiology, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Robin C. May
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Hinrich Schulenburg
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Department of Animal Evolutionary Ecology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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Shmookler Reis RJ, Xu L, Lee H, Chae M, Thaden JJ, Bharill P, Tazearslan C, Siegel E, Alla R, Zimniak P, Ayyadevara S. Modulation of lipid biosynthesis contributes to stress resistance and longevity of C. elegans mutants. Aging (Albany NY) 2011; 3:125-47. [PMID: 21386131 PMCID: PMC3082008 DOI: 10.18632/aging.100275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Many lifespan-modulating genes are involved in either generation of oxidative substrates and end-products, or their detoxification and removal. Among such metabolites, only lipoperoxides have the ability to produce free-radical chain reactions. For this study, fatty-acid profiles were compared across a panel of C. elegans mutants that span a tenfold range of longevities in a uniform genetic background. Two lipid structural properties correlated extremely well with lifespan in these worms: fatty-acid chain length and susceptibility to oxidation both decreased sharply in the longest-lived mutants (affecting the insulinlike-signaling pathway). This suggested a functional model in which longevity benefits from a reduction in lipid peroxidation substrates, offset by a coordinate decline in fatty-acid chain length to maintain membrane fluidity. This model was tested by disrupting the underlying steps in lipid biosynthesis, using RNAi knockdown to deplete transcripts of genes involved in fatty-acid metabolism. These interventions produced effects on longevity that were fully consistent with the functions and abundances of their products. Most knockdowns also produced concordant effects on survival of hydrogen peroxide stress, which can trigger lipoperoxide chain reactions.
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