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Mejías-Alpízar MJ, Porras-Silesky C, Rodríguez EJ, Quesada J, Alfaro-Segura MP, Robleto-Quesada J, Gutiérrez R, Rojas A. Mitochondrial and ribosomal markers in the identification of nematodes of clinical and veterinary importance. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:77. [PMID: 38378676 PMCID: PMC10880205 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06113-4] [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: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nematodes of the Ascarididae, Ancylostomatidae and Onchocercidae families are parasites of human and veterinary importance causing infections with high prevalence worldwide. Molecular tools have significantly improved the diagnosis of these helminthiases, but the selection of genetic markers for PCR or metabarcoding purposes is often challenging because of the resolution these may show. METHODS Nuclear 18S rRNA, internal transcribed spacers 1 (ITS-1) and 2 (ITS-2), mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase 1 (cox1) and mitochondrial rRNA genes 12S and 16S loci were studied for 30 species of the mentioned families. Accordingly, their phylogenetic interspecies resolution, pairwise nucleotide p-distances and sequence availability in GenBank were analyzed. RESULTS The 18S rRNA showed the least interspecies resolution since separate species of the Ascaris, Mansonella, Toxocara or Ancylostoma genus were intermixed in phylogenetic trees as opposed to the ITS-1, ITS-2, cox1, 12S and 16S loci. Moreover, pairwise nucleotide p-distances were significantly different in the 18S compared to the other loci, with an average of 99.1 ± 0.1%, 99.8 ± 0.1% and 98.8 ± 0.9% for the Ascarididae, Ancylostomatidae and Onchocercidae families, respectively. However, ITS-1 and ITS-2 average pairwise nucleotide p-distances in the three families ranged from 72.7% to 87.3%, and the cox1, 12S and 16S ranged from 86.4% to 90.4%. Additionally, 2491 cox1 sequences were retrieved from the 30 analyzed species in GenBank, whereas 212, 1082, 994, 428 and 143 sequences could be obtained from the 18S, ITS-1, ITS-2, 12S and 16S markers, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The use of the cox1 gene is recommended because of the high interspecies resolution and the large number of sequences available in databases. Importantly, confirmation of the identity of an unknown specimen should always be complemented with the careful morphological examination of worms and the analysis of other markers used for specific parasitic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Mejías-Alpízar
- Laboratorio de Helmintología, Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Microbiología, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Catalina Porras-Silesky
- Laboratorio de Helmintología, Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Microbiología, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Esteban José Rodríguez
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Joban Quesada
- Laboratorio de Helmintología, Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Microbiología, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - María Paula Alfaro-Segura
- Laboratorio de Helmintología, Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Microbiología, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Joby Robleto-Quesada
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Ricardo Gutiérrez
- National Reference Center for Bacteriology, Costa Rican Institute for Research and Teaching in Nutrition and Health (INCIENSA), Tres Rios, Costa Rica
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, West Farm, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Alicia Rojas
- Laboratorio de Helmintología, Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Microbiología, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
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Ramlal A, Nautiyal A, Kumar J, Mishra V, Sogan N, Nasser B. Singab A. Botanicals against some important nematodal diseases: Ascariasis and hookworm infections. Saudi J Biol Sci 2023; 30:103814. [PMID: 37841664 PMCID: PMC10570706 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Ascariasis and intestinal parasitic nematodes are the leading cause of mass mortality infecting many people across the globe. In light of the various deleterious side effects of modern chemical-based allopathic drugs, our preferences have currently shifted towards the use of traditional plant-based drugs or botanicals for treating diseases. The defensive propensities in the botanicals against parasites have probably evolved during their co-habitation with parasites, humans and plants in nature and hence their combative interference in one another's defensive mechanisms has occurred naturally ultimately being very effective in treating diseases. This article broadly outlines the utility of plant-based compounds or botanicals prepared from various medicinal herbs that have the potential to be developed as effective therapies against the important parasites causing ascariasis and intestinal hookworm infections leading to ascariasis & infections and thereby human mortality, wherein allopathic treatments are less effective and causes enormous side-effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayyagari Ramlal
- Division of Genetics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa Campus, New Delhi, Delhi, India 110012
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia 11800
| | - Aparna Nautiyal
- Department of Botany, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India 110019
| | - Jitendra Kumar
- Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre, Life Sciences Park, Electronics City Phase 1, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India 560100
- Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), First Floor, MTNL Building, 9 Lodhi Road, CGO Complex, Pragati Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi, India 110003
| | - Vachaspati Mishra
- Department of Botany, Deen Dayal Upadhyay College, University of Delhi, Dwarka, Delhi, India 110078
| | - Nisha Sogan
- Department of Botany, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India 110019
| | - Abdel Nasser B. Singab
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt 11156
- Centre of Drug Discovery Research and Development, Ain Shams University, Abbasia, Cairo, Egypt
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Infection and Immunity. Clin Immunol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-818006-8.00007-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Akelew Y, Andualem H, Ebrahim E, Atnaf A, Hailemichael W. Immunomodulation of COVID‐19 severity by helminth co‐infection: Implications for COVID‐19 vaccine efficacy. Immun Inflamm Dis 2022; 10:e573. [PMID: 34861106 PMCID: PMC8926508 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), an emerging virus in late 2019 causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), has caused a catastrophic effect, resulting in an unprecedented global crisis. The immunopathology of COVID‐19 appears to be clearly associated with a dysregulated immune response leading to organ failure and death. Similarly, over two billion people worldwide are infected with helminth, with those living in low‐middle‐income countries disproportionately affected. Helminth infections have been shown to possess immunomodulatory effects in several conditions. Helminth co‐infection in COVID‐19 patients is one of the potential reasons for global attention to answer why COVID‐19 severity is still lower in helminth endemic countries. Recent studies have shown that helminth endemic countries showed fewer cases and deaths so far and helminth co‐infection might reduce the severity of COVID‐19. Moreover, lessons from other diseases with helminth co‐infection have been shown to substantially reduce vaccine efficacy that could also be implicated for COVID‐19. This immunomodulatory effect of helminth has intended and unintended consequences, both advantageous and disadvantageous which could decrease the severity of COVID‐19 and COVID‐19 vaccine efficacy respectively. Herewith, we discuss the overview of COVID‐19 immune response, immunomodulatory effects of helminth co‐infections in COVID‐19, lessons from other diseases, and perspectives on the efficacy of COVID‐19 vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibeltal Akelew
- Immunology and Molecular Biology, Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences Debre Markos University Debre Markos Ethiopia
| | - Henok Andualem
- Immunology and Molecular Biology, Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences Debre Tabor University Debre Tabor Ethiopia
| | - Endris Ebrahim
- Immunology and Molecular Biology, Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences Wollo University Dessie Ethiopia
| | - Aytenew Atnaf
- Hematology and Immunohematology, Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences Debre Markos University Debre Markos Ethiopia
| | - Wasihun Hailemichael
- Immunology and Molecular Biology, Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences Debre Tabor University Debre Tabor Ethiopia
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5
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Arrais M, Maricoto T, Nwaru BI, Cooper PJ, Gama JM, Brito M, Taborda-Barata L. Helminth infections and allergic diseases: systematic review and meta-analysis of the global literature. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2021; 149:2139-2152. [PMID: 34968529 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.12.777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is considerable research interest in the role of helminth infections in the development of allergic diseases. However, findings from previous studies are mixed. Existing systematic reviews of these studies are outdated. We performed a systematic review of the global literature on the association between helminth infections and development and clinical outcomes of allergic diseases. METHODS We searched Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, PubMed, Global Index Medicus, Scielo, KoreaMed, Google Scholar, and Lilacs for studies published up to January 2020. We included observational epidemiological studies (cohort, case-control and cross-sectional studies) of children and adults reporting associations between helminth infections and asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema and atopy. We performed random-effects meta-analysis to summarize the effect estimates. RESULTS We included 80 studies with 99,967 participants. In the meta-analyses, we did not observe an overall association between helminth infections and allergic diseases. There was, however, evidence that A. lumbricoides infections was associated with an increased risk of bronchial hyperreactivity in children (RR:1.41, 95%CI: 1.17-1.70; I2=50, p for I2=0.09), and was associated with an increased risk of atopy among helminth-infected adults (RR:1.37, 95%CI: 1.18-1.61; I2=52, p for I2=0.02). We found no study that addressed the association between helminth infection and clinical outcomes of allergic diseases. The overall strength of the underlying evidence was low to moderate. CONCLUSION Helminth infections may increase the risk of bronchial hyperreactivity in children and atopy in adults. Well-designed longitudinal cohorts may help clarify potential causal associations between chronic helminth infections and allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarete Arrais
- Department of Pulmonology, Military Hospital, Luanda, Angola; CISA - Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Angola, Caxito, Bengo, Angola; GRUBI - Systematic Reviews Group, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Tiago Maricoto
- GRUBI - Systematic Reviews Group, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; Aveiro Healthcare Centre, Aveiro-Aradas Family Health Unit, Aveiro, Portugal; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, CACB-Clinical Academic Centre of Beiras, Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Bright I Nwaru
- Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Philip J Cooper
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK; School of Medicine, International University of Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Jorge Mr Gama
- GRUBI - Systematic Reviews Group, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; Centre of Mathematics and Applications, Faculty of Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilha, Portugal
| | - Miguel Brito
- CISA - Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Angola, Caxito, Bengo, Angola; Health and Technology Research Center (H&TRC), Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luis Taborda-Barata
- GRUBI - Systematic Reviews Group, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; CICS- Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Cova da Beira University Hospital Centre, Covilhã, Portugal
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Ademe M, Girma F. The Influence of Helminth Immune Regulation on COVID-19 Clinical Outcomes: Is it Beneficial or Detrimental? Infect Drug Resist 2021; 14:4421-4426. [PMID: 34737582 PMCID: PMC8558425 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s335447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunologically, chronic worm infections prevent themselves from strong immune responses by skewing the host response towards a T helper 2 (Th2) type. The regulatory response initiated by helminth infections is supposed to temper responses to non-helminth antigens including viral infections which will, in turn, alter the clinical outcomes of infections. In view of this, recent reports highlighted the possible negative associations of severe COVID-19 and helminth co-infections in helminth-endemic regions. As the pathology of COVID-19 is primarily mediated by an excessive immune response and subsequent cytokine storm, which contributes to the poor prognosis of COVID-19, helminth-driven immune modulation will hypothetically contribute to the less severe outcomes of COVID-19. Nevertheless, emerging reports also stated that COVID-19 and helminth co-infections may have more hidden outcomes than predictable ones. Herein, the current knowledge on the interaction of COVID-19 and helminth co-infections will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muluneh Ademe
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Friehiwot Girma
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
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de Mattos Pereira L, de Jezuz MPG, Rangel AR, Baldasso BD, Zaluski AB, Graeff-Teixeira C, Morassutti AL. De novo transcriptome reveals blood coagulation/antithrombin factors and infection mechanisms in Angiostrongylus cantonensis adult worms. Parasitology 2021; 148:857-870. [PMID: 33729108 PMCID: PMC11010222 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021000469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is the main aetiological agent of eosinophilic meningoencephalitis in humans. Several outbreaks have been documented around the world, cementing its status as an emerging global public health concern. As a result, new strategies for the diagnosis, prophylaxis and treatment of cerebral angiostrongyliasis are urgently needed. In this study, we report on the de novo assembly of the A. cantonensis transcriptome, its full functional annotation and a reconstruction of complete metabolic pathways. All results are available at AngiostrongylusDB (http://angiostrongylus.lad.pucrs.br/admin/welcome). The aim of this study was to identify the active genes and metabolic pathways involved in the mechanisms of infection and survival inside Rattus norvegicus. Among 389 metabolic mapped pathways, the blood coagulation/antithrombin pathways of heparan sulphate/heparin are highlighted. Moreover, we identified genes codified to GP63 (leishmanolysin), CALR (calreticulin), ACE (peptidyl-dipeptidase A), myoglobin and vWD (von Willebrand factor type D domain protein) involved in the infection invasion and survival of the parasite. The large dataset of functional annotations provided and the full-length transcripts identified in this research may facilitate future functional genomics studies and provides a basis for the development of new techniques for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cerebral angiostrongyliasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro de Mattos Pereira
- Laboratório de Biologia Parasitária, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Escola de Ciências, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Databiomics, Parque Tecnológico Tecnovates, Lajeado, RS95914-014, Brazil
| | - Milene Pereira Guimarães de Jezuz
- Laboratório de Biologia Parasitária, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Escola de Ciências, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Amaranta Ramos Rangel
- Laboratório de Biologia Parasitária, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Escola de Ciências, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Bruna Dalcin Baldasso
- Laboratório de Biologia Parasitária, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Escola de Ciências, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Amanda Bungi Zaluski
- Laboratório de Biologia e Desenvolvimento do Sistema Nervoso, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Escola de Ciências, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carlos Graeff-Teixeira
- Laboratório de Biologia Parasitária, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Escola de Ciências, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Núcleo de Doenças Infecciosas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Loureiro Morassutti
- Escola de Medicina IMED, Passo Fundo, RS99070-220, Brazil
- Instituto de Patologia de Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, RS99010-081, Brazil
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Douglas B, Oyesola O, Cooper MM, Posey A, Tait Wojno E, Giacomin PR, Herbert DR. Immune System Investigation Using Parasitic Helminths. Annu Rev Immunol 2021; 39:639-665. [PMID: 33646858 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-immunol-093019-122827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Coevolutionary adaptation between humans and helminths has developed a finely tuned balance between host immunity and chronic parasitism due to immunoregulation. Given that these reciprocal forces drive selection, experimental models of helminth infection are ideally suited for discovering how host protective immune responses adapt to the unique tissue niches inhabited by these large metazoan parasites. This review highlights the key discoveries in the immunology of helminth infection made over the last decade, from innate lymphoid cells to the emerging importance of neuroimmune connections. A particular emphasis is placed on the emerging areas within helminth immunology where the most growth is possible, including the advent of genetic manipulation of parasites to study immunology and the use of engineered T cells for therapeutic options. Lastly,we cover the status of human challenge trials with helminths as treatment for autoimmune disease, which taken together, stand to keep the study of parasitic worms at the forefront of immunology for years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie Douglas
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA; ,
| | - Oyebola Oyesola
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA; ,
| | - Martha M Cooper
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia; ,
| | - Avery Posey
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA; .,Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.,Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Elia Tait Wojno
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA; ,
| | - Paul R Giacomin
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia; ,
| | - De'Broski R Herbert
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA; ,
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Han Z, Lo WS, Lightfoot JW, Witte H, Sun S, Sommer RJ. Improving Transgenesis Efficiency and CRISPR-Associated Tools Through Codon Optimization and Native Intron Addition in Pristionchus Nematodes. Genetics 2020; 216:947-956. [PMID: 33060138 PMCID: PMC7768246 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.120.303785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A lack of appropriate molecular tools is one obstacle that prevents in-depth mechanistic studies in many organisms. Transgenesis, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated engineering, and related tools are fundamental in the modern life sciences, but their applications are still limited to a few model organisms. In the phylum Nematoda, transgenesis can only be performed in a handful of species other than Caenorhabditis elegans, and additionally, other species suffer from significantly lower transgenesis efficiencies. We hypothesized that this may in part be due to incompatibilities of transgenes in the recipient organisms. Therefore, we investigated the genomic features of 10 nematode species from three of the major clades representing all different lifestyles. We found that these species show drastically different codon usage bias and intron composition. With these findings, we used the species Pristionchus pacificus as a proof of concept for codon optimization and native intron addition. Indeed, we were able to significantly improve transgenesis efficiency, a principle that may be usable in other nematode species. In addition, with the improved transgenes, we developed a fluorescent co-injection marker in P. pacificus for the detection of CRISPR-edited individuals, which helps considerably to reduce associated time and costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziduan Han
- Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Wen-Sui Lo
- Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - James W Lightfoot
- Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Hanh Witte
- Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Shuai Sun
- Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Ralf J Sommer
- Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tuebingen 72076, Germany
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D’Amelio S, Lombardo F, Pizzarelli A, Bellini I, Cavallero S. Advances in Omic Studies Drive Discoveries in the Biology of Anisakid Nematodes. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E801. [PMID: 32679891 PMCID: PMC7397233 DOI: 10.3390/genes11070801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Advancements in technologies employed in high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods are supporting the spread of studies that, combined with advances in computational biology and bioinformatics, have greatly accelerated discoveries within basic and biomedical research for many parasitic diseases. Here, we review the most updated "omic" studies performed on anisakid nematodes, a family of marine parasites that are causative agents of the fish-borne zoonosis known as anisakiasis or anisakidosis. Few deposited data on Anisakis genomes are so far available, and this still hinders the deep and highly accurate characterization of biological aspects of interest, even as several transcriptomic and proteomic studies are becoming available. These have been aimed at discovering and characterizing molecules specific to peculiar developmental parasitic stages or tissues, as well as transcripts with pathogenic potential as toxins and allergens, with a broad relevance for a better understanding of host-pathogen relationships and for the development of reliable diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Serena Cavallero
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.D.); (F.L.); (A.P.); (I.B.)
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Castelletto ML, Gang SS, Hallem EA. Recent advances in functional genomics for parasitic nematodes of mammals. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 223:223/Suppl_1/jeb206482. [PMID: 32034038 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.206482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Human-parasitic nematodes infect over a quarter of the world's population and are a major cause of morbidity in low-resource settings. Currently available treatments have not been sufficient to eliminate infections in endemic areas, and drug resistance is an increasing concern, making new treatment options a priority. The development of new treatments requires an improved understanding of the basic biology of these nematodes. Specifically, a better understanding of parasitic nematode development, reproduction and behavior may yield novel drug targets or new opportunities for intervention such as repellents or traps. Until recently, our ability to study parasitic nematode biology was limited because few tools were available for their genetic manipulation. This is now changing as a result of recent advances in the large-scale sequencing of nematode genomes and the development of new techniques for their genetic manipulation. Notably, skin-penetrating gastrointestinal nematodes in the genus Strongyloides are now amenable to transgenesis, RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted mutagenesis, positioning the Strongyloides species as model parasitic nematode systems. A number of other mammalian-parasitic nematodes, including the giant roundworm Ascaris suum and the tissue-dwelling filarial nematode Brugia malayi, are also now amenable to transgenesis and/or RNAi in some contexts. Using these tools, recent studies of Strongyloides species have already provided insight into the molecular pathways that control the developmental decision to form infective larvae and that drive the host-seeking behaviors of infective larvae. Ultimately, a mechanistic understanding of these processes could lead to the development of new avenues for nematode control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Castelletto
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Spencer S Gang
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
| | - Elissa A Hallem
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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12
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Jimenez-Sandoval P, Castro-Torres E, González-González R, Díaz-Quezada C, Gurrola M, Camacho-Manriquez LD, Leyva-Navarro L, Brieba LG. Crystal structures of Triosephosphate Isomerases from Taenia solium and Schistosoma mansoni provide insights for vaccine rationale and drug design against helminth parasites. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0007815. [PMID: 31923219 PMCID: PMC6980832 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Triosephosphate isomerases (TPIs) from Taenia solium (TsTPI) and
Schistosoma mansoni (SmTPI) are potential vaccine and drug
targets against cysticercosis and schistosomiasis, respectively. This is due to
the dependence of parasitic helminths on glycolysis and because those proteins
elicit an immune response, presumably due to their surface localization. Here we
report the crystal structures of TsTPI and SmTPI in complex with
2-phosphoglyceric acid (2-PGA). Both TPIs fold into a dimeric (β-α)8
barrel in which the dimer interface consists of α-helices 2, 3, and 4, and
swapping of loop 3. TPIs from parasitic helminths harbor a region of three amino
acids knows as the SXD/E insert (S155 to E157 and S157 to D159 in TsTPI and
SmTPI, respectively). This insert is located between α5 and β6 and is proposed
to be the main TPI epitope. This region is part of a solvent-exposed
310–helix that folds into a hook-like structure. The crystal
structures of TsTPI and SmTPI predicted conformational epitopes that could be
used for vaccine design. Surprisingly, the epitopes corresponding to the SXD/E
inserts are not the ones with the greatest immunological potential. SmTPI, but
not TsTPI, habors a sole solvent exposed cysteine (SmTPI-S230) and alterations
in this residue decrease catalysis. The latter suggests that thiol-conjugating
agents could be used to target SmTPI. In sum, the crystal structures of SmTPI
and TsTPI are a blueprint for targeted schistosomiasis and cysticercosis drug
and vaccine development. Because of the worldwide prevalence of schistosomiasis and cysticercosis, it is
critical to develop drugs and vaccines against their causative agents. The
glycolytic enzyme triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) is a dual-edged sword against
diseases caused by parasitic helminths. This is because helminths heavily depend
on glycolysis for energy and because the surface localization exhibited by TPIs
that elicits an immune response against those organisms. Here we provide the
crystal structures TPIs from Taenia solium and
Schistosoma mansoni as a first step for vaccine and drug
design. As a proof of concept we found that modifications in the single solvent
exposed cysteine of TPI from S. mansoni
decreases catalysis, making this enzyme a novel target against
schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Jimenez-Sandoval
- Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad,
Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Irapuato, Guanajuato,
México
| | - Eduardo Castro-Torres
- Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad,
Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Irapuato, Guanajuato,
México
| | - Rogelio González-González
- Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad,
Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Irapuato, Guanajuato,
México
| | - Corina Díaz-Quezada
- Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad,
Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Irapuato, Guanajuato,
México
| | - Misraim Gurrola
- Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad,
Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Irapuato, Guanajuato,
México
| | - Laura D. Camacho-Manriquez
- Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad,
Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Irapuato, Guanajuato,
México
| | - Lucia Leyva-Navarro
- Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad,
Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Irapuato, Guanajuato,
México
| | - Luis G. Brieba
- Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad,
Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Irapuato, Guanajuato,
México
- * E-mail:
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13
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Lee SC, Tang MS, Easton AV, Devlin JC, Chua LL, Cho I, Moy FM, Khang TF, Lim YAL, Loke P. Linking the effects of helminth infection, diet and the gut microbiota with human whole-blood signatures. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1008066. [PMID: 31841569 PMCID: PMC6913942 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminth infection and dietary intake can affect the intestinal microbiota, as well as the immune system. Here we analyzed the relationship between fecal microbiota and blood profiles of indigenous Malaysians, referred to locally as Orang Asli, in comparison to urban participants from the capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. We found that helminth infections had a larger effect on gut microbial composition than did dietary intake or blood profiles. Trichuris trichiura infection intensity also had the strongest association with blood transcriptional profiles. By characterizing paired longitudinal samples collected before and after deworming treatment, we determined that changes in serum zinc and iron levels among the Orang Asli were driven by changes in helminth infection status, independent of dietary metal intake. Serum zinc and iron levels were associated with changes in the abundance of several microbial taxa. Hence, there is considerable interplay between helminths, micronutrients and the microbiota on the regulation of immune responses in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Ching Lee
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- * E-mail: (SCL); (YALL); (PL)
| | - Mei San Tang
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Alice V. Easton
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Joseph Cooper Devlin
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Ling Ling Chua
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ilseung Cho
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Foong Ming Moy
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Tsung Fei Khang
- University of Malaya Centre for Data Analytics, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yvonne A. L. Lim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- * E-mail: (SCL); (YALL); (PL)
| | - P’ng Loke
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SCL); (YALL); (PL)
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14
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Abstract
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an important sensory cue for many animals, including both parasitic and free-living nematodes. Many nematodes show context-dependent, experience-dependent and/or life-stage-dependent behavioural responses to CO2, suggesting that CO2 plays crucial roles throughout the nematode life cycle in multiple ethological contexts. Nematodes also show a wide range of physiological responses to CO2. Here, we review the diverse responses of parasitic and free-living nematodes to CO2. We also discuss the molecular, cellular and neural circuit mechanisms that mediate CO2 detection in nematodes, and that drive context-dependent and experience-dependent responses of nematodes to CO2.
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15
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Łopieńska-Biernat E, Paukszto Ł, Jastrzębski JP, Myszczyński K, Polak I, Stryiński R. Genome-wide analysis of Anisakis simplex sensu lato: the role of carbohydrate metabolism genes in the parasite's development. Int J Parasitol 2019; 49:933-943. [PMID: 31560928 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Anisakis simplex sensu lato is a parasitic nematode which can cause gastric symptoms and/or allergic reactions in humans who consume raw and undercooked fish. Anisakiasis poses a growing health problem around the globe because it causes non-specific symptoms and is difficult to diagnose. This genome-wide study was undertaken to expand our knowledge of A. simplex s.l. at the molecular level and provide novel data for biological and biotechnological research into the analyzed species and related nematodes. A draft genome assembly of the L3 stage of A. simplex s.l. was analyzed in detail, and changes in the expression of carbohydrate metabolism genes during the parasite's life cycle were determined. To our knowledge, this is the first genome to be described for a parasitic nematode of the family Anisakidae to date. We identified genes involved in parasite-specific pathways, including carbohydrates metabolism, apoptosis and chemo signaling. A total of 7607 coding genes were predicted. The genome of A. simplex s.l. is highly similar to genomes of other parasitic nematodes. In particular, we described a valuable repository of genes encoding proteins of trehalose and glycogen metabolism, and we developed the most comprehensive data set relating to the conversion of both saccharides which play important roles during the parasite's life cycle in a host environment. We also confirmed that trehalose is synthesized at the expense of glycogen. Trehalose anabolism and glycogen catabolism were the predominant processes in stages L4 and L5, which could confirm our and other authors' previous reports that trehalose is synthesized at the expense of glycogen. The A. simplex s.l. genome provides essential data for post-genomic research into the biology of gastrointestinal and allergic anisakiasis in humans and the biology of other important parasitic helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Łopieńska-Biernat
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Łukasz Paukszto
- Department of Plant Physiology, Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Jan Paweł Jastrzębski
- Department of Plant Physiology, Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Kamil Myszczyński
- Department of Botany and Nature Protection, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Plac Łódzki 1, 10-727 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Iwona Polak
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Robert Stryiński
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
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16
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Tedla MG, Every AL, Scheerlinck JPY. Investigating immune responses to parasites using transgenesis. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:303. [PMID: 31202271 PMCID: PMC6570953 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3550-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites comprise diverse and complex organisms, which substantially impact human and animal health. Most parasites have complex life-cycles, and by virtue of co-evolution have developed multifaceted, often life-cycle stage-specific relationships with the immune system of their hosts. The complexity in the biology of many parasites often limits our knowledge of parasite-specific immune responses, to in vitro studies only. The relatively recent development of methods to stably manipulate the genetic make-up of many parasites has allowed a better understanding of host-parasite interactions, particularly in vivo. In this regard, the use of transgenic parasites can facilitate the study of immunomodulatory mechanisms under in vivo conditions. Therefore, in this review, we specifically highlighted the current developments in the use of transgenic parasites to unravel the host's immune response to different life-cycle stages of some key parasite species such as Leishmania, Schistosoma, Toxoplasma, Plasmodium and Trypanosome and to some degree, the use of transgenic nematode parasites is also briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mebrahtu G. Tedla
- Centre for Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Alison L. Every
- Centre for Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010 Australia
- Present Address: College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086 Australia
| | - Jean-Pierre Y. Scheerlinck
- Centre for Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010 Australia
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17
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Sotillo J, Pearson MS, Loukas A. Trematode Genomics and Proteomics. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1154:411-436. [PMID: 31297769 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-18616-6_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Trematode infections are among the most neglected tropical diseases despite their worldwide distribution and extraordinary ability to parasitise many different host species and host tissues. Furthermore, these parasites are of great socioeconomic, medical, veterinary and agricultural importance. During the last 10 years, there have been increasing efforts to overcome the lack of information on different "omic" resources such as proteomics and genomics. Herein, we focus on the recent advances in genomics and proteomics from trematodes of human importance, including liver, blood, intestinal and lung flukes. We also provide information on the latest technologies applied to study the biology of trematodes as well as on the resources available for the study of the molecular aspects of this group of helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Sotillo
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute for Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia.
| | - Mark S Pearson
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute for Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute for Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
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18
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Idris OA, Wintola OA, Afolayan AJ. Helminthiases; prevalence, transmission, host-parasite interactions, resistance to common synthetic drugs and treatment. Heliyon 2019; 5:e01161. [PMID: 30775568 PMCID: PMC6357211 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The morbidity caused by parasite worms on susceptible hosts is of great concern and studies were carried out to explain the mechanism of infection, prevalence, host-parasite interaction and resistance of the parasite to treatment. This review elucidates the prevalence of parasitic worm infections; which is on the increases with the increase in the world population, global warming, poor standard of living particularly in troubled regions and developing nations. The neglect of the disease coupled with the resistance of these parasites to the few available drugs becomes a huge challenge that influences global disease burden. Helminths infections pose a life threat and increase the disability-adjusted life year (DALYs) of the poor and vulnerable people. On the other hand, exploration of medicinal plants as an alternative source of treatment against drugs resistance helminths, attract insufficient attention. This review focused on providing a general overview of the prevalence of helminths, host-parasite interactions, the resistance of helminths and the medicinal plants used to treat helminthic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oladayo Amed Idris
- Medicinal Plants and Economic Development (MPED) Research Centre, Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa
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19
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Stroehlein AJ, Young ND, Gasser RB. Advances in kinome research of parasitic worms - implications for fundamental research and applied biotechnological outcomes. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 36:915-934. [PMID: 29477756 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Protein kinases are enzymes that play essential roles in the regulation of many cellular processes. Despite expansions in the fields of genomics, transcriptomics and bioinformatics, there is limited information on the kinase complements (kinomes) of most eukaryotic organisms, including parasitic worms that cause serious diseases of humans and animals. The biological uniqueness of these worms and the draft status of their genomes pose challenges for the identification and classification of protein kinases using established tools. In this article, we provide an account of kinase biology, the roles of kinases in diseases and their importance as drug targets, and drug discovery efforts in key socioeconomically important parasitic worms. In this context, we summarise methods and resources commonly used for the curation, identification, classification and functional annotation of protein kinase sequences from draft genomes; review recent advances made in the characterisation of the worm kinomes; and discuss the implications of these advances for investigating kinase signalling and developing small-molecule inhibitors as new anti-parasitic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas J Stroehlein
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - Neil D Young
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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20
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Tang MS, Bowcutt R, Loke P. Assessing the Mouse Intestinal Microbiota in Settings of Type-2 Immune Responses. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1799:359-370. [PMID: 29956164 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7896-0_26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The microbial communities that reside within the mammalian host play important roles in the development of a robust host immune system. With the advent of sequencing technology and barcoding strategy of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene, microbiota studies are becoming more economical but also more important in many immunology studies. Here, we described a representative study protocol to characterize how the microbiota changes during an intestinal helminth infection, with emphasis on subtle aspects of the experimental design that are critical for data interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei San Tang
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rowann Bowcutt
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- UCB Celltech, Slough, UK
| | - P'ng Loke
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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21
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Lustigman
- Molecular Parasitology, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Alexandra Grote
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Elodie Ghedin
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, United States of America
- College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States of America
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22
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Cuesta-Astroz Y, Oliveira FSD, Nahum LA, Oliveira G. Helminth secretomes reflect different lifestyles and parasitized hosts. Int J Parasitol 2017; 47:529-544. [PMID: 28336271 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Helminths cause a number of medical and agricultural problems and are a major cause of parasitic infections in humans, animals and plants. Comparative analysis of helminth genes and genomes are important to understand the genomic biodiversity and evolution of parasites and their hosts in terms of different selective pressures in their habitats. The interactions between the infective organisms and their hosts are mediated in large part by secreted proteins, known collectively as the "secretome". Proteins secreted by parasites are able to modify a host's environment and modulate their immune system. The composition and function of this set of proteins varies depending on the ecology, lifestyle and environment of an organism. The present study aimed to predict, in silico, the secretome in 44 helminth species including Nematoda (31 species) and Platyhelminthes (13 species) and, understand the diversity and evolution of secretomes. Secretomes from plant helminths range from 7.6% (943 proteins) to 13.9% (2,077 proteins) of the filtered proteome with an average of 10.2% (1,412 proteins) and from free-living helminths range from 4.4% (870 proteins) to 13% (3,121 proteins) with an average of 9.8% (2,126 proteins), respectively, and thus are considerably larger secretomes in relation to animal helminth secretomes which range from 4.2% (431 proteins) to 11.8% (2,419 proteins) of the proteomes, with an average of 7.1% (804 proteins). Across 44 secretomes in different helminth species, we found five conserved domains: (i) PF00014 (Kunitz/Bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor domain), (ii) PF00046 (Homeobox domain), (iii) PF00188 (cysteine-rich secretory proteins, antigen 5, and pathogenesis-related 1 proteins), (iv) PF00085 (Thioredoxin) and (v) PF07679 (Immunoglobulin I-set domain). Our results detected secreted proteins associated with invasion, infection, adhesion and immunoregulation processes as protease inhibitors and cytokines, among other functions. In summary, this study will contribute towards the understanding of host-parasite interactions and possibly identify new molecular targets for the treatment or diagnosis of helminthiases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesid Cuesta-Astroz
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou (CPqRR), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Belo Horizonte, MG 30190-002, Brazil; Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Francislon Silva de Oliveira
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou (CPqRR), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Belo Horizonte, MG 30190-002, Brazil; Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Laila Alves Nahum
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou (CPqRR), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Belo Horizonte, MG 30190-002, Brazil; Faculdade Promove de Tecnologia, Belo Horizonte, MG 30130-180, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Oliveira
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou (CPqRR), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Belo Horizonte, MG 30190-002, Brazil; Instituto Tecnológico Vale, Belém, PA 66055-090, Brazil.
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23
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Wang Q, Heizer E, Rosa BA, Wildman SA, Janetka JW, Mitreva M. Characterization of parasite-specific indels and their proposed relevance for selective anthelminthic drug targeting. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2016; 39:201-211. [PMID: 26829384 PMCID: PMC4789095 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Revised: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Insertions and deletions (indels) are important sequence variants that are considered as phylogenetic markers that reflect evolutionary adaptations in different species. In an effort to systematically study indels specific to the phylum Nematoda and their structural impact on the proteins bearing them, we examined over 340,000 polypeptides from 21 nematode species spanning the phylum, compared them to non-nematodes and identified indels unique to nematode proteins in more than 3000 protein families. Examination of the amino acid composition revealed uneven usage of amino acids for insertions and deletions. The amino acid composition and cost, along with the secondary structure constitution of the indels, were analyzed in the context of their biological pathway associations. Species-specific indels could enable indel-based targeting for drug design in pathogens/parasites. Therefore, we screened the spatial locations of the indels in the parasite's protein 3D structures, determined the location of the indel and identified potential unique drug targeting sites. These indels could be confirmed by RNA-Seq data. Examples are presented illustrating the close proximity of some indels to established small-molecule binding pockets that can potentially facilitate selective targeting to the parasites and bypassing their host, thus reducing or eliminating the toxicity of the potential drugs. This study presents an approach for understanding the adaptation of pathogens/parasites at a molecular level, and outlines a strategy to identify such nematode-selective targets that remain essential to the organism. With further experimental characterization and validation, it opens a possible channel for the development of novel treatments with high target specificity, addressing both host toxicity and resistance concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Esley Heizer
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Bruce A Rosa
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Scott A Wildman
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - James W Janetka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Makedonka Mitreva
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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24
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Chen SB, Ai L, Hu W, Xu J, Bergquist R, Qin ZQ, Chen JH. New Anti-Schistosoma Approaches in The People's Republic of China: Development of Diagnostics, Vaccines and Other New Techniques Belonging to the 'Omics' Group. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2016; 92:385-408. [PMID: 27137453 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2016.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
A new national schistosomiasis elimination programme will be implemented for the period 2016-20. To support this approach, we have performed a systematic review to assess anti-schistosome approaches in The People's Republic of China and defined research priorities for the coming years. A systematic search was conducted for articles published from January 2000 to March 2015 in international journals. Totally 410 references were published in English between 2000 and 2015 related to schistosomiasis after unrelated references and reviews or comments were further excluded. A set of research priorities has been identified for the near future that would improve the progress toward schistosomiasis elimination in The People's Republic of China. In particular, there is a lack of sensitive and specific tests for the detection of schistosomiasis cases with low parasite burdens, as well as an effective vaccine against schistosomiasis, and there is a need for surveillance tools that can evaluate the epidemic status for guiding the elimination strategy. Hence, we think that schistosomiasis control and elimination will be improved in The People's Republic of China through development of new tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- S-B Chen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China
| | - L Ai
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China
| | - W Hu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; Fudan University, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China
| | - J Xu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China
| | - R Bergquist
- Geospatial Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Z-Q Qin
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China
| | - J-H Chen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China
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Loke P, Lim YAL. Helminths and the microbiota: parts of the hygiene hypothesis. Parasite Immunol 2015; 37:314-23. [PMID: 25869420 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In modern societies, diseases that are driven by dysregulated immune responses are increasing at an alarming pace, such as inflammatory bowel diseases and diabetes. There is an urgent need to understand these epidemiological trends, which are likely to be driven by the changing environment of the last few decades. There are complex interactions between human genetic factors and this changing environment that is leading to the increasing prevalence of metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Alterations to human gut bacterial communities (the microbiota) and lowered prevalence of helminth infections are potential environmental factors contributing to immune dysregulation. Helminths have co-evolved with the gut microbiota and their mammalian hosts. This three-way interaction is beginning to be characterized, and the knowledge gained may enable the design of new therapeutic strategies to treat metabolic and inflammatory diseases. However, these complex interactions need to be carefully investigated in the context of host genetic backgrounds to identify optimal treatment strategies. The complex nature of these interactions raises the possibility that only with highly personalized treatment, with knowledge of individual genetic and microbiota communities, will therapeutic interventions be successful for a majority of the individuals suffering from these complex diseases of immune dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Loke
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Muniz VS, Baptista-dos-Reis R, Benjamim CF, Mata-Santos HA, Pyrrho AS, Strauch MA, Melo PA, Vicentino ARR, Silva-Paiva J, Bandeira-Melo C, Weller PF, Figueiredo RT, Neves JS. Purinergic P2Y12 Receptor Activation in Eosinophils and the Schistosomal Host Response. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0139805. [PMID: 26448282 PMCID: PMC4598158 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying new target molecules through which eosinophils secrete their stored proteins may reveal new therapeutic approaches for the control of eosinophilic disorders such as host immune responses to parasites. We have recently reported the expression of the purinergic P2Y12 receptor (P2Y12R) in human eosinophils; however, its functional role in this cell type and its involvement in eosinophilic inflammation remain unknown. Here, we investigated functional roles of P2Y12R in isolated human eosinophils and in a murine model of eosinophilic inflammation induced by Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) infection. We found that adenosine 5’-diphosphate (ADP) induced human eosinophils to secrete eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) in a P2Y12R dependent manner. However, ADP did not interfere with human eosinophil apoptosis or chemotaxis in vitro. In vivo, C57Bl/6 mice were infected with cercariae of the Belo Horizonte strain of S. mansoni. Analyses performed 55 days post infection revealed that P2Y12R blockade reduced the granulomatous hepatic area and the eosinophilic infiltrate, collagen deposition and IL-13/IL-4 production in the liver without affecting the parasite oviposition. As found for humans, murine eosinophils also express the P2Y12R. P2Y12R inhibition increased blood eosinophilia, whereas it decreased the bone marrow eosinophil count. Our results suggest that P2Y12R has an important role in eosinophil EPO secretion and in establishing the inflammatory response in the course of a S. mansoni infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valdirene S. Muniz
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Renata Baptista-dos-Reis
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Claudia F. Benjamim
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Alexandre S. Pyrrho
- Pharmacy School, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcelo A. Strauch
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Paulo A. Melo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Amanda R. R. Vicentino
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Juliana Silva-Paiva
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Christianne Bandeira-Melo
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Peter F. Weller
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Allergy and Inflammation, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Rodrigo T. Figueiredo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences/Unit of Xerem, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Josiane S. Neves
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Onkoba NW, Chimbari MJ, Mukaratirwa S. Malaria endemicity and co-infection with tissue-dwelling parasites in Sub-Saharan Africa: a review. Infect Dis Poverty 2015; 4:35. [PMID: 26377900 PMCID: PMC4571070 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-015-0070-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms and outcomes of host-parasite interactions during malaria co-infections with gastrointestinal helminths are reasonably understood. In contrast, very little is known about such mechanisms in cases of malaria co-infections with tissue-dwelling parasites. This is lack of knowledge is exacerbated by misdiagnosis, lack of pathognomonic clinical signs and the chronic nature of tissue-dwelling helminthic infections. A good understanding of the implications of tissue-dwelling parasitic co-infections with malaria will contribute towards the improvement of the control and management of such co-infections in endemic areas. This review summarises and discusses current information available and gaps in research on malaria co-infection with gastro-intestinal helminths and tissue-dwelling parasites with emphasis on helminthic infections, in terms of the effects of migrating larval stages and intra and extracellular localisations of protozoan parasites and helminths in organs, tissues, and vascular and lymphatic circulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nyamongo W Onkoba
- College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard Campus, Durban, South Africa.
- Departmet of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Institute of Primate Research, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Moses J Chimbari
- College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard Campus, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Samson Mukaratirwa
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa.
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Abstract
Alveolar and cystic echinococcosis, caused by the metacestode larval stages of the tapeworms Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus, respectively, are life-threatening diseases and very difficult to treat. The introduction of benzimidazole-based chemotherapy, which targets parasite β-tubulin, has significantly improved the life-span and prognosis of echinococcosis patients. However, benzimidazoles show only parasitostatic activity, are associated with serious adverse side effects and have to be administered for very long time periods, underlining the need for new drugs. Very recently, the nuclear genomes of E. multilocularis and E. granulosus have been characterised, revealing a plethora of data for gaining a deeper understanding of host-parasite interaction, parasite development and parasite evolution. Combined with extensive transcriptome analyses of Echinococcus life cycle stages these investigations also yielded novel clues for targeted drug design. Recent years also witnessed significant advancements in the molecular and cellular characterisation of the Echinococcus 'germinative cell' population, which forms a unique stem cell system that differs from stem cells of other organisms in the expression of several genes associated with the maintenance of pluripotency. As the only parasite cell type capable of undergoing mitosis, the germinative cells are central to all developmental transitions of Echinococcus within the host and to parasite expansion via asexual proliferation. In the present article, we will briefly introduce and discuss recent advances in Echinococcus genomics and stem cell research in the context of drug design and development. Interestingly, it turns out that benzimidazoles seem to have very limited effects on Echinococcus germinative cells, which could explain the high recurrence rates observed after chemotherapeutic treatment of echinococcosis patients. This clearly indicates that future efforts into the development of parasitocidal drugs should also target the parasite's stem cell system.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Koziol
- University of Würzburg, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, Würzburg, Germany; Sección Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la Republica, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - K Brehm
- University of Würzburg, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, Würzburg, Germany.
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Rinaldi G, Yan H, Nacif-Pimenta R, Matchimakul P, Bridger J, Mann VH, Smout MJ, Brindley PJ, Knight M. Cytometric analysis, genetic manipulation and antibiotic selection of the snail embryonic cell line Bge from Biomphalaria glabrata, the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni. Int J Parasitol 2015; 45:527-35. [PMID: 25907768 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2015.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The invertebrate cell line, Bge, from embryos of the snail Biomphalaria glabrata, remains to date the only established cell line from any species of the Phylum Mollusca. Since its establishment in 1976 by Eder Hansen, few studies have focused on profiling its cytometrics, growth characteristics or sensitivity to xenobiotics. Bge cells are reputed to be challenging to propagate and maintain. Therefore, even though this cell line is a noteworthy resource, it has not been studied widely. With growing interest in functional genomics, including genetic transformation, to elucidate molecular aspects of the snail intermediate hosts responsible for transmission of schistosomiasis, and aiming to enhance the convenience of maintenance of this molluscan cell line, we deployed the xCELLigene real time approach to study Bge cells. Doubling times for three isolates of Bge, termed CB, SL and UK, were longer than for mammalian cell lines - longer than 40 h in complete Bge medium supplemented with 7% fetal bovine serum at 25°C, ranging from ∼42 h to ∼157 h when 40,000 cells were seeded. To assess the potential of the cells for genetic transformation, antibiotic selection was explored. Bge cells were sensitive to the aminonucleoside antibiotic puromycin (from Streptomyces alboniger) from 5 μg/ml to 200 ng/ml, displaying a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of ∼1.91 μg/ml. Sensitivity to puromycin, and a relatively quick kill time (<48 h in 5 μg/ml) facilitated use of this antibiotic, together with the cognate resistance gene (puromycin N-acetyl-transferase) for selection of Bge cells transformed with the PAC gene (puroR). Bge cells transfected with a plasmid encoding puroR were partially rescued when cultured in the presence of 5 μg/ml of puromycin. These findings pave the way for the development of functional genomic tools applied to the host-parasite interaction during schistosomiasis and neglected tropical trematodiases at large.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Rinaldi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, Research Center for the Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Hongbin Yan
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, Research Center for the Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA; State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Rafael Nacif-Pimenta
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, Research Center for the Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA; Laboratorio de Laboratório de Esquistossomose, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Pitchaya Matchimakul
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, Research Center for the Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA; Biomedical Sciences Program, Graduate School, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Control of Opisthorchiasis (Southeast Asian Liver Fluke Disease), Tropical Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | | | - Victoria H Mann
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, Research Center for the Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Michael J Smout
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, Queensland Tropical Health Alliance, James Cook University, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia
| | - Paul J Brindley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, Research Center for the Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Matty Knight
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, Research Center for the Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA.
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Estrogen-like metabolites and DNA-adducts in urogenital schistosomiasis-associated bladder cancer. Cancer Lett 2015; 359:226-32. [PMID: 25615421 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2015.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Revised: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
An estrogen-DNA adduct mediated pathway may be involved in the pathogenesis of the squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder associated with infection with the blood fluke Schistosoma haematobium. Extracts from developmental stages of S. haematobium, including eggs, induce tumor-like phenotypes in cultured cells. In addition, estrogen-derived, reactive metabolites occur in this pathogen and in sera of infected persons. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was performed on urine from 40 Angolans diagnosed with urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS), half of who also presented UGS-associated squamous cell carcinoma and/or urothelial cell carcinoma. The analysis revealed numerous estrogen-like metabolites, including seven specifically identified in UGS cases, but not reported in the database of metabolites in urine of healthy humans. These schistosome infection-associated metabolites included catechol estrogen quinones (CEQ) and CEQ-DNA-adducts, two of which had been identified previously in S. haematobium. In addition, novel metabolites derived directly from 8-oxo-7, 8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) were identified in urine of all 40 cases of UGS. These metabolites can be expected to provide deeper insights into the carcinogenesis UGS-induced bladder cancer, and as biomarkers for diagnosis and/or prognosis of this neglected tropical disease-linked cancer.
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Martin J, Rosa BA, Ozersky P, Hallsworth-Pepin K, Zhang X, Bhonagiri-Palsikar V, Tyagi R, Wang Q, Choi YJ, Gao X, McNulty SN, Brindley PJ, Mitreva M. Helminth.net: expansions to Nematode.net and an introduction to Trematode.net. Nucleic Acids Res 2014; 43:D698-706. [PMID: 25392426 PMCID: PMC4383941 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gku1128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminth.net (http://www.helminth.net) is the new moniker for a collection of databases: Nematode.net and Trematode.net. Within this collection we provide services and resources for parasitic roundworms (nematodes) and flatworms (trematodes), collectively known as helminths. For over a decade we have provided resources for studying nematodes via our veteran site Nematode.net (http://nematode.net). In this article, (i) we provide an update on the expansions of Nematode.net that hosts omics data from 84 species and provides advanced search tools to the broad scientific community so that data can be mined in a useful and user-friendly manner and (ii) we introduce Trematode.net, a site dedicated to the dissemination of data from flukes, flatworm parasites of the class Trematoda, phylum Platyhelminthes. Trematode.net is an independent component of Helminth.net and currently hosts data from 16 species, with information ranging from genomic, functional genomic data, enzymatic pathway utilization to microbiome changes associated with helminth infections. The databases’ interface, with a sophisticated query engine as a backbone, is intended to allow users to search for multi-factorial combinations of species’ omics properties. This report describes updates to Nematode.net since its last description in NAR, 2012, and also introduces and presents its new sibling site, Trematode.net.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Martin
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Bruce A Rosa
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Philip Ozersky
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | | | - Xu Zhang
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | | | - Rahul Tyagi
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Qi Wang
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Young-Jun Choi
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Xin Gao
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Samantha N McNulty
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Paul J Brindley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, and Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Makedonka Mitreva
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA Department of Internal Medicine and Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
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E Silva JP, Furtado AP, Dos Santos JN. Proteomic profile of Ortleppascaris sp.: A helminth parasite of Rhinella marina in the Amazonian region. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2014; 3:67-74. [PMID: 25161903 PMCID: PMC4142265 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2014.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Revised: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
We have characterized somatic proteins of a helminth parasite of a synanthropic amphibian from Amazonian region. As37, an immunoreactive antigen considered a target for antihelminthic vaccines was found. We found virulence factors which are evolutionarily conserved and are potential factors for anti-parasitic interventions. This study brings a new approach for host–parasite research by using a amphibian as an animal model.
Ortleppascaris sp. is a helminth that, in its larval stage, infects the liver parenchyma of the amphibian Rhinella marina, resulting in severe physiological and pathological changes. This study used a proteomic approach to determine the overall profile of proteins expressed in a somatic extract from the nematodes to investigate the relationship between the parasite and its host. A total of 60 abundant proteins were selected from the two-dimensional electrophoresis, identified by peptide mass fingerprinting, and grouped based on their Gene Ontology by the biological processes in which they are potentially involved. Important helminthic derivatives, such as the immunoreactive As37 antigen, guanylyl cyclases, proteolytic enzymes, and other proteins conserved among different parasites, were identified through homology. This study represents a new approach to helminth-related proteomic studies using an amphibian animal model. Furthermore, this study identified protein markers that are important to the host–parasite relationship and the viability, development, infectivity, and virulence of helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jefferson Pereira E Silva
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Helminthology (Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Helmintologia) "Profa. Dra. Reinalda Marisa Lanfredi", Biological Sciences Institute (Instituto de Ciências Biológicas), Federal University of Pará (Universidade Federal do Pará), Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Adriano Penha Furtado
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Helminthology (Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Helmintologia) "Profa. Dra. Reinalda Marisa Lanfredi", Biological Sciences Institute (Instituto de Ciências Biológicas), Federal University of Pará (Universidade Federal do Pará), Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Jeannie Nascimento Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Helminthology (Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Helmintologia) "Profa. Dra. Reinalda Marisa Lanfredi", Biological Sciences Institute (Instituto de Ciências Biológicas), Federal University of Pará (Universidade Federal do Pará), Belém, Pará, Brazil
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33
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Pseudotyped murine leukemia virus for schistosome transgenesis: approaches, methods and perspectives. Transgenic Res 2014; 23:539-56. [DOI: 10.1007/s11248-013-9779-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Abstract
Paragonimiasis is a zoonotic disease caused by lung flukes of the genus Paragonimus. Humans usually become infected by eating freshwater crabs or crayfish containing encysted metacercariae of these worms. However, an alternative route of infection exists: ingestion of raw meat from a mammalian paratenic host. Adult worms normally occur in pairs in cysts in the lungs from which they void their eggs via air passages. The pulmonary form is typical in cases of human infection due to P. westermani, P. heterotremus, and a few other species (Table 5.1). Worms may occupy other sites in the body, notably the brain, but lung flukes have made their presence felt in almost every organ. Ectopic paragonimiasis is particularly common when infection is due to members of the P. skrjabini complex (Table 5.1). Human paragonimiasis occurs primarily in the tropics and subtropics of Asia, Africa, and the Americas, with different species being responsible in different areas (Table 5.1).
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Affiliation(s)
- David Blair
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia.
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35
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Gahan
- Anatomy & Human Sciences; King's College London; London Bridge London SE1 1UL UK
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36
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Taylor CM, Wang Q, Rosa BA, Huang SCC, Powell K, Schedl T, Pearce EJ, Abubucker S, Mitreva M. Discovery of anthelmintic drug targets and drugs using chokepoints in nematode metabolic pathways. PLoS Pathog 2013; 9:e1003505. [PMID: 23935495 PMCID: PMC3731235 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic roundworm infections plague more than 2 billion people (1/3 of humanity) and cause drastic losses in crops and livestock. New anthelmintic drugs are urgently needed as new drug resistance and environmental concerns arise. A “chokepoint reaction” is defined as a reaction that either consumes a unique substrate or produces a unique product. A chokepoint analysis provides a systematic method of identifying novel potential drug targets. Chokepoint enzymes were identified in the genomes of 10 nematode species, and the intersection and union of all chokepoint enzymes were found. By studying and experimentally testing available compounds known to target proteins orthologous to nematode chokepoint proteins in public databases, this study uncovers features of chokepoints that make them successful drug targets. Chemogenomic screening was performed on drug-like compounds from public drug databases to find existing compounds that target homologs of nematode chokepoints. The compounds were prioritized based on chemical properties frequently found in successful drugs and were experimentally tested using Caenorhabditis elegans. Several drugs that are already known anthelmintic drugs and novel candidate targets were identified. Seven of the compounds were tested in Caenorhabditis elegans and three yielded a detrimental phenotype. One of these three drug-like compounds, Perhexiline, also yielded a deleterious effect in Haemonchus contortus and Onchocerca lienalis, two nematodes with divergent forms of parasitism. Perhexiline, known to affect the fatty acid oxidation pathway in mammals, caused a reduction in oxygen consumption rates in C. elegans and genome-wide gene expression profiles provided an additional confirmation of its mode of action. Computational modeling of Perhexiline and its target provided structural insights regarding its binding mode and specificity. Our lists of prioritized drug targets and drug-like compounds have potential to expedite the discovery of new anthelmintic drugs with broad-spectrum efficacy. The World Health Organization estimates that 2.9 million people are infected with parasitic roundworms, causing high-morbidity and mortality rates, developmental delays in children, and low productivity of affected individuals. The agricultural industry experiences drastic losses in crop and livestock due to parasitic worm infections. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify new targets and drugs to fight parasitic nematode infection. This study identified metabolic chokepoint compounds that were either produced or consumed by a single reaction and elucidated the chokepoint enzyme that drives the reaction. If the enzyme that catalyzes that reaction is blocked, a toxic build-up of a compound or lack of compound necessary for subsequent reaction will occur, potentially causing adverse effects to the parasite organism. Compounds that target some of the chokepoint enzymes were tested in C. elegans and several compounds showed efficacy. One drug-like compound, Perhexiline, showed efficacy in two different parasitic worms and yielded expected physiological effects, indicating that this drug-like compound may have efficacy on a pan-phylum level through the predicted mode of action. The methodology to find and prioritize metabolic chokepoint targets and prioritize compounds could be applied to other parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M. Taylor
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Qi Wang
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Bruce A. Rosa
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Stanley Ching-Cheng Huang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Kerrie Powell
- SCYNEXIS, Inc, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Tim Schedl
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Edward J. Pearce
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Sahar Abubucker
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Makedonka Mitreva
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Gene expression analysis distinguishes tissue-specific and gender-related functions among adult Ascaris suum tissues. Mol Genet Genomics 2013; 288:243-60. [PMID: 23572074 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-013-0743-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Over a billion people are infected by Ascaris spp. intestinal parasites. To clarify functional differences among tissues of adult A. suum, we compared gene expression by various tissues of these worms by expression microarray methods. The A. suum genome was sequenced and assembled to allow generation of microarray elements. Expression of over 40,000 60-mer elements was investigated in a variety of tissues from both male and female adult worms. Nearly 50 percent of the elements for which signal was detected exhibited differential expression among different tissues. The unique profile of transcripts identified for each tissue clarified functional distinctions among tissues, such as chitin binding in the ovary and peptidase activity in the intestines. Interestingly, hundreds of gender-specific elements were characterized in multiple non-reproductive tissues of female or male worms, with most prominence of gender differences in intestinal tissue. A. suum genes from the same family were frequently expressed differently among tissues. Transcript abundance for genes specific to A. suum, by comparison to Caenorhabditis elegans, varied to a greater extent among tissues than for genes conserved between A. suum and C. elegans. Analysis using C. elegans protein interaction data identified functional modules conserved between these two nematodes, resulting in identification of functional predictions of essential subnetworks of protein interactions and how these networks may vary among nematode tissues. A notable finding was very high module similarity between adult reproductive tissues and intestine. Our results provide the most comprehensive assessment of gene expression among tissues of a parasitic nematode to date.
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Using existing drugs as leads for broad spectrum anthelmintics targeting protein kinases. PLoS Pathog 2013; 9:e1003149. [PMID: 23459584 PMCID: PMC3573124 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
As one of the largest protein families, protein kinases (PKs) regulate nearly all processes within the cell and are considered important drug targets. Much research has been conducted on inhibitors for PKs, leading to a wealth of compounds that target PKs that have potential to be lead anthelmintic drugs. Identifying compounds that have already been developed to treat neglected tropical diseases is an attractive way to obtain lead compounds inexpensively that can be developed into much needed drugs, especially for use in developing countries. In this study, PKs from nematodes, hosts, and DrugBank were identified and classified into kinase families and subfamilies. Nematode proteins were placed into orthologous groups that span the phylum Nematoda. A minimal kinome for the phylum Nematoda was identified, and properties of the minimal kinome were explored. Orthologous groups from the minimal kinome were prioritized for experimental testing based on RNAi phenotype of the Caenorhabditis elegans ortholog, transcript expression over the life-cycle and anatomic expression patterns. Compounds linked to targets in DrugBank belonging to the same kinase families and subfamilies in the minimal nematode kinome were extracted. Thirty-five compounds were tested in the non-parasitic C. elegans and active compounds progressed to testing against nematode species with different modes of parasitism, the blood-feeding Haemonchus contortus and the filarial Brugia malayi. Eighteen compounds showed efficacy in C. elegans, and six compounds also showed efficacy in at least one of the parasitic species. Hypotheses regarding the pathway the compounds may target and their molecular mechanism for activity are discussed. Parasitic nematode infection is a large global health and economic problem, infecting around 2 billion people and costing $100 billion in crops and livestock. People in developing countries often live on one dollar per day, so treatments cannot be expensive, therefore using pre-existing drugs as lead compounds provides an economical way to begin to develop affordable treatments. Protein kinases were chosen as the focus of this work due to the large number of pre-existing drugs that target them and their important role in regulating almost all activities in the cell. Herein we describe a set of protein kinases conserved in diverse nematode species and experimental screening results of pre-existing drugs that target these kinases. The compounds that show in vitro efficacy in both C. elegans and parasitic nematodes, H. contortus or B. malayi have potential to be optimized further. These compounds have potential to provide accessible treatment to people in developing countries, as well as improving the health of livestock and boosting food production globally.
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McNulty SN, Mitreva M, Weil GJ, Fischer PU. Inter and intra-specific diversity of parasites that cause lymphatic filariasis. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2012. [PMID: 23201850 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2012.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis is caused by three closely related nematode parasites: Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugia timori. These species have many ecological variants that differ in several aspects of their biology such as mosquito vector species, host range, periodicity, and morphology. Although the genome of B. malayi (the first genome sequenced from a parasitic nematode) has been available for more than five years, very little is known about genetic variability among the lymphatic dwelling filariae. The genetic diversity among these worms is not only interesting from a biological perspective, but it may have important practical implications for the Global Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, as the parasites may respond differently to diagnostic tests and/or medical interventions. Therefore, better information on their genetic variability is urgently needed. With improved methods for nucleic acid extraction and recent advances in sequencing chemistry and instrumentation, this gap can be filled relatively inexpensively. Improved information on filarial genetic diversity may increase the chances of success for lymphatic filariasis elimination programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha N McNulty
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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40
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New frontiers in schistosoma genomics and transcriptomics. J Parasitol Res 2012; 2012:849132. [PMID: 23227308 PMCID: PMC3512318 DOI: 10.1155/2012/849132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomes are digenean blood flukes of aves and mammals comprising 23 species. Some species are causative agents of human schistosomiasis, the second major neglected disease affecting over 230 million people worldwide. Modern technologies including the sequencing and characterization of nucleic acids and proteins have allowed large-scale analyses of parasites and hosts, opening new frontiers in biological research with potential biomedical and biotechnological applications. Nuclear genomes of the three most socioeconomically important species (S. haematobium, S. japonicum, and S. mansoni) have been sequenced and are under intense investigation. Mitochondrial genomes of six Schistosoma species have also been completely sequenced and analysed from an evolutionary perspective. Furthermore, DNA barcoding of mitochondrial sequences is used for biodiversity assessment of schistosomes. Despite the efforts in the characterization of Schistosoma genomes and transcriptomes, many questions regarding the biology and evolution of this important taxon remain unanswered. This paper aims to discuss some advances in the schistosome research with emphasis on genomics and transcriptomics. It also aims to discuss the main challenges of the current research and to point out some future directions in schistosome studies.
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41
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Mbah AN, Kamga HL, Awofolu OR, Isokpehi RD. Drug Target Exploitable Structural Features of Adenylyl Cyclase Activity in Schistosoma mansoni. Drug Target Insights 2012; 6:41-58. [PMID: 23133313 PMCID: PMC3487612 DOI: 10.4137/dti.s10219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The draft genome sequence of the parasitic flatworm Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni), a cause of schistosomiasis, encodes a predicted guanosine triphosphate (GTP) binding protein tagged Smp_059340.1. Smp_059340.1 is predicted to be a member of the G protein alpha-s subunit responsible for regulating adenylyl cyclase activity in S. mansoni and a possible drug target against the parasite. Our structural bioinformatics analyses identified key amino acid residues (Ser53, Thr188, Asp207 and Gly210) in the two molecular switches responsible for cycling the protein between active (GTP bound) and inactive (GDP bound) states. Residue Thr188 is located on Switch I region while Gly210 is located on Switch II region with Switch II longer than Switch I. The Asp207 is located on the G3 box motif and Ser53 is the binding residue for magnesium ion. These findings offer new insights into the dynamic and functional determinants of the Smp_059340.1 protein in regulating the S. mansoni life cycle. The binding interfaces and their residues could be used as starting points for selective modulations of interactions within the pathway using small molecules, peptides or mutagenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas N Mbah
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA. ; Department of Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, South Africa
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Lustigman S, Geldhof P, Grant WN, Osei-Atweneboana MY, Sripa B, Basáñez MG. A research agenda for helminth diseases of humans: basic research and enabling technologies to support control and elimination of helminthiases. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1445. [PMID: 22545160 PMCID: PMC3335859 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful and sustainable intervention against human helminthiases depends on optimal utilisation of available control measures and development of new tools and strategies, as well as an understanding of the evolutionary implications of prolonged intervention on parasite populations and those of their hosts and vectors. This will depend largely on updated knowledge of relevant and fundamental parasite biology. There is a need, therefore, to exploit and apply new knowledge and techniques in order to make significant and novel gains in combating helminthiases and supporting the sustainability of current and successful mass drug administration (MDA) programmes. Among the fields of basic research that are likely to yield improved control tools, the Disease Reference Group on Helminth Infections (DRG4) has identified four broad areas that stand out as central to the development of the next generation of helminth control measures: 1) parasite genetics, genomics, and functional genomics; 2) parasite immunology; 3) (vertebrate) host–parasite interactions and immunopathology; and 4) (invertebrate) host–parasite interactions and transmission biology. The DRG4 was established in 2009 by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR). The Group was given the mandate to undertake a comprehensive review of recent advances in helminthiases research in order to identify notable gaps and highlight priority areas. This paper summarises recent advances and discusses challenges in the investigation of the fundamental biology of those helminth parasites under the DRG4 Group's remit according to the identified priorities, and presents a research and development agenda for basic parasite research and enabling technologies that will help support control and elimination efforts against human helminthiases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Lustigman
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, New York, USA.
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Ziewer S, Hübner MP, Dubben B, Hoffmann WH, Bain O, Martin C, Hoerauf A, Specht S. Immunization with L. sigmodontis microfilariae reduces peripheral microfilaraemia after challenge infection by inhibition of filarial embryogenesis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1558. [PMID: 22413031 PMCID: PMC3295809 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis are two chronic diseases mediated by parasitic filarial worms causing long term disability and massive socioeconomic problems. Filariae are transmitted by blood-feeding mosquitoes that take up the first stage larvae from an infected host and deliver it after maturation into infective stage to a new host. After closure of vector control programs, disease control relies mainly on mass drug administration with drugs that are primarily effective against first stage larvae and require many years of annual/biannual administration. Therefore, there is an urgent need for alternative treatment ways, i.e. other effective drugs or vaccines. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Using the Litomosoides sigmodontis murine model of filariasis we demonstrate that immunization with microfilariae together with the adjuvant alum prevents mice from developing high microfilaraemia after challenge infection. Immunization achieved 70% to 100% protection in the peripheral blood and in the pleural space and furthermore strongly reduced the microfilarial load in mice that remained microfilaraemic. Protection was associated with the impairment of intrauterine filarial embryogenesis and with local and systemic microfilarial-specific host IgG, as well as IFN-γ secretion by host cells from the site of infection. Furthermore immunization significantly reduced adult worm burden. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our results present a tool to understand the immunological basis of vaccine induced protection in order to develop a microfilariae-based vaccine that reduces adult worm burden and prevents microfilaraemia, a powerful weapon to stop transmission of filariasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Ziewer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marc P. Hübner
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Bettina Dubben
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Wolfgang H. Hoffmann
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Odile Bain
- UMR 7245 MCAM MNHN CNRS, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Coralie Martin
- UMR 7245 MCAM MNHN CNRS, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Achim Hoerauf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sabine Specht
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- * E-mail:
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44
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Redman E, Sargison N, Whitelaw F, Jackson F, Morrison A, Bartley DJ, Gilleard JS. Introgression of ivermectin resistance genes into a susceptible Haemonchus contortus strain by multiple backcrossing. PLoS Pathog 2012; 8:e1002534. [PMID: 22359506 PMCID: PMC3280990 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2011] [Accepted: 12/28/2011] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthelmintic drug resistance in livestock parasites is already widespread and in recent years there has been an increasing level of anthelmintic drug selection pressure applied to parasitic nematode populations in humans leading to concerns regarding the emergence of resistance. However, most parasitic nematodes, particularly those of humans, are difficult experimental subjects making mechanistic studies of drug resistance extremely difficult. The small ruminant parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus is a more amenable model system to study many aspects of parasite biology and investigate the basic mechanisms and genetics of anthelmintic drug resistance. Here we report the successful introgression of ivermectin resistance genes from two independent ivermectin resistant strains, MHco4(WRS) and MHco10(CAVR), into the susceptible genome reference strain MHco3(ISE) using a backcrossing approach. A panel of microsatellite markers were used to monitor the procedure. We demonstrated that after four rounds of backcrossing, worms that were phenotypically resistant to ivermectin had a similar genetic background to the susceptible reference strain based on the bulk genotyping with 18 microsatellite loci and individual genotyping with a sub-panel of 9 microsatellite loci. In addition, a single marker, Hcms8a20, showed evidence of genetic linkage to an ivermectin resistance-conferring locus providing a starting point for more detailed studies of this genomic region to identify the causal mutation(s). This work presents a novel genetic approach to study anthelmintic resistance and provides a “proof-of-concept” of the use of forward genetics in an important model strongylid parasite of relevance to human hookworms. The resulting strains provide valuable resources for candidate gene studies, whole genome approaches and for further genetic analysis to identify ivermectin resistance loci. The use of drugs (anthelmintics) to control nematode parasites (roundworms) is common in both humans and animals. This has led to the widespread development of drug resistance in livestock parasites and serious concerns regarding its emergence in human parasites. Haemonchus contortus is a parasitic nematode of sheep that has a high propensity to develop resistance and is the most widely used model system in which to study anthelmintic drug resistance. Ivermectin is an extremely important drug for parasite control in both humans and animals. Here, we report a novel approach using genetic crossing to transfer a region of the H. contortus genome containing ivermectin resistance genes from resistant strains into a susceptible strain. During our backcrossing approach, we have identified a genetic marker showing evidence of genetic linkage to ivermectin resistance. The susceptible strain we have used is currently having its complete genome sequenced making the information and strains generated here extremely valuable for the identification of ivermectin resistance genes. This work represents an important proof of concept for using genetic approaches to identify genomic regions containing drug resistant genes in parasitic nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Redman
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Sargison
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Whitelaw
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Frank Jackson
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Morrison
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - David Jon Bartley
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - John Stuart Gilleard
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail:
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45
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Whole-genome sequence of Schistosoma haematobium. Nat Genet 2012; 44:221-5. [PMID: 22246508 DOI: 10.1038/ng.1065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 327] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2011] [Accepted: 12/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by blood flukes (genus Schistosoma; schistosomes) and affecting 200 million people worldwide. No vaccines are available, and treatment relies on one drug, praziquantel. Schistosoma haematobium has come into the spotlight as a major cause of urogenital disease, as an agent linked to bladder cancer and as a predisposing factor for HIV/AIDS. The parasite is transmitted to humans from freshwater snails. Worms dwell in blood vessels and release eggs that become embedded in the bladder wall to elicit chronic immune-mediated disease and induce squamous cell carcinoma. Here we sequenced the 385-Mb genome of S. haematobium using Illumina-based technology at 74-fold coverage and compared it to sequences from related parasites. We included genome annotation based on function, gene ontology, networking and pathway mapping. This genome now provides an unprecedented resource for many fundamental research areas and shows great promise for the design of new disease interventions.
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46
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Liu S, Cai P, Hou N, Piao X, Wang H, Hung T, Chen Q. Genome-wide identification and characterization of a panel of house-keeping genes in Schistosoma japonicum. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2012; 182:75-82. [PMID: 22245333 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2011.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2011] [Revised: 12/29/2011] [Accepted: 12/30/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), as one of the most sensitive and precise gene expression analysis methods, is frequently used to validate data obtained in high-through-put assays. qPCR requires reference genes with stable transcription for accurate normalization. However, no systematic studies on such genes have been performed in the genus Schistosoma japonicum. In this study, eight novel candidate genes selected from a microarray analysis and four commonly used reference genes were systematically validated in a series of qPCR experiments. Based on the results of geNorm, Normfinder, BestKeeper, and the comparative delta-cycle threshold (ΔCT) integrated analysis, the genes PSMD4, NDUFV2, and TPC2L were found to be most stably expressed in all S. japonicum developmental stages; meanwhile, ACTB and TUBA were found as the least stably expressed genes. This study provided, at the first time, data for genes that can be explored as reliable references in transcriptomic analysis of S. japonicum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Liu
- Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Martin J, Abubucker S, Heizer E, Taylor CM, Mitreva M. Nematode.net update 2011: addition of data sets and tools featuring next-generation sequencing data. Nucleic Acids Res 2011; 40:D720-8. [PMID: 22139919 PMCID: PMC3245159 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkr1194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nematode.net (http://nematode.net) has been a publicly available resource for studying nematodes for over a decade. In the past 3 years, we reorganized Nematode.net to provide more user-friendly navigation through the site, a necessity due to the explosion of data from next-generation sequencing platforms. Organism-centric portals containing dynamically generated data are available for over 56 different nematode species. Next-generation data has been added to the various data-mining portals hosted, including NemaBLAST and NemaBrowse. The NemaPath metabolic pathway viewer builds associations using KOs, rather than ECs to provide more accurate and fine-grained descriptions of proteins. Two new features for data analysis and comparative genomics have been added to the site. NemaSNP enables the user to perform population genetics studies in various nematode populations using next-generation sequencing data. HelmCoP (Helminth Control and Prevention) as an independent component of Nematode.net provides an integrated resource for storage, annotation and comparative genomics of helminth genomes to aid in learning more about nematode genomes, as well as drug, pesticide, vaccine and drug target discovery. With this update, Nematode.net will continue to realize its original goal to disseminate diverse bioinformatic data sets and provide analysis tools to the broad scientific community in a useful and user-friendly manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Martin
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63108, USA
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Rinaldi G, Suttiprapa S, Tort JF, Folley AE, Skinner DE, Brindley PJ. An antibiotic selection marker for schistosome transgenesis. Int J Parasitol 2011; 42:123-30. [PMID: 22155152 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2011.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2011] [Revised: 11/16/2011] [Accepted: 11/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Drug selection is widely used in transgene studies of microbial pathogens, mammalian cell and plant cell lines. Drug selection of transgenic schistosomes would be desirable to provide a means to enrich for populations of transgenic worms. We adapted murine leukaemia retrovirus vectors - widely used in human gene therapy research - to transduce schistosomes, leading to integration of transgenes into the genome of the blood fluke. A dose-response kill curve and lethal G418 (geneticin) concentrations were established: 125-1,000μg/ml G418 were progressively more toxic for schistosomules of Schistosoma mansoni with toxicity increasing with antibiotic concentration and with duration of exposure. By day 6 of exposure to ⩾500μg/ml, significantly fewer worms survived compared with non-exposed controls and by day 8, significantly fewer worms survived than controls at ⩾250μg/ml G418. When schistosomules were transduced with murine leukaemia retrovirus encoding the neomycin resistance (neoR) transgene and cultured in media containing G418, the neoR transgene rescued transgenic schistosomules from the antibiotic; by day 4 in 1,000μg/ml and by day 8 in 500μg/ml G418, significantly more transgenic worms survived the toxic effects of the antibiotic. More copies of neoR were detected per nanogram of genomic DNA from populations of transgenic schistosomes cultured in G418 than from transgenic schistosomes cultured without G418. This trend was G418 dose-dependent, demonstrating enrichment of transgenic worms from among the schistosomules exposed to virions. Furthermore, higher expression of neoR was detected in transgenic schistosomes cultured in the presence of G418 than in transgenic worms cultured without antibiotic. The availability of antibiotic selection can be expected to enhance progress with functional genomics research on the helminth parasites responsible for major neglected tropical diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Rinaldi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, The George Washington University, 2300 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA
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Duvoisin R, Ayuk MA, Rinaldi G, Suttiprapa S, Mann VH, Lee CM, Harris N, Brindley PJ. Human U6 promoter drives stronger shRNA activity than its schistosome orthologue in Schistosoma mansoni and human fibrosarcoma cells. Transgenic Res 2011; 21:511-21. [PMID: 21953124 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-011-9548-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2011] [Accepted: 08/23/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Blood flukes or schistosomes are the causative agents of human schistosomiasis, one of the major neglected tropical diseases. Draft genome sequences have been reported for schistosomes, but functional genomics tools are needed to investigate the role and essentiality of the newly reported genes. Vector based RNA interference can contribute to functional genomics analysis for schistosomes. Using mRNA encoding reporter firefly luciferase as a model target, we compared the performance of a schistosome and a human promoter from the U6 gene in driving shRNA in human fibrosarcoma cells and in cultured schistosomes. Further, both a retroviral [Murine leukemia virus (MLV)] and plasmid (piggyBac, pXL-Bac II) vector were utilized. The schistosome U6 gene promoter was 270 bp in length, the human U6 gene promoter was 264 bp; they shared 41% identity. Following transduction of both HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells and schistosomules of Schistosoma mansoni with pseudotyped MLV virions, stronger knockdown of luciferase activity was seen with the virions encoding the human U6 promoter driven shRNA than the schistosome U6 promoter. A similar trend was seen after transfection of HT1080 cells and schistosomules with the pXL-Bac-II constructs-stronger knockdown of luciferase activity was seen with constructs encoding the human compared to schistosome U6 promoter. The findings indicate that a human U6 gene promoter drives stronger shRNA activity than its schistosome orthologue, not only in a human cancer cell line but also in larval schistosomes. This RNA polymerase III promoter represents a potentially valuable component for vector based RNA interference studies in schistosomes and related platyhelminth parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaël Duvoisin
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University Medical Center, Ross Hall 448, 2300 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA
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50
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Isokpehi RD, Mahmud O, Mbah AN, Simmons SS, Avelar L, Rajnarayanan RV, Udensi UK, Ayensu WK, Cohly HH, Brown SD, Dates CR, Hentz SD, Hughes SJ, Smith-McInnis DR, Patterson CO, Sims JN, Turner KT, Williams BS, Johnson MO, Adubi T, Mbuh JV, Anumudu CI, Adeoye GO, Thomas BN, Nashiru O, Oliveira G. Developmental Regulation of Genes Encoding Universal Stress Proteins in Schistosoma mansoni. GENE REGULATION AND SYSTEMS BIOLOGY 2011; 5:61-74. [PMID: 22084571 PMCID: PMC3201111 DOI: 10.4137/grsb.s7491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The draft nuclear genome sequence of the snail-transmitted, dimorphic, parasitic, platyhelminth Schistosoma mansoni revealed eight genes encoding proteins that contain the Universal Stress Protein (USP) domain. Schistosoma mansoni is a causative agent of human schistosomiasis, a severe and debilitating Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) of poverty, which is endemic in at least 76 countries. The availability of the genome sequences of Schistosoma species presents opportunities for bioinformatics and genomics analyses of associated gene families that could be targets for understanding schistosomiasis ecology, intervention, prevention and control. Proteins with the USP domain are known to provide bacteria, archaea, fungi, protists and plants with the ability to respond to diverse environmental stresses. In this research investigation, the functional annotations of the USP genes and predicted nucleotide and protein sequences were initially verified. Subsequently, sequence clusters and distinctive features of the sequences were determined. A total of twelve ligand binding sites were predicted based on alignment to the ATP-binding universal stress protein from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii. In addition, six USP sequences showed the presence of ATP-binding motif residues indicating that they may be regulated by ATP. Public domain gene expression data and RT-PCR assays confirmed that all the S. mansoni USP genes were transcribed in at least one of the developmental life cycle stages of the helminth. Six of these genes were up-regulated in the miracidium, a free-swimming stage that is critical for transmission to the snail intermediate host. It is possible that during the intra-snail stages, S. mansoni gene transcripts for universal stress proteins are low abundant and are induced to perform specialized functions triggered by environmental stressors such as oxidative stress due to hydrogen peroxide that is present in the snail hemocytes. This report serves to catalyze the formation of a network of researchers to understand the function and regulation of the universal stress proteins encoded in genomes of schistosomes and their snail intermediate hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael D. Isokpehi
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Ousman Mahmud
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Andreas N. Mbah
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Shaneka S. Simmons
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Lívia Avelar
- Genetics and Computational Biology Group, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou/FIOCRUZ-MG, Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, Barro Preto, CEP 30190-002, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais/Departamento de Genética, Av.Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
| | - Rajendram V. Rajnarayanan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Udensi K. Udensi
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Wellington K. Ayensu
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Hari H. Cohly
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Shyretha D. Brown
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Centdrika R. Dates
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Sonya D. Hentz
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Shawntae J. Hughes
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Dominique R. Smith-McInnis
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | | | - Jennifer N. Sims
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Kelisha T. Turner
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Baraka S. Williams
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Matilda O. Johnson
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Taiwo Adubi
- Participant, International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology/National Biotechnology Development Agency/West African Biotechnology Workshop Series, Ibadan Nigeria
- Department of Zoology, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Judith V. Mbuh
- Participant, International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology/National Biotechnology Development Agency/West African Biotechnology Workshop Series, Ibadan Nigeria
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Chiaka I. Anumudu
- Participant, International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology/National Biotechnology Development Agency/West African Biotechnology Workshop Series, Ibadan Nigeria
- Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Grace O. Adeoye
- Participant, International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology/National Biotechnology Development Agency/West African Biotechnology Workshop Series, Ibadan Nigeria
- Department of Zoology, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Bolaji N. Thomas
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Oyekanmi Nashiru
- Department of Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) Abuja, Nigeria and West African Biotechnology Workshop Series (WABWS)
| | - Guilherme Oliveira
- Genetics and Computational Biology Group, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou/FIOCRUZ-MG, Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, Barro Preto, CEP 30190-002, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
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