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You Y, Chen X, Huo L, Chen L, Chen G, Gu M, Yi C, Wang J, Hu W. An improved medium for in vitro studies of female reproduction and oviposition in Schistosoma japonicum. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:116. [PMID: 38454463 PMCID: PMC10918852 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06191-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is a disease primarily caused by eggs laid by pathogens called schistosomes. Among the schistosome species infecting humans, Schistosoma japonicum possesses the largest fecundity; each adult female produces an average of 3500 eggs per day. The lack of proper culture conditions supporting continuous oviposition in vitro has precluded detailed investigation of mechanisms regulating sexual maturation and egg production in Schistosoma japonicum. METHODS We optimized in vitro culture conditions by replacing reagents that are part of the classical ABC169 medium. Fast Blue BB staining and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) labeling were applied to observe the sexual development status of the females. In vitro RNA interference (RNAi) technology was used to validate the capability of the modified medium. The detection of male β-alanyl-tryptamine (BATT) was conducted using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). RESULTS Both m-AB169 (1640) and AB169 (1640) media are capable of facilitating the sexual development of paired virgin female S. japonicum, as well as sustaining the mature reproductive organs and egg production of adult S. japonicum for at least 22 days in vitro. M-AB169 (1640) provided a more stable condition for supporting the sexual maturity of female S. japonicum, as evidenced by the consistent initiation of egg production compared with AB169 (1640). Through a comparative analysis of S. japonicum and S. mansoni in diverse media, we demonstrated that these closely related species display distinct demands for their sexual development and egg production, suggesting a potential influence of nutritional factors on the observed variations in host ranges among different schistosome species. Importantly, we successfully identified the presence of the pheromone β-alanyl-tryptamine (BATT) in S. japonicum, previously identified in S. mansoni, highlighting its conserved role in schistosome reproductive development. Through the employment of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) treatment to silence two genes that are involved in either the male (gli1, glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1) or female (vf1, vitellogenic factor 1) side in male-induced female reproductive development of S. mansoni, we confirmed that the combination of m-AB169 (1640) and RNAi technology has the capacity to facilitate in vitro studies of S. japonicum's reproductive and oviposition processes. CONCLUSIONS We developed a novel medium, m-AB169 (1640), that not only maintains the mature reproductive organs and continuous oviposition of adult female Schistosoma japonicum for up to 22 days but also supports the reproductive development and subsequent egg-laying of virgin females after pairing with male worms. This study provides a valuable in vitro platform for functional studies of the mechanisms underlying the fascinating biology of the female sexual development and egg production of S. japonicum, which may accelerate the development of new strategies targeting schistosome egg production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmin You
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lele Huo
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Longlong Chen
- Metabonomics and Systems Biology Laboratory at Shanghai International Centre for Molecular Phenomics, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gongwen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengjie Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cun Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jipeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Wei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.
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2
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Zumuk CP, Jones MK, Navarro S, Gray DJ, You H. Transmission-Blocking Vaccines against Schistosomiasis Japonica. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1707. [PMID: 38338980 PMCID: PMC10855202 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Control of schistosomiasis japonica, endemic in Asia, including the Philippines, China, and Indonesia, is extremely challenging. Schistosoma japonicum is a highly pathogenic helminth parasite, with disease arising predominantly from an immune reaction to entrapped parasite eggs in tissues. Females of this species can generate 1000-2200 eggs per day, which is about 3- to 15-fold greater than the egg output of other schistosome species. Bovines (water buffalo and cattle) are the predominant definitive hosts and are estimated to generate up to 90% of parasite eggs released into the environment in rural endemic areas where these hosts and humans are present. Here, we highlight the necessity of developing veterinary transmission-blocking vaccines for bovines to better control the disease and review potential vaccine candidates. We also point out that the approach to producing efficacious transmission-blocking animal-based vaccines before moving on to human vaccines is crucial. This will result in effective and feasible public health outcomes in agreement with the One Health concept to achieve optimum health for people, animals, and the environment. Indeed, incorporating a veterinary-based transmission vaccine, coupled with interventions such as human mass drug administration, improved sanitation and hygiene, health education, and snail control, would be invaluable to eliminating zoonotic schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chika P. Zumuk
- Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (C.P.Z.); (M.K.J.); (S.N.)
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Malcolm K. Jones
- Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (C.P.Z.); (M.K.J.); (S.N.)
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
| | - Severine Navarro
- Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (C.P.Z.); (M.K.J.); (S.N.)
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- Centre for Childhood Nutrition Research, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Darren J. Gray
- Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia;
| | - Hong You
- Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (C.P.Z.); (M.K.J.); (S.N.)
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
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3
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Moescheid MF, Puckelwaldt O, Beutler M, Haeberlein S, Grevelding CG. Defining an optimal control for RNAi experiments with adult Schistosoma mansoni. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9766. [PMID: 37328492 PMCID: PMC10276032 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36826-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In parasites such as Schistosoma mansoni, gene knockdown by RNA interference (RNAi) has become an indispensable tool for functional gene characterization. To distinguish target-specific RNAi effects versus off-target effects, controls are essential. To date, however, there is still no general agreement about suitable RNAi controls, which limits the comparability between studies. To address this point, we investigated three selected dsRNAs for their suitability as RNAi controls in experiments with adult S. mansoni in vitro. Two dsRNAs were of bacterial origin, the neomycin resistance gene (neoR) and the ampicillin resistance gene (ampR). The third one, the green fluorescent protein gene (gfp), originated from jellyfish. Following dsRNA application, we analyzed physiological parameters like pairing stability, motility, and egg production as well as morphological integrity. Furthermore, using RT-qPCR we evaluated the potential of the used dsRNAs to influence transcript patterns of off-target genes, which had been predicted by si-Fi (siRNA-Finder). At the physiological and morphological levels, we observed no obvious changes in the dsRNA treatment groups compared to an untreated control. However, we detected remarkable differences at the transcript level of gene expression. Amongst the three tested candidates, we suggest dsRNA of the E. coli ampR gene as the most suitable RNAi control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max F Moescheid
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Oliver Puckelwaldt
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Mandy Beutler
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Simone Haeberlein
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christoph G Grevelding
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
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4
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Silveira GO, Coelho HS, Pereira ASA, Miyasato PA, Santos DW, Maciel LF, Olberg GGG, Tahira AC, Nakano E, Oliveira MLS, Amaral MS, Verjovski-Almeida S. Long non-coding RNAs are essential for Schistosoma mansoni pairing-dependent adult worm homeostasis and fertility. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011369. [PMID: 37146077 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The trematode parasite Schistosoma mansoni causes schistosomiasis, which affects over 200 million people worldwide. Schistosomes are dioecious, with egg laying depending on the females' obligatory pairing with males. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides with low or no protein-coding potential that have been involved in other species with reproduction, stem cell maintenance, and drug resistance. In S. mansoni, we recently showed that the knockdown of one lncRNA affects the pairing status of these parasites. Here, we re-analyzed public RNA-Seq data from paired and unpaired adult male and female worms and their gonads, obtained from mixed-sex or single-sex cercariae infections, and found thousands of differentially expressed pairing-dependent lncRNAs among the 23 biological samples that were compared. The expression levels of selected lncRNAs were validated by RT-qPCR using an in vitro unpairing model. In addition, the in vitro silencing of three selected lncRNAs showed that knockdown of these pairing-dependent lncRNAs reduced cell proliferation in adult worms and their gonads, and are essential for female vitellaria maintenance, reproduction, and/or egg development. Remarkably, in vivo silencing of each of the three selected lncRNAs significantly reduced worm burden in infected mice by 26 to 35%. Whole mount in situ hybridization experiments showed that these pairing-dependent lncRNAs are expressed in reproductive tissues. These results show that lncRNAs are key components intervening in S. mansoni adult worm homeostasis, which affects pairing status and survival in the mammalian host, thus presenting great potential as new therapeutic target candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilbert O Silveira
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helena S Coelho
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriana S A Pereira
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia A Miyasato
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daisy W Santos
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas F Maciel
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giovanna G G Olberg
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana C Tahira
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eliana Nakano
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Murilo S Amaral
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sergio Verjovski-Almeida
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Girod V, Houssier R, Sahmer K, Ghoris MJ, Caby S, Melnyk O, Dissous C, Senez V, Vicogne J. A self-purifying microfluidic system for identifying drugs acting against adult schistosomes. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:220648. [PMID: 36465675 PMCID: PMC9709518 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.220648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of novel antihelmintic molecules to combat the development and spread of schistosomiasis, a disease caused by several Schistosoma flatworm species, mobilizes significant research efforts worldwide. With a limited number of biochemical assays for measuring the viability of adult worms, the antischistosomicidal activity of molecules is usually evaluated by a microscopic observation of worm mobility and/or integrity upon drug exposure. Even if these phenotypical assays enable multiple parameters analysis, they are often conducted during several days and need to be associated with image-based analysis to minimized subjectivity. We describe here a self-purifying microfluidic system enabling the selection of healthy adult worms and the identification of molecules acting instantly on the parasite. The worms are assayed in a dynamic environment that eliminates unhealthy worms that cannot attach firmly to the chip walls prior to being exposed to the drug. The detachment of the worms is also used as second step readout for identifying active compounds. We have validated this new fluidic screening approach using the two major antihelmintic drugs, praziquantel and artemisinin. The reported dynamic system is simple to produce and to parallelize. Importantly, it enables a quick and sensitive detection of antischistosomal compounds in no more than one hour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Girod
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277 – CANTHER – Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Lille F-59000, France
- CNRS, University of Tokyo, IRL2820 – LIMMS, Lille F-59000, France
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR9017 – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- University of Lille, CNRS, UPHF, JUNIA, CLI, UMR 8520 – IEMN – Institut d'Electronique, de Microélectronique et de Nanotechnologie, Villeneuve d'Ascq F-59650, France
| | - Robin Houssier
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277 – CANTHER – Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Lille F-59000, France
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR9017 – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Karin Sahmer
- University of Lille, IMT Lille Douai, University of Artois, JUNIA, ULR 4515 – LGCgE, Laboratoire de Génie Civil et géo-Environnement, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Marie-José Ghoris
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR9017 – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Stéphanie Caby
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR9017 – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Oleg Melnyk
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR9017 – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Colette Dissous
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR9017 – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Vincent Senez
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277 – CANTHER – Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Lille F-59000, France
- CNRS, University of Tokyo, IRL2820 – LIMMS, Lille F-59000, France
| | - Jérôme Vicogne
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR9017 – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
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EF24, a schistosomicidal curcumin analog: Insights from its synthesis and phenotypic, biochemical and cytotoxic activities. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 368:110191. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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de Souza IMM, Novaes RD, Gonçalves RV, Fialho FLB, Carvalho DT, de Souza TB, Dias DF, Lavorato SN, Souza RLM, Marques MJ, Castro AP. In vitro and in silico evaluation of the schistosomicidal activity of eugenol derivatives using biochemical, molecular, and morphological tools. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2022; 28:e20210108. [PMID: 35854812 PMCID: PMC9258719 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Eugenol shows both antibacterial and antiparasitic activities, suggesting
that it might be evaluated as an option for the treatment of
praziquantel-resistant schistosome. Methods The in vitro activities of three eugenol derivatives (FB1,
FB4 and FB9) on adult worms from Schistosoma mansoni were
examined by fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy to analyze effects
on the excretory system and integument damage, respectively. Biochemical
tests with verapamil (a calcium channel antagonist) and ouabain (a
Na+/K+-ATPase pump inhibitor) were used to
characterize eugenol derivative interactions with calcium channels and the
Na+/K+-ATPase, while in silico
analysis identified potential Na+/K+-ATPase binding
sites. Results The compounds showed effective doses (ED50) of 0.324 mM (FB1),
0.167 mM (FB4), and 0.340 mM (FB9). In addition, FB4 (0.322 mM), which
showed the lowest ED50, ED90 and ED100 (p
< 0.05), caused the most damage to the excretory system and integument,
according to both fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy analysis.
The death of adult worms was delayed by ouabain treatment plus FB1 (192
versus 72 hours) and FB9 (192 versus
168 hours), but the response to FB4 was the same in the presence or absence
of ouabain. Besides, no changes were noted when all of the eugenol
derivatives were combined with verapamil. Moreover, FB1 and FB9 inhibited
Na+/K+-ATPase activity according to in
silico analysis but FB4 did not show a time-dependent
relationship and may act on targets other than the parasite Na+/K+-ATPase.
Conclusion Eugenol derivatives, mainly FB4 when compared to FB1 and FB9, seem to act
more effectively on the integument of adult S. mansoni
worms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Romulo Dias Novaes
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas (Unifal), Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | - Diogo Teixeira Carvalho
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas (Unifal), Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | - Stefânia Neiva Lavorato
- Center of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Western Bahia (Ufob), Barreiras, BA, Brazil
| | | | - Marcos José Marques
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas (Unifal), Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Aline Pereira Castro
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas (Unifal), Alfenas, MG, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacy, University Center of Lavras (Unilavras), Lavras, MG, Brazil
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Alwan SN, LoVerde PT. The effect of fs800 on female egg production in Schistosoma mansoni. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2021; 245:111412. [PMID: 34492240 PMCID: PMC10838108 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2021.111412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
During schistosomiasis, the paired Schistosoma mansoni female produces about 300 eggs each day. These eggs are responsible for the clinical picture and the transmission of the disease. During female development and egg production, fs800 is expressed only in female vitelline cells. Blast search of fs800 did not show similarities with any published sequences by NCBI. We hypothesize that the product of this gene plays a role in S. mansoni egg production. By using RNA interference to knockdown fs800 and quantitative PCR to measure the gene expression in the female schistosomes, we were able to demonstrate that fs800 product is crucial for viable egg production, it has no effect on worm health or male-female pairing. Our data suggest fs800 inhibition as a potential target to prevent transmission and pathology of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevan N Alwan
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, UT Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| | - Philip T LoVerde
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, UT Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UT Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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Assessment of reference genes at six different developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni for quantitative RT-PCR. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16816. [PMID: 34413342 PMCID: PMC8376997 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96055-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reverse-transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is the most used, fast, and reproducible method to confirm large-scale gene expression data. The use of stable reference genes for the normalization of RT-qPCR assays is recognized worldwide. No systematic study for selecting appropriate reference genes for usage in RT-qPCR experiments comparing gene expression levels at different Schistosoma mansoni life-cycle stages has been performed. Most studies rely on genes commonly used in other organisms, such as actin, tubulin, and GAPDH. Therefore, the present study focused on identifying reference genes suitable for RT-qPCR assays across six S. mansoni developmental stages. The expression levels of 25 novel candidates that we selected based on the analysis of public RNA-Seq datasets, along with eight commonly used reference genes, were systematically tested by RT-qPCR across six developmental stages of S. mansoni (eggs, miracidia, cercariae, schistosomula, adult males and adult females). The stability of genes was evaluated with geNorm, NormFinder and RefFinder algorithms. The least stable candidate reference genes tested were actin, tubulin and GAPDH. The two most stable reference genes suitable for RT-qPCR normalization were Smp_101310 (Histone H4 transcription factor) and Smp_196510 (Ubiquitin recognition factor in ER-associated degradation protein 1). Performance of these two genes as normalizers was successfully evaluated with females maintained unpaired or paired to males in culture for 8 days, or with worm pairs exposed for 16 days to double-stranded RNAs to silence a protein-coding gene. This study provides reliable reference genes for RT-qPCR analysis using samples from six different S. mansoni life-cycle stages.
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10
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Mughal MN, Grevelding CG, Haeberlein S. First insights into the autophagy machinery of adult Schistosoma mansoni. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:571-585. [PMID: 33713647 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a disease of global importance caused by parasitic flatworms, schistosomes, which cause pathogenicity through eggs laid by the female worm inside the host's blood vessels. Maintenance of cellular homeostasis is crucial for parasites, as for other organisms, and is quite likely important for schistosome reproduction and vitality. We hypothesize a role for autophagy in these processes, an evolutionarily conserved and essential cellular degradation pathway. Here, for the first known time, we shed light on the autophagy machinery and its involvement in pairing-dependent processes, vitality and reproduction of Schistosoma mansoni. We identified autophagy genes by in silico analyses and determined the influence of in vitro culture on the transcriptional expression in male and female worms using quantitative real-time PCR. Among the identified autophagy genes were Beclin, Ambra1, Vps34, DRAM, DAP1, and LC3B, of which some showed a sex-dependent expression. Specifically, the death-associated protein DAP1 was significantly more highly expressed in females compared with males, while for the damage-regulated autophagy modulator DRAM it was the opposite. Furthermore, in-vitro culture significantly changed the transcript expression level of DAP1 in female worms. Next, worms were treated with an autophagy inducer (rapamycin) or inhibitors (bafilomycin A1, wortmannin and spautin-1) to evaluate effects on autophagy protein expression, worm vitality, and reproduction. The conversion of the key autophagy protein LC3B, a marker for autophagic activity, was increased by rapamycin and blocked by bafilomycin. All inhibitors affected worm fitness, egg production, and negatively affected the morphology of gonads and intestine. In summary, autophagy genes in S. mansoni show an interesting sex-dependent expression pattern and manipulation of autophagy in S. mansoni by inhibitors induced detrimental effects, which encourages subsequent studies to identify antischistosomal targets within the autophagy machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mudassar N Mughal
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstr. 81, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Christoph G Grevelding
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstr. 81, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Simone Haeberlein
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstr. 81, D-35392 Giessen, Germany.
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11
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Wendt G, Zhao L, Chen R, Liu C, O'Donoghue AJ, Caffrey CR, Reese ML, Collins JJ. A single-cell RNA-seq atlas of Schistosoma mansoni identifies a key regulator of blood feeding. Science 2020; 369:1644-1649. [PMID: 32973030 PMCID: PMC7875187 DOI: 10.1126/science.abb7709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that infects 240 million people. With no vaccines and only one drug available, new therapeutic targets are needed. The causative agents, schistosomes, are intravascular flatworm parasites that feed on blood and lay eggs, resulting in pathology. The function of the parasite's various tissues in successful parasitism are poorly understood, hindering identification of therapeutic targets. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), we characterize 43,642 cells from the adult schistosome and identify 68 distinct cell populations, including specialized stem cells that maintain the parasite's blood-digesting gut. These stem cells express the gene hnf4, which is required for gut maintenance, blood feeding, and pathology in vivo. Together, these data provide molecular insights into the organ systems of this important pathogen and identify potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Wendt
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lu Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Chenxi Liu
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Anthony J O'Donoghue
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Michael L Reese
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - James J Collins
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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12
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Cheng WJ, Gu MJ, Ye F, Zhang YD, Zhong QP, Dong HF, Liu R, Jiang H. Prohibitin 1 (PHB1) controls growth and development and regulates proliferation and apoptosis in Schistosoma japonicum. FASEB J 2020; 34:11030-11046. [PMID: 32627884 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201902787rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by the trematode blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma. The prodigious egg output of females is the main cause of the disease in definitive hosts, while the female worm relies on continuous pairing with the male worm to fuel the growth and maturation of the reproductive organs and egg production. Prohibitin, which contains the functionally interdependent PHB1 and PHB2 subunits in human and some other species, has been proposed to participate in the cell proliferation and apoptosis regulation in mammals. However, little is known about the function of PHB homolog in the growth and reproductive development of schistosomes. Here, we reported the Phb1 gene that was structurally and evolutionarily conserved in Schistosoma japonicum when compared with that of other species from Caenorhabditis elegans to human. Real-time PCR detected that SjPhb1 was highly transcribed in the vitellaria of female worms. SjPhb1 knockdown achieved through the dsRNA-mediated RNAi in vivo resulted in retarded growth, decreased pairing, and fecundity in adult worms, as well as attenuated pathogenicity or virulence of worms to their hosts. Cell proliferation and apoptosis examination found decreased cell proliferation and increased cell apoptosis in SjPhb1 dsRNA-treated worms. Therefore, our study provides the first characterization of S. japonicum PHB1 and reveals its fundamental role in the regulation of growth and development of S. japonicum by specific dsRNA-mediated RNAi in vivo. Our findings prompt for a promising molecular of schistosomes that can be targeted to effectively retard the growth and development of the schistosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jun Cheng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Meng-Jie Gu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Feng Ye
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Yao-Dan Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Qin-Ping Zhong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Hui-Fen Dong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Rong Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Hong Jiang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, P.R. China
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13
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Skinner DE, Popratiloff A, Alrefaei YN, Mann VH, Rinaldi G, Brindley PJ. Functional analysis of vasa/PL10-like genes in the ovary of Schistosoma mansoni. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2020; 236:111259. [PMID: 31958469 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2020.111259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The RNA helicase Vasa plays a pivotal role in the development of the germ line. To decipher the functional roles of vasa/PL10-like genes in the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni, we performed RNA interference followed by the analysis of the ovary in the adult female. Double-stranded RNA targeting the schistosome vasa-like gene Smvlg1 reduced the volume of the ovary. Changes in morphology of the ovary were analysed using carmine red-staining of the parasites followed by a novel confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM)-based approach to control for natural autofluorescence in female schistosome tissues. The reduction in the ovary volume may have been promoted by the loss of germ cells. By contrast, significant differences were not apparent in the number of eggs produced or hatching rate of eggs laid by the female schistosomes transfected with Smvlg1-specific dsRNA. The findings suggested a role for S. mansoni vasa/PL10-like gene -1 in germ cell development within the schistosome ovary that might impact in the pathogenesis and disease transmission by this neglected tropical disease pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle E Skinner
- 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; Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Anastas Popratiloff
- Nanofabrication and Imaging Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Yousef N Alrefaei
- 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; Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, The Public Authority of Applied Education and Training, Shuwaikh, Kuwait
| | - Victoria H Mann
- 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
| | - Gabriel Rinaldi
- 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; Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, UK.
| | - 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.
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14
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Role of the Pumilio gene in the reproductive system of Schistosoma japonicum. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:501-511. [PMID: 31897787 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06467-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The elimination of schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by Schistosoma and a major source of morbidity and mortality in developing countries, faces serious challenges. Although the pumilio protein regulates the reproductive organ development in many species, its role in Schistosoma japonicum is unknown. Thus, this study investigated the function of pumilio in S. japonicum reproduction. The complete coding sequences of S. japonicum Pumilio1 (SjPum1) and SjPum2 genes were cloned and characterized. The full-length open-reading frame SjPum1 (2613 nucleotides) and SjPum2 (4479 nucleotides) genes were obtained. Bioinformatics analysis showed that those genes belonged to the PUF (pumilio and FBF) family. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed that SjPum1 and SjPum2 were differentially expressed throughout the S. japonicum life cycle and were highly expressed in reproductive organs. In situ hybridization results showed that mRNA expression of SjPum2 was higher than that of SjPum1 in the ovary and testis. Knocking down SjPum2 using RNA interference techniques to explore potential reproductive functions showed that compared with the control (untransfected or scrambled mRNA-transfected) worms, the morphology of both male and female reproductive organs was altered, the number of eggs produced by paired females was significantly decreased, and the transcription levels of caspase 3 and caspase 7 genes related to apoptosis were significantly increased. The transcription level of Nanos1 gene which related to reproduction was also significantly increased. Therefore, SjPum2 may play a role in the reproductive development of S. japonicum.
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15
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Doenhoff MJ, Modha J, Walker AJ. Failure of in vitro-cultured schistosomes to produce eggs: how does the parasite meet its needs for host-derived cytokines such as TGF-β? Int J Parasitol 2019; 49:747-757. [PMID: 31348959 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
When adult schistosome worm pairs are transferred from experimental hosts to in vitro culture they cease producing viable eggs within a few days. Female worms in unisexual infections fail to mature, and when mature adult females are separated from male partners they regress sexually. Worms cultured from the larval stage are also permanently reproductively defective. The cytokine transforming growth factor beta derived from the mammalian host is considered important in stimulating schistosome female worm maturation and maintenance of fecundity. The means by which schistosomes acquire TGF-β have not been elucidated, but direct uptake in vivo seems unlikely as the concentration of free, biologically active cytokine in host blood is very low. Here we review the complexities of schistosome development and male-female interactions, and we speculate about two possibilities on how worms obtain the TGF-β they are assumed to need: (i) worms may have mechanisms to free active cytokine from the latency-inducing complex of proteins in which it is associated, and/or (ii) they may obtain the cytokine from alpha 2-macroglobulin, a blood-borne protease inhibitor to which TGF-β can bind. These ideas are experimentally testable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Doenhoff
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Jay Modha
- Modha Biomedical Ltd, 9B St Cuthberts Avenue, Great Glen, Leicester LE8 9EJ, UK
| | - Anthony J Walker
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK
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16
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Haeberlein S, Angrisano A, Quack T, Lu Z, Kellershohn J, Blohm A, Grevelding CG, Hahnel SR. Identification of a new panel of reference genes to study pairing-dependent gene expression in Schistosoma mansoni. Int J Parasitol 2019; 49:615-624. [PMID: 31136746 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Facilitated by the Schistosoma mansoni genome project, multiple transcriptomic studies were performed over the last decade to elucidate gene expression patterns among different developmental stages of the complex schistosome life cycle. While these analyses enable the identification of candidate genes with key functions in schistosome biology, a diverse molecular tool set is needed that allows comprehensive functional characterization at the single gene level. This includes the availability of reliable reference genes to confirm changes in the transcription of genes of interest over different biological samples and experimental conditions. In particular, the investigation of one key aspect of schistosome biology, the pairing-dependent gene expression in females and males, requires knowledge on reference genes that are expressed independently of both pairing and of in vitro culture effects. Therefore, the present study focused on the identification of quantitative reverse transcription (qRT)-PCR reference genes suitable for the investigation of pairing-dependent gene expression in the S. mansoni male. The "pipeline" we present here is based on qRT-PCR analyses of high biological replication combined with three different statistical analysis tools, BestKeeper, geNorm, and NormFinder. Our approach resulted in a statistically robust ranking of 15 selected reference genes with respect to their transcription stability between pairing-unexperienced and -experienced males. We further tested the top seven candidate genes for their transcription stability during invitro culture of adult S. mansoni. Of these, the two most suitable reference genes were used to investigate the influence of the pairing contact on the transcription of genes of interest, comprising a tyrosine decarboxylase gene Smtdc1, an ebony ortholog Smebony, and the follistatin ortholog Smfst in S. mansoni males. Performing pairing, separation and re-pairing experiments with adult S. mansoni in vitro, our results indicate for the first time that pairing can act as a molecular on/off-switch of specific genes to strictly control their expression in schistosome males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Haeberlein
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Quack
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Zhigang Lu
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Josina Kellershohn
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ariane Blohm
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Steffen R Hahnel
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
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17
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Wang J, Chen R, Collins JJ. Systematically improved in vitro culture conditions reveal new insights into the reproductive biology of the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000254. [PMID: 31067225 PMCID: PMC6505934 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomes infect over 200 million people. The prodigious egg output of these parasites is the sole driver of pathology due to infection, yet our understanding of sexual reproduction by schistosomes is limited because normal egg production is not sustained for more than a few days in vitro. Here, we describe culture conditions that support schistosome sexual development and sustained egg production in vitro. Female schistosomes rely on continuous pairing with male worms to fuel the maturation of their reproductive organs. Exploiting these new culture conditions, we explore the process of male-stimulated female maturation and demonstrate that physical contact with a male worm, and not insemination, is sufficient to induce female development and the production of viable parthenogenetic haploid embryos. We further report the characterization of a nuclear receptor (NR), which we call Vitellogenic Factor 1 (VF1), that is essential for female sexual development following pairing with a male worm. Taken together, these results provide a platform to study the fascinating sexual biology of these parasites on a molecular level, illuminating new strategies to control schistosome egg production. Schistosomes infect over 200 million people worldwide. This paper describes culture conditions that support sexual development and sustained egg production of the human parasitic flatworm Schistosoma mansoni in vitro, providing new insights into its reproductive biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jipeng Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - James J Collins
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
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18
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Parreira RLT, Costa ES, Heleno VCG, Magalhães LG, Souza JM, Pauletti PM, Cunha WR, Januário AH, Símaro GV, Bastos JK, Laurentiz RS, Kar T, Caramori GF, Kawano DF, Andrade E Silva ML. Evaluation of Lignans from Piper cubeba against Schistosoma mansoni Adult Worms: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study. Chem Biodivers 2018; 16:e1800305. [PMID: 30335227 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201800305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Six dibenzylbutyrolactonic lignans ((-)-hinokinin (1), (-)-cubebin (2), (-)-yatein (3), (-)-5-methoxyyatein (4), dihydrocubebin (5) and dihydroclusin (6)) were isolated from Piper cubeba seed extract and evaluated against Schistosoma mansoni. All lignans, except 5, were able to separate the adult worm pairs and reduce the egg numbers during 24 h of incubation. Lignans 1, 3 and 4 (containing a lactone ring) were the most efficient concerning antiparasitary activity. Comparing structures 3 and 4, the presence of the methoxy group at position 5 appears to be important for this activity. Considering 1 and 3, it is possible to see that the substitution pattern change (methylenedioxy or methoxy groups) in positions 3' and 4' alter the biological response, with 1 being the second most active compound. Computational calculations suggest that the activity of compound 4 can be correlated with the largest lipophilicity value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato L T Parreira
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Av. Dr. Armando Salles Oliveira 201, 14404-600 Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eveline S Costa
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Av. Dr. Armando Salles Oliveira 201, 14404-600 Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vladimir C G Heleno
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Av. Dr. Armando Salles Oliveira 201, 14404-600 Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lizandra G Magalhães
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Av. Dr. Armando Salles Oliveira 201, 14404-600 Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Julia M Souza
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Av. Dr. Armando Salles Oliveira 201, 14404-600 Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia M Pauletti
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Av. Dr. Armando Salles Oliveira 201, 14404-600 Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wilson R Cunha
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Av. Dr. Armando Salles Oliveira 201, 14404-600 Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana H Januário
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Av. Dr. Armando Salles Oliveira 201, 14404-600 Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme V Símaro
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Av. Dr. Armando Salles Oliveira 201, 14404-600 Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jairo K Bastos
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rosangela S Laurentiz
- Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Avenida Brasil 56, 15385-000 Ilha Solteira, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tapas Kar
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, 84322-0300, USA
| | - Giovanni F Caramori
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário Trindade, 88040-900, CP 476 Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Daniel Fábio Kawano
- Universidade de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Rua Cândido Portinari 200, 13083-871 Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Márcio L Andrade E Silva
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Av. Dr. Armando Salles Oliveira 201, 14404-600 Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
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19
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Estensoro I, Pérez-Cordón G, Sitjà-Bobadilla A, Piazzon MC. Bromodeoxyuridine DNA labelling reveals host and parasite proliferation in a fish-myxozoan model. JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2018; 41:651-662. [PMID: 29265424 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.12765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Enteromyxum leei is a myxozoan parasite responsible for enteritis in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata). The parasite proliferates in the paracellular space of the intestinal epithelium and induces an inflammatory reaction. To assess intestinal cell turnover and parasite proliferation, fish were infected with the parasite by anal intubation; after 17 and 64 days, the cell proliferative marker bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was administered; and after 24 hr, tissue samples were taken for immunohistochemical detection. Parasite exposure induced increased epithelial and immune cell proliferation in all intestinal segments at all time points, even before parasite establishment. This increased turnover was triggered early after intubation and mainly at a local level, as shown by an increased proliferating cell nuclear antigen (pcna) gene expression only at the posterior intestine after 17 days (not found in lymphohaematopoietic organs). Incorporation of BrdU in parasite secondary and tertiary daughter cells indicated that parasite endogeny is not by schizogonial division, which uses de novo synthesis pathway of pyrimidines. Altogether, BrdU immunolabelling and pcna gene expression showed the rapid proliferative response of the fish intestines upon a myxozoan infection and how this response is effectively triggered even before the parasite reaches or establishes in the site.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Estensoro
- Fish Pathology Group, Instituto de Acuicultura Torre de la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Castellón, Spain
| | - G Pérez-Cordón
- Fish Pathology Group, Instituto de Acuicultura Torre de la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Castellón, Spain
- Cryptosporidium Reference Unit, Public Health Wales Microbiology, Singleton Hospital, Swansea, UK
| | - A Sitjà-Bobadilla
- Fish Pathology Group, Instituto de Acuicultura Torre de la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Castellón, Spain
| | - M C Piazzon
- Fish Pathology Group, Instituto de Acuicultura Torre de la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Castellón, Spain
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20
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Candido RRF, Morassutti AL, Graeff-Teixeira C, St Pierre TG, Jones MK. Exploring Structural and Physical Properties of Schistosome Eggs: Potential Pathways for Novel Diagnostics? ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2018; 100:209-237. [PMID: 29753339 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In this era of increasing demand for sensitive techniques to diagnose schistosomiasis, there is a need for an increased focus on the properties of the parasite eggs. The eggs are not only directly linked to the morbidity of chronic infection but are also potential key targets for accurate diagnostics. Eggs were the primary target of diagnostic tools in the past and we argue they could be the target of highly sensitive tools in the future if we focus on characteristics of their structure and shell surface that could be exploited for enhanced detection. In this review, we discuss the current state of knowledge of the physical structures of schistosome eggs and eggshells with a view to identifying pathways to a comprehensive understanding of their role in the host-parasite relationship and pathogenesis of infection, and pathways to new strategies for development of diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata R F Candido
- School of Physics, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia.
| | - Alessandra L Morassutti
- School of Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carlos Graeff-Teixeira
- School of Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Timothy G St Pierre
- School of Physics, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Malcolm K Jones
- School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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21
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Kinases: Molecular Stage Directors for Schistosome Development and Differentiation. Trends Parasitol 2017; 34:246-260. [PMID: 29276074 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Understanding schistosome biology is still a challenging mission. The reproductive biology of this parasitic trematode is closely associated with the pathologic consequences of schistosomiasis, the devastating infectious disease caused by members of the family Schistosomatidae worldwide. Recent studies of signaling mechanisms confirmed the prominent roles of protein kinases (PKs) in directing schistosome biology, and first evidence was obtained for an additional contribution of kinases with substrates different from proteins (non-PKs). This review provides an overview of the Schistosoma mansoni kinome in the context of male-female interaction and summarizes recent studies of kinases controlling development and differentiation. Due to their importance for schistosome biology, kinases represent Achilles' heels and are therefore of high value also for translational research.
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22
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Zhao L, He X, Grevelding CG, Ye Q, Li Y, Gasser RB, Dissous C, Mughal MN, Zhou YQ, Zhao JL, Hu M. The RIO protein kinase-encoding gene Sj-riok-2 is involved in key reproductive processes in Schistosoma japonicum. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:604. [PMID: 29233188 PMCID: PMC5727939 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2524-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases worldwide and is caused by parasitic trematodes of the genus Schistosoma. The pathogenesis of schistosomiasis is caused by eggs whose production is the consequence of the pairing of schistosomes and the subsequent sexual maturation of the female. Previous studies have demonstrated that protein kinases are involved in processes leading to the male-induced differentiation of the female gonads, ovary and vitellarium. Right open reading frame protein kinase 2 (RIOK-2) is a member of the atypical kinase family and shown in other organisms to be responsible for ribosomal RNA biogenesis and cell-cycle progression, as well as involves in nematode development. However, nothing is known about its functions in any trematode including schistosome. Methods We isolated and characterized the riok-2 gene from S. japonicum, and detected the transcriptional profiles of Sj-riok-2 by using real-time PCR and in situ hybridization. RNAi-mediated knockdown of Sj-riok-2 was performed, mitotic activities were detected by EdU incorporation assay and morphological changes on organs were observed by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). Results In silico analyses of the amino acid sequence of Sj-RIOK-2 revealed typical features of this class of kinases including a winged helix (wHTH) domain and a RIO kinase domain. Sj-riok-2 is transcribed in different developmental stages of S. japonicum, with a higher abundance in adult females and eggs. Localization studies showed that Sj-riok-2 was mainly transcribed in female reproductive organs. Experiments with adult schistosomes in vitro demonstrated that the transcriptional level of Sj-riok-2 was affected by pairing. Knocking down Sj-riok-2 by RNAi reduced cell proliferation in the vitellarium and caused the increased amount of mature oocytes in ovary and an accumulation of eggs within the uterus. Conclusions Sj-riok-2 is involved in the reproductive development and maturation of female S. japonicum. Our findings provide first evidence for a pairing-dependent role of Sj-riok-2 in the reproductive development and maturation of female S. japonicum. Thus this study contributes to the understanding of molecular processes controlling reproduction in schistosomes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-017-2524-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin He
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Qing Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Colette Dissous
- CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille Inserm, University Lille, Lille, France
| | - Mudassar N Mughal
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Qin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Long Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.
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Gelmedin V, Morel M, Hahnel S, Cailliau K, Dissous C, Grevelding CG. Evidence for Integrin - Venus Kinase Receptor 1 Alliance in the Ovary of Schistosoma mansoni Females Controlling Cell Survival. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006147. [PMID: 28114363 PMCID: PMC5289644 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In metazoan integrin signaling is an important process of mediating extracellular and intracellular communication processes. This can be achieved by cooperation of integrins with growth factor receptors (GFRs). Schistosoma mansoni is a helminth parasite inducing schistosomiasis, an infectious disease of worldwide significance for humans and animals. First studies on schistosome integrins revealed their role in reproductive processes, being involved in spermatogenesis and oogenesis. With respect to the roles of eggs for maintaining the parasite´s life cycle and for inducing the pathology of schistosomiasis, elucidating reproductive processes is of high importance. Here we studied the interaction of the integrin receptor Smβ-Int1 with the venus kinase receptor SmVKR1 in S. mansoni. To this end we cloned and characterized SmILK, SmPINCH, and SmNck2, three putative bridging molecules for their role in mediating Smβ-Int1/SmVKR1 cooperation. Phylogenetic analyses showed that these molecules form clusters that are specific for parasitic platyhelminths as it was shown for integrins before. Transcripts of all genes colocalized in the ovary. In Xenopus oocytes germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) was only induced if all members were simultaneously expressed. Coimmunoprecipitation results suggest that a Smβ-Int1-SmILK-SmPINCH-SmNck2-SmVKR1 complex can be formed leading to the phosphorylation and activation of SmVKR1. These results indicate that SmVKR1 can be activated in a ligand-independent manner by receptor-complex interaction. RNAi and inhibitor studies to knock-down SmILK as a representative complex member concurrently revealed effects on the extracellular matrix surrounding the ovary and oocyte localization within the ovary, oocyte survival, and egg production. By TUNEL assays, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), Caspase-3 assay, and transcript profiling of the pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family members BAK/BAX we obtained first evidence for roles of this signaling complex in mediating cell death in immature and primary oocytes. These results suggest that the Smβ-Int1/SmVKR1 signaling complex is important for differentiation and survival in oocytes of paired schistosomes. Parasites of the genus Schistosoma cause schistosomiasis, a life-threatening infectious disease for humans and animals worldwide. Among the remarkable biological features of schistosomes is the differentiation of the female gonads which is controlled by pairing with the male and a prerequisite for egg production. Eggs, however, are not only important for the maintenance of the life-cycle; they also cause the pathological consequences of schistosomiasis. Part of the eggs gets trapped in host tissues such as liver and spleen and trigger inflammatory processes, finally leading to liver cirrhosis. Research activities of the last decade have indicated that different families of cellular and receptor-type kinases but also integrins contribute to the control of mitogenic activity and differentiation the female goands. In this context an unusual class of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) has been identified, the venus kinase receptors (SmVKRs). By biochemical and molecular approaches we demonstrate that SmVKR1 activation can be achieved by cooperation with a signaling complex consisting of the beta integrin receptor Smβ-Int1 and the bridging molecules SmILK, SmPINCH, SmNck2. Besides unravelling a novel way of SmVKR1 activation, we provide evidence that this complex controls the differentiation status of oocytes by regulating cell death-associated processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Gelmedin
- Institute for Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Marion Morel
- CIIL – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille Inserm U1019 - CNRS UMR 8204, University Lille, Lille, France
| | - Steffen Hahnel
- Institute for Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Katia Cailliau
- UGSF - Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, CNRS UMR 8576, University Lille, Lille, France
| | - Colette Dissous
- CIIL – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille Inserm U1019 - CNRS UMR 8204, University Lille, Lille, France
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Martins MHG, Fracarolli L, Vieira TM, Dias HJ, Cruz MG, Deus CCH, Nicolella HD, Stefani R, Rodrigues V, Tavares DC, Magalhães LG, Crotti AEM. Schistosomicidal Effects of the Essential Oils of Citrus limonia
and Citrus reticulata
Against Schistosoma mansoni. Chem Biodivers 2016; 14. [DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201600194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Moara H. G. Martins
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas; Universidade de Franca; Av. Dr. Armando Salles de Oliveira; 201 - Parque Universitário CEP 14404600 Franca SP Brazil
| | - Letícia Fracarolli
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas; Universidade de Franca; Av. Dr. Armando Salles de Oliveira; 201 - Parque Universitário CEP 14404600 Franca SP Brazil
- Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto; Universidade de São Paulo; Av. Bandeirantes; 3900, Monte Alegre CEP 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil
| | - Tatiana M. Vieira
- Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto; Universidade de São Paulo; Av. Bandeirantes; 3900, Monte Alegre CEP 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil
| | - Herbert J. Dias
- Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto; Universidade de São Paulo; Av. Bandeirantes; 3900, Monte Alegre CEP 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil
| | - Michele G. Cruz
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas; Universidade de Franca; Av. Dr. Armando Salles de Oliveira; 201 - Parque Universitário CEP 14404600 Franca SP Brazil
| | - Cássia C. H. Deus
- Instituto de Ciências Exatas e da Terra; Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso, Campus Universitário do Araguaia - CUA; Av. Senador Valdon Varjopn; 6390, Campus II CEP 78698-000 Barra do Garças MT Brazil
| | - Heloiza D. Nicolella
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas; Universidade de Franca; Av. Dr. Armando Salles de Oliveira; 201 - Parque Universitário CEP 14404600 Franca SP Brazil
| | - Ricardo Stefani
- Instituto de Ciências Exatas e da Terra; Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso, Campus Universitário do Araguaia - CUA; Av. Senador Valdon Varjopn; 6390, Campus II CEP 78698-000 Barra do Garças MT Brazil
| | - Vanderlei Rodrigues
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto; Universidade de São Paulo; Av. Bandeirantes; 3900, Monte Alegre CEP 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil
| | - Denise C. Tavares
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas; Universidade de Franca; Av. Dr. Armando Salles de Oliveira; 201 - Parque Universitário CEP 14404600 Franca SP Brazil
| | - Lizandra G. Magalhães
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas; Universidade de Franca; Av. Dr. Armando Salles de Oliveira; 201 - Parque Universitário CEP 14404600 Franca SP Brazil
| | - Antônio E. M. Crotti
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas; Universidade de Franca; Av. Dr. Armando Salles de Oliveira; 201 - Parque Universitário CEP 14404600 Franca SP Brazil
- Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto; Universidade de São Paulo; Av. Bandeirantes; 3900, Monte Alegre CEP 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil
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25
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de Paula Aguiar D, Brunetto Moreira Moscardini M, Rezende Morais E, Graciano de Paula R, Ferreira PM, Afonso A, Belo S, Tomie Ouchida A, Curti C, Cunha WR, Rodrigues V, Magalhães LG. Curcumin Generates Oxidative Stress and Induces Apoptosis in Adult Schistosoma mansoni Worms. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167135. [PMID: 27875592 PMCID: PMC5119855 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Inducing apoptosis is an interesting therapeutic approach to develop drugs that act against helminthic parasites. Researchers have investigated how curcumin (CUR), a biologically active compound extracted from rhizomes of Curcuma longa, affects Schistosoma mansoni and several cancer cell lines. This study evaluates how CUR influences the induction of apoptosis and oxidative stress in couples of adult S. mansoni worms. CUR decreased the viability of adult worms and killed them. The tegument of the parasite suffered morphological changes, the mitochondria underwent alterations, and chromatin condensed. Different apoptotic parameters were determined in an attempt to understand how CUR affected adult S. mansoni worms. CUR induced DNA damage and fragmentation and increased the expression of SmCASP3/7 transcripts and the activity of Caspase 3 in female and male worms. However, CUR did not intensify the activity of Caspase 8 in female or male worms. Evaluation of the superoxide anion and different antioxidant enzymes helped to explore the mechanism of parasite death further. The level of superoxide anion and the activity of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) increased, whereas the activity of Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST), Glutathione reductase (GR), and Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) decreased, which culminated in the oxidation of proteins in adult female and male worms incubated with CUR. In conclusion, CUR generated oxidative stress followed by apoptotic-like-events in both adult female and male S. mansoni worms, ultimately killing them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela de Paula Aguiar
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, Brazil
| | | | - Enyara Rezende Morais
- Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Patos de Minas, Brazil
| | | | - Pedro Manuel Ferreira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, UEI Medical Parasitology, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Afonso
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, UEI Medical Parasitology, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos, Brazil
- Departamento de Morfologia e Patologia, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvana Belo
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, UEI Medical Parasitology, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Amanda Tomie Ouchida
- Departamento de Física e Química, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos Curti
- Departamento de Física e Química, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wilson Roberto Cunha
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, Brazil
| | - Vanderlei Rodrigues
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Lizandra Guidi Magalhães
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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26
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Collins JNR, Collins JJ. Tissue Degeneration following Loss of Schistosoma mansoni cbp1 Is Associated with Increased Stem Cell Proliferation and Parasite Death In Vivo. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1005963. [PMID: 27812220 PMCID: PMC5094730 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is second only to malaria in terms of the global impact among diseases caused by parasites. A striking feature of schistosomes are their ability to thrive in their hosts for decades. We have previously demonstrated that stem cells, called neoblasts, promote homeostatic tissue maintenance in adult schistosomes and suggested these cells likely contribute to parasite longevity. Whether these schistosome neoblasts have functions independent of homeostatic tissue maintenance, for example in processes such as tissue regeneration following injury, remains unexplored. Here we characterize the schistosome CBP/p300 homolog, Sm-cbp1. We found that depleting cbp1 transcript levels with RNA interference (RNAi) resulted in increased neoblast proliferation and cell death, eventually leading to organ degeneration. Based on these observations we speculated this increased rate of neoblast proliferation may be a response to mitigate tissue damage due to increased cell death. Therefore, we tested if mechanical injury was sufficient to stimulate neoblast proliferation. We found that mechanical injury induced both cell death and neoblast proliferation at wound sites, suggesting that schistosome neoblasts are capable of mounting proliferative responses to injury. Furthermore, we observed that the health of cbp1(RNAi) parasites progressively declined during the course of our in vitro experiments. To determine the fate of cbp1(RNAi) parasites in the context of a mammalian host, we coupled RNAi with an established technique to transplant schistosomes into the mesenteric veins of uninfected mice. We found transplanted cbp1(RNAi) parasites were cleared from vasculature of recipient mice and were incapable of inducing measurable pathology in their recipient hosts. Together our data suggest that injury is sufficient to induce neoblast proliferation and that cbp1 is essential for parasite survival in vivo. These studies present a new methodology to study schistosome gene function in vivo and highlight a potential role for schistosome neoblasts in promoting tissue repair following injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James J. Collins
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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27
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Guidi A, Lalli C, Perlas E, Bolasco G, Nibbio M, Monteagudo E, Bresciani A, Ruberti G. Discovery and Characterization of Novel Anti-schistosomal Properties of the Anti-anginal Drug, Perhexiline and Its Impact on Schistosoma mansoni Male and Female Reproductive Systems. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004928. [PMID: 27518281 PMCID: PMC4982595 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis, one of the world's greatest human neglected tropical diseases, is caused by parasitic trematodes of the genus Schistosoma. A unique feature of schistosome biology is that the induction of sexual maturation as well as the maintenance of the differentiation status of female reproductive organs and egg production, necessary for both disease transmission and pathogenesis, are strictly dependent on the male. The treatment and most control initiatives of schistosomiasis rely today on the long-term application of a single drug, praziquantel (PZQ), mostly by campaigns of mass drug administration. PZQ, while very active on adult parasites, has much lower activity against juvenile worms. Monotherapy also favors the selection of drug resistance and, therefore, new drugs are urgently needed. METHODS AND FINDINGS Following the screening of a small compound library with an ATP-based luminescent assay on Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula, we here report the identification and characterization of novel antischistosomal properties of the anti-anginal drug perhexiline maleate (PHX). By phenotypic worm survival assays and confocal microscopy studies we show that PHX, in vitro, has a marked lethal effect on all S. mansoni parasite life stages (newly transformed schistosomula, juvenile and adult worms) of the definitive host. We further demonstrate that sub-lethal doses of PHX significantly impair egg production and lipid depletion within the vitellarium of adult female worms. Moreover, we highlighted tegumental damage in adult male worms and remarkable reproductive system alterations in both female and male adult parasites. The in vivo study in S. mansoni-patent mice showed a notable variability of worm burdens in the individual experiments, with an overall minimal schistosomicidal effect upon PHX treatment. The short PHX half-life in mice, together with its very high rodent plasma proteins binding could be the cause of the modest efficacy of PHX in the schistosomiasis murine model. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Overall, our data indicate that PHX could represent a promising starting point for novel schistosomicidal drug discovery programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Guidi
- National Research Council, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso Monterotondo, Roma, Italy
| | - Cristiana Lalli
- National Research Council, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso Monterotondo, Roma, Italy
| | - Emerald Perlas
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Mouse Biology Unit, Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Giulia Bolasco
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Mouse Biology Unit, Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Martina Nibbio
- IRBM Science Park, Department of Preclinical Research, Pomezia, Italy
| | - Edith Monteagudo
- IRBM Science Park, Department of Preclinical Research, Pomezia, Italy
| | | | - Giovina Ruberti
- National Research Council, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso Monterotondo, Roma, Italy
- * E-mail:
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28
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Lu Z, Sessler F, Holroyd N, Hahnel S, Quack T, Berriman M, Grevelding CG. Schistosome sex matters: a deep view into gonad-specific and pairing-dependent transcriptomes reveals a complex gender interplay. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31150. [PMID: 27499125 PMCID: PMC4976352 DOI: 10.1038/srep31150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
As a key event for maintaining life cycles, reproduction is a central part of platyhelminth biology. In case of parasitic platyhelminths, reproductive processes can also contribute to pathology. One representative example is the trematode Schistosoma, which causes schistosomiasis, an infectious disease, whose pathology is associated with egg production. Among the outstanding features of schistosomes is their dioecious lifestyle and the pairing-dependent differentiation of the female gonads which finally leads to egg synthesis. To analyze the reproductive biology of Schistosoma mansoni in-depth we isolated complete ovaries and testes from paired and unpaired schistosomes for comparative RNA-seq analyses. Of >7,000 transcripts found in the gonads, 243 (testes) and 3,600 (ovaries) occurred pairing-dependently. Besides the detection of genes transcribed preferentially or specifically in the gonads of both genders, we uncovered pairing-induced processes within the gonads including stem cell-associated and neural functions. Comparisons to work on neuropeptidergic signaling in planarian showed interesting parallels but also remarkable differences and highlights the importance of the nervous system for flatworm gonad differentiation. Finally, we postulated first functional hints for 235 hypothetical genes. Together, these results elucidate key aspects of flatworm reproductive biology and will be relevant for basic as well as applied, exploitable research aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhigang Lu
- BFS, Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Florian Sessler
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Nancy Holroyd
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Steffen Hahnel
- BFS, Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Thomas Quack
- BFS, Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Matthew Berriman
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
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29
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Zhu L, Zhao J, Wang J, Hu C, Peng J, Luo R, Zhou C, Liu J, Lin J, Jin Y, Davis RE, Cheng G. MicroRNAs Are Involved in the Regulation of Ovary Development in the Pathogenic Blood Fluke Schistosoma japonicum. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1005423. [PMID: 26871705 PMCID: PMC4752461 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomes, blood flukes, are an important global public health concern. Paired adult female schistosomes produce large numbers of eggs that are primarily responsible for the disease pathology and critical for dissemination. Consequently, understanding schistosome sexual maturation and egg production may open novel perspectives for intervening with these processes to prevent clinical symptoms and to interrupt the life-cycle of these blood-flukes. microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of many biological processes including development, cell proliferation, metabolism, and signal transduction. Here, we report on the identification of Schistosoma japonicum miRNAs using small RNA deep sequencing in the key stages of male-female pairing, gametogenesis, and egg production. We identified 38 miRNAs, including 10 previously unknown miRNAs. Eighteen of the miRNAs were differentially expressed between male and female schistosomes and during different stages of sexual maturation. We identified 30 potential target genes for 16 of the S. japonicum miRNAs using antibody-based pull-down assays and bioinformatic analyses. We further validated some of these target genes using either in vitro luciferase assays or in vivo miRNA suppression experiments. Notably, suppression of the female enriched miRNAs bantam and miR-31 led to morphological alteration of ovaries in female schistosomes. These findings uncover key roles for specific miRNAs in schistosome sexual maturation and egg production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Zhu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangping Zhao
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Jianbin Wang
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Chao Hu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Jinbiao Peng
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Luo
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Chunjing Zhou
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Juntao Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaojiao Lin
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Youxin Jin
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Richard E. Davis
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Guofeng Cheng
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
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30
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Pearce EJ, Huang SCC. The metabolic control of schistosome egg production. Cell Microbiol 2015; 17:796-801. [PMID: 25850569 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Revised: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by infection with trematode parasites of the genus Schistosoma. Despite ongoing treatment programmes, the prevalence of schistosomiasis has failed to decline and the disease remains a cause of severe morbidity in millions of people. Understanding the biology of egg production by schistosomes is critical since eggs allow transmission of the infection, and when trapped in host tissues induce the immune responses that are responsible for the pathologic changes that underlie disease development. Unusually among trematodes, adult schistosomes exhibit sexual dimorphism and display a fascinating codependency in that the female is dependent on the male to grow and sexually mature. Thus, virgin females are developmentally stunted compared with females from mixed-sex infections and are unable to lay eggs. Moreover, fecund female schistosomes rapidly lose the ability to produce eggs when placed in tissue culture. Here we discuss the metabolic regulation of egg production in schistosomes, and in particular the critical role played by fatty acid oxidation in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward J Pearce
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110-1093, USA
| | - Stanley Ching-Cheng Huang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110-1093, USA
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Diao Y, Hua M, Shao Y, Huang W, Liu M, Ren C, Ji Y, Chen J, Shen J. Preliminary characterization and expression of Vasa-like gene in Schistosoma japonicum. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:2679-87. [PMID: 25899325 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4473-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The Vasa gene is a vital germline marker to study the origin and development of germ cells and gonads in many organisms. Until now, little information was available about the characteristics of the Vasa gene in Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum). In this study, we cloned the open reading frame (ORF) of the S. japonicum Vasa-like gene (Sj-Vasa). The expression pattern and tissue localization of Sj-Vasa were also analyzed. Our results showed that Sj-Vasa shared the general feature of DEAD-box family member proteins. Sj-Vasa was transcribed and expressed throughout the S. japonicum life cycle with transcription exhibiting high levels at day 24 in both male and female worms, and the expression level in the female was always higher than that in the male. Sj-Vasa protein was localized in a variety of tissues of adult schistosomes, including the gonads (ovary, vitellarium, and testes), the subtegument, and some cells of the parenchyma. To our knowledge, this is the first report of preliminary characterization and expression of the Vasa-like gene that may play an important role in the development of the worm, especially in reproductive organs of S. japonicum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Diao
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Medical University, 81# Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People's Republic of China
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Repurposing apoptosis-inducing cancer drugs to treat schistosomiasis. Future Med Chem 2015; 7:707-11. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc.14.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Yepes E, Varela-M RE, López-Abán J, Dakir ELH, Mollinedo F, Muro A. In vitro and in vivo anti-schistosomal activity of the alkylphospholipid analog edelfosine. PLoS One 2014; 9:e109431. [PMID: 25302497 PMCID: PMC4193788 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by trematodes of the genus Schistosoma. Five species of Schistosoma are known to infect humans, out of which S. haematobium is the most prevalent, causing the chronic parasitic disease schistosomiasis that still represents a major problem of public health in many regions of the world and especially in tropical areas, leading to serious manifestations and mortality in developing countries. Since the 1970s, praziquantel (PZQ) is the drug of choice for the treatment of schistosomiasis, but concerns about relying on a single drug to treat millions of people, and the potential appearance of drug resistance, make identification of alternative schistosomiasis chemotherapies a high priority. Alkylphospholipid analogs (APLs), together with their prototypic molecule edelfosine (EDLF), are a family of synthetic antineoplastic compounds that show additional pharmacological actions, including antiparasitic activities against several protozoan parasites. Methodology/Principal Findings We found APLs ranked edelfosine> perifosine> erucylphosphocholine> miltefosine for their in vitro schistosomicidal activity against adult S. mansoni worms. Edelfosine accumulated mainly in the worm tegument, and led to tegumental alterations, membrane permeabilization, motility impairment, blockade of male-female pairing as well as induction of apoptosis-like processes in cells in the close vicinity to the tegument. Edelfosine oral treatment also showed in vivo schistosomicidal activity and decreased significantly the egg burden in the liver, a key event in schistosomiasis. Conclusions/Significance Our data show that edelfosine is the most potent APL in killing S. mansoni adult worms in vitro. Edelfosine schistosomicidal activity seems to depend on its action on the tegumental structure, leading to tegumental damage, membrane permeabilization and apoptosis-like cell death. Oral administration of edelfosine diminished worm and egg burdens in S. mansoni-infected CD1 mice. Here we report that edelfosine showed promising antischistosomal properties in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Yepes
- IBSAL-CIETUS (Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca-Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rubén E. Varela-M
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Julio López-Abán
- IBSAL-CIETUS (Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca-Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - E. L. Habib Dakir
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Faustino Mollinedo
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Antonio Muro
- IBSAL-CIETUS (Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca-Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Morel M, Vanderstraete M, Hahnel S, Grevelding CG, Dissous C. Receptor tyrosine kinases and schistosome reproduction: new targets for chemotherapy. Front Genet 2014; 5:238. [PMID: 25101117 PMCID: PMC4102852 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosome parasites still represent a serious public health concern and a major economic problem in developing countries. Pathology of schistosomiasis is mainly due to massive egg production by these parasites and to inflammatory responses raised against the eggs which are trapped in host tissues. Tyrosine kinases (TKs) are key molecules that control cell differentiation and proliferation and they already represent important targets in cancer therapy. During recent years, it has been shown that receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) signaling was active in reproductive organs and that it could regulate sexual maturation of schistosomes and egg production. This opens interesting perspectives for the control of transmission and pathogenesis of schistosomiasis based on new therapies targeting schistosome RTKs. This review relates the numerous data showing the major roles of kinase signaling in schistosome reproduction. It describes the conserved and particular features of schistosome RTKs, their implication in gametogenesis and reproduction processes and summarizes recent works indicating that RTKs and their signaling partners are interesting chemotherapeutical targets in new programs of control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Morel
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, INSERM U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, Institut Pasteur de Lille, University Lille Nord de France Lille Cedex, France
| | - Mathieu Vanderstraete
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, INSERM U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, Institut Pasteur de Lille, University Lille Nord de France Lille Cedex, France
| | - Steffen Hahnel
- Biomedical Centre for Research Seltersberg, Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen Giessen, Germany
| | - Christoph G Grevelding
- Biomedical Centre for Research Seltersberg, Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen Giessen, Germany
| | - Colette Dissous
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, INSERM U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, Institut Pasteur de Lille, University Lille Nord de France Lille Cedex, France
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Carneiro VC, de Abreu da Silva IC, Torres EJL, Caby S, Lancelot J, Vanderstraete M, Furdas SD, Jung M, Pierce RJ, Fantappié MR. Epigenetic changes modulate schistosome egg formation and are a novel target for reducing transmission of schistosomiasis. PLoS Pathog 2014; 10:e1004116. [PMID: 24809504 PMCID: PMC4014452 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 03/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment and control of schistosomiasis relies on the only available drug, praziquantel, and the search for alternative chemotherapeutic agents is therefore urgent. Egg production is required for the transmission and immunopathology of schistosomiasis and females of S. mansoni lay 300 eggs daily. A large fraction of the total mRNA in the mature female worm encodes one eggshell protein, Smp14. We report that the nuclear receptors SmRXR1 and SmNR1 regulate Smp14 transcription through the recruitment of two histone acetyltransferases (HATs), SmGCN5 and SmCBP1. The treatment of HEK293 cells with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors (NaB or TSA) produced an 8-fold activation of the SmRXR1/SmNR1-mediated Smp14 promoter activity. Incubation with synthetic HAT inhibitors, including PU139, significantly impaired the Smp14 promoter activity in these cells. Worm pairs cultivated in the presence of PU139 exhibited limited expression of Smp14 mRNA and protein. ChIP analysis demonstrated chromatin condensation at the Smp14 promoter site in worms treated with PU139. ChIP also revealed the presence of H3K27me3 and the absence of RNA Pol II at the Smp14 promoter region in the PU139-treated worms. Most significantly, the PU139-mediated inhibition of Smp14 expression resulted in a significant number of abnormal eggs as well as defective eggs within the ootype. In addition, scanning electron microscopy revealed structural defects and unformed eggshells, and vitelline cell leakage was apparent. The dsRNAi-targeting of SmGCN5 or SmCBP1 significantly decreased Smp14 transcription and protein synthesis, which compromised the reproductive system of mature female worms, egg-laying and egg morphology. Our data strongly suggest that the inhibition of Smp14 expression targeting SmGCN5 and/or SmCBP1 represents a novel and effective strategy to control S. mansoni egg development. Schistosoma mansoni is a parasitic worm that causes schistosomiasis, a debilitating disease in Africa and South America. Female worms mated with males produce hundreds of eggs that can reach the environment to propagate the biological cycle, or become trapped in host tissues, triggering inflammation and pathology. Because eggshell formation is a key step in egg development and viability, we have studied the molecular mechanisms of S. mansoni eggshell development, focusing on a major eggshell gene, Smp14. Using a variety of technical and biological approaches, we obtained strong evidence that eggshell formation depends on nuclear receptors and coactivators with chromatin modifying activities, mainly histone acetylation. Inhibition or partial deletion of S. mansoni histone acetyltransferases impaired the expression of Smp14, culminating in a severe negative effect on eggshell formation. Our findings will contribute not only to a better understanding of sex and tissue-specific gene regulation in S. mansoni but also provide an alternative strategy for interfering with the egg production, which might be targeted in novel therapeutics directed against this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitor Coutinho Carneiro
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Isabel Caetano de Abreu da Silva
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | | | - Stephany Caby
- CIIL, INSERM U1019 – CNRS UMR 8204, Université Lille Nord de France, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Julien Lancelot
- CIIL, INSERM U1019 – CNRS UMR 8204, Université Lille Nord de France, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Mathieu Vanderstraete
- CIIL, INSERM U1019 – CNRS UMR 8204, Université Lille Nord de France, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Silviya D. Furdas
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Manfred Jung
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Raymond J. Pierce
- CIIL, INSERM U1019 – CNRS UMR 8204, Université Lille Nord de France, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
- * E-mail: (RJP); (MRF)
| | - Marcelo Rosado Fantappié
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
- * E-mail: (RJP); (MRF)
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Phenotypic plasticity of male Schistosoma mansoni from the peritoneal cavity and hepatic portal system of laboratory mice and hamsters. J Helminthol 2014; 89:294-301. [PMID: 24572281 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x14000066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Morphometric analysis of Schistosoma mansoni male worms obtained from AKR/J and Swiss mice was carried out. Rodents infected by the intraperitoneal route with 80 cercariae of the schistosome (LE strain) were killed by cervical dislocation at 45 and 60 days post-infection and both peritoneal lavage and perfusion of the portal system were performed for the recovery of adult worms. Characteristics including total body length, the distance between oral and ventral suckers, extension of testicular mass and the number of testes were considered in the morphological analysis. Changes that occurred in S. mansoni recovered from the peritoneal cavity or from the portal system of AKR/J and Swiss mice included total body length and reproductive characteristics. Significant morphometric alterations were also observed when worms recovered from the portal system of both strains of mice were compared with the schistosomes obtained from hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus), the vertebrate host in which the LE strain had been adapted and maintained by successive passages for more than four decades. The present results reinforce the idea that S. mansoni has high plastic potential and adaptive capacity.
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Apoptosis in schistosomes: toward novel targets for the treatment of schistosomiasis. Trends Parasitol 2014; 30:75-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2013.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Revised: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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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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Buro C, Oliveira KC, Lu Z, Leutner S, Beckmann S, Dissous C, Cailliau K, Verjovski-Almeida S, Grevelding CG. Transcriptome analyses of inhibitor-treated schistosome females provide evidence for cooperating Src-kinase and TGFβ receptor pathways controlling mitosis and eggshell formation. PLoS Pathog 2013; 9:e1003448. [PMID: 23785292 PMCID: PMC3681755 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosome parasites cause schistosomiasis, one of the most prevalent parasitemias worldwide affecting humans and animals. Constant pairing of schistosomes is essential for female sexual maturation and egg production, which causes pathogenesis. Female maturation involves signaling pathways controlling mitosis and differentiation within the gonads. In vitro studies had shown before that a Src-specific inhibitor, Herbimycin A (Herb A), and a TGFβ receptor (TβR) inhibitor (TRIKI) have physiological effects such as suppressed mitoses and egg production in paired females. As one Herb A target, the gonad-specifically expressed Src kinase SmTK3 was identified. Here, we comparatively analyzed the transcriptome profiles of Herb A- and TRIKI-treated females identifying transcriptional targets of Src-kinase and TβRI pathways. After demonstrating that TRIKI inhibits the schistosome TGFβreceptor SmTβRI by kinase assays in Xenopus oocytes, couples were treated with Herb A, TRIKI, or both inhibitors simultaneously in vitro. RNA was isolated from females for microarray hybridizations and transcription analyses. The obtained data were evaluated by Gene Ontology (GO) and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), but also by manual classification and intersection analyses. Finally, extensive qPCR experiments were done to verify differential transcription of candidate genes under inhibitor influence but also to functionally reinforce specific physiological effects. A number of genes found to be differentially regulated are associated with mitosis and differentiation. Among these were calcium-associated genes and eggshell-forming genes. In situ hybridization confirmed transcription of genes coding for the calcium sensor hippocalcin, the calcium transporter ORAI-1, and the calcium-binding protein calmodulin-4 in the reproductive system pointing to a role of calcium in parasite reproduction. Functional qPCR results confirmed an inhibitor-influenced, varying dependence of the transcriptional activities of Smp14, Smp48, fs800, a predicted eggshell precursor protein and SmTYR1. The results show that eggshell-formation is regulated by at least two pathways cooperatively operating in a balanced manner to control egg production. As one of the most prevalent parasitic infections worldwide, schistosomiasis is caused by blood-flukes of the genus Schistosoma. Pathology coincides with egg production, which is started upon pairing of the dioeciously living adults. A constant pairing contact is required to induce mitoses and differentiation processes in the female leading to the development of the gonads. Although long known, the molecular processes controlling gonad development or egg-production in schistosomes or other platyhelminths are largely unknown. Using an established in vitro-culture system and specific, chemical inhibitors we have obtained first evidence in previous studies for the participation of signal transduction processes playing essential roles in controlling mitoses, differentiation and egg production. In the present study we applied combinatory inhibitor treatments combined with subsequent microarray and qPCR analyses and demonstrate for the first time that cooperating Src-Kinase- und TGFβ-signaling pathways control mitoses and egg formation processes. Besides direct evidence for managing transcription of eggshell-forming genes, new target molecules of these pathways were identified. Among these are calcium-associated genes providing a first hint towards a role of this ion for reproduction. Our finding shed first light on the signaling mechanisms controlling egg formation, which is important for life-cycling and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin Buro
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Katia C. Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Zhigang Lu
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Silke Leutner
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Svenja Beckmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Colette Dissous
- CIIL - Center of Infection and Immunity of Lille, Université Lille Nord de France, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Katia Cailliau
- Laboratoire de Régulation des Signaux de Division, Université Lille 1 Sciences et Technology, EA 4479, IFR 147, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
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Han H, Peng J, Gobert GN, Hong Y, Zhang M, Han Y, Fu Z, Shi Y, Xu J, Lin J, Tao J. Apoptosis phenomenon in the schistosomulum and adult worm life cycle stages of Schistosoma japonicum. Parasitol Int 2013; 62:100-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2012.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2012] [Revised: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 09/19/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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de Saram PSR, Ressurreição M, Davies AJ, Rollinson D, Emery AM, Walker AJ. Functional mapping of protein kinase A reveals its importance in adult Schistosoma mansoni motor activity. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e1988. [PMID: 23326613 PMCID: PMC3542114 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2012] [Accepted: 11/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase/protein kinase A (PKA) is the major transducer of cAMP signalling in eukaryotic cells. Here, using laser scanning confocal microscopy and 'smart' anti-phospho PKA antibodies that exclusively detect activated PKA, we provide a detailed in situ analysis of PKA signalling in intact adult Schistosoma mansoni, a causative agent of debilitating human intestinal schistosomiasis. In both adult male and female worms, activated PKA was consistently found associated with the tegument, oral and ventral suckers, oesophagus and somatic musculature. In addition, the seminal vesicle and gynaecophoric canal muscles of the male displayed activated PKA whereas in female worms activated PKA localized to the ootype wall, the ovary, and the uterus particularly around eggs during expulsion. Exposure of live worms to the PKA activator forskolin (50 µM) resulted in striking PKA activation in the central and peripheral nervous system including at nerve endings at/near the tegument surface. Such neuronal PKA activation was also observed without forskolin treatment, but only in a single batch of worms. In addition, PKA activation within the central and peripheral nervous systems visibly increased within 15 min of worm-pair separation when compared to that observed in closely coupled worm pairs. Finally, exposure of adult worms to forskolin induced hyperkinesias in a time and dose dependent manner with 100 µM forskolin significantly increasing the frequency of gross worm movements to 5.3 times that of control worms (P≤0.001). Collectively these data are consistent with PKA playing a central part in motor activity and neuronal communication, and possibly interplay between these two systems in S. mansoni. This study, the first to localize a protein kinase when exclusively in an activated state in adult S. mansoni, provides valuable insight into the intricacies of functional protein kinase signalling in the context of whole schistosome physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulu S. R. de Saram
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
| | - Margarida Ressurreição
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Zoology Department, The Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Angela J. Davies
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
| | - David Rollinson
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Zoology Department, The Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aidan M. Emery
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Zoology Department, The Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony J. Walker
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Cogswell AA, Kommer VP, Williams DL. Transcriptional analysis of a unique set of genes involved in Schistosoma mansoni female reproductive biology. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1907. [PMID: 23166854 PMCID: PMC3499410 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 10/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis affects more than 200 million people globally. The pathology of schistosome infections is due to chronic tissue inflammation and damage from immune generated granulomas surrounding parasite eggs trapped in host tissues. Schistosoma species are unique among trematode parasites because they are dioecious; females require paring with male parasites in order to attain reproductive maturity and produce viable eggs. Ex vivo cultured females lose the ability to produce viable eggs due to an involution of the vitellarium and loss of mature oocytes. In order to better understand schistosome reproductive biology we used data generated by serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) to identify uncharacterized genes which have different transcript abundance in mature females, those that have been paired with males, and immature females obtained from unisexual infections. To characterize these genes we used bioinformatics, transcript localization, and transcriptional analysis during the regression of in vitro cultured females. Genes transcribed exclusively in mature females localize primarily in the vitellocytes and/or the ovary. Genes transcribed exclusively in females from single sex infections localize to vitellocytes and subtegumental cells. As female reproductive tissues regress, eggshell precursor proteins and genes involved in eggshell synthesis largely have decreased transcript abundance. However, some genes with elevated transcript abundance in mature adults have increased gene expression following regression indicating that the genes in this study function both in eggshell biology as well as vitellogenesis and maintenance of female reproductive tissues. In addition, we found that genes enriched in females from single sex infections have increased expression during regression in ex vivo females. By using these transcriptional analyses we can direct research to examine the areas of female biology that are both relevant to understanding the overall process of female development and worm pairing while determining novel therapeutic approaches directed at the maturation of female schistosomes. Schistosomiasis is a chronic, debilitating disease that affects over 200 million people globally. The pathology associated with schistosomiasis is caused by host immune responses to parasite eggs. Therefore, it is imperative to identify pathways responsible for controlling worm reproductive biology. Schistosome females must be in constant contact with male parasites in order to achieve reproductive maturity. The process of pairing and reproductive maturation in female worms is poorly understood, in part, because it does not occur outside of the host. In addition, when female schistosomes are removed from their mammalian host they regress to an immature state. In this study our goal was to characterize a unique set of genes in Schistosoma mansoni whose transcript abundance differs in mature and immature female worms. We found that the genes with higher transcript abundance in sexually mature female worms were expressed in female reproductive tissues, while those transcripts enriched in sexually immature worms were present in sub-surface somatic cells. Transcript abundance of the selected genes changed dramatically when females were removed from their host. These findings inform new approaches to study female worm biology and will provide insights into the processes of worm pairing and reproductive maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David L. Williams
- Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Huang SCC, Freitas TC, Amiel E, Everts B, Pearce EL, Lok JB, Pearce EJ. Fatty acid oxidation is essential for egg production by the parasitic flatworm Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Pathog 2012; 8:e1002996. [PMID: 23133378 PMCID: PMC3486914 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomes, parasitic flatworms that cause the neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis, have been considered to have an entirely carbohydrate based metabolism, with glycolysis playing a dominant role in the adult parasites. However, we have discovered a close link between mitochondrial oxygen consumption by female schistosomes and their ability to produce eggs. We show that oxygen consumption rates (OCR) and egg production are significantly diminished by pharmacologic inhibition of carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (CPT1), which catalyzes a rate limiting step in fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) and by genetic loss of function of acyl CoA synthetase, which complexes with CPT1 and activates long chain FA for use in FAO, and of acyl CoA dehydrogenase, which catalyzes the first step in FAO within mitochondria. Declines in OCR and egg production correlate with changes in a network of lipid droplets within cells in a specialized reproductive organ, the vitellarium. Our data point to the importance of regulated lipid stores and FAO for the compartmentalized process of egg production in schistosomes. Schistosomes are parasitic worms that are the cause of the Neglected Tropical Disease schistosomiasis. Female schistosomes mated with males produce eggs, which either pass out of the host's body for transmission of the infection, or become trapped in host tissues, where they induce inflammation that contributes to disease symptoms. It has been assumed that egg production is a bioenergetically-demanding process fuelled by glucose metabolism. However, we have discovered that egg production is blocked by inhibition of fatty acid oxidation (FAO), the process through which FA are utilized within mitochondria to fuel the tricarboxylic acid cycle and thereby produce substrates for ATP synthesis through oxidative phosphorylation. Consistent with a role for FAO in egg production, fecund females have extensive fat stores, in the form of lipid droplets, whereas virgin adult females have little or no fat reserves. Moreover, fecund females placed into tissue culture exhaust their fat reserves and cease to be able to produce eggs. Since schistosomes cannot produce their own FA, our data point to the acquisition of FA from the host as a key process necessary for egg production. Our findings point to the importance of regulated lipid stores and FAO for egg production by schistosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Ching-Cheng Huang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Trudeau Institute, Saranac Lake, New York, United States of America
| | - Tori C. Freitas
- Trudeau Institute, Saranac Lake, New York, United States of America
| | - Eyal Amiel
- Trudeau Institute, Saranac Lake, New York, United States of America
| | - Bart Everts
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Trudeau Institute, Saranac Lake, New York, United States of America
| | - Erika L. Pearce
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Trudeau Institute, Saranac Lake, New York, United States of America
| | - James B. Lok
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Edward J. Pearce
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Trudeau Institute, Saranac Lake, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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