1
|
Fernando DD, Mounsey KE, Bernigaud C, Surve N, Estrada Chávez GE, Hay RJ, Currie BJ, Chosidow O, Fischer K. Scabies. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2024; 10:74. [PMID: 39362885 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-024-00552-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
Scabies is one of the most common and highest-burden skin diseases globally. Estimates suggest that >200 million people worldwide have scabies at any one time, with an annual prevalence of 455 million people, with children in impoverished and overcrowded settings being the most affected. Scabies infection is highly contagious and leads to considerable morbidity. Secondary bacterial infections are common and can cause severe health complications, including sepsis or necrotizing soft-tissue infection, renal damage and rheumatic heart disease. There is no vaccine or preventive treatment against scabies and, for the past 30 years, only few broad-spectrum antiparasitic drugs (mainly topical permethrin and oral ivermectin) have been widely available. Treatment failure is common because drugs have short half-lives and do not kill all developmental stages of the scabies parasite. At least two consecutive treatments are needed, which is difficult to achieve in resource-poor and itinerant populations. Another key issue is the lack of a practical, rapid, cheap and accurate diagnostic tool for the timely detection of scabies, which could prevent the cycle of exacerbation and disease persistence in communities. Scabies control will require a multifaceted approach, aided by improved diagnostics and surveillance, new treatments, and increased public awareness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepani D Fernando
- Scabies Laboratory, Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kate E Mounsey
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Charlotte Bernigaud
- Research Group Dynamic, EA7380, Faculté de Santé de Créteil, USC ANSES, Université Paris-Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Nuzhat Surve
- Department of Microbiology, Seth G S Medical College and KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Guadalupe E Estrada Chávez
- State Institute of Cancer "Dr. Arturo Beltrán Ortega", Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Community Dermatology Mexico, Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico
| | - Roderick J Hay
- St Johns Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Bart J Currie
- Global and Tropical Health, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University and Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Olivier Chosidow
- Hôpital Universitaire La Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Katja Fischer
- Scabies Laboratory, Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Herman RA, Ayepa E, Zhang WX, Li ZN, Zhu X, Ackah M, Yuan SS, You S, Wang J. Molecular modification and biotechnological applications of microbial aspartic proteases. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2024; 44:388-413. [PMID: 36842994 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2023.2171850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
The growing preference for incorporating microbial aspartic proteases in industries is due to their high catalytic function and high degree of substrate selectivity. These properties, however, are attributable to molecular alterations in their structure and a variety of other characteristics. Molecular tools, functional genomics, and genome editing technologies coupled with other biotechnological approaches have aided in improving the potential of industrially important microbial proteases by addressing some of their major limitations, such as: low catalytic efficiency, low conversion rates, low thermostability, and less enzyme yield. However, the native folding within their full domain is dependent on a surrounding structure which challenges their functionality in substrate conversion, mainly due to their mutual interactions in the context of complex systems. Hence, manipulating their structure and controlling their expression systems could potentially produce enzymes with high selectivity and catalytic functions. The proteins produced by microbial aspartic proteases are industrially capable and far-reaching in regulating certain harmful distinctive industrial processes and the benefits of being eco-friendly. This review provides: an update on current trends and gaps in microbial protease biotechnology, exploring the relevant recombinant strategies and molecular technologies widely used in expression platforms for engineering microbial aspartic proteases, as well as their potential industrial and biotechnological applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ansah Herman
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, P.R. China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, P. R. China
| | - Ellen Ayepa
- Oil Palm Research Institute, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Kusi, Ghana
| | - Wen-Xin Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, P.R. China
| | - Zong-Nan Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, P.R. China
| | - Xuan Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, P.R. China
| | - Michael Ackah
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, P.R. China
| | - Shuang-Shuang Yuan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, P.R. China
| | - Shuai You
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, P.R. China
| | - Jun Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Xu Y, Ma L, Liu S, Liang Y, Liu Q, He Z, Tian L, Duan Y, Cai W, Li H, Song F. Chromosome-level genome of the poultry shaft louse Menopon gallinae provides insight into the host-switching and adaptive evolution of parasitic lice. Gigascience 2024; 13:giae004. [PMID: 38372702 PMCID: PMC10904027 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giae004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lice (Psocodea: Phthiraptera) are one important group of parasites that infects birds and mammals. It is believed that the ancestor of parasitic lice originated on the ancient avian host, and ancient mammals acquired these parasites via host-switching from birds. Here we present the first chromosome-level genome of Menopon gallinae in Amblycera (earliest diverging lineage of parasitic lice). We explore the transition of louse host-switching from birds to mammals at the genomic level by identifying numerous idiosyncratic genomic variations. RESULTS The assembled genome is 155 Mb in length, with a contig N50 of 27.42 Mb. Hi-C scaffolding assigned 97% of the bases to 5 chromosomes. The genome of M. gallinae retains a basal insect repertoire of 11,950 protein-coding genes. By comparing the genomes of lice to those of multiple representative insects in other orders, we discovered that gene families of digestion, detoxification, and immunity-related are generally conserved between bird lice and mammal lice, while mammal lice have undergone a significant reduction in genes related to chemosensory systems and temperature. This suggests that mammal lice have lost some of these genes through the adaption to environment and temperatures after host-switching. Furthermore, 7 genes related to hematophagy were positively selected in mammal lice, suggesting their involvement in the hematophagous behavior. CONCLUSIONS Our high-quality genome of M. gallinae provides a valuable resource for comparative genomic research in Phthiraptera and facilitates further studies on adaptive evolution of host-switching within parasitic lice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Xu
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ling Ma
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shanlin Liu
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yanxin Liang
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Liu
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhixin He
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Li Tian
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yuange Duan
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wanzhi Cai
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Hu Li
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Fan Song
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hu L, Guan C, Zhao Y, Zhang W, Chai R, Teng J, Tian Q, Xun M, Wu F. Cloning, sequencing, expression, and purification of aspartic proteases isolated from two human Demodex species. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127404. [PMID: 37848116 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Aspartic proteases (ASPs) are important hydrolases for parasitic invasion of host tissues or cells. This was the first study on Demodex ASP. First, the complete coding sequence (CDS) was amplified, cloned and sequenced. Then, the protein physical and chemical properties was analysed. Finally, the recombinant plasmid, expression and purification system was established. Results showed that the lengths of CDS of Demodex folliculorum and D. brevis were 1161 and 1173 bp, respectively. The molecular weight of the protein was approximately 40 KDa. It contained an aspartic acid residue, a substrate-binding site and signal peptide, yet lacked a transmembrane domain and was located in the membrane or extracellular matrix. The phylogenetic and conserved motif analyses showed that D. folliculorum and D. brevis clustered separately and then formed a single branch, which finally clustered with other Acariformes species. The prokaryotic expression systems for recombinant ASP with His-tag (rASP-His) and GST-tag (rASP-GST) were constructed. The inclusion bodies of rASP-His were renaturated by gradient urea and purified using NI beads, while those of rASP-GST were renaturated by sarkosyl and Triton X-100 and purified using GST beads. Conclusively, the prokaryotic expression and purification system of Demodex rASP was successfully established for further pathogenic mechanism research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Hu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Chenglin Guan
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Yae Zhao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China.
| | - Wanyu Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Rong Chai
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Juan Teng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China; Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Qiong Tian
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Meng Xun
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Feng Wu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Khan A, Taj S, Malak N, Swelum AA, Khan A, Nasreen N, Niaz S, Wu WF. Integrating In Vitro and In Silico Approaches to Assess Monotheca buxifolia Plant Extract against Rhipicephalus ( Boophilus) microplus and Sarcoptes scabiei. Molecules 2023; 28:6930. [PMID: 37836773 PMCID: PMC10574717 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28196930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick and mite infestations pose significant challenges to animal health, agriculture, and public health worldwide. The search for effective and environmentally friendly acaricidal agents has led researchers to explore natural alternatives. In this study, we investigated the acaricidal potential of the Monotheca buxifolia plant extract against Rhipicephalus microplus ticks and Sarcoptes scabiei mites. Additionally, we employed a computational approach to identify phytochemicals from the extract that could serve as drug candidates against these ectoparasites. The contact bioassay results demonstrated that the M. buxifolia plant extract exhibited significant efficacy against R. microplus and S. scabiei, with higher concentrations outperforming the positive control acaricide permethrin in terms of mite mortality. Time exposure to the extract also showed a positive correlation with better lethal concentration (LC50 and LC90) values. Similarly, the adult immersion test revealed a notable inhibition of tick oviposition via the plant extract, especially at higher concentrations. The two-protein primary structure, secondary structure and stability were predicted using the Expasy's ProtParam server, SOPMA and SUSUI server, respectively. Using Homology modeling, the 3D structure of the protein was obtained and validated through the ERRAT server, and active sites were determined through the CASTp server. The docking analysis revealed that Alpha-Amyrenyl acetate and alpha-Tocopherol exhibited the highest docking scores for S. scabiei and R. microplus aspartic protease proteins, respectively. These phytochemicals demonstrated strong binding interactions, suggesting their potential as acaricidal drug candidates. In conclusion, the M. buxifolia plant extract displayed significant acaricidal activity against R. microplus and S. scabiei. Moreover, the computational approach identified promising phytochemicals that could serve as potential drug candidates for controlling these ectoparasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Afshan Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan; (A.K.); (S.T.); (N.M.); (N.N.); (S.N.)
| | - Salman Taj
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan; (A.K.); (S.T.); (N.M.); (N.N.); (S.N.)
| | - Nosheen Malak
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan; (A.K.); (S.T.); (N.M.); (N.N.); (S.N.)
| | - Ayman A. Swelum
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Adil Khan
- Department of Biology, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB E4L 1G7, Canada
- Department of Botany & Zoology, Bacha Khan University Charsadda, Charsadda 24420, Pakistan
| | - Nasreen Nasreen
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan; (A.K.); (S.T.); (N.M.); (N.N.); (S.N.)
| | - Sadaf Niaz
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan; (A.K.); (S.T.); (N.M.); (N.N.); (S.N.)
| | - Wen-Feng Wu
- Department of Radiology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi 60002, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Khan A, Sohaib M, Ullah R, Hussain I, Niaz S, Malak N, de la Fuente J, Khan A, Aguilar-Marcelino L, Alanazi AD, Ben Said M. Structure-based in silico design and in vitro acaricidal activity assessment of Acacia nilotica and Psidium guajava extracts against Sarcoptes scabiei var. cuniculi. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2901-2915. [PMID: 35972548 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07615-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Infestation by Sarcoptes scabiei var. cuniculi mite causes scabies in humans and mange in animals. Alternative methods for developing environmentally friendly and effective plant-based acaricides are now a priority. The purpose of this research was the in silico design and in vitro evaluation of the efficacy of ethanol extracts of Acacia nilotica and Psidium guajava plant leaves against S. scabiei. Chem-Draw ultra-software (v. 12.0.2.1076.2010) was used to draw 36 distinct compounds from these plants that were employed as ligands in docking tests against S. scabiei Aspartic protease (SsAP). With docking scores of - 6.50993 and - 6.16359, respectively, clionasterol (PubChem CID 457801) and mangiferin (PubChem CID 5281647) from A. nilotica inhibited the targeted protein SsAP, while only beta-sitosterol (PubChem CID 222284) from P. guajava interacted with the SsAP active site with a docking score of - 6.20532. Mortality in contact bioassay at concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/ml was determined to calculate median lethal time (LT50) and median lethal concentration (LC50) values. Acacia nilotica extract had an LC50 value of 0.218 g/ml compared to P. guajava extract, which had an LC50 value of 0.829 g/ml at 6 h. These results suggest that A. nilotica extract is more effective in killing mites, and these plants may have novel acaricidal properties against S. scabiei. Further research should focus on A. nilotica as a potential substitute for clinically available acaricides against resistant mites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Afshan Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Sohaib
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Rooh Ullah
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Imdad Hussain
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Sadaf Niaz
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Nosheen Malak
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain.,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Adil Khan
- Department of Zoology, Bacha Khan University Charsadda, Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
| | - Liliana Aguilar-Marcelino
- National Center for Disciplinary Research in Animal Health and Safety (INIFAP), Km 11 Federal Road Cuernavaca-Cuautla, 62550, Jiutepec, Morelos, México
| | - Abdullah D Alanazi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Shaqra University, 1040 Ad-Dawadimi, 11911, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Department of Basic Sciences, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, 2010, Manouba, Tunisia.,Laboratory of Microbiology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, 2010, Manouba, Tunisia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
He R, Zhang Q, Gu X, Xie Y, Xu J, Peng X, Yang G. Transcriptome Analysis of Otodectes cynotis in Different Developmental Stages. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:687387. [PMID: 35444625 PMCID: PMC9014205 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.687387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mite Otodectes cynotis is distributed worldwide and parasitism the ear canals of cats and dogs, causing otitis externa. Molecular biology of O. cynotis is poorly understood, with only a few genes being deposited in public databases. In the present study, we aimed to perform transcriptome analysis of O. cynotis using SMRT and Illumina sequencing of RNA from different development stages. SMRT-Seq of O. cynotis demonstrated 5,431 final transcripts, including 406 long non-coding RNAs and 2,698 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 1,357 up-regulated genes and 1,341 down-regulated genes between adult mites and nymph/larva. A total of 397 putative allergen genes were detected, 231 of which were DEGs. Among them, 77 were homologous of known mite allergens. The expression level of allergen genes hints at the pathogenicity of mites in different life stages, and the protein interaction network analysis could identify possible key genes in the pathogenic mechanism. Intriguingly, Gene Ontology analysis showed that most of the (DEGs) were associated with the terms hydrolase activity and proteolysis. Kyoto Encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis identified drug metabolism-cytochrome P450 signal pathway as one of the top pathways. SMRT-Seq of the full-length transcriptome of O. cynotis was performed first, and a valuable resource was acquired through the combination analysis with the Illumina sequencing data. The results of our analyses provide new information for further research into Otodectes cynotis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ran He
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaobin Gu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Xie
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuerong Peng
- Department of Chemistry, College of Life and Basic Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guangyou Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kim TK, Tirloni L, Bencosme-Cuevas E, Kim TH, Diedrich JK, Yates JR, Mulenga A. Borrelia burgdorferi infection modifies protein content in saliva of Ixodes scapularis nymphs. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:152. [PMID: 33663385 PMCID: PMC7930271 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07429-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lyme disease (LD) caused by Borrelia burgdorferi is the most prevalent tick-borne disease. There is evidence that vaccines based on tick proteins that promote tick transmission of B. burgdorferi could prevent LD. As Ixodes scapularis nymph tick bites are responsible for most LD cases, this study sought to identify nymph tick saliva proteins associated with B. burgdorferi transmission using LC-MS/MS. Tick saliva was collected using a non-invasive method of stimulating ticks (uninfected and infected: unfed, and every 12 h during feeding through 72 h, and fully-fed) to salivate into 2% pilocarpine-PBS for protein identification using LC-MS/MS. RESULTS We identified a combined 747 tick saliva proteins of uninfected and B. burgdorferi infected ticks that were classified into 25 functional categories: housekeeping-like (48%), unknown function (18%), protease inhibitors (9%), immune-related (6%), proteases (8%), extracellular matrix (7%), and small categories that account for <5% each. Notably, B. burgdorferi infected ticks secreted high number of saliva proteins (n=645) than uninfected ticks (n=376). Counter-intuitively, antimicrobial peptides, which function to block bacterial infection at tick feeding site were suppressed 23-85 folds in B. burgdorferi infected ticks. Similar to glycolysis enzymes being enhanced in mammalian cells exposed to B. burgdorferi : eight of the 10-glycolysis pathway enzymes were secreted at high abundance by B. burgdorferi infected ticks. Of significance, rabbits exposed to B. burgdorferi infected ticks acquired potent immunity that caused 40-60% mortality of B. burgdorferi infected ticks during the second infestation compared to 15-28% for the uninfected. This might be explained by ELISA data that show that high expression levels of immunogenic proteins in B. burgdorferi infected ticks. CONCLUSION Data here suggest that B. burgdorferi infection modified protein content in tick saliva to promote its survival at the tick feeding site. For instance, enzymes; copper/zinc superoxide dismutase that led to production of H2O2 that is toxic to B. burgdorferi were suppressed, while, catalase and thioredoxin that neutralize H2O2, and pyruvate kinase which yields pyruvate that protects Bb from H2O2 killing were enhanced. We conclude data here is an important resource for discovery of effective antigens for a vaccine to prevent LD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tae Kwon Kim
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Lucas Tirloni
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - Emily Bencosme-Cuevas
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Tae Heung Kim
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jolene K Diedrich
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Mass Spectrometry Core, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - John R Yates
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Albert Mulenga
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Sarcoptes scabiei is a causative organism for scabies that affects an estimated global population of 300 million and remains a disease of significant concern. Recently, a number of potential drug targets were identified for scabies, including hydrolytic enzymes, inactivated paralogues of hydrolytic enzymes, inhibitors of host proteolytic enzymes and other proteins of interest. These discoveries remain confined to academic laboratories and institutions, failing to attract interest from researchers in commercial drug development. Here, we summarize the latest developments in the scabies mite biology and the drug targets that were subsequently identified, and we propose several peptide and nonpeptide ligands targeting the hot spots for protein-protein interactions. We also identify gaps in the development of ligands as inhibitors or modulators of these macromolecules.
Collapse
|
10
|
Fernando DD, Fischer K. Proteases and pseudoproteases in parasitic arthropods of clinical importance. FEBS J 2020; 287:4284-4299. [PMID: 32893448 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic arthropods feed on blood or skin tissue and share comparable repertoires of proteases involved in haematophagy, digestion, egg development and immunity. While proteolytically active proteases of multiple classes dominate, an increasing number of pseudoproteases have been discovered that have no proteolytic function but are pharmacologically active biomolecules, evolved to carry out alternative functions as regulatory, antihaemostatic, anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory compounds. In this review, we provide an overview of proteases and pseudoproteases from clinically important arthropod parasites. Many of these act in central biological pathways of parasite survival and host-parasite interaction and may be potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepani Darshika Fernando
- Cell and Molecular Biology Department, Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Katja Fischer
- Cell and Molecular Biology Department, Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
He R, Gu XB, Xie Y, Peng XR, Angel C, Yang GY. Transcriptome-based analysis of putative allergens of Chorioptes texanus. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:587. [PMID: 31842981 PMCID: PMC6916059 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3843-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mites of the genus Chorioptes are non-burrowing and cause mange in a wide range of domestic and wild animals including cattle, horses, sheep, goats, panda, moose, camelids, mydaus and alpacas. Molecular biology and host-parasite interactions of Chorioptes texanus are poorly understood, and only a few C. texanus genes and transcript sequences are available in public databases including the allergen genes. Methods Chorioptes texanus RNA was isolated from mites, and the transcriptome of C. texanus was analyzed using bioinformatics tools. Chorioptes texanus unigenes were compared with the allergen protein sequences from the mite allergen database website to predict the potential allergens. Chorioptes texanus putative allergen unigenes were compared with hydrolase genes by building a C. texanus hydrolase gene library with the best match of the homologous sequences. Three allergen genes were cloned and expressed, their recombinant proteins were purified and their allergenic activities were preliminarily investigated. Results Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) of C. texanus was analyzed and results demonstrated that 33,138 unigenes were assembled with an average length of 751 bp. A total of 15,130 unigenes were annotated and 5598 unigenes were enriched in 262 KEGG signaling pathways. We obtained 209 putative allergen genes and 34 putative allergen-hydrolase genes. Three recombinant allergen proteins were observed to induce different degrees of allergic reactions on rabbit skin. Conclusions The present transcriptome data provide a useful basis for understanding the host-parasite interaction and molecular biology of the C. texanus mite. The allergenic activities of recombinant Euroglyphus maynei 1-like (Eur m 1-like) protein, Dermatophagoides ptreronyssinus 1-like (Der p 1-like) protein and Dermatophagoides ptreronyssinus 7-like (Der p 7-like) protein were preliminarily investigated by intradermal skin test. Meanwhile, differences in eosinophil counts were observed in different injected sites of the skin. The identification of putative allergen genes and hydrolase genes offers opportunities for the development of new diagnostic, prevention and treatment methods.![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ran He
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Xiao-Bin Gu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Yue Xie
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Xue-Rong Peng
- Department of Chemistry, College of Life and Basic Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Christiana Angel
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sindh, 67210, Pakistan
| | - Guang-You Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hu L, Zhao Y, Niu D, Gong X, Yang R. De novo transcriptome sequencing and differential gene expression analysis of two parasitic human Demodex species. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:3223-3235. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06461-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
13
|
Chandler D, Fuller L. A Review of Scabies: An Infestation More than Skin Deep. Dermatology 2018; 235:79-90. [DOI: 10.1159/000495290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human scabies, a common infestation, has a worldwide distribution with a variable impact and presentation depending on the clinical situation. In developed, high-income settings, health institution and residential home outbreaks challenge health and social care services. In resource-poor settings, it is the downstream sequelae of staphylococcal and streptococcal bacteraemia, induced by scratching, which have a significant impact on the long-term health of communities. Over the past decade scabies has been recognised as a “neglected tropical disease” (NTD) by the World Health Organisation, has an accepted practical system of global diagnostic criteria and is being adopted into integrated programmes of mass drug administration for NTDs in field settings. This review seeks to summarise the recent advances in the understanding of scabies and highlight the advocacy and research headlines with their implication for diagnosis and management of outbreaks and individuals. In addition, it will indicate the priorities and questions that remain.
Collapse
|
14
|
Identification of a novel PYP-1 gene in Sarcoptes scabiei and its potential as a serodiagnostic candidate by indirect-ELISA. Parasitology 2017; 145:752-761. [PMID: 29113603 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017001780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Scabies is a parasitic disease caused by the ectoparasite Sarcoptes scabiei, affecting different mammalian species, including rabbits, worldwide. In the present study, we cloned and expressed a novel inorganic pyrophosphatase, Ssc-PYP-1, from S. scabiei var. cuniculi. Immunofluorescence staining showed that native Ssc-PYP-1 was localized in the tegument around the mouthparts and the entire legs, as well as in the cuticle of the mites. Interestingly, obvious staining was also observed on the fecal pellets of mites and in the integument of the mites. Based on its good immunoreactivity, an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using recombinant Ssc-PYP-1 (rSsc-PYP-1) as the capture antigen was developed to diagnose sarcoptic mange in naturally infected rabbits; the assay had a sensitivity of 92·0% and specificity of 93·6%. Finally, using the rSsc-PYP-1-ELISA, the Ssc-PYP-1 antibody from 10 experimentally infected rabbits could be detected from 1 week post-infection. This is the first report of S. scabiei inorganic pyrophosphatase and the protein could serve as a potential serodiagnostic candidate for sarcoptic mange in rabbits.
Collapse
|
15
|
Shen N, He R, Liang Y, Xu J, He M, Ren Y, Gu X, Lai W, Xie Y, Peng X, Yang G. Expression and characterisation of a Sarcoptes scabiei protein tyrosine kinase as a potential antigen for scabies diagnosis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9639. [PMID: 28852108 PMCID: PMC5575040 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10326-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Scabies is a disease that harms humans and other animals that is caused by the itch mite Sarcoptes scabiei burrowing into the stratum corneum of the skin. In the early stages of scabies, symptoms are often subclinical and there are no effective diagnostic methods. Herein, we cloned, expressed and characterised an S. scabiei protein tyrosine kinase (SsPTK) and evaluated its diagnostic value as a recombinant antigen in rabbit during the early stages of Sarcoptes infestation. The SsPTK protein is ~30 kDa, lacks a signal peptide, and shares high homology with a PTK from the rabbit ear mite Psoroptes ovis cuniculi. The protein was widely distributed at the front end of mites, particularly in the chewing mouthparts and legs. Indirect ELISA using recombinant SsPTK showed good diagnostic value, with 95.2% (40/42) sensitivity and 94.1% (48/51) specificity for detecting anti-PTK antibody in serum samples from naturally-infested rabbits. More importantly, PTK ELISA could diagnose infection in the early stages (infestation for 1 week) with an accuracy of 100% (24/24). SsPTK therefore shows potential as a sensitive antigen for the early diagnosis of parasitic mite infestation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nengxing Shen
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, China
| | - Ran He
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, China
| | - Yuqing Liang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, China
| | - Manli He
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, China
| | - Yongjun Ren
- Sichuan Animal Sciences Academy, Sichuan Chengdu, 610066, China
- Animal Breeding and Genetics key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Chengdu, 610066, China
| | - Xiaobin Gu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, China
| | - Weimin Lai
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, China
| | - Yue Xie
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, China
| | - Xuerong Peng
- Department of Chemistry, College of Life and Basic Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, China
| | - Guangyou Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Fernando DD, Marr EJ, Zakrzewski M, Reynolds SL, Burgess STG, Fischer K. Gene silencing by RNA interference in Sarcoptes scabiei: a molecular tool to identify novel therapeutic targets. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:289. [PMID: 28601087 PMCID: PMC5466799 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2226-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scabies is one of the most common and widespread parasitic skin infections globally, affecting a large range of mammals including humans, yet the molecular biology of Sarcoptes scabiei is astonishingly understudied. Research has been hampered primarily due to the difficulty of sampling or culturing these obligatory parasitic mites. A further and major impediment to identify and functionally analyse potential therapeutic targets from the recently emerging molecular databases is the lack of appropriate molecular tools. METHODS We performed standard BLAST based searches of the existing S. scabiei genome databases using sequences of genes described to be involved in RNA interference in Drosophila and the mite model organism Tetranychus urticae. Experimenting with the S. scabiei mu-class glutathione S-transferase (SsGST-mu1) as a candidate gene we explored the feasibility of gene knockdown in S. scabiei by double-stranded RNA-interference (dsRNAi). RESULTS We provide here an analysis of the existing S. scabiei draft genomes, confirming the presence of a double stranded RNA (dsRNA) - mediated silencing machinery. We report for the first time experimental gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi) in S. scabiei. Non-invasive immersion of S. scabiei in dsRNA encoding an S. scabiei glutathione S-transferase mu-class 1 enzyme (SsGST-mu1) resulted in a 35% reduction in the transcription of the target gene compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS A series of experiments identified the optimal conditions allowing systemic experimental RNAi without detrimental side effects on mite viability. This technique can now be used to address the key questions on the fundamental aspects of mite biology and pathogenesis, and to assess the potential therapeutic benefits of silencing S. scabiei target genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepani D. Fernando
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Infectious Diseases Department, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Brisbane, 4006 Australia
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343 Australia
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Edward J. Marr
- Parasitology Division, Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland EH26 0PZ UK
| | - Martha Zakrzewski
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Infectious Diseases Department, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Brisbane, 4006 Australia
| | - Simone L. Reynolds
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Infectious Diseases Department, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Brisbane, 4006 Australia
| | - Stewart T. G. Burgess
- Parasitology Division, Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland EH26 0PZ UK
| | - Katja Fischer
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Infectious Diseases Department, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Brisbane, 4006 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
He R, Gu X, Lai W, Peng X, Yang G. Transcriptome-microRNA analysis of Sarcoptes scabiei and host immune response. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177733. [PMID: 28542251 PMCID: PMC5441584 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Scabies is a parasitic disease, caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, and is considered one of the top 50 epidemic diseases and one the most common human skin disease, worldwide. Allergic dermatitis, including an intense itch, is a common symptom, however diagnosis is difficult and there is currently no effective vaccine. The goal of this study was to examine the immune interaction mechanism of both S. scabiei and infected hosts. mRNA-seq and microRNA-seq were conducted on the S. scabiei mite and on infected and uninfected hosts. We focused on differential expression of unigenes and microRNAs, as well as the real targets of unigenes in enriched immune signaling pathways. S. scabiei enhanced host immune function and decreased metabolism after infection, while the immune response of the host inhibited S. scabiei proliferation and metabolism signaling pathways. Differentially expressed unigenes of S. scabiei were enriched in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. The differential expression analysis indicated that microRNAs of S. scabiei and hosts have major roles in regulating immune interactions between parasites and hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ran He
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, China
| | - Xiaobin Gu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, China
| | - Weimin Lai
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, China
| | - Xuerong Peng
- Department of Chemistry, College of Life and Basic Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, China
| | - Guangyou Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sojka D, Hartmann D, Bartošová-Sojková P, Dvořák J. Parasite Cathepsin D-Like Peptidases and Their Relevance as Therapeutic Targets. Trends Parasitol 2016; 32:708-723. [PMID: 27344362 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2016.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of aspartic cathepsin D-like peptidases (APDs) has been often discussed as an antiparasite intervention strategy. APDs have been considered as virulence factors of Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp., and have been demonstrated to have important roles in protein trafficking mechanisms of apicomplexan parasites. APDs also initiate blood digestion as components of multienzyme proteolytic complexes in malaria, platyhelminths, nematodes, and ticks. Increasing DNA and RNA sequencing data indicate that parasites express multiple APD isoenzymes of various functions that can now be specifically evaluated using new functional-genomic and biochemical tools, from which we can further assess the potential of APDs as targets for novel effective intervention strategies against parasitic diseases that still pose an alarming threat to mankind.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sojka
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice 370 05, Czech Republic.
| | - David Hartmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Bartošová-Sojková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Dvořák
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 14220, Czech Republic; Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 16610, Czech Republic; School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
|
20
|
Fischer K, Walton S. Parasitic mites of medical and veterinary importance--is there a common research agenda? Int J Parasitol 2014; 44:955-67. [PMID: 25218570 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2014.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Revised: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
There are an estimated 0.5-1 million mite species on earth. Among the many mites that are known to affect humans and animals, only a subset are parasitic but these can cause significant disease. We aim here to provide an overview of the most recent work in this field in order to identify common biological features of these parasites and to inform common strategies for future research. There is a critical need for diagnostic tools to allow for better surveillance and for drugs tailored specifically to the respective parasites. Multi-'omics' approaches represent a logical and timely strategy to identify the appropriate mite molecules. Recent advances in sequencing technology enable us to generate de novo genome sequence data, even from limited DNA resources. Consequently, the field of mite genomics has recently emerged and will now rapidly expand, which is a particular advantage for parasitic mites that cannot be cultured in vitro. Investigations of the microbiota associated with mites will elucidate the link between parasites and pathogens, and define the role of the mite in transmission and pathogenesis. The databases generated will provide the crucial knowledge essential to design novel diagnostic tools, control measures, prophylaxes, drugs and immunotherapies against the mites and associated secondary infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katja Fischer
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Infectious Diseases Program, Biology Department, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Shelley Walton
- Inflammation and Healing Research Cluster, School of Health and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|