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Rolemberg Santana Travaglini Berti de Correia C, Torres C, Gomes E, Maffei Rodriguez G, Klaysson Pereira Regatieri W, Takamiya NT, Aparecida Rogerio L, Malavazi I, Damário Gomes M, Dener Damasceno J, Luiz da Silva V, Antonio Fernandes de Oliveira M, Santos da Silva M, Silva Nascimento A, Cappellazzo Coelho A, Regina Maruyama S, Teixeira FR. Functional characterization of Cullin-1-RING ubiquitin ligase (CRL1) complex in Leishmania infantum. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012336. [PMID: 39018347 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Cullin-1-RING ubiquitin ligases (CRL1) or SCF1 (SKP1-CUL1-RBX1) E3 ubiquitin ligases are the largest and most extensively investigated class of E3 ligases in mammals that regulate fundamental processes, such as the cell cycle and proliferation. These enzymes are multiprotein complexes comprising SKP1, CUL1, RBX1, and an F-box protein that acts as a specificity factor by interacting with SKP1 through its F-box domain and recruiting substrates via other domains. E3 ligases are important players in the ubiquitination process, recognizing and transferring ubiquitin to substrates destined for degradation by proteasomes or processing by deubiquitinating enzymes. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is the main regulator of intracellular proteolysis in eukaryotes and is required for parasites to alternate hosts in their life cycles, resulting in successful parasitism. Leishmania UPS is poorly investigated, and CRL1 in L. infantum, the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis in Latin America, is yet to be described. Here, we show that the L. infantum genes LINF_110018100 (SKP1-like protein), LINF_240029100 (cullin-like protein-like protein), and LINF_210005300 (ring-box protein 1 -putative) form a LinfCRL1 complex structurally similar to the H. sapiens CRL1. Mass spectrometry analysis of the LinfSkp1 and LinfCul1 interactomes revealed proteins involved in several intracellular processes, including six F-box proteins known as F-box-like proteins (Flp) (data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD051961). The interaction of LinfFlp 1-6 with LinfSkp1 was confirmed, and using in vitro ubiquitination assays, we demonstrated the function of the LinfCRL1(Flp1) complex to transfer ubiquitin. We also found that LinfSKP1 and LinfRBX1 knockouts resulted in nonviable L. infantum lineages, whereas LinfCUL1 was involved in parasite growth and rosette formation. Finally, our results suggest that LinfCul1 regulates the S phase progression and possibly the transition between the late S to G2 phase in L. infantum. Thus, a new class of E3 ubiquitin ligases has been described in L. infantum with functions related to various parasitic processes that may serve as prospective targets for leishmaniasis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Rolemberg Santana Travaglini Berti de Correia
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Caroline Torres
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Ellen Gomes
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | | | | | - Nayore Tamie Takamiya
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | | | - Iran Malavazi
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Damário Gomes
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Jeziel Dener Damasceno
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Vitor Luiz da Silva
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo Santos da Silva
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Sandra Regina Maruyama
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
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Du X, Hua R, He X, Hou W, Li S, Yang A, Yang G. Echinococcus granulosus ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (E2D2 and E2N) promote the formation of liver fibrosis in TGFβ1-induced LX-2 cells. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:190. [PMID: 38643149 PMCID: PMC11031992 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06222-8] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a widespread zoonosis caused by the infection with Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (E. granulosus s.l.). CE cysts mainly develop in the liver of intermediate hosts, characterized by the fibrotic tissue that separates host organ from parasite. However, precise mechanism underlying the formation of fibrotic tissue in CE remains unclear. METHODS To investigate the potential impact of ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes on liver fibrosis formation in CE, two members of ubiquitin-conjugating (UBC) enzyme of Echinococcus granulosus (EgE2D2 and EgE2N) were recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli and analyzed for bioinformatics, immunogenicity, localization, and enzyme activity. In addition, the secretory pathway and their effects on the formation of liver fibrosis were also explored. RESULTS Both rEgE2D2 and rEgE2N possess intact UBC domains and active sites, exhibiting classical ubiquitin binding activity and strong immunoreactivity. Additionally, EgE2D2 and EgE2N were widely distributed in protoscoleces and germinal layer, with differences observed in their distribution in 25-day strobilated worms. Further, these two enzymes were secreted to the hydatid fluid and CE-infected sheep liver tissues via a non-classical secretory pathway. Notably, TGFβ1-induced LX-2 cells exposed to rEgE2D2 and rEgE2N resulted in increasing expression of fibrosis-related genes, enhancing cell proliferation, and facilitating cell migration. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that EgE2D2 and EgE2N could secrete into the liver and may interact with hepatic stellate cells, thereby promoting the formation of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodi Du
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Ruiqi Hua
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Xue He
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Wei Hou
- Sichuan Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Shengqiong Li
- Sichuan Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Aiguo Yang
- Sichuan Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Guangyou Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
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3
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Prokopchuk G, Butenko A, Dacks JB, Speijer D, Field MC, Lukeš J. Lessons from the deep: mechanisms behind diversification of eukaryotic protein complexes. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:1910-1927. [PMID: 37336550 PMCID: PMC10952624 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Genetic variation is the major mechanism behind adaptation and evolutionary change. As most proteins operate through interactions with other proteins, changes in protein complex composition and subunit sequence provide potentially new functions. Comparative genomics can reveal expansions, losses and sequence divergence within protein-coding genes, but in silico analysis cannot detect subunit substitutions or replacements of entire protein complexes. Insights into these fundamental evolutionary processes require broad and extensive comparative analyses, from both in silico and experimental evidence. Here, we combine data from both approaches and consider the gamut of possible protein complex compositional changes that arise during evolution, citing examples of complete conservation to partial and total replacement by functional analogues. We focus in part on complexes in trypanosomes as they represent one of the better studied non-animal/non-fungal lineages, but extend insights across the eukaryotes by extensive comparative genomic analysis. We argue that gene loss plays an important role in diversification of protein complexes and hence enhancement of eukaryotic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina Prokopchuk
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of SciencesBranišovská 1160/31České Budějovice37005Czech Republic
- Faculty of ScienceUniversity of South BohemiaBranišovská 1160/31České Budějovice37005Czech Republic
| | - Anzhelika Butenko
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of SciencesBranišovská 1160/31České Budějovice37005Czech Republic
- Faculty of ScienceUniversity of South BohemiaBranišovská 1160/31České Budějovice37005Czech Republic
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of OstravaChittussiho 983/10Ostrava71000Czech Republic
| | - Joel B. Dacks
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of SciencesBranišovská 1160/31České Budějovice37005Czech Republic
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of MedicineUniversity of Alberta1‐124 Clinical Sciences Building, 11350‐83 AvenueEdmontonT6G 2R3AlbertaCanada
- Centre for Life's Origins and Evolution, Department of Genetics, Evolution and the EnvironmentUniversity College LondonDarwin Building, Gower StreetLondonWC1E 6BTUK
| | - Dave Speijer
- Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamMeibergdreef 15Amsterdam1105 AZThe Netherlands
| | - Mark C. Field
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of SciencesBranišovská 1160/31České Budějovice37005Czech Republic
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of DundeeDow StreetDundeeDD1 5EHScotlandUK
| | - Julius Lukeš
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of SciencesBranišovská 1160/31České Budějovice37005Czech Republic
- Faculty of ScienceUniversity of South BohemiaBranišovská 1160/31České Budějovice37005Czech Republic
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Filho CSMB, de Menezes RRPPB, Magalhães EP, Castillo YP, Martins AMC, de Sousa DP. Piplartine-Inspired 3,4,5-Trimethoxycinnamates: Trypanocidal, Mechanism of Action, and In Silico Evaluation. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28114512. [PMID: 37298988 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28114512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) is one of the main neglected tropical diseases that promote relevant socioeconomic impacts in several countries. The therapeutic options for the treatment of CD are limited, and parasite resistance has been reported. Piplartine is a phenylpropanoid imide that has diverse biological activities, including trypanocidal action. Thus, the objective of the present work was to prepare a collection of thirteen esters analogous to piplartine (1-13) and evaluate their trypanocidal activity against Trypanosoma cruzi. Of the tested analogues, compound 11 ((E)-furan-2-ylmethyl 3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)acrylate) showed good activity with IC50 values = 28.21 ± 5.34 μM and 47.02 ± 8.70 μM, against the epimastigote and trypomastigote forms, respectively. In addition, it showed a high rate of selectivity to the parasite. The trypanocidal mechanism of action occurs through the induction of oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage. In addition, scanning electron microscopy showed the formation of pores and leakage of cytoplasmic content. Molecular docking indicated that 11 probably produces a trypanocidal effect through a multi-target mechanism, including affinity with proteins CRK1, MPK13, GSK3B, AKR, UCE-1, and UCE-2, which are important for the survival of the parasite. Therefore, the results suggest chemical characteristics that can serve for the development of new trypanocidal prototypes for researching drugs against Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos S M B Filho
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | - Ramon R P P B de Menezes
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
| | - Emanuel P Magalhães
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
| | - Yunierkis P Castillo
- Escuela de Ciencias Físicas y Matemáticas, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador
| | - Alice M C Martins
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
| | - Damião P de Sousa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
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5
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Espinoza-Chávez R, Salerno A, Liuzzi A, Ilari A, Milelli A, Uliassi E, Bolognesi ML. Targeted Protein Degradation for Infectious Diseases: from Basic Biology to Drug Discovery. ACS BIO & MED CHEM AU 2023; 3:32-45. [PMID: 37101607 PMCID: PMC10125329 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomedchemau.2c00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) is emerging as one of the most innovative strategies to tackle infectious diseases. Particularly, proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC)-mediated protein degradation may offer several benefits over classical anti-infective small-molecule drugs. Because of their peculiar and catalytic mechanism of action, anti-infective PROTACs might be advantageous in terms of efficacy, toxicity, and selectivity. Importantly, PROTACs may also overcome the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Furthermore, anti-infective PROTACs might have the potential to (i) modulate "undruggable" targets, (ii) "recycle" inhibitors from classical drug discovery approaches, and (iii) open new scenarios for combination therapies. Here, we try to address these points by discussing selected case studies of antiviral PROTACs and the first-in-class antibacterial PROTACs. Finally, we discuss how the field of PROTAC-mediated TPD might be exploited in parasitic diseases. Since no antiparasitic PROTAC has been reported yet, we also describe the parasite proteasome system. While in its infancy and with many challenges ahead, we hope that PROTAC-mediated protein degradation for infectious diseases may lead to the development of next-generation anti-infective drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío
Marisol Espinoza-Chávez
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Salerno
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Anastasia Liuzzi
- Institute
of Molecular Biology and Pathology of the Italian National Research
Council (IBPM-CNR) - Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Ilari
- Institute
of Molecular Biology and Pathology of the Italian National Research
Council (IBPM-CNR) - Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Milelli
- Department
for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum
- University of Bologna, Corso d’Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Elisa Uliassi
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Bolognesi
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- E-mail:
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6
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Burge RJ, Mottram JC, Wilkinson AJ. Ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like conjugation systems in trypanosomatids. Curr Opin Microbiol 2022; 70:102202. [PMID: 36099676 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2022.102202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, reversible attachment of ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like modifiers (Ubls) to specific target proteins is conducted by multicomponent systems whose collective actions control protein fate and cell behaviour in precise but complex ways. In trypanosomatids, attachment of ubiquitin and Ubls to target proteins regulates the cell cycle, endocytosis, protein sorting and degradation, autophagy and various aspects of infection and stress responses. The extent of these systems in trypanosomatids has been surveyed in recent reports, while in Leishmania mexicana, essential roles have been defined for many ubiquitin-system genes in deletion mutagenesis and life-cycle phenotyping campaigns. The first steps to elucidate the pathways of ubiquitin transfer among the ubiquitination components and to define the acceptor substrates and the downstream deubiquitinases are now being taken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Burge
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, York, UK
| | - Jeremy C Mottram
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, York, UK.
| | - Anthony J Wilkinson
- York Biomedical Research Institute & York Structural Biology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of York, York, UK
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7
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Abstract
Targeted protein degradation is an invaluable tool in studying the function of proteins. Such a tool was not available in Trypanosoma brucei, an evolutionarily divergent eukaryote that causes human African trypanosomiasis. Here, we have adapted deGradFP (degrade green fluorescent protein [GFP]), a protein degradation system based on the SCF E3 ubiquitin ligase complex and anti-GFP nanobody, in T. brucei. As a proof of principle, we targeted a kinetoplastid kinetochore protein (KKT3) that constitutively localizes at kinetochores in the nucleus. Induction of deGradFP in a cell line that had both alleles of KKT3 tagged with yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) caused a more severe growth defect than RNAi in procyclic (insect form) cells. deGradFP also worked on a cytoplasmic protein (COPII subunit, SEC31). Given the ease in making GFP fusion cell lines in T. brucei, deGradFP can serve as a powerful tool to rapidly deplete proteins of interest, especially those with low turnover rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Midori Ishii
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Bungo Akiyoshi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
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8
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Ishii M, Akiyoshi B. Targeted protein degradation using deGradFP in Trypanosoma brucei. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 7:175. [PMID: 35865221 PMCID: PMC9277568 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17964.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation is an invaluable tool in studying the function of proteins. Such a tool was not available in Trypanosoma brucei, an evolutionarily divergent eukaryote that causes human African trypanosomiasis. Here, we have adapted deGradFP (degrade green fluorescent protein [GFP]), a protein degradation system based on the SCF E3 ubiquitin ligase complex and anti-GFP nanobody, in T. brucei. As a proof of principle, we targeted a kinetoplastid kinetochore protein (KKT3) that constitutively localizes at kinetochores in the nucleus. Induction of deGradFP in a cell line that had both alleles of KKT3 tagged with yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) caused a more severe growth defect than RNAi in procyclic (insect form) cells. deGradFP also worked on a cytoplasmic protein (COPII subunit, SEC31). Given the ease in making GFP fusion cell lines in T. brucei, deGradFP can serve as a powerful tool to rapidly deplete proteins of interest, especially those with low turnover rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Midori Ishii
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Bungo Akiyoshi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
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9
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Cytosolic and Mitochondrial Hsp90 in Cytokinesis, Mitochondrial DNA Replication, and Drug Action in Trypanosoma brucei. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:e0063221. [PMID: 34424040 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00632-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma brucei subspecies cause African sleeping sickness in humans, an infection that is commonly fatal if not treated, and available therapies are limited. Previous studies have shown that heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) inhibitors have potent and vivid activity against bloodstream-form trypanosomes. Hsp90s are phylogenetically conserved and essential catalysts that function at the crux of cell biology, where they ensure the proper folding of proteins and their assembly into multicomponent complexes. To assess the specificity of Hsp90 inhibitors and further define the role of Hsp90s in African trypanosomes, we used RNA interference (RNAi) to knock down cytosolic and mitochondrial Hsp90s (HSP83 and HSP84, respectively). Loss of either protein led to cell death, but the phenotypes were distinctly different. Depletion of cytosolic HSP83 closely mimicked the consequences of chemically depleting Hsp90 activity with inhibitor 17-AAG. In these cells, cytokinesis was severely disrupted, and segregation of the kinetoplast (the massive mitochondrial DNA structure unique to this family of eukaryotic pathogens) was impaired, leading to cells with abnormal kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) structures. Quite differently, knockdown of mitochondrial HSP84 did not impair cytokinesis but halted the initiation of new kDNA synthesis, generating cells without kDNA. These findings highlight the central role of Hsp90s in chaperoning cell cycle regulators in trypanosomes, reveal their unique function in kinetoplast replication, and reinforce their specificity and value as drug targets.
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10
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Bijlmakers MJ. Ubiquitination and the Proteasome as Drug Targets in Trypanosomatid Diseases. Front Chem 2021; 8:630888. [PMID: 33732684 PMCID: PMC7958763 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.630888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The eukaryotic pathogens Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania are responsible for debilitating diseases that affect millions of people worldwide. The numbers of drugs available to treat these diseases, Human African Trypanosomiasis, Chagas' disease and Leishmaniasis are very limited and existing treatments have substantial shortcomings in delivery method, efficacy and safety. The identification and validation of novel drug targets opens up new opportunities for the discovery of therapeutic drugs with better efficacy and safety profiles. Here, the potential of targeting the ubiquitin-proteasome system in these parasites is reviewed. Ubiquitination is the posttranslational attachment of one or more ubiquitin proteins to substrates, an essential eukaryotic mechanism that regulates a wide variety of cellular processes in many different ways. The best studied of these is the delivery of ubiquitinated substrates for degradation to the proteasome, the major cellular protease. However, ubiquitination can also regulate substrates in proteasome-independent ways, and proteasomes can degrade proteins to some extent in ubiquitin-independent ways. Because of these widespread roles, both ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation are essential for the viability of eukaryotes and the proteins that mediate these processes are therefore attractive drug targets in trypanosomatids. Here, the current understanding of these processes in trypanosomatids is reviewed. Furthermore, significant recent progress in the development of trypanosomatid-selective proteasome inhibitors that cure mouse models of trypanosomatid infections is presented. In addition, the targeting of the key enzyme in ubiquitination, the ubiquitin E1 UBA1, is discussed as an alternative strategy. Important differences between human and trypanosomatid UBA1s in susceptibility to inhibitors predicts that the selective targeting of these enzymes in trypanosomatids may also be feasible. Finally, it is proposed that activating enzymes of the ubiquitin-like proteins SUMO and NEDD8 may represent drug targets in these trypanosomatids as well.
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11
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Burge RJ, Damianou A, Wilkinson AJ, Rodenko B, Mottram JC. Leishmania differentiation requires ubiquitin conjugation mediated by a UBC2-UEV1 E2 complex. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008784. [PMID: 33108402 PMCID: PMC7647121 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications such as ubiquitination are important for orchestrating the cellular transformations that occur as the Leishmania parasite differentiates between its main morphological forms, the promastigote and amastigote. 2 E1 ubiquitin-activating (E1), 13 E2 ubiquitin-conjugating (E2), 79 E3 ubiquitin ligase (E3) and 20 deubiquitinating cysteine peptidase (DUB) genes can be identified in the Leishmania mexicana genome but, currently, little is known about the role of E1, E2 and E3 enzymes in this parasite. Bar-seq analysis of 23 E1, E2 and HECT/RBR E3 null mutants generated in promastigotes using CRISPR-Cas9 revealed numerous loss-of-fitness phenotypes in promastigote to amastigote differentiation and mammalian infection. The E2s UBC1/CDC34, UBC2 and UEV1 and the HECT E3 ligase HECT2 are required for the successful transformation from promastigote to amastigote and UBA1b, UBC9, UBC14, HECT7 and HECT11 are required for normal proliferation during mouse infection. Of all ubiquitination enzyme null mutants examined in the screen, Δubc2 and Δuev1 exhibited the most extreme loss-of-fitness during differentiation. Null mutants could not be generated for the E1 UBA1a or the E2s UBC3, UBC7, UBC12 and UBC13, suggesting these genes are essential in promastigotes. X-ray crystal structure analysis of UBC2 and UEV1, orthologues of human UBE2N and UBE2V1/UBE2V2 respectively, reveal a heterodimer with a highly conserved structure and interface. Furthermore, recombinant L. mexicana UBA1a can load ubiquitin onto UBC2, allowing UBC2-UEV1 to form K63-linked di-ubiquitin chains in vitro. Notably, UBC2 can cooperate in vitro with human E3s RNF8 and BIRC2 to form non-K63-linked polyubiquitin chains, showing that UBC2 can facilitate ubiquitination independent of UEV1, but association of UBC2 with UEV1 inhibits this ability. Our study demonstrates the dual essentiality of UBC2 and UEV1 in the differentiation and intracellular survival of L. mexicana and shows that the interaction between these two proteins is crucial for regulation of their ubiquitination activity and function. The post-translational modification of proteins is key for allowing Leishmania parasites to transition between the different life cycle stages that exist in its insect vector and mammalian host. In particular, components of the ubiquitin system are important for the transformation of Leishmania from its insect (promastigote) to mammalian (amastigote) stage and normal infection in mice. However, little is known about the role of the enzymes that generate ubiquitin modifications in Leishmania. Here we characterise 28 enzymes of the ubiquitination pathway and show that many are required for life cycle progression or mouse infection by this parasite. Two proteins, UBC2 and UEV1, were selected for further study based on their importance in the promastigote to amastigote transition. We demonstrate that UBC2 and UEV1 form a heterodimer capable of carrying out ubiquitination and that the structural basis for this activity is conserved between Leishmania, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and humans. We also show that the interaction of UBC2 with UEV1 alters the nature of the ubiquitination activity performed by UBC2. Overall, we demonstrate the important role that ubiquitination enzymes play in the life cycle and infection process of Leishmania and explore the biochemistry underlying UBC2 and UEV1 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J. Burge
- York Biomedical Research Institute and Department of Biology, University of York, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Damianou
- York Biomedical Research Institute and Department of Biology, University of York, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony J. Wilkinson
- York Biomedical Research Institute and York Structural Biology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of York, United Kingdom
| | - Boris Rodenko
- UbiQ Bio BV, Amsterdam Science Park, the Netherlands
| | - Jeremy C. Mottram
- York Biomedical Research Institute and Department of Biology, University of York, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Liu H, Yan P, Ren J, Wu C, Yuan W, Rao M, Zhang Z, Kong E. Identifying the Potential Substrates of the Depalmitoylation Enzyme Acyl-protein Thioesterase 1. Curr Mol Med 2020; 19:364-375. [PMID: 30914023 DOI: 10.2174/1566524019666190325143412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The homeostasis of palmitoylation and depalmitoylation is involved in various cellular processes, the disruption of which induces severe physiological consequences. Acyl-protein thioesterase (APT) and palmitoyl-protein thioesterases (PPT) catalyze the depalmitoylation process. The natural mutation in human PPT1 caused neurodegenerative disease, yet the understanding of APT1 remains to be elucidated. While the deletion of APT1 in mice turned out to be potentially embryonically lethal, the decoding of its function strictly relied on the identification of its substrates. OBJECTIVE To determine the potential substrates of APT1 by using the generated human APT1 knockout cell line. METHODS The combined techniques of palmitoyl-protein enrichment and massspectrometry were used to analyze the different proteins. Palmitoyl-proteins both in HEK293T and APT1-KO cells were extracted by resin-assisted capture (RAC) and data independent acquisition (DIA) quantitative method of proteomics for data collection. RESULTS In total, 382 proteins were identified. The gene ontology classification segregated these proteins into diverse biological pathways e.g. endoplasmic reticulum process and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. A few potential substrates were selected for verification; indeed, major proteins were palmitoylated. Importantly, their levels of palmitoylation were clearly changed in APT1-KO cells. Interestingly, the proliferation of APT1-KO cells escalated dramatically as compared to that of the WT cells, which could be rescued by APT1 overexpression. CONCLUSION Our study provides a large scale of potential substrates of APT1, thus facilitating the understanding of its intervened molecular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huicong Liu
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Peipei Yan
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Junyan Ren
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Can Wu
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Muding Rao
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Zhongjian Zhang
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Eryan Kong
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
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Hammarton TC. Who Needs a Contractile Actomyosin Ring? The Plethora of Alternative Ways to Divide a Protozoan Parasite. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:397. [PMID: 31824870 PMCID: PMC6881465 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytokinesis, or the division of the cytoplasm, following the end of mitosis or meiosis, is accomplished in animal cells, fungi, and amoebae, by the constriction of an actomyosin contractile ring, comprising filamentous actin, myosin II, and associated proteins. However, despite this being the best-studied mode of cytokinesis, it is restricted to the Opisthokonta and Amoebozoa, since members of other evolutionary supergroups lack myosin II and must, therefore, employ different mechanisms. In particular, parasitic protozoa, many of which cause significant morbidity and mortality in humans and animals as well as considerable economic losses, employ a wide diversity of mechanisms to divide, few, if any, of which involve myosin II. In some cases, cell division is not only myosin II-independent, but actin-independent too. Mechanisms employed range from primitive mechanical cell rupture (cytofission), to motility- and/or microtubule remodeling-dependent mechanisms, to budding involving the constriction of divergent contractile rings, to hijacking host cell division machinery, with some species able to utilize multiple mechanisms. Here, I review current knowledge of cytokinesis mechanisms and their molecular control in mammalian-infective parasitic protozoa from the Excavata, Alveolata, and Amoebozoa supergroups, highlighting their often-underappreciated diversity and complexity. Billions of people and animals across the world are at risk from these pathogens, for which vaccines and/or optimal treatments are often not available. Exploiting the divergent cell division machinery in these parasites may provide new avenues for the treatment of protozoal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tansy C Hammarton
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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