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Zhou C, Tuersong W, Liu L, Di W, He L, Li F, Wang C, Hu M. Non-coding RNA in the gut of the blood-feeding parasitic worm, Haemonchus contortus. Vet Res 2024; 55:1. [PMID: 38172997 PMCID: PMC10763314 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-023-01254-x] [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: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The intestine of Haemonchus contortus is an essential tissue that has been indicated to be a major target for the prevention of haemonchosis caused by this parasitic nematode of small ruminants. Biological peculiarities of the intestine warrant in-depth exploitation, which can be leveraged for future disease control efforts. Here, we determined the intestinal ncRNA (lncRNA, circRNA and miRNA) atlas using whole-transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics approaches. In total, 4846 novel lncRNA, 982 circRNA, 96 miRNA (65 known and 31 novel) and 8821 mRNA were identified from the H. contortus intestine. The features of lncRNA, circRNA and miRNA were fully characterized. Comparison of miRNA from the intestines and extracellular vesicles supported the speculation that the miRNA from the latter were of intestinal origin in H. contortus. Further function analysis suggests that the cis-lncRNA targeted genes were involved in protein binding, intracellular anatomical structure, organelle and cellular process, whereas the circRNA parental genes were mainly enriched in molecular function categories, such as ribonucleotide binding, nucleotide binding, ATP binding and carbohydrate derivative binding. The miRNA target genes were related to the cellular process, cellular response to stimulus, cellular protein modification process and signal transduction. Moreover, competing endogenous RNA network analysis revealed that the majority of lncRNA, circRNA and mRNA only have one or two binding sites with specific miRNA. Lastly, randomly selected circRNA, lncRNA and miRNA were verified successfully using RT-PCR. Collectively, these data provide the most comprehensive compilation of intestinal transcripts and their functions, and it will be helpful to decipher the biological and molecular complexity of the intestine and lay the foundation for further functional research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caixian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Waresi Tuersong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Wulumuqi, 830052, Xinjiang, China
| | - Lu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Wenda Di
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - Li He
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, 442000, Shiyan, China
| | - Fangfang Li
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Chongqing, 402020, China
| | - Chunqun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.
| | - Min Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.
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He L, Zhang HR, Di WD, Li FF, Wang CQ, Yang X, Liu XF, Hu M. A proteasomal β5 subunit of Haemonchus contortus with a role in the growth, development and life span. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:100. [PMID: 36922877 PMCID: PMC10015785 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05676-6] [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: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The proteasome in eukaryotic cells can degrade a variety of proteins and plays an important role in regulating the cell cycle, cell survival and apoptosis. The proteasome receives much attention as a potential chemotherapeutic target for treatment of a variety of infectious parasitic diseases, but few studies of proteasomes have been done on parasitic nematodes. METHODS A proteasomal β5 subunit encoding gene (named Hc-pbs-5) and its inferred product (Hc-PBS-5) in Haemonchus contortus were identified and characterized in this study. Then, the transcriptional profiles and anatomical expression were studied using an integrated molecular approach. Finally, a specific proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (BTZ), together with RNA interference (RNAi), was employed to assess the function of Hc-PBS-5. RESULTS Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the coding sequence of Hc-pbs-5 was 855 bp long and encoded 284 amino acids (aa). The predicted protein (Hc-PBS-5) had core conservative sequences (65-250 aa) belonging to N-terminal nucleophile (Ntn) family of hydrolases. Real-time PCR results revealed that Hc-pbs-5 was continuously transcribed in eight developmental stages with higher levels at the infective third-stage larvae (L3s) and adult males of H. contortus. Immunohistochemical results revealed that Hc-PBS-5 was expressed in intestine, outer cuticle, muscle cells under the outer cuticle, cervical glands and seminal vesicles of male adults and also in intestine, outer cuticle, cervical glands, uterine wall, eggs and ovaries of female adults of H. contortus. BTZ could reduce proportions of egg hatching, and the fourth-stage larvae (L4s) developed from the exsheathed L3s (xL3s) of H. contortus. In addition, silencing Hc-pbs-5 by soaking the specific double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) could decrease the transcription of Hc-pbs-5 and result in fewer xL3s developing to L4s in vitro. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that proteasomal β5 subunit plays an important role in the growth, development and life span of H. contortus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li He
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Run Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Da Di
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fang-Fang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Qun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Fang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China.
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Hou B, Hai Y, Buyin B, Hasi S. Research progress and limitation analysis of RNA interference in Haemonchus contortus in China. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1079676. [PMID: 36908509 PMCID: PMC9998686 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1079676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Haemonchus contortus is a highly pathogenic and economically important parasitic nematode that affects small ruminants worldwide. While omics studies hold great promise, there are fewer research tools available for analyzing subsequent gene function studies. RNA interference (RNAi) technology offers a solution to this problem, as it especially allows for the knockout or shutting off of the expression of specific genes. As a result, RNAi technology has been widely used to explore gene function and disease treatment research. In this study, we reviewed the latest advancements in RNAi research on Haemonchus contortus in China, with the aim of providing a reference for the identification of key genes involved in growth and development, anthelmintic resistance, diagnostic markers, and diagnostic drug targets for the treatment of Haemonchus contortus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Hou
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Diseases, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Ying Hai
- Wushen Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Ordos, China
| | - Buhe Buyin
- Wushen Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Ordos, China
| | - Surong Hasi
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Diseases, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
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Maruszewska-Cheruiyot M, Stear MJ, Machcińska M, Donskow-Łysoniewska K. Importance of TGFβ in Cancer and Nematode Infection and Their Interaction-Opinion. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1572. [PMID: 36358922 PMCID: PMC9687433 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Historically, there has been little interaction between parasitologists and oncologists, although some helminth infections predispose to the development of tumours. In addition, both parasites and tumours need to survive immune attack. Recent research suggests that both tumours and parasites suppress the immune response to increase their chances of survival. They both co-opt the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signalling pathway to modulate the immune response to their benefit. In particular, there is concern that suppression of the immune response by nematodes and their products could enhance susceptibility to tumours in both natural and artificial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael James Stear
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Science, Agribio, La Trobe University, Bundoora 3086, Australia
| | - Maja Machcińska
- Department of Experimental Immunotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Lazarski University, 02-662 Warsaw, Poland
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Lok JB, Kliewer SA, Mangelsdorf DJ. The 'nuclear option' revisited: Confirmation of Ss-daf-12 function and therapeutic potential in Strongyloides stercoralis and other parasitic nematode infections. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2022; 250:111490. [PMID: 35697206 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2022.111490] [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] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Mechanisms governing morphogenesis and development of infectious third-stage larvae (L3i) of parasitic nematodes have been likened to those regulating dauer development in Caenorhabditis elegans. Dauer regulatory signal transduction comprises initial G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling in chemosensory neurons of the amphidial complex that regulates parallel insulin- and TGFβ-like signaling in the tissues. Insulin- and TGFβ-like signals converge to co-regulate steroid signaling through the nuclear receptor (NR) DAF-12. Discovery of the steroid ligands of DAF-12 opened a new avenue of small molecule physiology in C. elegans. These signaling pathways are conserved in parasitic nematodes and an increasing body of evidence supports their function in formation and developmental regulation of L3i during the infectious process in soil transmitted species. This review presents these lines of evidence for G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), insulin- and TGFβ-like signaling in brief and focuses primarily on signaling through parasite orthologs of DAF-12. We discuss in some depth the deployment of sensitive analytical techniques to identify Δ7-dafachronic acid as the natural ligand of DAF-12 homologs in Strongyloides stercoralis and Haemonchus contortus and of targeted mutagenesis by CRISPR/Cas9 to assign dauer-like regulatory function to the NR Ss-DAF-12, its coactivator Ss-DIP-1 and the key ligand biosynthetic enzyme Ss-CYP-22a9. Finally, we present published evidence of the potential of Ss-DAF-12 signaling as a chemotherapeutic target in human strongyloidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- James B Lok
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3800 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Steven A Kliewer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - David J Mangelsdorf
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX USA
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Zhou C, Zhang Y, Wu S, Wang Z, Tuersong W, Wang C, Liu F, Hu M. Genome-Wide Identification of CircRNAs of Infective Larvae and Adult Worms of Parasitic Nematode, Haemonchus contortus. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:764089. [PMID: 34881194 PMCID: PMC8645938 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.764089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CircRNAs, a novel class of ncRNA family, are endogenous transcriptional products involved in various biological and physiological processes in plants and animals. However, almost no information is available for circRNAs of parasitic helminths. In the present study, the circRNAs repertoire was comprehensively explored in Haemonchus contortus, a blood-sucking parasitic nematode of ruminants. In total, 20073 circRNAs were identified and annotated from three key developmental stages/genders of H. contortus including the free-living infective third-stage larvae (L3, 18883), parasitic adult female (Af, 3491), and male worms (Am, 2550) via deep-sequencing technology and bioinformatic analysis. Among these identified circRNAs, 71% were derived from exonic regions of protein-coding genes. The number of circRNAs transcribed from the X chromosome (4704) was higher than that from Chromosome I-V (3143, 3273, 3041, 3030, 2882). The amount of highly expressed circRNAs in third-stage larvae was significantly more abundant than that in adult stage. 15948 and 16847 circRNAs were differentially expressed between Af and L3s and between Am and L3, respectively. Among them, 13409 circRNAs existed in both comparisons. Furthermore, 1119 circRNAs were differentially expressed between Af_and_Am. GO enrichment analysis indicated that source genes of circRNAs differentially expressed between Am and L3 as well as between Af and L3 were significantly enriched in many biological processes, primarily including signaling, signal transduction and cell communication terms. KEGG analysis revealed that parental genes of differentially expressed circRNAs were mainly related to metabolism (pyruvate metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and carbon metabolism), MAPK signaling pathway, and phosphatidylinositol signaling system. Moreover, many circRNAs contained one or more miRNA potential binding sites, suggesting that they could regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Furthermore, the correctness of head-to-tail back splicing site and alternative circularization events were verified by Sanger sequencing using both divergent and convergent primers. Finally, the reliability of RNA-Seq data and the resistance of circRNAs to RNase R digestion were confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. Taken together, our findings provide a foundation for elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs in H. contortus, which will advance the understanding of circRNAs in parasitic nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caixian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Simin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Waresi Tuersong
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunqun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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Vlaar LE, Bertran A, Rahimi M, Dong L, Kammenga JE, Helder J, Goverse A, Bouwmeester HJ. On the role of dauer in the adaptation of nematodes to a parasitic lifestyle. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:554. [PMID: 34706780 PMCID: PMC8555053 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04953-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Nematodes are presumably the most abundant Metazoa on Earth, and can even be found in some of the most hostile environments of our planet. Various types of hypobiosis evolved to adapt their life cycles to such harsh environmental conditions. The five most distal major clades of the phylum Nematoda (Clades 8-12), formerly referred to as the Secernentea, contain many economically relevant parasitic nematodes. In this group, a special type of hypobiosis, dauer, has evolved. The dauer signalling pathway, which culminates in the biosynthesis of dafachronic acid (DA), is intensively studied in the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, and it has been hypothesized that the dauer stage may have been a prerequisite for the evolution of a wide range of parasitic lifestyles among other nematode species. Biosynthesis of DA is not specific for hypobiosis, but if it results in exit of the hypobiotic state, it is one of the main criteria to define certain behaviour as dauer. Within Clades 9 and 10, the involvement of DA has been validated experimentally, and dauer is therefore generally accepted to occur in those clades. However, for other clades, such as Clade 12, this has hardly been explored. In this review, we provide clarity on the nomenclature associated with hypobiosis and dauer across different nematological subfields. We discuss evidence for dauer-like stages in Clades 8 to 12 and support this with a meta-analysis of available genomic data. Furthermore, we discuss indications for a simplified dauer signalling pathway in parasitic nematodes. Finally, we zoom in on the host cues that induce exit from the hypobiotic stage and introduce two hypotheses on how these signals might feed into the dauer signalling pathway for plant-parasitic nematodes. With this work, we contribute to the deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying hypobiosis in parasitic nematodes. Based on this, novel strategies for the control of parasitic nematodes can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lieke E Vlaar
- Plant Hormone Biology Group, Green Life Sciences Cluster, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andre Bertran
- Laboratory of Nematology, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mehran Rahimi
- Plant Hormone Biology Group, Green Life Sciences Cluster, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lemeng Dong
- Plant Hormone Biology Group, Green Life Sciences Cluster, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan E Kammenga
- Laboratory of Nematology, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes Helder
- Laboratory of Nematology, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Aska Goverse
- Laboratory of Nematology, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Harro J Bouwmeester
- Plant Hormone Biology Group, Green Life Sciences Cluster, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Di W, Li F, He L, Wang C, Zhou C, Liu L, Ye L, Chen J, Hu M. A transcription factor DAF-5 functions in Haemonchus contortus development. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:529. [PMID: 34641971 PMCID: PMC8507387 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05036-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Abnormal dauer formation gene (daf-5), located downstream of the DAF-7 signalling pathway, mainly functions in dauer formation and reproductive processes in the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Although the structure and function of daf-5 have been clarified in C. elegans, they still remain totally unknown in Haemonchus contortus, a socio-economically important parasitic nematode of gastric ruminants. Methods A homologue of daf-5, Hc-daf-5, and its inferred product (Hc-DAF-5) in H. contortus were identified and characterized in this study. Then the transcriptional profiles of Hc-daf-5 and the anatomical expression of Hc-DAF-5 in H. contortus were studied using an integrated molecular approach. RNA interference (RNAi) was performed to explore its function in transition from the exsheathed third-stage larvae (xL3s) to the fourth-stage larvae (L4s) in vitro. Finally, the interaction between Hc-DAF-5 and Hc-DAF-3 (a co-Smad) was detected by bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFc) in vitro. Results It was shown that Hc-DAF-5 was a member of the Sno/Ski superfamily. Hc-daf-5 was transcribed in all developmental stages of H. contortus, with significant upregulation in L3s. Native Hc-DAF-5 was localized in the reproductive organs, cuticle, and intestine via immunohistochemistry. RNAi revealed that specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) could retard xL3 development. In addition, the interaction between Hc-DAF-5 and Hc-DAF-3 indicated that the SDS box of Hc-DAF-5 was dispensable for the binding of Hc-DAF-5 to Hc-DAF-3, and the MH2 domain was the binding region between Hc-DAF-3 and Hc-DAF-5. Conclusions In summary, these findings show that Hc-daf-5 functions in the developmental processes of H. contortus, and this study is the first attempt to characterize the daf-5 gene in parasitic nematodes. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-05036-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenda Di
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Guangxi, 530004, Nanning, China
| | - Fangfang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Li He
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, 442000, Shiyan, China
| | - Chunqun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Caixian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Lu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Lisa Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Jian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Min Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.
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Li F, Qin P, Ye L, Gupta N, Hu M. A novel BR-SMAD is required for larval development in barber's pole worm Haemonchus contortus. MICROBIAL CELL 2020; 8:57-64. [PMID: 33553419 PMCID: PMC7841850 DOI: 10.15698/mic2021.02.742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
SMAD proteins mediate TGF-β signaling and thereby regulate the metazoan development; however, they are poorly defined in Haemonchus contortus–a common blood-sucking parasitic nematode of small ruminants. Here, we characterized an R-SMAD family protein in H. contortus termed HcSMA2, which is closely related to Caenorhabditis elegans SMA2 (CeSMA2) involved in the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. Hcsma2 is transcribed in all developmental stages of H. contortus but highly induced in the adult male worms. The RNA interference with Hcsma2 retarded the transition of infective L3 into L4 larvae. Besides, the bimolecular fluorescence complementation revealed the interaction of HcSMA2 with a TGF-β-activated-R-SMAD (HcDAF8). Together these results show a BMP-like receptor-regulated SMAD in H. contortus that is required for larval differentiation and underscore an adaptive functional repurposing of BMP-signaling in parasitic worms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Peixi Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lisha Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Nishith Gupta
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.,Department of Molecular Parasitology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani (BITS-P), Hyderabad, India
| | - 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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Ma G, Gasser RB, Wang T, Korhonen PK, Young ND. Toward integrative 'omics of the barber's pole worm and related parasitic nematodes. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2020; 85:104500. [PMID: 32795511 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Advances in nucleic acid sequencing, mass spectrometry and computational biology have facilitated the identification, annotation and analysis of genes, transcripts, proteins and metabolites in model nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans and Pristionchus pacificus) and socioeconomically important parasitic nematodes (Clades I, III, IV and V). Significant progress has been made in genomics and transcriptomics as well as in the proteomics and lipidomics of Haemonchus contortus (the barber's pole worm) - one of the most pathogenic representatives of the order Strongylida. Here, we review salient aspects of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, lipidomics, glycomics and functional genomics, and discuss the rise of integrative 'omics of this economically important parasite. Although our knowledge of the molecular biology, genetics and biochemistry of H. contortus and related species has progressed significantly, much remains to be explored, particularly in areas such as drug resistance, unique/unknown genes, host-parasite interactions, parasitism and the pathogenesis of disease, by integrating the use of multiple 'omics methods. This approach should lead to a better understanding of H. contortus and its relatives at a 'systems biology' level, and should assist in developing new interventions against these parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangxu Ma
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Pasi K Korhonen
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Neil D Young
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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He L, Liu H, Zhang BY, Li FF, Di WD, Wang CQ, Zhou CX, Liu L, Li TT, Zhang T, Fang R, Hu M. A daf-7-related TGF-β ligand (Hc-tgh-2) shows important regulations on the development of Haemonchus contortus. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:326. [PMID: 32586367 PMCID: PMC7318536 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04196-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In most multicellular organisms, the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signalling pathway is involved in regulating the growth and stem cell differentiation. Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of three key molecules in this pathway in the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus, including one TGF-β type I receptor (Hc-tgfbr1), one TGF-β type II receptor (Hc-tgfbr2), and one co-Smad (Hc-daf-3), which regulated the developmental transition from the free-living to the parasitic stages of this parasite. However, almost nothing is known about the function of the TGF-β ligand (Hc-tgh-2) of H. contortus. METHODS Here, the temporal transcription profiles of Hc-tgh-2 at eight different developmental stages and spatial expression patterns of Hc-TGH-2 in adult female and male worms of H. contortus have been examined by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. In addition, RNA interference (RNAi) by soaking was employed to assess the importance of Hc-tgh-2 in the development from exsheathed third-stage larvae (xL3s) to fourth-stage larvae (L4s) in H. contortus. RESULTS Hc-tgh-2 was continuously transcribed in all eight developmental stages of H. contortus studied with the highest level in the infective third-stage larvae (iL3) and Hc-TGH-2 was located in the muscle of the body wall, intestine, ovary of adult females and testes of adult males. Silencing Hc-tgh-2 by the specific double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), decreased the transcript level of Hc-tgh-2 and resulted in fewer xL3s developing to L4s in vitro. CONCLUSIONS These results suggested that the TGF-β ligand, Hc-TGH-2, could play important roles in the developmental transition from the free-living (L3s) to the parasitic stage (L4s). Furthermore, it may also take part in the processes such as digestion, absorption, host immune response and reproductive development in H. contortus adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li He
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Hui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Bi-Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Fang-Fang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Wen-Da Di
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Chun-Qun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Cai-Xian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Lu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Ting-Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Rui Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Min Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.
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Li FF, Gasser RB, Liu F, Shan JN, Di WD, He L, Zhou CX, Wang CQ, Fang R, Hu M. Identification and characterization of an R-Smad homologue (Hco-DAF-8) from Haemonchus contortus. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:164. [PMID: 32245505 PMCID: PMC7119156 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04034-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Smad proteins are essential cellular mediators within the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily. They directly transmit incoming signals from the cell surface receptors to the nucleus. In spite of their functional importance, almost nothing is known about Smad proteins in parasitic nematodes including Haemonchus contortus, an important blood-sucking nematode of small ruminants. Methods Based on genomic and transcriptome data for H. contortus and using bioinformatics methods, a Smad homologue (called Hco-daf-8) was inferred from H. contortus and the structural characteristics of this gene and its encoded protein Hco-DAF-8 established. Using real-time PCR and immunofluorescence assays, temporal transcriptional and spatial expression profiles of Hco-daf-8 were studied. Gene rescue in Caenorhabditis elegans was then applied to assess the function of Hco-daf-8 and a specific inhibitor of human Smad3 (called SIS3) was employed to evaluate the roles of Hco-DAF-8 in H. contortus development. Results The features of Hco-DAF-8 (502 amino acids), including conserved R-Smad domains and residues of the L3-loop that determine pathway specificity, are consistent with a TGF-β type I receptor-activated R-Smad. The Hco-daf-8 gene was transcribed in all developmental stages of H. contortus studied, with a higher level of transcription in the fourth-stage larval (L4) females and the highest level in adult males. Hco-DAF-8 was expressed in the platymyarian muscular cells, intestine and reproductive system of adult stages. Gene rescue experiments showed that Hco-daf-8 was able to partially rescue gene function in a daf-8 deficient mutant strain of C. elegans, leading to a resumption of normal development. In H. contortus, SIS3 was shown to affect H. contortus development from the exsheathed third-stage larvae (L3s) to L4s in vitro. Conclusions These findings suggest that Hco-DAF-8, encoded by the gene Hco-daf-8, is an important cellular mediator of H. contortus development via the TGF-β signalling pathway. They provide a basis for future explorations of Hco-DAF-8 and associated pathways in H. contortus and other important parasitic nematodes.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Fang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Robin B Gasser
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.,Melbourne Veterinary School, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Feng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Jia-Nan Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Wen-Da Di
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Li He
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Cai-Xian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Chun-Qun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Rui Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Min Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.
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