1
|
Subramaniam R, Selvan Christyraj JRS, Selvan Christyraj JD, Venkatachalam S, Rossan Mathews MG, Venkatachalam K, Kalimuthu K, Yesudhason BV. Profiling microRNAs of earthworm, Perionyx excavatus and deciphering the expression of distinct novel miRNAs regulating epimorphosis regeneration. Gene 2024; 926:148636. [PMID: 38830517 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148636] [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: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Earthworm, P. excavatus, is an ideal model organism for studying regeneration. Due to its prodigious regeneration capability, the amputated head part of the earthworm can regenerate completely within 22 days. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate specific genes and are involved in essential biological processes, including regeneration. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of miRNA profiling of the earthworm, P. excavatus, during the process of anterior regeneration. Our investigation involved in the identification of 55 miRNAs from 30 distinct miRNA families that exhibit significant relevance to wound healing and regeneration. Notably, we have identified 50 novel miRNAs and predicted their pre-miRNA secondary structures using MIREAP. Both Known and Novel miRNAs are validated using qPCR. In addition, we employed the miRanda algorithm to predict the interactions between these miRNAs and their target mRNA transcripts. Based on the miRanda target prediction results, we identified the target genes such as Wnt, Myc, MAPK, SoxB, IHH, Hox, and Notch. These findings indicate that the potential targets of these miRNAs might play crucial roles in various functions related to wound healing, tissue restoration, and regeneration. Furthermore, the acquisition of these findings provides a unique perspective on understanding the molecular mechanisms driving epimorphosis regeneration in connection with miRNAs for the development of miRNA-based therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ravichandran Subramaniam
- Regeneration and Stem Cell Biology Lab, Centre for Molecular and Nanomedical Sciences, International Research Centre, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Johnson Retnaraj Samuel Selvan Christyraj
- Regeneration and Stem Cell Biology Lab, Centre for Molecular and Nanomedical Sciences, International Research Centre, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Jackson Durairaj Selvan Christyraj
- Regeneration and Stem Cell Biology Lab, Centre for Molecular and Nanomedical Sciences, International Research Centre, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Saravanakumar Venkatachalam
- Regeneration and Stem Cell Biology Lab, Centre for Molecular and Nanomedical Sciences, International Research Centre, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Melinda Grace Rossan Mathews
- Regeneration and Stem Cell Biology Lab, Centre for Molecular and Nanomedical Sciences, International Research Centre, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kesavamoorthy Venkatachalam
- Regeneration and Stem Cell Biology Lab, Centre for Molecular and Nanomedical Sciences, International Research Centre, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kalishwaralal Kalimuthu
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Beryl Vedha Yesudhason
- Regeneration and Stem Cell Biology Lab, Centre for Molecular and Nanomedical Sciences, International Research Centre, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Morando N, Rosenzvit MC, Pando MA, Allmer J. The Role of MicroRNAs in HIV Infection. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:574. [PMID: 38790203 PMCID: PMC11120859 DOI: 10.3390/genes15050574] [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: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small, non-coding RNAs, play a pivotal role in regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. These regulatory molecules are integral to many biological processes and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. This review aims to cover the current understanding of the multifaceted roles miRNAs assume in the context of HIV infection and pathogenesis. The discourse is structured around three primary focal points: (i) elucidation of the mechanisms through which miRNAs regulate HIV replication, encompassing both direct targeting of viral transcripts and indirect modulation of host factors critical for viral replication; (ii) examination of the modulation of miRNA expression by HIV, mediated through either viral proteins or the activation of cellular pathways consequent to viral infection; and (iii) assessment of the impact of miRNAs on the immune response and the progression of disease in HIV-infected individuals. Further, this review delves into the potential utility of miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic agents in HIV infection, underscoring the challenges and prospects inherent to this line of inquiry. The synthesis of current evidence positions miRNAs as significant modulators of the host-virus interplay, offering promising avenues for enhancing the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HIV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Morando
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 1121, Argentina; (N.M.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Mara Cecilia Rosenzvit
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 1121, Argentina;
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 1121, Argentina
| | - Maria A. Pando
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 1121, Argentina; (N.M.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Jens Allmer
- Medical Informatics and Bioinformatics, Institute for Measurement Engineering and Sensor Technology, Hochschule Ruhr West, University of Applied Sciences, 45479 Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Herz M, Zarowiecki M, Wessels L, Pätzel K, Herrmann R, Braun C, Holroyd N, Huckvale T, Bergmann M, Spiliotis M, Koziol U, Berriman M, Brehm K. Genome-wide transcriptome analysis of Echinococcus multilocularis larvae and germinative cell cultures reveals genes involved in parasite stem cell function. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1335946. [PMID: 38333034 PMCID: PMC10850878 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1335946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The lethal zoonosis alveolar echinococcosis is caused by tumour-like growth of the metacestode stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis within host organs. We previously demonstrated that metacestode proliferation is exclusively driven by somatic stem cells (germinative cells), which are the only mitotically active parasite cells that give rise to all differentiated cell types. The Echinococcus gene repertoire required for germinative cell maintenance and differentiation has not been characterised so far. We herein carried out Illumina sequencing on cDNA from Echinococcus metacestode vesicles, from metacestode tissue depleted of germinative cells, and from Echinococcus primary cell cultures. We identified a set of ~1,180 genes associated with germinative cells, which contained numerous known stem cell markers alongside genes involved in replication, cell cycle regulation, mitosis, meiosis, epigenetic modification, and nucleotide metabolism. Interestingly, we also identified 44 stem cell associated transcription factors that are likely involved in regulating germinative cell differentiation and/or pluripotency. By in situ hybridization and pulse-chase experiments, we also found a new general Echinococcus stem cell marker, EmCIP2Ah, and we provide evidence implying the presence of a slow cycling stem cell sub-population expressing the extracellular matrix factor Emkal1. RNA-Seq analyses on primary cell cultures revealed that metacestode-derived Echinococcus stem cells display an expanded differentiation capability and do not only form differentiated cell types of the metacestode, but also cells expressing genes specific for protoscoleces, adult worms, and oncospheres, including an ortholog of the schistosome praziquantel target, EmTRPMPZQ. Finally, we show that primary cell cultures contain a cell population expressing an ortholog of the tumour necrosis factor α receptor family and that mammalian TNFα accelerates the development of metacestode vesicles from germinative cells. Taken together, our analyses provide a robust and comprehensive characterization of the Echinococcus germinative cell transcriptome, demonstrate expanded differentiation capability of metacestode derived stem cells, and underscore the potential of primary germinative cell cultures to investigate developmental processes of the parasite. These data are relevant for studies into the role of Echinococcus stem cells in parasite development and will facilitate the design of anti-parasitic drugs that specifically act on the parasite germinative cell compartment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Herz
- Consultant Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Leonie Wessels
- Consultant Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Pätzel
- Consultant Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ruth Herrmann
- Consultant Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christiane Braun
- Consultant Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nancy Holroyd
- Parasite Genomics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Huckvale
- Parasite Genomics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Monika Bergmann
- Consultant Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Spiliotis
- Consultant Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Uriel Koziol
- Consultant Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Sección Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Matthew Berriman
- Parasite Genomics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Klaus Brehm
- Consultant Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liao Y, Zhu Z, Liu Y, Wu J, Li D, Li Z, Xu J, Yang R, Wang L. Schistosome egg-derived extracellular vesicles deliver Sja-miR-71a inhibits host macrophage and neutrophil extracellular traps via targeting Sema4D. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:366. [PMID: 38129877 PMCID: PMC10734185 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01395-8] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Macrophages and neutrophils are rapidly recruited around Schistosome eggs to form granulomas. Extracellular traps (ETs) of macrophages and neutrophils are part of the pathogen clearance armamentarium of leukocytes. Schistosome eggs possess the ability to resist attack by the host's immune cells and survive by employing various immune evasion mechanisms, including the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs). However, the specific mechanisms by which Schistosome egg-derived EVs (E-EVs) evade the immune response and resist attack from macrophage and neutrophil ETs remain poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between E-EVs and macrophage/neutrophil ETs. METHODS EVs were isolated from the culture supernatant of S. japonicum eggs and treated macrophages and neutrophils with E-EVs and Sja-miR-71a. The formation of ETs was then observed. Additionally, we infected mice with S. japonicum, administered HBAAV2/9-Sja-miR-71a, and the formation of macrophage ETs (METs) and neutrophil ETs (NETs) in the livers was measured. Sema4D-knockout mice, RNA sequencing, and trans-well assay were used to clarify Sja-miR-71a in E-EVs inhibits METs and NETs formation via the Sema4D/ PPAR-γ/ IL-10 axis. RESULTS Our findings revealed that E-EVs were internalized by macrophages and neutrophils, leading to the inhibition of METs and NETs formation. The highly expressed Sja-miR-71a in E-EVs targeted Sema4D, resulting in the up-regulation of IL-10 and subsequent inhibition of METs and NETs formation. Sema4D knockout up-regulated IL-10 expression and inhibited the formation of METs and NETs. Furthermore, we further demonstrated that Sja-miR-71a inhibits METs and NETs formation via the Sema4D/ PPAR-γ/ IL-10 axis. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our findings provide new insights into the immune evasion abilities of Schistosome eggs by demonstrating their ability to inhibit the formation of METs and NETs through the secretion of EVs. This study enhances our understanding of the host-pathogen interaction and may have implications for the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Video Abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Liao
- Guangzhou key laboratory for clinical rapid diagnosis and early warning of infectious diseases, KingMed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, Guangdong, China
| | - Zifeng Zhu
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yuheng Liu
- Guangzhou key laboratory for clinical rapid diagnosis and early warning of infectious diseases, KingMed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, Guangdong, China
| | - Ji Wu
- Guangzhou key laboratory for clinical rapid diagnosis and early warning of infectious diseases, KingMed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, Guangdong, China
| | - Dinghao Li
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Guangzhou key laboratory for clinical rapid diagnosis and early warning of infectious diseases, KingMed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, Guangdong, China
| | - Junhao Xu
- Guangzhou key laboratory for clinical rapid diagnosis and early warning of infectious diseases, KingMed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruibing Yang
- Guangzhou KingMed Diagnostic Laboratory Ltd, Guangzhou, 510320, China.
| | - Lifu Wang
- Guangzhou key laboratory for clinical rapid diagnosis and early warning of infectious diseases, KingMed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yan L, Li Y, Li R, Liu M, He X, Yang X, Cho WC, Ayaz M, Kandil OM, Yang Y, Song H, Zheng Y. Comparative characterization of microRNA-71 of Echinococcus granulosus exosomes. Parasite 2023; 30:55. [PMID: 38084936 PMCID: PMC10714675 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2023060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a global zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus, posing a great threat to human and animal health. MiRNAs are small regulatory noncoding RNA involved in the pathogenesis of parasitic diseases, possibly via exosomes. Egr-miR-71 has been identified as one of the miRNAs in the blood of CE patients, but its secretory characteristics and functions remains unclear. Herein, we studied the secretory and biological activity of exosomal egr-miR-71 and its immunoregulatory functions in sheep peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Our results showed that egr-miR-71 was enriched in the exosome secreted by protoscoleces with biological activity. These egr-miR-71-containing exosomes were easily internalized and then induced the dysregulation of cytokines (IL-10 and TNF-α), nitric oxide (NO) and key components (CD14 and IRF5) in the LPS/TLR4 pathway in the coincubated sheep PBMCs. Similarly, egr-miR-71 overexpression also altered the immune functions but exhibited obvious differences in regulation of the cytokines and key components, preferably inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β and TNF-α). These results demonstrate that exosomal egr-miR-71 is bioactive and capacity of immunomodulation of PBMCs, potentially being involved in immune responses during E. granulosus infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lujun Yan
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection & Internet Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang A&F University Hangzhou 311300 China
| | - Yating Li
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection & Internet Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang A&F University Hangzhou 311300 China
| | - Rui Li
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection & Internet Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang A&F University Hangzhou 311300 China
| | - Mengqi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection & Internet Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang A&F University Hangzhou 311300 China
| | - Xuedong He
- College of Animal sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fujian-Taiwan Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogen Biology Fuzhou 350002 China
| | - Xing Yang
-
Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Dali University Dali 671000 Yunnan China
| | - William C. Cho
-
Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Mazhar Ayaz
-
Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Bahawalpur 73000 Pakistan
| | - Omnia M. Kandil
-
Depterment of Parasitology and Animal Disease, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre Giza 12622 Egypt
| | - Yongchun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection & Internet Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang A&F University Hangzhou 311300 China
| | - Houhui Song
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection & Internet Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang A&F University Hangzhou 311300 China
| | - Yadong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection & Internet Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang A&F University Hangzhou 311300 China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Grecco A, Macchiaroli N, Pérez MG, Casulli A, Cucher MA, Rosenzvit MC. microRNA silencing in a whole worm cestode model provides insight into miR-71 function. Int J Parasitol 2023; 53:699-710. [PMID: 37699506 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.08.002] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Parasites belonging to the class Cestoda include zoonotic species such as Echinococcus spp. and Taenia spp. that cause morbidity and mortality in endemic areas, mainly affecting pastoral and rural communities in low income countries but also upper middle income countries. Cestodes show remarkable developmental plasticity, implying tight regulation of gene expression throughout their complex life cycles. Despite the recent availability of genomic data for cestodes, little progress was made on postgenomic functional studies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key components of gene regulatory systems that guide diverse developmental processes in multicellular organisms. miR-71 is a highly expressed miRNA in cestodes, which is absent in vertebrates and targets essential parasite genes, representing a potential key player in understanding the role of miRNAs in cestodes biology. Here we used transfection with antisense oligonucleotides to perform whole worm miRNA knockdown in tetrathyridia of Mesocestoides vogae (syn. Mesocestoides corti), a laboratory model of cestodes. We believe this is the first report of miRNA knockdown at the organism level in these parasites. Our results showed that M. vogae miR-71 is involved in the control of strobilation in vitro and in the establishment of murine infection. In addition, we identified miR-71 targets in M. vogae, several of them being de-repressed upon miR-71 knockdown. This study provides new knowledge on gene expression regulation in cestodes and suggests that miRNAs could be evaluated as new selective therapeutic targets for treating Neglected Tropical Diseases prioritised by the World Health Organization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Grecco
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Natalia Macchiaroli
- Laboratorio de Genómica y Bioinformática de Patógenos, Instituto de Biociencias, Biotecnología y Biología Traslacional (iB3), Departamento de Fisiología y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Matías Gastón Pérez
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adriano Casulli
- WHO Collaborating Centre for the Epidemiology, Detection and Control of Cystic and Alveolar Echinococcosis. Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy; European Reference Laboratory for Parasites. Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcela Alejandra Cucher
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mara Cecilia Rosenzvit
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Naidoo D, Brennan R, de Lencastre A. Conservation and Targets of miR-71: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Noncoding RNA 2023; 9:41. [PMID: 37624033 PMCID: PMC10458147 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna9040041] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) perform a pivotal role in the regulation of gene expression across the animal kingdom. As negative regulators of gene expression, miRNAs have been shown to function in the genetic pathways that control many biological processes and have been implicated in roles in human disease. First identified as an aging-associated gene in C. elegans, miR-71, a miRNA, has a demonstrated capability of regulating processes in numerous different invertebrates, including platyhelminths, mollusks, and insects. In these organisms, miR-71 has been shown to affect a diverse range of pathways, including aging, development, and immune response. However, the exact mechanisms by which miR-71 regulates these pathways are not completely understood. In this paper, we review the identified functions of miR-71 across multiple organisms, including identified gene targets, pathways, and the conditions which affect regulatory action. Additionally, the degree of conservation of miR-71 in the evaluated organisms and the conservation of their predicted binding sites in target 3' UTRs was measured. These studies may provide an insight on the patterns, interactions, and conditions in which miR-71 is able to exert genotypic and phenotypic influence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devin Naidoo
- Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT 06518, USA
| | - Ryan Brennan
- Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT 06518, USA
| | - Alexandre de Lencastre
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT 06518, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kaethner M, Epping K, Bernthaler P, Rudolf K, Thomann I, Leitschuh N, Bergmann M, Spiliotis M, Koziol U, Brehm K. Transforming growth factor-β signalling regulates protoscolex formation in the Echinococcus multilocularis metacestode. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1153117. [PMID: 37033489 PMCID: PMC10073696 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1153117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The lethal zoonosis alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is caused by tumor-like, infiltrative growth of the metacestode larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. We previously showed that the metacestode is composed of posteriorized tissue and that the production of the subsequent larval stage, the protoscolex, depends on re-establishment of anterior identities within the metacestode germinative layer. It is, however, unclear so far how protoscolex differentiation in Echinococcus is regulated. We herein characterized the full complement of E. multilocularis TGFβ/BMP receptors, which is composed of one type II and three type I receptor serine/threonine kinases. Functional analyzes showed that all Echinococcus TGFβ/BMP receptors are enzymatically active and respond to host derived TGFβ/BMP ligands for activating downstream Smad transcription factors. In situ hybridization experiments demonstrated that the Echinococcus TGFβ/BMP receptors are mainly expressed by nerve and muscle cells within the germinative layer and in developing brood capsules. Interestingly, the production of brood capsules, which later give rise to protoscoleces, was strongly suppressed in the presence of inhibitors directed against TGFβ/BMP receptors, whereas protoscolex differentiation was accelerated in response to host BMP2 and TGFβ. Apart from being responsive to host TGFβ/BMP ligands, protoscolex production also correlated with the expression of a parasite-derived TGFβ-like ligand, EmACT, which is expressed in early brood capsules and which is strongly expressed in anterior domains during protoscolex development. Taken together, these data indicate an important role of TGFβ/BMP signalling in Echinococcus anterior pole formation and protoscolex development. Since TGFβ is accumulating around metacestode lesions at later stages of the infection, the host immune response could thus serve as a signal by which the parasite senses the time point at which protoscoleces must be produced. Overall, our data shed new light on molecular mechanisms of host-parasite interaction during AE and are relevant for the development of novel treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Kaethner
- Consultant Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Epping
- Consultant Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Peter Bernthaler
- Consultant Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kilian Rudolf
- Consultant Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Irena Thomann
- Consultant Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nadine Leitschuh
- Consultant Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Food Technology, Fulda University of Applied Sciences, Fulda, Germany
| | - Monika Bergmann
- Consultant Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Spiliotis
- Consultant Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Uriel Koziol
- Consultant Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Sección Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Klaus Brehm
- Consultant Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li Y, Yan L, Ci D, Li R, Li W, Xia T, Shi H, Ayaz M, Zheng Y, Wang P. Analysis of sheep peripheral blood mononuclear cells in response to Echinococcus granulosus microRNA-71 overexpression. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2023; 254:111556. [PMID: 36739092 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2023.111556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Cyst echinococcosis, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, remains a zoonotic disease posing a great threat to public health and meat production industry. Sheep infected with E. granulosus show relatively high abundance of egr-miR-71 in the sera, but its role is unknown. Using bioinformatics and cell migration and Transwell assays, we comparatively analyzed the proteomes and cell invasion of sheep PBMCs in response to egr-miR-71 overexpression. The results showed that the egr-miR-71 induced a total of 157 proteins being differentially expressed and mainly involved in immune responses. In sheep PBMCs, egr-miRNA-71 overexpression induced significant downregulation of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and accordingly promoted cell migration and invasion compared with the control. The results will provide a clue for further investigation of a role of circulating egr-miR-71 in immune responses during E. granulosus infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yating Li
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection & Internet Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Lujun Yan
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection & Internet Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Duojie Ci
- NHC Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis Prevention and Control, Tibet Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lhasa 850000, Tibet Autonomous Region, China
| | - Rui Li
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection & Internet Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Wanjing Li
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection & Internet Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Tianqi Xia
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection & Internet Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Hengzhi Shi
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection & Internet Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Mazhar Ayaz
- Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur 73000, Pakistan
| | - Yadong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection & Internet Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China.
| | - Pu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection & Internet Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
microRNAs: Critical Players during Helminth Infections. Microorganisms 2022; 11:microorganisms11010061. [PMID: 36677353 PMCID: PMC9861972 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally through their interaction with the 3' untranslated regions (3' UTR) of target mRNAs, affecting their stability and/or translation. Therefore, miRNAs regulate biological processes such as signal transduction, cell death, autophagy, metabolism, development, cellular proliferation, and differentiation. Dysregulated expression of microRNAs is associated with infectious diseases, where miRNAs modulate important aspects of the parasite-host interaction. Helminths are parasitic worms that cause various neglected tropical diseases affecting millions worldwide. These parasites have sophisticated mechanisms that give them a surprising immunomodulatory capacity favoring parasite persistence and establishment of infection. In this review, we analyze miRNAs in infections caused by helminths, emphasizing their role in immune regulation and its implication in diagnosis, prognosis, and the development of therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhang X, Duan S, Li X, Ding J, Zuo L, Sun B, Zhang X, Jiang X, Gao Y, Hu X, Han S. Differences in the secretory exosomes of Clonorchis sinensis adults at different incubation times. Acta Trop 2022; 234:106604. [PMID: 35820469 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Exosomes are small membrane vesicles of endocytic origin and widely involved in a variety of physiological and pathological conditions. Exosome-like vesicles (ELVs) have been identified to mediate the parasite-host interactions and communication. Thus, increased knowledge of C. sinensis ELVs could provide insights into parasite-host interactions. In this experiment, ELVs was purified by ultracentrifugation from the culture medium of C. sinensis adults in vitro incubated for 24 h and 48 h, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) confirmed that the purified vesicles which ranged from 30 to 150 nm in size were present in the culture medium. Small RNA high-throughput sequencing analysis identified 51 miRNAs, including 37 known C. sinensis miRNAs, 3 novel C. sinensis miRNAs and 11 rat miRNAs. The sequencing data were validated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The biological function of targets of known C. sinensis miRNAs were proved to associated with signal transduction, infectious diseases and the immune system. Further, 15 miRNAs were classified as differentially expressed in the 24h-ELVs compared to the 48h-ELVs. We found that the numbers and expression levels of most miRNAs from 24h-ELVs were more and higer than 48h-ELVs'. Our work provides important data for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of C. sinensis adults ELVs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Shanshan Duan
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, PR China.
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Jian Ding
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Lijiao Zuo
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, PR China.
| | - Beibei Sun
- Zhuhai Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Xueli Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Xu Jiang
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Yannan Gao
- Department of Graduate Studies, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, PR China.
| | - Xinyi Hu
- Department of Stomatology, Laixi People's Hospital, Shandong, PR China
| | - Su Han
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China; Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Soichot J, Guttmann N, Rehrauer H, Joller N, Tritten L. Nematode microRNAs can Individually Regulate Interferon Regulatory Factor 4 and mTOR in Differentiating T Helper 2 Lymphocytes and Modulate Cytokine Production in Macrophages. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:909312. [PMID: 35836928 PMCID: PMC9274173 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.909312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes are masterful immunomodulators. This class of pathogens has evolved a spectrum of sophisticated strategies to regulate and evade host immune responses, mediated through the release of various molecules. In this context, the release of microRNAs (miRNAs), short post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, has been of particular interest in the host-parasite interplay. Evidence that parasite-derived miRNAs modulate host innate and adaptive immune responses has become increasingly compelling. However, since miRNAs are usually contained in extracellular vesicles containing other mediators, it is difficult to assign an observed effect on host cells to miRNAs specifically. Here, the effects of some abundantly secreted miRNAs by nematodes used as models of gastrointestinal infections (Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri, Trichuris muris and Ascaris suum) were evaluated, addressing the potential of parasite miRNAs to impair in vitro differentiation of two important types of immune cells in the context of helminth infections, Th2 lymphocytes and macrophages. Mimicking a continuous exposure to low concentrations of nematode miRNAs, the interferon gamma signaling, the IL-2/STAT5 signaling, and the mTOR signaling pathways were identified as downregulated by Hpo-miR-71-5p. Interferon regulatory factor 4 (Irf4) was validated as a target of Hpo-miR-71-5p, while Mtor is targeted by Asu-miR-791-3p, abundant in the T. muris secretions. By trend, Hpo-miR-71-5p impacts mildly but consistently on the amounts of inflammatory cytokines in unpolarized macrophages but leads to slightly increased IL-10 level in alternatively activated cells. In addition, our data suggests that transfected miRNAs remain for days in recipient cells, and that Hpo-miR-71-5p can incorporate into mouse Argonaute protein complexes. Nematode miRNAs can impair both innate and adaptive arms of host immunity. Hpo-miR-71-5p in particular, absent in mammals, interacts with host genes and pathways with crucial involvement in anthelmintic immune responses. This report brings new insights into the dynamics of miRNA-driven immunomodulation and highlights putative targeted pathways. Although the absolute repression is subtle, it is expected that the dozens of different miRNAs released by nematodes may have a synergistic effect on surrounding host cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julien Soichot
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Guttmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hubert Rehrauer
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, ETH Zurich/University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Joller
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lucienne Tritten
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Lucienne Tritten,
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Function of lipid binding proteins of parasitic helminths: still a long road. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1117-1129. [PMID: 35169885 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07463-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Infections with parasitic helminths cause severe debilitating and sometimes lethal diseases in humans and domestic animals on a global scale. Unable to synthesize de novo their own fatty acids and sterols, helminth parasites (nematodes, trematodes, cestodes) rely on their hosts for their supply. These organisms produce and secrete a wide range of lipid binding proteins that are, in most cases, structurally different from the ones found in their hosts, placing them as possible novel therapeutic targets. In this sense, a lot of effort has been made towards the structure determination of these proteins, but their precise function is still unknown. In this review, we aim to present the current knowledge on the functions of LBPs present in parasitic helminths as well as novel members of this highly heterogeneous group of proteins.
Collapse
|
15
|
Transcriptional effects of electroporation on Echinococcus multilocularis primary cell culture. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1155-1168. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07427-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
16
|
Fontenla S, Langleib M, de la Torre-Escudero E, Domínguez MF, Robinson MW, Tort J. Role of Fasciola hepatica Small RNAs in the Interaction With the Mammalian Host. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:812141. [PMID: 35155272 PMCID: PMC8824774 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.812141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression being involved in many different biological processes and play a key role in developmental timing. Additionally, recent studies have shown that miRNAs released from parasites are capable of regulating the expression of host genes. In the present work, we studied the expression patterns of ncRNAs of various intra-mammalian life-cycle stages of the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica, as well as those packaged into extracellular vesicles and shed by the adult fluke. The miRNA expression profile of the intra-mammalian stages shows important variations, despite a set of predominant miRNAs that are highly expressed across all stages. No substantial variations in miRNA expression between dormant and activated metacercariae were detected, suggesting that they might not be central players in regulating fluke gene expression during this crucial step in the invasion of the definitive host. We generated a curated pipeline for the prediction of putative target genes that reports only sites conserved between three different prediction approaches. This pipeline was tested against an iso-seq curated database of the 3’ UTR regions of F. hepatica genes to detect miRNA regulation networks within liver fluke. Several functions related to the host immune response or modulation were enriched among the targets of the most highly expressed parasite miRNAs, stressing that they might be key players during the establishment and maintenance of infection. Additionally, we detected fragments derived from the processing of tRNAs, in all developmental stages analyzed, and documented the presence of novel long tRNA fragments enriched in vesicles. We confirmed the presence of at least 5 putative vault RNAs (vtRNAs), that are expressed across different stages and enriched in vesicles. The presence of tRNA fragments and vtRNAs in vesicles raise the possibility that they could be involved in the host-parasite interaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Fontenla
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay
- *Correspondence: Santiago Fontenla, ; José Tort,
| | - Mauricio Langleib
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Desarrollo Biotecnológico, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Maria Fernanda Domínguez
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Mark W. Robinson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - José Tort
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay
- *Correspondence: Santiago Fontenla, ; José Tort,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Stoll K, Bergmann M, Spiliotis M, Brehm K. A MEKK1 - JNK mitogen activated kinase (MAPK) cascade module is active in Echinococcus multilocularis stem cells. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0010027. [PMID: 34879059 PMCID: PMC8687709 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The metacestode larval stage of the fox-tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis causes alveolar echinococcosis by tumour-like growth within the liver of the intermediate host. Metacestode growth and development is stimulated by host-derived cytokines such as insulin, fibroblast growth factor, and epidermal growth factor via activation of cognate receptor tyrosine kinases expressed by the parasite. Little is known, however, concerning signal transmission to the parasite nucleus and cross-reaction with other parasite signalling systems. Methodology/Principal findings Using bioinformatic approaches, cloning, and yeast two-hybrid analyses we identified a novel mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) cascade module that consists of E. multilocularis orthologs of the tyrosine kinase receptor interactor Growth factor receptor-bound 2, EmGrb2, the MAPK kinase kinase EmMEKK1, a novel MAPK kinase, EmMKK3, and a close homolog to c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), EmMPK3. Whole mount in situ hybridization analyses indicated that EmMEKK1 and EmMPK3 are both expressed in E. multilocularis germinative (stem) cells but also in differentiated or differentiating cells. Treatment with the known JNK inhibitor SP600125 led to a significantly reduced formation of metacestode vesicles from stem cells and to a specific reduction of proliferating stem cells in mature metacestode vesicles. Conclusions/Significance We provide evidence for the expression of a MEKK1-JNK MAPK cascade module which, in mammals, is crucially involved in stress responses, cytoskeletal rearrangements, and apoptosis, in E. multilocularis stem cells. Inhibitor studies indicate an important role of JNK signalling in E. multilocularis stem cell survival and/or maintenance. Our data are relevant for molecular and cellular studies into crosstalk signalling mechanisms that govern Echinococcus stem cell function and introduce the JNK signalling cascade as a possible target of chemotherapeutics against echinococcosis. The metacestode larva of the tapeworm E. multilocularis grows infiltrative, like a malignant tumour, within the liver of the host thus causing the lethal disease alveolar echinococcosis. Previous work established that the metacestode senses signals of host hormones and cytokines by expressing surface receptors that share high homology with respective host receptors. However, little is known how these signals are transmitted from the parasite cell surface to the nucleus to alter gene expression. In this work, the authors present a module of several protein kinases that typically transmit cytokine signals from surface receptors to central regulators called mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). The authors demonstrate that this module is active in parasite stem cells, which drive the development of metacestode larva. They also show that inhibitors directed against one component of the module, EmMPK3, affect maintenance and/or survival of stem cells in the metacestode and prevent the formation of metacestode larva from parasite cell cultures. This information facilitates molecular and cellular studies to unravel the complex signalling network that regulate Echinococcus stem cell proliferation in response to host signals. Furthermore, these data could open new ways of anti-parasitic chemotherapy by introducing EmMPK3 as a possible drug target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Stoll
- University of Würzburg, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Monika Bergmann
- University of Würzburg, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Spiliotis
- University of Würzburg, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Brehm
- University of Würzburg, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, Würzburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kamenetzky L, Maldonado LL, Cucher MA. Cestodes in the genomic era. Parasitol Res 2021; 121:1077-1089. [PMID: 34665308 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07346-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The first cestode genomes were obtained by an international consortium led by the Wellcome Sanger Institute that included representative institutions from countries where the sequenced parasites have been studied for decades, in part because they are etiological agents of endemic diseases (Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, Canada, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, USA, Japan, and China). After this, several complete genomes were obtained reaching 16 species to date. Cestode genomes have smaller relative size compared to other animals including free-living flatworms. Moreover, the features genome size and repeat content seem to differ in the two analyzed orders. Cyclophyllidean species have smaller genomes and with fewer repetitive content than Diphyllobothriidean species. On average, cestode genomes have 13,753 genes with 6 exons per gene and 41% GC content. More than 5,000 shared cestode proteins were accurately annotated by the integration of gene predictions and transcriptome evidence being more than 40% of these proteins of unknown function. Several gene losses and reduction of gene families were found and could be related to the extreme parasitic lifestyle of these species. The application of cutting-edge sequencing technology allowed the characterization of the terminal sequences of chromosomes that possess unique characteristics. Here, we review the current status of knowledge of complete cestode genomes and place it within a comparative genomics perspective. Multidisciplinary work together with the implementation of new technologies will provide valuable information that can certainly improve our chances to finally eradicate or at least control diseases caused by cestodes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kamenetzky
- iB3, Instituto de Biociencias, Departamento de Fisiología Y Biología Molecular Y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Biotecnología y Biología traslacional, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Lucas L Maldonado
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Institute of Research On Microbiology and Medical Parasitology (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcela A Cucher
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Institute of Research On Microbiology and Medical Parasitology (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Faridi A, Mansouri M, Macchiaroli N, Afgar A, Mousavi SM, Rosenzvit MC, Harandi MF. MicroRNA profile of the strobilated worms of Echinococcus granulosus derived from in vivo and in vitro systems by using high-throughput approach. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3203-3214. [PMID: 34351489 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07251-3] [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: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs are critical gene regulators at the post-transcriptional level and play essential roles in numerous developmental processes in metazoan parasites including the causative agent of cystic echinococcosis, Echinococcus granulosus. The molecular basis of different patterns of E. granulosus development in the canine definitive host and in in vitro culture systems is poorly understood. In the present study, miRNA transcriptomes of the strobilated worms derived from experimental infection in the definitive host were compared with those from diphasic culture system after 60-day protoscoleces cultivation. Total RNA was extracted from in vivo- and in vitro-derived strobilated worms. Small RNA libraries were constructed, and deep sequencing was performed. Subsequently, differential miRNA expressions and target predictions were obtained, and pathway analysis was performed by gene ontology and KEGG. Seven miRNAs were differentially expressed between the in vivo- and in vitro-derived worms. In addition, we reported 13 novel miRNA candidates and 42 conserved miRNAs. Four out of five top miRNAs with the highest read counts were shared between the in vivo and in vitro-derived worms, i.e., egr-miR-10a-5p, egr-let-7-5p, egr-bantam-3p, and egr-miR-71-5p. Target prediction of the differential miRNAs between the two systems showed significant differences in the membrane-enclosed lumen, membrane part, and an intrinsic component of the membrane. Findings of KEGG analysis indicated that differentially expressed miRNAs were involved in hippo, MAPK, and WNT signaling pathways. The study demonstrated a significant difference in miRNA transcriptomes and related signaling pathways between the two systems, suggesting the importance of host-parasite interplay in the fate of protoscoleces development in in vivo and in vitro systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashkan Faridi
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mansouri
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Natalia Macchiaroli
- Laboratorio Biología Molecular de Hidatidosis, Instituto de Microbiología Y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Genómica Y Bioinformática de Patógenos, Instituto de Biociencias, Biotecnología y Biología Traslacional (iB3), Departamento de Fisiología Y Biología Molecular Y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ali Afgar
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Mousavi
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mara C Rosenzvit
- Laboratorio Biología Molecular de Hidatidosis, Instituto de Microbiología Y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Majid Fasihi Harandi
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Eroglu F, Dokur M, Ulu Y. MicroRNA profile in immune response of alveolar and cystic echinococcosis patients. Parasite Immunol 2021; 43:e12817. [PMID: 33410199 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
It is known that miRNAs are effective in immune response in the diagnosis and treatment of many infectious diseases. However, the miRNAs profile is unknown in Alveolar and Cystic Echinococcosis which can be fatal if left untreated. The miRNAs profile that activates the T and B cells forming the immune system in Alveolar and Cystic Echinococcosis patients was investigated in this study. A total of 50 liver tissue samples were obtained from Alveolar and Cystic Echinococcosis patients in Kilis State Hospital Pathology Laboratory in southeast of Turkey. The circulating cell-free miRNAs were evaluated by a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, statistically calculated within ΔΔCt values and fold changes were evaluated by Welch T test, in which P < .05 was considered to be significant. Twenty-five microRNAs, including let-7a-5p, let-7c, let-7e-5p, miR-15b-5p, miR16, miR-17-5p, miR-23a-5p, miR-24-3p, miR-25-3p, miR-26a-3p, miR-26b-3p, miR-29b-3p, miR-29c-3p, miR-30a-5p, miR-30b-5p, miR-30c-5p, miR-30d-5p, miR-30e-5p, miR-98-5p, miR-101-3p, miR-106b-5p, miR-125b-5p, miR-142-5p, miR-222-3p and miR-223-3p, were found as down-regulated in Alveolar and Cystic Echinococcosis patients than control groups. Twelve miRNAs, including miR-15a-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-27a-3p, miR-29a-3p, miR-146a-5p, miR-181a-5p, miR-181b-5p, miR-181d, miR-181c-5p, miR-195-5p, miR-214-3p and miR-365-3p, were found as up-regulated in Alveolar and Cystic Echinococcosis patients than healthy person. It has been shown that T- and B-cell activities are related in the progressive of both Alveolar and Cystic Echinococcosis in this study. The miRNA panel activated by T and B cells may be important for exploring the mechanisms underlying early development in Alveolar and Cystic Echinococcosis providing novel information that may be used to discover new therapeutics for these diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fadime Eroglu
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Aksaray University, Aksaray, Turkey.,FaBiyosit Microbiology-Biotechnology R&D Co., Adana, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Dokur
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Biruni University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yüksel Ulu
- Department of Medical Pathology, Kilis State Hospital, Kilis, Turkey.,Department of Medical Pathology, Istanbul Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Cucher MA, Ancarola ME, Kamenetzky L. The challenging world of extracellular RNAs of helminth parasites. Mol Immunol 2021; 134:150-160. [PMID: 33773158 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In the last years, cell free or extracellular RNAs (ex-RNAs) have emerged as novel intercellular messengers between animal cells, including pathogens. In infectious diseases, ex-RNAs represent novel players in the host-pathogen and pathogen-pathogen interplays and have been described in parasitic helminths from the three major taxonomic groups: nematodes, trematodes and cestodes. Altogether, it is estimated that approximately 30 percent of the world's population is infected with helminths, which cause debilitating diseases and syndromes. Ex-RNAs are protected from degradation by encapsulation in extracellular vesicles (EV), or association to proteins or lipoproteins, and have been detected in the excretion/secretion products of helminth parasites, with EV as the preferred extracellular compartment under study. EV is the generic term used to describe a heterogenous group of subcellular membrane-bound particles, with varying sizes, biogenesis, density and composition. However, recent data suggests that this is not the only means used by helminth parasites to secrete RNAs since ex-RNAs can also be found in EV-depleted samples. Furthermore, the use of pathogen ex-RNAs as biomarkers promise the advent of new diagnostic tools though this field is still in early stages of exploration. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of vesicular and non-vesicular ex-RNAs secretion in helminth parasites, their potential as biomarkers and the evidence of their role in parasite and host reciprocal communication, together with unanswered questions in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcela A Cucher
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Institute of Research on Microbiology and Medical Parasitology (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - María Eugenia Ancarola
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Institute of Research on Microbiology and Medical Parasitology (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Kamenetzky
- Laboratorio de Genómica y Bioinformática de Patógenos, iB3
- Instituto de Biociencias, Biotecnología y Biología traslacional, Departamento de Fisiología y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Expression profiling of Echinococcus multilocularis miRNAs throughout metacestode development in vitro. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009297. [PMID: 33750964 PMCID: PMC8016320 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The neglected zoonotic disease alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is caused by the metacestode stage of the tapeworm parasite Echinococcus multilocularis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs with a major role in regulating gene expression in key biological processes. We analyzed the expression profile of E. multilocularis miRNAs throughout metacestode development in vitro, determined the spatial expression of miR-71 in metacestodes cultured in vitro and predicted miRNA targets. Small cDNA libraries from different samples of E. multilocularis were sequenced. We confirmed the expression of 37 miRNAs in E. multilocularis being some of them absent in the host, such as miR-71. We found a few miRNAs highly expressed in all life cycle stages and conditions analyzed, whereas most miRNAs showed very low expression. The most expressed miRNAs were miR-71, miR-9, let-7, miR-10, miR-4989 and miR-1. The high expression of these miRNAs was conserved in other tapeworms, suggesting essential roles in development, survival, or host-parasite interaction. We found highly regulated miRNAs during the different transitions or cultured conditions analyzed, which might suggest a role in the regulation of developmental timing, host-parasite interaction, and/or in maintaining the unique developmental features of each developmental stage or condition. We determined that miR-71 is expressed in germinative cells and in other cell types of the germinal layer in E. multilocularis metacestodes cultured in vitro. MiRNA target prediction of the most highly expressed miRNAs and in silico functional analysis suggested conserved and essential roles for these miRNAs in parasite biology. We found relevant targets potentially involved in development, cell growth and death, lifespan regulation, transcription, signal transduction and cell motility. The evolutionary conservation and expression analyses of E. multilocularis miRNAs throughout metacestode development along with the in silico functional analyses of their predicted targets might help to identify selective therapeutic targets for treatment and control of AE. Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a zoonotic disease caused by the metacestode stage of the helminth parasite Echinococcus multilocularis. Current treatment requires surgery and/or prolonged drug therapy. Thus, novel strategies for the treatment of AE are needed. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small ~22-nucleotide (nt) non-coding RNAs with a major role in regulating gene expression, have been suggested as potential therapeutic targets for treatment and control of helminth parasite infections. In this work, we analyzed the expression profile of E. multilocularis miRNAs throughout metacestode development in vitro. We predicted functional roles for highly expressed miRNAs and found that they could be involved in essential roles for survival and development in the host. We determined that E. multilocularis miR-71, a highly expressed miRNA that is absent in the human host, is expressed in germinative cells and in other cell types of the germinal layer in E. multilocularis metacestodes cultured in vitro. Germinative cells are a relevant cell type to target for anti-echinococcosis drug development. MiRNAs that are absent in the human host, involved in essential functions, highly expressed and/or expressed in germinative cells in E. multilocularis metacestodes may represent selective therapeutic targets for treatment and control of AE.
Collapse
|
23
|
MiR-374b-5p Regulates T Cell Differentiation and Is Associated with rEg.P29 Immunity. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:8024763. [PMID: 32908913 PMCID: PMC7463394 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8024763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus (Eg) infection. Our previous study confirmed that recombinant Eg.P29 (rEg.P29) could protect against echinococcus granulosus secondary infection in sheep and mice. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between immunoprotection of rEg.P29 vaccine and mmu-miR-374b-5p (miR-374b-5p) and study the immunity influence of miR-374b-5p on CD4+ T cells in mice spleen. MiR-374b-5p level was significantly increased after the second-week and the fourth week of vaccination with rEg.P29. Overexpression of miR-374b-5p increased IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-17A mRNA levels and decreased IL-10 mRNA levels in CD4+ T cells. Moreover, the inhibition of miR-374b-5p decreased IFN-γ and IL-17A and increased IL-10 mRNA levels in CD4+ T cells; this was further confirmed by the flow cytometry. The vaccination of rEg.P29 enhanced miR-374b-5p expression that was associated with a higher Th1 and Th17 immune response, a lower IL-10 mRNA production with miR-374b-5p overexpression, a lower Th1 immune response, and a higher IL-10 mRNA levels with miR-374b-5p inhibitions. To sum up, these data suggest that miR-374b-5p may participate in rEg.P29 immunity by regulating Th1 and Th17 differentiation.
Collapse
|
24
|
Sotillo J, Robinson MW, Kimber MJ, Cucher M, Ancarola ME, Nejsum P, Marcilla A, Eichenberger RM, Tritten L. The protein and microRNA cargo of extracellular vesicles from parasitic helminths - current status and research priorities. Int J Parasitol 2020; 50:635-645. [PMID: 32652128 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Helminth parasites have a remarkable ability to persist within their mammalian hosts, which is largely due to their secretion of molecules with immunomodulatory properties. Although the soluble components of helminth secretions have been extensively studied, the discovery that helminths release extracellular vesicles (EVs) has added further complexity to the host-parasite interaction. Whilst several studies have begun to characterise the molecules carried by helminth EVs, work aimed at investigating their biological functions has been hindered by a lack of helminth-specific EV markers. To begin to address this, we summarised helminth EV literature to date. With a focus on the protein and microRNA (miRNA) cargo, we aimed to detect similarities and differences across those major groups of helminths for which data are available; namely nematodes, trematodes and cestodes. Pfam analysis revealed that although there is no universal EV marker for all helminth species, the EF-hand protein family was present in all EV datasets from cestodes and trematodes, and could serve as a platyhelminth EV biomarker. In contrast, M13 metallopeptidases and actin may have potential as markers for nematode EVs. As with proteins, many miRNA families appeared to be species-, stage-, or dataset-specific. Two miRNA families were common to nematode EVs (mir-10 and let-7); the miRNA cargo of EVs secreted by clade I species appeared somewhat different from species from other clades. Five miRNA families (mir-71, mir-10, mir-190, let-7 and mir-2) were shared by all trematode species examined. Our analysis has identified novel markers that may be used in studies aimed at characterising helminth EVs and interrogating their function at the host-parasite interface. In addition, we discuss the heterogeneity of methods used for helminth EV isolation and emphasise the need for a standardised approach in reporting on helminth EV data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Sotillo
- Centro Nacional de Microbiologia, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Mark W Robinson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J Kimber
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Marcela Cucher
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Paraguay 2155 Piso 13 (CP1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Eugenia Ancarola
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Paraguay 2155 Piso 13 (CP1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Peter Nejsum
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 45, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Antonio Marcilla
- Àrea de Parasitologia, Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain; Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, Health Research Institute La Fe, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ramon M Eichenberger
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Lucienne Tritten
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Bai Y, Zhang Z, Jin L, Zhu Y, Zhao L, Shi B, Li J, Guo G, Guo B, McManus DP, Wang S, Zhang W. Dynamic Changes in the Global Transcriptome and MicroRNAome Reveal Complex miRNA-mRNA Regulation in Early Stages of the Bi-Directional Development of Echinococcus granulosus Protoscoleces. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:654. [PMID: 32373094 PMCID: PMC7188192 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cystic echinococcosis is a life-threatening disease caused by the larval stages of the dog tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. Protoscoleces (PSCs) of this worm have the ability of bi-directional development to either larval cysts or strobilar adult worms. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this development process are unknown. Results RNA and small RNAs sequencing was employed to characterize the gene and miRNA expression at 0–24 h and 7–14 days in the bi-directional development of PSCs. A total of 963 genes and 31 miRNAs were differentially expressed in the early development of PSCs to adult worms whereas 972 genes and 27 miRNAs were differentially expressed in the early development of PSCs to cysts. Pairwise comparison between the two developmental patterns showed that 172 genes and 15 miRNAs were differentially expressed at three time-points. Most of these genes were temporally changed at 24 h or 7 days. GO enrichment analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes in early adult worm development are associated with nervous system development and carbohydrate metabolic process; whereas, the differentially expressed genes in early cystic development are associated with transmembrane transporter activity and nucleoside triphosphatase activity. In addition, miR-71 and miR-219 regulated genes are likely involved in oxidation reduction in adult worm development. Conclusion The early stages of bi-directional development in E. granulosus PSCs are controlled by miRNAs and genes likely associated with nervous system development and carbohydrate metabolic process. ATP-dependent transporter genes are associated with cystic development. These results may be important for exploring the mechanisms underlying early development in E. granulosus providing novel information that can be used to discover new therapeutics for controlling cystic echinococcosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Bai
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuangzhi Zhang
- Veterinary Research Institute, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongqiang Zhu
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Veterinary Research Institute, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Baoxin Shi
- Veterinary Research Institute, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Gang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Baoping Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Shengyue Wang
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai, Shanghai, China.,National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenbao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| |
Collapse
|