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Torungkitmangmi N, Chantree P, Chaimon S, Prathaphan P, Ruangtong J, Geadkaew-Krenc A, Sornchuer P, Sanannam B, Thongsepee N, Pankao V, Adisakwattana P, Martviset P. Molecular and biochemical characterizations of a Fasciola gigantica retinoid X receptor-α isoform A (FgRXRα-A). Sci Rep 2024; 14:12347. [PMID: 38811840 PMCID: PMC11137005 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63194-6] [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: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Fascioliasis is a parasitic infection in animals and humans caused by the parasitic flatworm genus Fasciola, which has two major species, F. hepatica and F. gigantica. A major concern regarding this disease is drug resistance, which is increasingly reported worldwide. Hence, the discovery of a novel drug as well as drug targets is crucially required. Therefore, this study aims to characterize the novel drug target in the adult F. gigantica. In the beginning, we hypothesized that the parasite might interact with some host molecules when it lives inside the liver parenchyma or bile ducts, specifically hormones and hormone-like molecules, through the specific receptors, primarily nuclear receptors (NRs), which are recognized as a major drug target in various diseases. The retinoid X receptor (RXR) is a member of subfamily 2 NRs that plays multitudinous roles in organisms by forming homodimers or heterodimers with other NRs. We obtained the full-length amino acid sequences of F. gigantica retinoid X receptor-alpha (FgRXRα-A) from the transcriptome of F. gigantica that existed in the NCBI database. The FgRXRα-A were computationally predicted for the basic properties, multiple aligned, phylogeny analyzed, and generated of 2D and 3D models. Moreover, FgRXRα-A was molecular cloned and expressed as a recombinant protein (rFgRXRα-A), then used for immunization for specific polyclonal antibodies. The native FgRXRα-A was detected in the parasite extracts and tissues, and the function was investigated by in vitro binding assay. The results demonstrated the conservation of FgRXRα-A to the other RXRs, especially RXRs from the trematodes. Interestingly, the native FgRXRα-A could be detected in the testes of the parasite, where the sex hormones are accumulated. Moreover, the binding assay revealed the interaction of 9-cis retinoic acid and FgRXRα-A, suggesting the function of FgRXRα-A. Our findings suggested that FgRXRα-A will be involved with the sexual reproduction of the parasite by forming heterodimers with other NRs, and it could be the potential target for further drug development of fascioliasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nattaya Torungkitmangmi
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Pathanin Chantree
- Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
- Thammasat University Research Unit in Nutraceuticals and Food Safety, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
- Graduate Program in Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Salisa Chaimon
- Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
- Graduate Program in Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Parisa Prathaphan
- Graduate Program in Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Jittiporn Ruangtong
- Thammasat University Research Unit in Nutraceuticals and Food Safety, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Amornrat Geadkaew-Krenc
- Graduate Studies in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Phornphan Sornchuer
- Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
- Thammasat University Research Unit in Nutraceuticals and Food Safety, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Bumpenporn Sanannam
- Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
- Graduate Program in Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Nattaya Thongsepee
- Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
- Thammasat University Research Unit in Nutraceuticals and Food Safety, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
- Graduate Program in Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Viriya Pankao
- Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Poom Adisakwattana
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Pongsakorn Martviset
- Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand.
- Thammasat University Research Unit in Nutraceuticals and Food Safety, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand.
- Graduate Program in Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand.
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Wu D, Kong X, Zhang W, Di W. Reconstruction of the TGF-β signaling pathway of Fasciola gigantica. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:51. [PMID: 38095703 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08064-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we reconstructed the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway for Fasciola gigantica, which is a neglected tropical pathogen. We defined the components involved in the TGF-β signaling pathway and investigated the transcription profiles of these genes for all developmental stages of F. gigantica. In addition, the presence of these components in excretory and secretory products (FgESP) was predicted via signal peptide annotation. The core components of the TGF-β signaling pathway have been detected in F. gigantica; classical and nonclassical single transduction pathways were constructed. Four ligands have been detected, which may mediate the TGF-β signaling pathway and BMP signaling pathway. Two ligand-binding type II receptors were detected, and inhibitory Smad7 was not detected. TLP, BMP-3, BMP-1, and ActRIb showed higher transcription in 42-day juvenile and 70-day juvenile, while ActRIIa, Smad1, ActRIIb, Smad8, KAT2B, and PP2A showed higher transcription in egg. TLM, Ski, Smad6, BMPRI, p70S6K, Smad2, Smad3, TgfβRI, Smad4, and p300 showed higher transcription in metacercariae. Four ligands, 2 receptors and 3 Smads are predicted to be present in the FgESP, suggesting their potential extrinsic function. This study should help to understand signal transduction in the TGF-β signaling pathway in F. gigantica. In addition, this study helps to illustrate the complex mechanisms involved in developmental processes and F. gigantica - host interaction and paves the way for further characterization of the signaling pathway in trematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqi Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xinping Kong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Weiyu Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Wenda Di
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
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Garcia-Corredor D, Alvarado M, Pulido-Medellín M, Muñoz M, Cruz-Saavedra L, Hernández C, Giraldo JC, Vásquez-Arteaga LR, Morillo Coronado AC, Ramírez JD. Molecular characterization of Fasciola hepatica in endemic regions of Colombia. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1171147. [PMID: 37360412 PMCID: PMC10288157 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1171147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fasciola hepatica is a zoonotic trematode that affects a wide range of hosts, including cattle, sheep, and goats. The economic impact of the parasite on the cattle industry is significant, with high losses reported worldwide. While its impact on human health was previously underestimated, recent years have seen a rise in fascioliasis cases, leading to increased interest among researchers globally. To characterize the genetic diversity and intraspecific variation of this parasite in South America, specifically in Colombia, we collected 105 adult parasites from cattle bile ducts in seven Colombian departments (Antioquia, Boyacá, Santander, Cauca, Cundinamarca, Nariño, Norte de Santander, and Santander) to assess the parasite's phenotypic analyses, genetic diversity, and population structure. A computer image analysis system (CIAS) was applied based on standardized morphological measurements. Liver-fluke size was studied by principal component analysis (PCA). DNA sequences were obtained for nuclear markers such as the 28S, β-tubulin 3, ITS1, ITS2, and the mitochondrial marker Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI). Multiple statistical tests were performed, and the parasite's population structure was analyzed. Maximum Likelihood (ML) phylogenetic reconstructions were carried out using the sequences obtained herein and sequences available in GenBank. Morphological results revealed that all the obtained individuals matched F. hepatica's morphology. There was no evidence of high genetic diversity, and the absence of genetic structure at the country-level was notable, possibly caused by a demographic expansion of this trematode in Colombia or the low resolution of the molecular markers employed. Future studies are still needed to unveil the genetic population structure of F. hepatica across the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Garcia-Corredor
- Grupo de Investigación en Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia (GIDIMEVETZ), Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia (UPTC), Tunja, Colombia
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Mateo Alvarado
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Martín Pulido-Medellín
- Grupo de Investigación en Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia (GIDIMEVETZ), Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia (UPTC), Tunja, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lissa Cruz-Saavedra
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carolina Hernández
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Centro de Tecnología en Salud (CETESA), Innovaseq SAS, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Julio Cesar Giraldo
- Grupo de Investigación en Parasitología y Microbiología Tropical, Programa de Biología, Universidad INCCA de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luis R. Vásquez-Arteaga
- Centro de Estudios en Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán, Colombia
| | - Ana Cruz Morillo Coronado
- Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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Wulandari AR, Nurlaelasari A, Nugroho HA, Cahyadi M, Kurniawan W, Hamid PH. Ethanolic extract of Etlingera elatior flower exhibits anthelmintic properties to Fasciola gigantica in vitro. Open Vet J 2023; 13:576-587. [PMID: 37304615 PMCID: PMC10257460 DOI: 10.5455/ovj.2023.v13.i5.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fasciolosis is a parasitic disease affecting the hepatobiliary system of livestock worldwide. The control of the fluke is important to be performed in endemic regions. Aim This study aims to evaluate the effect of Etlingera elatior ethanolic extract on egg and adult stadia of Fasciola gigantica. Methods Fasciola gigantica in different stages were incubated with E. elatior ethanolic extract in different concentrations and time points. Results The number of developed eggs with different concentrations of 1.25%, 2.5%, and 5% was significantly decreased by 36.67%, 56.67%, and 56.67% on day 11 post-incubation, which showed an ovicidal effect of the herb. The developed eggs on day 14, which were represented by hatched larvae, were also decreased by 70%, 50%, and 13.33%, respectively. Significant flukicidal effects were observed in the incubation time of 80 minutes for the concentration of 20% (p = 0.007) and 640 minutes for 10% concentration (p = 0.003). Surface microscopy of adult F. gigantica showed damaged skin and spina with the erosion of the inner membrane and detached syncytium from the tegument. Conclusion Overall, the results indicate that E. elatior has a promising anthelmintic property against F. gigantica in both ova and adult stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisyah Retno Wulandari
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia
| | - Andini Nurlaelasari
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia
| | - Herjuno Ari Nugroho
- Reseach Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta Pusat, Indonesia
| | - Muhamad Cahyadi
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia
| | - Wahyu Kurniawan
- Department of Animal Production, Agency of Livestock and Fishery Services, Boyolali District, Central Java, Indonesia
| | - Penny Humaidah Hamid
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia
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Beesley NJ, Cwiklinski K, Allen K, Hoyle RC, Spithill TW, La Course EJ, Williams DJL, Paterson S, Hodgkinson JE. A major locus confers triclabendazole resistance in Fasciola hepatica and shows dominant inheritance. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011081. [PMID: 36701396 PMCID: PMC9904461 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Fasciola hepatica infection is responsible for substantial economic losses in livestock worldwide and poses a threat to human health in endemic areas. The mainstay of control in livestock and the only drug licenced for use in humans is triclabendazole (TCBZ). TCBZ resistance has been reported on every continent and threatens effective control of fasciolosis in many parts of the world. To date, understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying TCBZ resistance has been limited to studies of candidate genes, based on assumptions of their role in drug action. Taking an alternative approach, we combined a genetic cross with whole-genome sequencing to localise a ~3.2Mbp locus within the 1.2Gbp F. hepatica genome that confers TCBZ resistance. We validated this locus independently using bulk segregant analysis of F. hepatica populations and showed that it is the target of drug selection in the field. We genotyped individual parasites and tracked segregation and reassortment of SNPs to show that TCBZ resistance exhibits Mendelian inheritance and is conferred by a dominant allele. We defined gene content within this locus to pinpoint genes involved in membrane transport, (e.g. ATP-binding cassette family B, ABCB1), transmembrane signalling and signal transduction (e.g. GTP-Ras-adenylyl cyclase and EGF-like protein), DNA/RNA binding and transcriptional regulation (e.g. SANT/Myb-like DNA-binding domain protein) and drug storage and sequestration (e.g. fatty acid binding protein, FABP) as prime candidates for conferring TCBZ resistance. This study constitutes the first experimental cross and genome-wide approach for any heritable trait in F. hepatica and is key to understanding the evolution of drug resistance in Fasciola spp. to inform deployment of efficacious anthelmintic treatments in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola J. Beesley
- Veterinary Parasitology, Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (NJB); (JEH)
| | - Krystyna Cwiklinski
- Veterinary Parasitology, Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Allen
- Veterinary Parasitology, Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca C. Hoyle
- Veterinary Parasitology, Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Terry W. Spithill
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences and Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | | | - Diana J. L. Williams
- Veterinary Parasitology, Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Steve Paterson
- Centre for Genomic Research, Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jane E. Hodgkinson
- Veterinary Parasitology, Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (NJB); (JEH)
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Zheng M, Jiang X, Kong X, Guo Y, Zhang W, Di W. Proteomic analysis of Fasciola gigantica excretory and secretory products ( FgESPs) co-immunoprecipitated using a time course of infected buffalo sera. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1089394. [PMID: 36620027 PMCID: PMC9816151 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1089394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Widespread Fasciola gigantica infection in buffaloes has caused great economic losses in buffalo farming. Studies on F. gigantica excretory and secretory products (FgESP) have highlighted their importance in F. gigantica parasitism and their potential in vaccine development. Identifying FgESP components involved in F. gigantica-buffalo interactions during different periods is important for developing effective strategies against fasciolosis. Methods Buffaloes were assigned to non-infection (n = 3, as control group) and infection (n = 3) groups. The infection group was orally administrated 250 metacercariae. Sera were collected at 3, 10, and 16 weeks post-infection (wpi) for the non-infection group and at 0 (pre-infection), 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, and 16 wpi for the infection group. FgESP components interacting with sera from the non-infection and infection groups assay were pulled down by co-IP and identified using LC-MS/MS. Interacting FgESP components in infection group were subjected to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) metabolic pathway and gene ontology (GO) functional annotation to infer their potential functions. Results and discussion Proteins of FgESP components identified in the non-infection group at 3, 10, and 16 wpi accounted for 80.5%, 84.3%, and 82.1% of all proteins identified in these three time points, respectively, indicating surroundings did not affect buffalo immune response during maintenance. Four hundred and ninety proteins were identified in the infection group, of which 87 were consistently identified at 7 time points. Following GO analysis showed that most of these 87 proteins were in biological processes, while KEGG analysis showed they mainly functioned in metabolism and cellular processing, some of which were thought to functions throughout the infection process. The numbers of specific interactors identified for each week were 1 (n = 12), 3 (n = 5), 6 (n = 8), 8 (n = 15), 10 (n = 23), 13 (n = 22), and 16 (n = 14) wpi, some of which were thought to functions in specific infection process. This study screened the antigenic targets in FgESP during a dense time course over a long period. These findings may enhance the understanding of molecular F. gigantica-buffalo interactions and help identify new potential vaccine and drug target candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengwei Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China,Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, Nanning, China,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Nanning, China,Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Animal Disease, Nanning, China
| | - Xuelian Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China,Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, Nanning, China,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Nanning, China,Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Animal Disease, Nanning, China
| | - Xinping Kong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China,Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, Nanning, China,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Nanning, China,Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Animal Disease, Nanning, China
| | - Yanfeng Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China,Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, Nanning, China,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Nanning, China,Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Animal Disease, Nanning, China
| | - Weiyu Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China,Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, Nanning, China,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Nanning, China,Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Animal Disease, Nanning, China,*Correspondence: Weiyu Zhang, ✉
| | - Wenda Di
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China,Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, Nanning, China,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Nanning, China,Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Animal Disease, Nanning, China,Wenda Di, ✉
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Cwiklinski K, Dalton JP. Omics tools enabling vaccine discovery against fasciolosis. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:1068-1079. [PMID: 36270885 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
In the past decade significant advances in our understanding of liver fluke biology have been made through in-depth interrogation and analysis of evolving Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica omics datasets. This information is crucial for developing novel control strategies, particularly vaccines necessitated by the global spread of anthelmintic resistance. Distilling them down to a manageable number of testable vaccines requires combined rational, empirical, and collaborative approaches. Despite a lack of clear outstanding vaccine candidate(s), we must continue to identify salient parasite-host interacting molecules, likely in the secretory products, tegument, or extracellular vesicles, and perform robust trials especially in livestock, using present and emerging vaccinology technologies to discover that elusive liver fluke vaccine. Omics tools are bringing this prospect ever closer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystyna Cwiklinski
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - John P Dalton
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health (MPL), Ryan Institute, School of Natural Science, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
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Draft genome of the bluefin tuna blood fluke, Cardicola forsteri. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276287. [PMID: 36240154 PMCID: PMC9565688 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood fluke Cardicola forsteri (Trematoda: Aporocotylidae) is a pathogen of ranched bluefin tuna in Japan and Australia. Genomics of Cardicola spp. have thus far been limited to molecular phylogenetics of select gene sequences. In this study, sequencing of the C. forsteri genome was performed using Illumina short-read and Oxford Nanopore long-read technologies. The sequences were assembled de novo using a hybrid of short and long reads, which produced a high-quality contig-level assembly (N50 > 430 kb and L50 = 138). The assembly was also relatively complete and unfragmented, comprising 66% and 7.2% complete and fragmented metazoan Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCOs), respectively. A large portion (> 55%) of the genome was made up of intergenic repetitive elements, primarily long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs), while protein-coding regions cover > 6%. Gene prediction identified 8,564 hypothetical polypeptides, > 77% of which are homologous to published sequences of other species. The identification of select putative proteins, including cathepsins, calpains, tetraspanins, and glycosyltransferases is discussed. This is the first genome assembly of any aporocotylid, a major step toward understanding of the biology of this family of fish blood flukes and their interactions within hosts.
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Exploiting Comparative Omics to Understand the Pathogenic and Virulence-Associated Protease: Anti-Protease Relationships in the Zoonotic Parasites Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13101854. [PMID: 36292739 PMCID: PMC9601652 DOI: 10.3390/genes13101854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The helminth parasites, Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica, are the causative agents of fasciolosis, a global and economically important disease of people and their livestock. Proteases are pivotal to an array of biological processes related to parasitism (development, feeding, immune evasion, virulence) and therefore their action requires strict regulation by parasite anti-proteases (protease inhibitors). By interrogating the current publicly available Fasciola spp. large sequencing datasets, including several genome assemblies and life cycle stage-specific transcriptome and proteome datasets, we reveal the complex profile and structure of proteases and anti-proteases families operating at various stages of the parasite's life cycle. Moreover, we have discovered distinct profiles of peptidases and their cognate inhibitors expressed by the parasite stages in the intermediate snail host, reflecting the different environmental niches in which they move, develop and extract nutrients. Comparative genomics revealed a similar cohort of peptidase inhibitors in F. hepatica and F. gigantica but a surprisingly reduced number of cathepsin peptidases genes in the F. gigantica genome assemblies. Chromosomal location of the F. gigantica genes provides new insights into the evolution of these gene families, and critical data for the future analysis and interrogation of Fasciola spp. hybrids spreading throughout the Asian and African continents.
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Hasan MM, Roy BC, Biswas H, Rahman M, Anisuzzaman A, Alam MZ, Talukder MH. Efficacy of flukicides on Fasciola gigantica, a food-borne zoonotic helminth affecting livestock in Bangladesh. Parasitology 2022; 149:1339-1348. [PMID: 35535471 PMCID: PMC11010523 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022000580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Fasciola gigantica, the causative agent of tropical fasciolosis, is a food-borne zoonotic trematode that affects around 80% livestock of Bangladesh. Triclabendazole (TCBZ), nitroxynil (NTON) and oxyclozanide (OCZN) are frequently used against fascioliasis; however, the current status of potency of these flukicides was unknown. In this study, in vitro efficacy of TCBZ, NTON and OCZN at various concentrations on F. gigantica has been evaluated by relative motility (RM), morphological distortions of apical cone through an inverted microscope, architectural and ultra-structural changes through histopathological and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It is observed that TCBZ, NTON and OCZN at higher concentrations significantly (P < 0.05) reduced RM of the flukes compared to untreated control. NTON at 150 μg mL−1 was the most potent to reduce the motility within 4 h whereas TCBZ and OCZN were much delayed. Histopathological changes showed swollen, extensive cracking, numerous vacuoles and splitting of the tegument surrounding the spines; spine dislodged from its socket in treated flukes compared to untreated worms. Histopathological changes were more conspicuous at higher doses of TCBZ, NTON and OCZN. SEM has shown the disruption of the apical cone, apart from swelling of the tegument on the ventral surface corrugation and disruption of the ventral apical cone. All these changes indicate that NTON is the most potent in killing flukes in vitro among the tested flukicides and suggest the presence of TCBZ-resistant fluke populations in Bangladesh. It is imperative to explore the in vivo effects of these flukicides and subsequently their molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Manjurul Hasan
- Department of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
- Department of Livestock Services, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Babul Chandra Roy
- Department of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Hiranmoy Biswas
- Department of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
- Department of Livestock Services, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Moizur Rahman
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | | | - Mohammad Zahangir Alam
- Department of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
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Loker ES, DeJong RJ, Brant SV. Scratching the Itch: Updated Perspectives on the Schistosomes Responsible for Swimmer's Itch around the World. Pathogens 2022; 11:587. [PMID: 35631108 PMCID: PMC9144223 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although most studies of digenetic trematodes of the family Schistosomatidae dwell on representatives causing human schistosomiasis, the majority of the 130 identified species of schistosomes infect birds or non-human mammals. The cercariae of many of these species can cause swimmer's itch when they penetrate human skin. Recent years have witnessed a dramatic increase in our understanding of schistosome diversity, now encompassing 17 genera with eight more lineages awaiting description. Collectively, schistosomes exploit 16 families of caenogastropod or heterobranch gastropod intermediate hosts. Basal lineages today are found in marine gastropods and birds, but subsequent diversification has largely taken place in freshwater, with some reversions to marine habitats. It seems increasingly likely that schistosomes have on two separate occasions colonized mammals. Swimmer's itch is a complex zoonotic disease manifested through several different routes of transmission involving a diversity of different host species. Swimmer's itch also exemplifies the value of adopting the One Health perspective in understanding disease transmission and abundance because the schistosomes involved have complex life cycles that interface with numerous species and abiotic components of their aquatic environments. Given the progress made in revealing their diversity and biology, and the wealth of questions posed by itch-causing schistosomes, they provide excellent models for implementation of long-term interdisciplinary studies focused on issues pertinent to disease ecology, the One Health paradigm, and the impacts of climate change, biological invasions and other environmental perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric S. Loker
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Parasites Division, Museum of Southwestern Biology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA;
| | - Randall J. DeJong
- Department of Biology, Calvin University, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, USA;
| | - Sara V. Brant
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Parasites Division, Museum of Southwestern Biology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA;
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Hu RS, Zhang FK, Ma QN, Ehsan M, Zhao Q, Zhu XQ. Transcriptomic landscape of hepatic lymph nodes, peripheral blood lymphocytes and spleen of swamp buffaloes infected with the tropical liver fluke Fasciola gigantica. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010286. [PMID: 35320269 PMCID: PMC8942208 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The tropical liver fluke Fasciola gigantica is a parasitic helminth that has been frequently reported to infect mammals, typically involving water buffaloes. In this study, we characterized the tissue transcriptional landscape of buffaloes following infection by F. gigantica. RNAs were isolated from hepatic lymph nodes (hLNs), peripheral blood lymphocytes (pBLs), and spleen at 3-, 42- and 70-days post-infection (dpi), and all samples were subjected to RNA sequencing analyses. At 3 dpi, 2603, 460, and 162 differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) were detected in hLNs, pBLs, and spleen, respectively. At 42 dpi, 322, 937, and 196 DETs were detected in hLNs, pBLs, and spleen, respectively. At 70 dpi, 376, 334, and 165 DETs were detected in hLNs, pBLs, and spleen, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis identified upregulated immune-related pathways in the infected tissues involved in innate and adaptive immune responses, especially in hLNs at 42 and 70 dpi, and pBLs at 3 and 42 dpi. The upregulated transcripts in spleen were not enriched in any immune-related pathway. Co-expression network analysis further identified transcriptional changes associated with immune response to F. gigantica infection. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that 107 genes in hLNs, 32 genes in pBLs, and 36 genes in spleen correlated with F. gigantica load. These findings provide new insight into molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways associated with F. gigantica infection in buffaloes. Fasciola gigantica is a socioeconomically important tropical liver fluke of mammals, causing fascioliasis–a neglected tropical disease. In the present study, RNA sequencing and bioinformatic approach were employed to explore the global transcriptional changes of hepatic lymph nodes (hLNs), peripheral blood lymphocytes (pBLs), and spleen of water buffaloes during F. gigantica infection at 3-, 42-, and 70-days post-infection (dpi). The results revealed significant transcriptional upregulation of genes associated with innate and adaptive immune responses in infected hLNs (42 and 70 dpi) and pBLs (3 and 42 dpi). However, downregulation of transcripts involved in immune response was detected in pBLs at 70 dpi. The downregulated transcripts were enriched in metabolic pathways, such as drug metabolism-cytochrome P450 in infected hLNs at 3 dpi. These findings provide new insight into the pathogenesis of F. gigantica in its natural mammalian host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Si Hu
- College of Life Science, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang, Jilin Province, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fu-Kai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiao-Ni Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Muhammad Ehsan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Punjab Province, Pakistan
| | - Quan Zhao
- College of Life Science, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang, Jilin Province, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail: (QZ); (X-QZ)
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail: (QZ); (X-QZ)
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A global phosphoproteomics analysis of adult Fasciola gigantica by LC-MS/MS. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:623-631. [PMID: 34985596 PMCID: PMC8727970 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07422-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Protein phosphorylation plays key roles in a variety of essential cellular processes. Fasciola gigantica is a tropical liver fluke causing hepatobiliary disease fascioliasis, leading to human health threats and heavy economic losses. Although the genome and protein kinases of F. gigantica provided new insights to understand the molecular biology and etiology of this parasite, there is scant knowledge of protein phosphorylation events in F. gigantica. In this study, we characterized the global phosphoproteomics of adult F. gigantica by phosphopeptide enrichment-based LC–MS/MS, a high-throughput analysis to maximize the detection of a large repertoire of phosphoproteins and phosphosites. A total of 1030 phosphopeptides with 1244 phosphosites representing 635 F. gigantica phosphoproteins were identified. The phosphoproteins were involved in a wide variety of biological processes including cellular, metabolic, and single-organism processes. Meanwhile, these proteins were found predominantly in cellular components like membranes and organelles with molecular functions of binding (51.3%) and catalytic activity (40.6%). The KEGG annotation inferred that the most enriched pathways of the phosphoproteins included tight junction, spliceosome, and RNA transport (each one contains 15 identified proteins). Combining the reports in other protozoa and helminths, the phosphoproteins identified in this work play roles in metabolic regulation and signal transduction. To our knowledge, this work performed the first global phosphoproteomics analysis of adult F. gigantica, which provides valuable information for development of intervention strategies for fascioliasis.
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