1
|
Schwarzer E, Skorokhod O. Post-Translational Modifications of Proteins of Malaria Parasites during the Life Cycle. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6145. [PMID: 38892332 PMCID: PMC11173270 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116145] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are essential for regulating protein functions, influencing various fundamental processes in eukaryotes. These include, but are not limited to, cell signaling, protein trafficking, the epigenetic control of gene expression, and control of the cell cycle, as well as cell proliferation, differentiation, and interactions between cells. In this review, we discuss protein PTMs that play a key role in the malaria parasite biology and its pathogenesis. Phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation, lipidation and lipoxidation, glycosylation, ubiquitination and sumoylation, nitrosylation and glutathionylation, all of which occur in malarial parasites, are reviewed. We provide information regarding the biological significance of these modifications along all phases of the complex life cycle of Plasmodium spp. Importantly, not only the parasite, but also the host and vector protein PTMs are often crucial for parasite growth and development. In addition to metabolic regulations, protein PTMs can result in epitopes that are able to elicit both innate and adaptive immune responses of the host or vector. We discuss some existing and prospective results from antimalarial drug discovery trials that target various PTM-related processes in the parasite or host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evelin Schwarzer
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Oleksii Skorokhod
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina, 13, 10123 Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ong HW, de Silva C, Avalani K, Kwarcinski F, Mansfield CR, Chirgwin M, Truong A, Derbyshire ER, Zutshi R, Drewry DH. Characterization of 2,4-Dianilinopyrimidines Against Five P. falciparum Kinases PfARK1, PfARK3, PfNEK3, PfPK9, and PfPKB. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:1774-1784. [PMID: 38116430 PMCID: PMC10726455 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium kinases are increasingly recognized as potential novel antiplasmodial targets for the treatment of malaria, but only a small subset of these kinases have had structure-activity relationship (SAR) campaigns reported. Herein we report the discovery of CZC-54252 (1) as an inhibitor of five P. falciparum kinases PfARK1, PfARK3, PfNEK3, PfPK9, and PfPKB. 39 analogues were evaluated against all five kinases to establish SAR at three regions of the kinase active site. Nanomolar inhibitors of each kinase were discovered. We identified common and divergent SAR trends across all five kinases, highlighting substituents in each region that improve potency and selectivity for each kinase. Potent analogues were evaluated against the P. falciparum blood stage. Eight submicromolar inhibitors were discovered, of which 37 demonstrated potent antiplasmodial activity (EC50 = 0.16 μM). Our results provide an understanding of features needed to inhibit each individual kinase and lay groundwork for future optimization efforts toward novel antimalarials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Wee Ong
- Structural
Genomics Consortium and Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal
Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy,
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Chandi de Silva
- Luceome
Biotechnologies, LLC, 1665 East 18th Street, Suite 106, Tucson, Arizona 85719, United States
| | - Krisha Avalani
- Luceome
Biotechnologies, LLC, 1665 East 18th Street, Suite 106, Tucson, Arizona 85719, United States
| | - Frank Kwarcinski
- Luceome
Biotechnologies, LLC, 1665 East 18th Street, Suite 106, Tucson, Arizona 85719, United States
| | - Christopher R. Mansfield
- Department
of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, 213 Research Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
| | - Michael Chirgwin
- Department
of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Anna Truong
- Department
of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Emily R. Derbyshire
- Department
of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, 213 Research Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Reena Zutshi
- Luceome
Biotechnologies, LLC, 1665 East 18th Street, Suite 106, Tucson, Arizona 85719, United States
| | - David H. Drewry
- Structural
Genomics Consortium and Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal
Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy,
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Lineberger
Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rawat RS, Gupta A, Antil N, Bhatnagar S, Singh M, Rawat A, Prasad TSK, Sharma P. Protein kinase PfPK2 mediated signalling is critical for host erythrocyte invasion by malaria parasite. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011770. [PMID: 37988347 PMCID: PMC10662742 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Signalling pathways in malaria parasite remain poorly defined and major reason for this is the lack of understanding of the function of majority of parasite protein kinases and phosphatases in parasite signalling and its biology. In the present study, we have elucidated the function of Protein Kinase 2 (PfPK2), which is known to be indispensable for the survival of human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. We demonstrate that it is involved in the invasion of host erythrocytes, which is critical for establishing infection. In addition, PfPK2 may also be involved in the maturation of the parasite post-invasion. PfPK2 regulates the release of microneme proteins like Apical Membrane Antigen 1 (AMA1), which facilitates the formation of Tight Junction between the merozoite and host erythrocyte- a key step in the process of invasion. Comparative phosphoproteomics studies revealed that PfPK2 may be involved in regulation of several key proteins involved in invasion and signalling. Furthermore, PfPK2 regulates the generation of cGMP and the release of calcium in the parasite, which are key second messengers for the process of invasion. These and other studies have shed light on a novel signalling pathway in which PfPK2 acts as an upstream regulator of important cGMP-calcium signalling, which plays an important role in parasite invasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Singh Rawat
- Eukaryotic Gene Expression Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Ankit Gupta
- Eukaryotic Gene Expression Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Neelam Antil
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Tech Park, Bangalore, India
- Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kollam, India
- Center for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
| | - Sonika Bhatnagar
- Eukaryotic Gene Expression Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Monika Singh
- Eukaryotic Gene Expression Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Akanksha Rawat
- Eukaryotic Gene Expression Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - T. S. Keshava Prasad
- Center for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
| | - Pushkar Sharma
- Eukaryotic Gene Expression Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
He L, Qiu Y, Pang G, Li S, Wang J, Feng Y, Chen L, Zhu L, Liu Y, Cui L, Cao Y, Zhu X. Plasmodium falciparum GAP40 Plays an Essential Role in Merozoite Invasion and Gametocytogenesis. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0143423. [PMID: 37249423 PMCID: PMC10269477 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01434-23] [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: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclic invasion of red blood cells (RBCs) by Plasmodium merozoites is associated with the symptoms and pathology of malaria. Merozoite invasion is powered actively and rapidly by a parasite actomyosin motor called the glideosome. The ability of the glideosome to generate force to support merozoite entry into the host RBCs is thought to rely on its stable anchoring within the inner membrane complex (IMC) through membrane-resident proteins, such as GAP50 and GAP40. Using a conditional knockdown (KD) approach, we determined that PfGAP40 was required for asexual blood-stage replication. PfGAP40 is not needed for merozoite egress from host RBCs or for the attachment of merozoites to new RBCs. PfGAP40 coprecipitates with PfGAP45 and PfGAP50. During merozoite invasion, PfGAP40 is associated strongly with stabilizing the expression levels of PfGAP45 and PfGAP50 in the schizont stage. Although PfGAP40 KD did not influence IMC integrity, it impaired the maturation of gametocytes. In addition, PfGAP40 is phosphorylated, and mutations that block phosphorylation of PfGAP40 at the C-terminal serine residues S370, S372, S376, S405, S409, S420, and S445 reduced merozoite invasion efficiency. Overall, our findings implicate PfGAP40 as an important regulator for the gliding activity of merozoites and suggest that phosphorylation is required for PfGAP40 function. IMPORTANCE Red blood cell invasion is central to the pathogenesis of the malaria parasite, and the parasite proteins involved in this process are potential therapeutic targets. Gliding motility powers merozoite invasion and is driven by a unique molecular motor termed the glideosome. The glideosome is stably anchored to the parasite inner membrane complex (IMC) through membrane-resident proteins. In the present study, we demonstrate the importance of an IMC-resident glideosome component, PfGAP40, that plays a critical role in stabilizing the expression levels of glideosome components in the schizont stage. We determined that phosphorylation of PfGAP40 at C-terminal residues is required for efficient merozoite invasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu He
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yue Qiu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Department of Cardiovascular Ultrasound, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Geping Pang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Siqi Li
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yonghui Feng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Lumeng Chen
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Liying Zhu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yinjie Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Liwang Cui
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Yaming Cao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaotong Zhu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ong HW, Adderley J, Tobin AB, Drewry DH, Doerig C. Parasite and host kinases as targets for antimalarials. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:151-169. [PMID: 36942408 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2185511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The deployment of Artemisinin-based combination therapies and transmission control measures led to a decrease in the global malaria burden over the recent decades. Unfortunately, this trend is now reversing, in part due to resistance against available treatments, calling for the development of new drugs against untapped targets to prevent cross-resistance. AREAS COVERED In view of their demonstrated druggability in noninfectious diseases, protein kinases represent attractive targets. Kinase-focussed antimalarial drug discovery is facilitated by the availability of kinase-targeting scaffolds and large libraries of inhibitors, as well as high-throughput phenotypic and biochemical assays. We present an overview of validated Plasmodium kinase targets and their inhibitors, and briefly discuss the potential of host cell kinases as targets for host-directed therapy. EXPERT OPINION We propose priority research areas, including (i) diversification of Plasmodium kinase targets (at present most efforts focus on a very small number of targets); (ii) polypharmacology as an avenue to limit resistance (kinase inhibitors are highly suitable in this respect); and (iii) preemptive limitation of resistance through host-directed therapy (targeting host cell kinases that are required for parasite survival) and transmission-blocking through targeting sexual stage-specific kinases as a strategy to protect curative drugs from the spread of resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Wee Ong
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Jack Adderley
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Rmit University, Bundoora VIC Australia
| | - Andrew B Tobin
- Advanced Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - David H Drewry
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Christian Doerig
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Rmit University, Bundoora VIC Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rashidi S, Tuteja R, Mansouri R, Ali-Hassanzadeh M, Shafiei R, Ghani E, Karimazar M, Nguewa P, Manzano-Román R. The main post-translational modifications and related regulatory pathways in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum: An update. J Proteomics 2021; 245:104279. [PMID: 34089893 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2021.104279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There are important challenges when investigating individual post-translational modifications (PTMs) or protein interaction network and delineating if PTMs or their changes and cross-talks are involved during infection, disease initiation or as a result of disease progression. Proteomics and in silico approaches now offer the possibility to complement each other to further understand the regulatory involvement of these modifications in parasites and infection biology. Accordingly, the current review highlights key expressed or altered proteins and PTMs are invisible switches that turn on and off the function of most of the proteins. PTMs include phosphorylation, glycosylation, ubiquitylation, palmitoylation, myristoylation, prenylation, acetylation, methylation, and epigenetic PTMs in P. falciparum which have been recently identified. But also other low-abundant or overlooked PTMs that might be important for the parasite's survival, infectivity, antigenicity, immunomodulation and pathogenesis. We here emphasize the PTMs as regulatory pathways playing major roles in the biology, pathogenicity, metabolic pathways, survival, host-parasite interactions and the life cycle of P. falciparum. Further validations and functional characterizations of such proteins might confirm the discovery of therapeutic targets and might most likely provide valuable data for the treatment of P. falciparum, the main cause of severe malaria in human.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Rashidi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Renu Tuteja
- Parasite Biology Group, ICGEB, P. O. Box 10504, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Reza Mansouri
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali-Hassanzadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
| | - Reza Shafiei
- Vector-borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Esmaeel Ghani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Karimazar
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Paul Nguewa
- University of Navarra, ISTUN Instituto de Salud Tropical, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), c/Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Raúl Manzano-Román
- Proteomics Unit, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Flaherty BR, Ho TG, Schmidt SH, Herberg FW, Peterson DS, Kennedy EJ. Targeted Inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase 1 with a Constrained J Domain-Derived Disruptor Peptide. ACS Infect Dis 2019; 5:506-514. [PMID: 30746930 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.8b00347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
To explore the possibility of constrained peptides to target Plasmodium-infected cells, we designed a J domain mimetic derived from Plasmodium falciparum calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 ( PfCDPK1) as a strategy to disrupt J domain binding and inhibit PfCDPK1 activity. The J domain disruptor (JDD) peptide was conformationally constrained using a hydrocarbon staple and was found to selectively permeate segmented schizonts and colocalize with intracellular merozoites in late-stage parasites. In vitro analyses demonstrated that JDD could effectively inhibit the catalytic activity of recombinant PfCDPK1 in the low micromolar range. Treatment of late-stage parasites with JDD resulted in a significant decrease in parasite viability mediated by a blockage of merozoite invasion, consistent with a primary effect of PfCDPK1 inhibition. To the best of our knowledge, this marks the first use of stapled peptides designed to specifically target a Plasmodium falciparum protein and demonstrates that stapled peptides may serve as useful tools for exploring potential antimalarial agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Briana R. Flaherty
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, 345 Coverdell Center, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, 345 Coverdell Center, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Tienhuei G. Ho
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, 240 W. Green Street, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Sven H. Schmidt
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Kassel, Heinrich-Plett Strasse 40, Kassel 34132, Germany
| | - Friedrich W. Herberg
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Kassel, Heinrich-Plett Strasse 40, Kassel 34132, Germany
| | - David S. Peterson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, 345 Coverdell Center, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, 345 Coverdell Center, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Eileen J. Kennedy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, 240 W. Green Street, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bennink S, von Bohl A, Ngwa CJ, Henschel L, Kuehn A, Pilch N, Weißbach T, Rosinski AN, Scheuermayer M, Repnik U, Przyborski JM, Minns AM, Orchard LM, Griffiths G, Lindner SE, Llinás M, Pradel G. A seven-helix protein constitutes stress granules crucial for regulating translation during human-to-mosquito transmission of Plasmodium falciparum. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1007249. [PMID: 30133543 PMCID: PMC6122839 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex life-cycle of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum requires a high degree of tight coordination allowing the parasite to adapt to changing environments. One of the major challenges for the parasite is the human-to-mosquito transmission, which starts with the differentiation of blood stage parasites into the transmissible gametocytes, followed by the rapid conversion of the gametocytes into gametes, once they are taken up by the blood-feeding Anopheles vector. In order to pre-adapt to this change of host, the gametocytes store transcripts in stress granules that encode proteins needed for parasite development in the mosquito. Here we report on a novel stress granule component, the seven-helix protein 7-Helix-1. The protein, a homolog of the human stress response regulator LanC-like 2, accumulates in stress granules of female gametocytes and interacts with ribonucleoproteins, such as CITH, DOZI, and PABP1. Malaria parasites lacking 7-Helix-1 are significantly impaired in female gametogenesis and thus transmission to the mosquito. Lack of 7-Helix-1 further leads to a deregulation of components required for protein synthesis. Consistently, inhibitors of translation could mimic the 7-Helix-1 loss-of-function phenotype. 7-Helix-1 forms a complex with the RNA-binding protein Puf2, a translational regulator of the female-specific antigen Pfs25, as well as with pfs25-coding mRNA. In accord, gametocytes deficient of 7-Helix-1 exhibit impaired Pfs25 synthesis. Our data demonstrate that 7-Helix-1 constitutes stress granules crucial for regulating the synthesis of proteins needed for life-cycle progression of Plasmodium in the mosquito vector.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Bennink
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Andreas von Bohl
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Che J. Ngwa
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Leonie Henschel
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Andrea Kuehn
- Research Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Pilch
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tim Weißbach
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Alina N. Rosinski
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Urska Repnik
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Allen M. Minns
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
| | - Lindsey M. Orchard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
| | | | - Scott E. Lindner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
| | - Manuel Llinás
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry & Huck Center for Malaria Research, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
| | - Gabriele Pradel
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kumar K, Srinivasan P, Nold MJ, Moch JK, Reiter K, Sturdevant D, Otto TD, Squires RB, Herrera R, Nagarajan V, Rayner JC, Porcella SF, Geromanos SJ, Haynes JD, Narum DL. Profiling invasive Plasmodium falciparum merozoites using an integrated omics approach. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17146. [PMID: 29215067 PMCID: PMC5719419 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17505-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The symptoms of malaria are brought about by blood-stage parasites, which are established when merozoites invade human erythrocytes. Our understanding of the molecular events that underpin erythrocyte invasion remains hampered by the short-period of time that merozoites are invasive. To address this challenge, a Plasmodium falciparum gamma-irradiated long-lived merozoite (LLM) line was developed and investigated. Purified LLMs invaded erythrocytes by an increase of 10–300 fold compared to wild-type (WT) merozoites. Using an integrated omics approach, we investigated the basis for the phenotypic difference. Only a few single nucleotide polymorphisms within the P. falciparum genome were identified and only marginal differences were observed in the merozoite transcriptomes. By contrast, using label-free quantitative mass-spectrometry, a significant change in protein abundance was noted, of which 200 were proteins of unknown function. We determined the relative molar abundance of over 1100 proteins in LLMs and further characterized the major merozoite surface protein complex. A unique processed MSP1 intermediate was identified in LLM but not observed in WT suggesting that delayed processing may be important for the observed phenotype. This integrated approach has demonstrated the significant role of the merozoite proteome during erythrocyte invasion, while identifying numerous unknown proteins likely to be involved in invasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krishan Kumar
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, NIAID, NIH, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Prakash Srinivasan
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID, NIH, Rockville, MD, USA. .,Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | | | - J Kathleen Moch
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Karine Reiter
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, NIAID, NIH, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Dan Sturdevant
- Genomics Unit, Research Technologies Section, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Thomas D Otto
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - R Burke Squires
- Computational Biology Section, Bioinformatics and Computational Biosciences Branch, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Raul Herrera
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, NIAID, NIH, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Vijayaraj Nagarajan
- Computational Biology Section, Bioinformatics and Computational Biosciences Branch, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Julian C Rayner
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen F Porcella
- Genomics Unit, Research Technologies Section, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | | | - J David Haynes
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - David L Narum
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, NIAID, NIH, Rockville, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
PfCDPK1 mediated signaling in erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum. Nat Commun 2017; 8:63. [PMID: 28680058 PMCID: PMC5498596 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00053-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium Dependent Protein Kinases are key effectors of calcium signaling in malaria parasite. PfCDPK1 is critical for asexual development of Plasmodium falciparum, but its precise function and substrates remain largely unknown. Using a conditional knockdown strategy, we here establish that this kinase is critical for the invasion of host erythrocytes. Furthermore, using a multidisciplinary approach involving comparative phosphoproteomics we gain insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms. We identify substrates of PfCDPK1, which includes proteins of Inner Membrane Complex and glideosome-actomyosin motor assembly. Interestingly, PfCDPK1 phosphorylates PfPKA regulatory subunit (PfPKA-R) and regulates PfPKA activity in the parasite, which may be relevant for the process of invasion. This study delineates the signaling network of PfCDPK1 and sheds light on mechanisms via which it regulates invasion.Calcium dependent protein kinase 1 (CDPK1) plays an important role in asexual development of Plasmodium falciparum. Using phosphoproteomics and conditional knockdown of CDPK1, the authors here identify CDPK1 substrates and a cross-talk between CDPK1 and PKA, and show the role of CDPK1 in parasite invasion.
Collapse
|
11
|
Tang Q, Andenmatten N, Hortua Triana MA, Deng B, Meissner M, Moreno SNJ, Ballif BA, Ward GE. Calcium-dependent phosphorylation alters class XIVa myosin function in the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Mol Biol Cell 2014; 25:2579-91. [PMID: 24989796 PMCID: PMC4148248 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e13-11-0648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Myosin A, an unconventional class XIV myosin of the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, undergoes calcium-dependent phosphorylation, providing a mechanism by which the parasite can regulate motility-based processes such as escape from the infected host cell at the end of the parasite's lytic cycle. Class XIVa myosins comprise a unique group of myosin motor proteins found in apicomplexan parasites, including those that cause malaria and toxoplasmosis. The founding member of the class XIVa family, Toxoplasma gondii myosin A (TgMyoA), is a monomeric unconventional myosin that functions at the parasite periphery to control gliding motility, host cell invasion, and host cell egress. How the motor activity of TgMyoA is regulated during these critical steps in the parasite's lytic cycle is unknown. We show here that a small-molecule enhancer of T. gondii motility and invasion (compound 130038) causes an increase in parasite intracellular calcium levels, leading to a calcium-dependent increase in TgMyoA phosphorylation. Mutation of the major sites of phosphorylation altered parasite motile behavior upon compound 130038 treatment, and parasites expressing a nonphosphorylatable mutant myosin egressed from host cells more slowly in response to treatment with calcium ionophore. These data demonstrate that TgMyoA undergoes calcium-dependent phosphorylation, which modulates myosin-driven processes in this important human pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Tang
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Nicole Andenmatten
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Miryam A Hortua Triana
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases and Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
| | - Bin Deng
- Vermont Genetics Network Proteomics Facility, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405 Department of Biology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Markus Meissner
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Silvia N J Moreno
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases and Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
| | - Bryan A Ballif
- Department of Biology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Gary E Ward
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Treeck M, Sanders JL, Gaji RY, LaFavers KA, Child MA, Arrizabalaga G, Elias JE, Boothroyd JC. The calcium-dependent protein kinase 3 of toxoplasma influences basal calcium levels and functions beyond egress as revealed by quantitative phosphoproteome analysis. PLoS Pathog 2014; 10:e1004197. [PMID: 24945436 PMCID: PMC4063958 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) are conserved in plants and apicomplexan parasites. In Toxoplasma gondii, TgCDPK3 regulates parasite egress from the host cell in the presence of a calcium-ionophore. The targets and the pathways that the kinase controls, however, are not known. To identify pathways regulated by TgCDPK3, we measured relative phosphorylation site usage in wild type and TgCDPK3 mutant and knock-out parasites by quantitative mass-spectrometry using stable isotope-labeling with amino acids in cell culture (SILAC). This revealed known and novel phosphorylation events on proteins predicted to play a role in host-cell egress, but also a novel function of TgCDPK3 as an upstream regulator of other calcium-dependent signaling pathways, as we also identified proteins that are differentially phosphorylated prior to egress, including proteins important for ion-homeostasis and metabolism. This observation is supported by the observation that basal calcium levels are increased in parasites where TgCDPK3 has been inactivated. Most of the differential phosphorylation observed in CDPK3 mutants is rescued by complementation of the mutants with a wild type copy of TgCDPK3. Lastly, the TgCDPK3 mutants showed hyperphosphorylation of two targets of a related calcium-dependent kinase (TgCDPK1), as well as TgCDPK1 itself, indicating that this latter kinase appears to play a role downstream of TgCDPK3 function. Overexpression of TgCDPK1 partially rescues the egress phenotype of the TgCDPK3 mutants, reinforcing this conclusion. These results show that TgCDPK3 plays a pivotal role in regulating tachyzoite functions including, but not limited to, egress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Treeck
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - John L. Sanders
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Rajshekhar Y. Gaji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Kacie A. LaFavers
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Matthew A. Child
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Gustavo Arrizabalaga
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Joshua E. Elias
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - John C. Boothroyd
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jacot D, Frénal K, Marq JB, Sharma P, Soldati-Favre D. Assessment of phosphorylation inToxoplasmaglideosome assembly and function. Cell Microbiol 2014; 16:1518-32. [DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Damien Jacot
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Medicine; CMU/University of Geneva; Rue Michel-Servet 1 CH-1211 Geneva 4 Switzerland
| | - Karine Frénal
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Medicine; CMU/University of Geneva; Rue Michel-Servet 1 CH-1211 Geneva 4 Switzerland
| | - Jean-Baptiste Marq
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Medicine; CMU/University of Geneva; Rue Michel-Servet 1 CH-1211 Geneva 4 Switzerland
| | - Pushkar Sharma
- Eukaryotic Gene Expression Laboratory; National Institute of Immunology; New Delhi 110067 India
| | - Dominique Soldati-Favre
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Medicine; CMU/University of Geneva; Rue Michel-Servet 1 CH-1211 Geneva 4 Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Carey AF, Singer M, Bargieri D, Thiberge S, Frischknecht F, Ménard R, Amino R. Calcium dynamics of Plasmodium berghei sporozoite motility. Cell Microbiol 2014; 16:768-83. [PMID: 24617597 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Revised: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Calcium is a key signalling molecule in apicomplexan parasites and plays an important role in diverse processes including gliding motility. Gliding is essential for the malaria parasite to migrate from the skin to the liver as well as to invade host tissues and cells. Here we investigated the dynamics of intracellular Ca(2+) in the motility of Plasmodium berghei sporozoites by live imaging and flow cytometry. We found that cytosolic levels of Ca(2+) increase when sporozoites are activated in suspension, which is sufficient to induce the secretion of integrin-like adhesins that are essential for gliding motility. By increasing intracellular Ca(2+) levels artificially with an ionophore, these adhesins are secreted onto the sporozoite surface, however, the parasite is not capable of gliding. A second level of Ca(2+) modulation was observed during attachment to and detachment from a solid substrate, leading to a further increase or a decrease in the cytoplasmic levels of Ca(2+) respectively. We also observed oscillations in the intracellular Ca(2+) level during gliding. Finally, an intracellular Ca(2+) chelator, an inhibitor of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC), and an inhibitor of the inositol triphosphate (IP3) receptor blocked the rise in intracellular Ca(2+) , adhesin secretion, and motility of activated sporozoites, indicating that intracellular stores supply Ca(2+) during sporozoite gliding. Our study indicates that a rise in intracellular Ca(2+) is necessary but not sufficient to activate gliding, that Ca(2+) levels are modulated in several ways during motility, and that a PI-PLC/IP3 pathway regulates Ca(2+) release during the process of sporozoite locomotion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allison F Carey
- Unité de Biologie et Genétique du Paludisme, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Harding CR, Meissner M. The inner membrane complex through development of Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium. Cell Microbiol 2014; 16:632-41. [PMID: 24612102 PMCID: PMC4286798 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Revised: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium spp. and Toxoplasma gondii are important human and veterinary pathogens. These parasites possess an unusual double membrane structure located directly below the plasma membrane named the inner membrane complex (IMC). First identified in early electron micrograph studies, huge advances in genetic manipulation of the Apicomplexa have allowed the visualization of a dynamic, highly structured cellular compartment with important roles in maintaining the structure and motility of these parasites. This review summarizes recent advances in the field and highlights the changes the IMC undergoes during the complex life cycles of the Apicomplexa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clare R Harding
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, The University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Jebiwott S, Govindaswamy K, Mbugua A, Bhanot P. Plasmodium berghei calcium dependent protein kinase 1 is not required for host cell invasion. PLoS One 2013; 8:e79171. [PMID: 24265753 PMCID: PMC3827138 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium Calcium Dependent Protein Kinase (CDPK1) is required for the development of sexual stages in the mosquito. In addition, it is proposed to play an essential role in the parasite’s invasive stages possibly through the regulation of the actinomyosin motor and micronemal secretion. We demonstrate that Plasmodium berghei CDPK1 is dispensable in the parasite’s erythrocytic and pre-erythrocytic stages. We successfully disrupted P. berghei CDPK1 (PbCDPK1) by homologous recombination. The recovery of erythrocytic stage parasites lacking PbCDPK1 (PbCDPK1-) demonstrated that PbCDPK1 is not essential for erythrocytic invasion or intra-erythrocytic development. To study PbCDPK1’s role in sporozoites and liver stage parasites, we generated a conditional mutant (CDPK1 cKO). Phenotypic characterization of CDPK1 cKO sporozoites demonstrated that CDPK1 is redundant or dispensable for the invasion of mammalian hepatocytes, the egress of parasites from infected hepatocytes and through the subsequent erythrocytic cycle. We conclude that P. berghei CDPK1 plays an essential role only in the mosquito sexual stages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Jebiwott
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Kavitha Govindaswamy
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Amos Mbugua
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Purnima Bhanot
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Poulin B, Patzewitz EM, Brady D, Silvie O, Wright MH, Ferguson DJP, Wall RJ, Whipple S, Guttery DS, Tate EW, Wickstead B, Holder AA, Tewari R. Unique apicomplexan IMC sub-compartment proteins are early markers for apical polarity in the malaria parasite. Biol Open 2013; 2:1160-70. [PMID: 24244852 PMCID: PMC3828762 DOI: 10.1242/bio.20136163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The phylum Apicomplexa comprises over 5000 intracellular protozoan parasites, including Plasmodium and Toxoplasma, that are clinically important pathogens affecting humans and livestock. Malaria parasites belonging to the genus Plasmodium possess a pellicle comprised of a plasmalemma and inner membrane complex (IMC), which is implicated in parasite motility and invasion. Using live cell imaging and reverse genetics in the rodent malaria model P. berghei, we localise two unique IMC sub-compartment proteins (ISPs) and examine their role in defining apical polarity during zygote (ookinete) development. We show that these proteins localise to the anterior apical end of the parasite where IMC organisation is initiated, and are expressed at all developmental stages, especially those that are invasive. Both ISP proteins are N-myristoylated, phosphorylated and membrane-bound. Gene disruption studies suggest that ISP1 is likely essential for parasite development, whereas ISP3 is not. However, an absence of ISP3 alters the apical localisation of ISP1 in all invasive stages including ookinetes and sporozoites, suggesting a coordinated function for these proteins in the organisation of apical polarity in the parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Poulin
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG2 7UH, UK
| | - Eva-Maria Patzewitz
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG2 7UH, UK
| | - Declan Brady
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG2 7UH, UK
| | - Olivier Silvie
- INSERM and Université Pierre et Marie Curie, UMR_S 945 “Immunity and infection”, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Megan H. Wright
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - David J. P. Ferguson
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Richard J. Wall
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG2 7UH, UK
| | - Sarah Whipple
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG2 7UH, UK
| | - David S. Guttery
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG2 7UH, UK
- Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Building, PO Box 65, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK
| | - Edward W. Tate
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Bill Wickstead
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG2 7UH, UK
| | - Anthony A. Holder
- Division of Parasitology, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, UK
| | - Rita Tewari
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG2 7UH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sharma P, Chitnis CE. Key molecular events during host cell invasion by Apicomplexan pathogens. Curr Opin Microbiol 2013; 16:432-7. [PMID: 23895827 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2013.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Revised: 07/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/04/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The ability of Apicomplexan parasites to invade host cells is key to their survival and pathogenesis. Plasmodium and Toxoplasma parasites share common mechanisms for invasion of host cells. Secretion of microneme and rhoptry proteins, tight junction formation and assembly of an acto-myosin motor are key steps for successful invasion by both parasites. Here, we review our understanding of the molecular basis for these steps.
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
There is an urgent need for the development of new antimalarial drugs with novel modes of actions. The malarial parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, has a relatively small kinome of <100 kinases, with many members exhibiting a high degree of structural divergence from their host counterparts. A number of Plasmodium kinases have recently been shown by reverse genetics to be essential for various parts of the complex parasitic life cycle, and are thus genetically validated as potential targets. Implementation of mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomics approaches has informed on key phospho-signalling pathways in the parasite. In addition, global phenotypic screens have revealed a large number of putative protein kinase inhibitors with antimalarial potency. Taken together, these investigations point to the Plasmodium kinome as a rich source of potential new targets. In this review, we highlight recent progress made towards this goal.
Collapse
|
20
|
Jacot D, Soldati-Favre D. Does protein phosphorylation govern host cell entry and egress by the Apicomplexa? Int J Med Microbiol 2012; 302:195-202. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2012.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
|