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Santos VC, Leite PG, Santos LH, Pascutti PG, Kolb P, Machado FS, Ferreira RS. Structure-based discovery of novel cruzain inhibitors with distinct trypanocidal activity profiles. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 257:115498. [PMID: 37290182 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115498] [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] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Over 110 years after the first formal description of Chagas disease, the trypanocidal drugs thus far available have limited efficacy and several side effects. This encourages the search for novel treatments that inhibit T. cruzi targets. One of the most studied anti-T. cruzi targets is the cysteine protease cruzain; it is associated with metacyclogenesis, replication, and invasion of the host cells. We used computational techniques to identify novel molecular scaffolds that act as cruzain inhibitors. First, with a docking-based virtual screening, we identified compound 8, a competitive cruzain inhibitor with a Ki of 4.6 μM. Then, aided by molecular dynamics simulations, cheminformatics, and docking, we identified the analog compound 22 with a Ki of 27 μM. Surprisingly, despite sharing the same isoquinoline scaffold, compound 8 presented higher trypanocidal activity against the epimastigote forms, while compound 22, against the trypomastigotes and amastigotes. Taken together, compounds 8 and 22 represent a promising scaffold for further development of trypanocidal compounds as drug candidates for treating Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Corrêa Santos
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular e Planejamento de Fármacos, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Paulo Gaio Leite
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antonio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Lucianna Helene Santos
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular e Planejamento de Fármacos, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Pedro Geraldo Pascutti
- Laboratório de Modelagem e Dinâmica Molecular, Instituto de Biofísica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 21944-970, Brazil
| | - Peter Kolb
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-University Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35037, Marburg, Germany
| | - Fabiana Simão Machado
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antonio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Salgado Ferreira
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular e Planejamento de Fármacos, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil.
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2
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First Molecular Identification of Trypanosomes and Absence of Babesia sp. DNA in Faeces of Non-Human Primates in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121490. [PMID: 36558823 PMCID: PMC9785249 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosomes are a group of pathogens distributed in the continents of Africa, America, Asia and Europe, and they affect all vertebrates including the neotropical primate group. Information about the trypanosome's diversity, phylogeny, ecology and pathology in non-human primates (NHPs) from the neotropical region is scarce. The objective of the study was to identify Trypanosoma and Babesia molecularly in NHPs under the phylogenetic species concept. We extracted DNA from a total of 76 faecal samples collected between 2019 and 2021, from a total of 11 non-human primate species of which 46 are from captive NHPs and 30 are free-living NHPs in the Western Amazon region of Ecuador. We did not detect DNA of Babesia sp. by polymerase chain reaction test in any of the faecal samples. However, the nested-PCR-based method revealed Trypanosoma parasites by ITS gene amplification in two faecal samples; one for the species Leontocebus lagonotus (from the captive population) and a second one for Cebus albifrons (from the free-ranging population). Maximum parsimony and likelihood methods with the Kimura2+G+I model inferred the evolutionary history of the two records, which showed an evolutionary relationship with the genus Trypanosoma. Two sequences are monophyletic with Trypanosoma. However, the number of sequences available in GenBank for their species identification is limited. The two samples present different molecular identifications and evolutionary origins in the tree topology. We are most likely referring to two different species, and two different localities of infection. We suggest that health management protocols should be implemented to prevent the transmission of blood-borne pathogens such as Trypanosoma sp. among captive populations. In addition, these protocols also protect the personnel of wildlife rehabilitation centers working in close proximity to NHPs and vice versa.
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Santos VC, Oliveira AER, Campos ACB, Reis-Cunha JL, Bartholomeu DC, Teixeira SMR, Lima APCA, Ferreira RS. The gene repertoire of the main cysteine protease of Trypanosoma cruzi, cruzipain, reveals four sub-types with distinct active sites. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18231. [PMID: 34521898 PMCID: PMC8440672 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97490-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cruzipains are the main papain-like cysteine proteases of Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan parasite that causes Chagas disease. Encoded by a multigenic family, previous studies have estimated the presence of dozens of copies spread over multiple chromosomes in different parasite strains. Here, we describe the complete gene repertoire of cruzipain in three parasite strains, their genomic organization, and expression pattern throughout the parasite life cycle. Furthermore, we have analyzed primary sequence variations among distinct family members as well as structural differences between the main groups of cruzipains. Based on phylogenetic inferences and residue positions crucial for enzyme function and specificity, we propose the classification of cruzipains into two families (I and II), whose genes are distributed in two or three separate clusters in the parasite genome, according with the strain. Family I comprises nearly identical copies to the previously characterized cruzipain 1/cruzain, whereas Family II encompasses three structurally distinct sub-types, named cruzipain 2, cruzipain 3, and cruzipain 4. RNA-seq data derived from the CL Brener strain indicates that Family I genes are mainly expressed by epimastigotes, whereas trypomastigotes mainly express Family II genes. Significant differences in the active sites among the enzyme sub-types were also identified, which may play a role in their substrate selectivity and impact their inhibition by small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Corrêa Santos
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Antonio Edson Rocha Oliveira
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil ,grid.11899.380000 0004 1937 0722Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Augusto César Broilo Campos
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - João Luís Reis-Cunha
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil ,grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | | | - Santuza Maria Ribeiro Teixeira
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Ana Paula C. A. Lima
- grid.8536.80000 0001 2294 473XInstituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil
| | - Rafaela Salgado Ferreira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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Barbosa da Silva E, Rocha DA, Fortes IS, Yang W, Monti L, Siqueira-Neto JL, Caffrey CR, McKerrow J, Andrade SF, Ferreira RS. Structure-Based Optimization of Quinazolines as Cruzain and TbrCATL Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2021; 64:13054-13071. [PMID: 34461718 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The cysteine proteases, cruzain and TbrCATL (rhodesain), are therapeutic targets for Chagas disease and Human African Trypanosomiasis, respectively. Among the known inhibitors for these proteases, we have described N4-benzyl-N2-phenylquinazoline-2,4-diamine (compound 7 in the original publication, 1a in this study), as a competitive cruzain inhibitor (Ki = 1.4 μM). Here, we describe the synthesis and biological evaluation of 22 analogs of 1a, containing modifications in the quinazoline core, and in the substituents in positions 2 and 4 of this ring. The analogs demonstrate low micromolar inhibition of the target proteases and cidal activity against Trypanosoma cruzi with up to two log selectivity indices in counterscreens with myoblasts. Fourteen compounds were active against Trypanosoma brucei at low to mid micromolar concentrations. During the optimization of 1a, structure-based design and prediction of physicochemical properties were employed to maintain potency against the enzymes while removing colloidal aggregator characteristics observed for some molecules in this series.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elany Barbosa da Silva
- Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil.,Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0657, United States
| | - Débora A Rocha
- Pharmaceutical Synthesis Group (PHARSG), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90040-060, Brazil.,Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90040-060, Brazil
| | - Isadora S Fortes
- Pharmaceutical Synthesis Group (PHARSG), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90040-060, Brazil.,Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90040-060, Brazil
| | - Wenqian Yang
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0657, United States
| | - Ludovica Monti
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0657, United States
| | - Jair L Siqueira-Neto
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0657, United States
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0657, United States
| | - James McKerrow
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0657, United States
| | - Saulo F Andrade
- Pharmaceutical Synthesis Group (PHARSG), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90040-060, Brazil.,Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90040-060, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90040-060, Brazil
| | - Rafaela S Ferreira
- Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil
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5
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Choudhuri S, Rios L, Vázquez-Chagoyán JC, Garg NJ. Oxidative stress implications for therapeutic vaccine development against Chagas disease. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:1395-1406. [PMID: 34406892 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1969230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pathogenesis of Chagas disease (CD) caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) involves chronic oxidative and inflammatory stress. In this review, we discuss the research efforts in therapeutic vaccine development to date and the potential challenges imposed by oxidative stress in achieving an efficient therapeutic vaccine against CD. AREAS COVERED This review covers the immune and nonimmune mechanisms of reactive oxygen species production and immune response patterns during T. cruzi infection in CD. A discussion on immunotherapy development efforts, the efficacy of antigen-based immune therapies against T. cruzi, and the role of antioxidants as adjuvants is discussed to provide promising insights to developing future treatment strategies against CD. EXPERT OPINION Administration of therapeutic vaccines can be a good option to confront persistent parasitemia in CD by achieving a rapid, short-lived stimulation of type 1 cell-mediated immunity. At the same time, adjunct therapies could play a critical role in the preservation of mitochondrial metabolism and cardiac muscle contractility in CD. We propose combined therapy with antigen-based vaccine and small molecules to control the pathological oxidative insult would be effective in the conservation of cardiac structure and function in CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhadip Choudhuri
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Lizette Rios
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Juan Carlos Vázquez-Chagoyán
- Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados En Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Toluca, México
| | - Nisha Jain Garg
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Tx, USA
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6
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Ferri G, Edreira MM. All Roads Lead to Cytosol: Trypanosoma cruzi Multi-Strategic Approach to Invasion. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:634793. [PMID: 33747982 PMCID: PMC7973469 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.634793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
T. cruzi has a complex life cycle involving four developmental stages namely, epimastigotes, metacyclic trypomastigotes, amastigotes and bloodstream trypomastigotes. Although trypomastigotes are the infective forms, extracellular amastigotes have also shown the ability to invade host cells. Both stages can invade a broad spectrum of host tissues, in fact, almost any nucleated cell can be the target of infection. To add complexity, the parasite presents high genetic variability with differential characteristics such as infectivity. In this review, we address the several strategies T. cruzi has developed to subvert the host cell signaling machinery in order to gain access to the host cell cytoplasm. Special attention is made to the numerous parasite/host protein interactions and to the set of signaling cascades activated during the formation of a parasite-containing vesicle, the parasitophorous vacuole, from which the parasite escapes to the cytosol, where differentiation and replication take place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Ferri
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, IQUIBICEN, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martin M Edreira
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, IQUIBICEN, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de Trypanosoma, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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7
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da Silva RE, Sampaio BM, Tonhosolo R, da Costa APR, da Silva Costa LE, Nieri-Bastos FA, Sperança MA, Marcili A. Exploring Leishmania infantum cathepsin as a new molecular marker for phylogenetic relationships and visceral leishmaniasis diagnosis. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:895. [PMID: 31660874 PMCID: PMC6819481 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4463-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmania infantum, the etiological agent of visceral leishmaniasis, is a neglected zoonosis that requires validation and standardization of satisfactory diagnostic methodologies. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of cathepsin L-like protease as a target for making molecular diagnoses and as a phylogenetic marker enabling to understand the intraspecies variations and evolutionary history of L. infantum in Brazil. Methods We used 44 isolates of L. infantum. The cathepsin L-like gene fragments were amplified, sequenced, manually aligned and analyzed using inference methods. The sequences generated were used to search and design oligonucleotide primers to be used in reactions specific to the target parasite. Results The cathepsin L-like gene did not show any intraspecies variability among the isolates analyzed. The pair of primers proposed amplified the target deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of L. infantum isolates and were effective for DNA amplification at concentrations of as low as 10− 11 ng/μl. The proposed marker did not present cross-reactions with other hemoparasites. When used for making the diagnosis in a panel of clinical samples from dogs, a positivity rate of 49.03% (102/208) was obtained, versus 14.42% (30/208) for a ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) marker. In samples from sandflies, the rate was 6.25% and from humans, 14.28%. Conclusions The results described in this work allow us to infer that CatLeish-PCR is a sensitive and specific marker for use in diagnostic trials of L. infantum and in clinical and epidemiological surveys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Emiliano da Silva
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Bruna Matarucco Sampaio
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Renata Tonhosolo
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Santo Amaro, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Luiz Eduardo da Silva Costa
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Ap Nieri-Bastos
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Márcia Aparecida Sperança
- Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil.,Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil
| | - Arlei Marcili
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil. .,Medicina Veterinária e Bem estar animal, Universidade Santo Amaro, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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8
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Garcia HA, Rangel CJ, Ortíz PA, Calzadilla CO, Coronado RA, Silva AJ, Pérez AM, Lecuna JC, García ME, Aguirre AM, Teixeira MMG. Zoonotic Trypanosomes in Rats and Fleas of Venezuelan Slums. ECOHEALTH 2019; 16:523-533. [PMID: 31583491 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-019-01440-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Rattus spp. are reservoirs of many human zoonoses, but their role in domestic transmission cycles of human trypanosomiasis is underestimated. In this study, we report trypanosome-infected Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus in human dwellings in slums neighboring Maracay, a large city near Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. Blood samples of R. norvegicus and R. rattus examined by PCR and FFLB (fluorescent fragment length barcoding) revealed a prevalence of 6.3% / 31.1% for Trypanosoma lewisi (agent of rat- and flea-borne human emergent zoonosis), and 10.5% / 24.6% for Trypanosoma cruzi (agent of Chagas disease). Detection in flea guts of T. lewisi (76%) and, unexpectedly, T. cruzi (21.3%) highlighted the role of fleas as carriers and vectors of these trypanosomes. A high prevalence of rats infected with T. lewisi and T. cruzi and respective flea and triatomine vectors poses a serious risk of human trypanosomiasis in Venezuelan slums. Anthropogenic activities responsible for growing rat and triatomine populations within human dwellings drastically increased human exposure to trypanosomes. This scenario has allowed for the reemergence of Chagas disease as an urban zoonosis in Venezuela and can propitiate the emergence of atypical T. lewisi infection in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herakles A Garcia
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas II - Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1374, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05508-000, Brazil.
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela.
| | - Carlos J Rangel
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Paola A Ortíz
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas II - Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1374, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Carlos O Calzadilla
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Raul A Coronado
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Arturo J Silva
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Arlett M Pérez
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Jesmil C Lecuna
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Maria E García
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Aixa M Aguirre
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Marta M G Teixeira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas II - Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1374, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05508-000, Brazil
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9
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Bradwell KR, Koparde VN, Matveyev AV, Serrano MG, Alves JMP, Parikh H, Huang B, Lee V, Espinosa-Alvarez O, Ortiz PA, Costa-Martins AG, Teixeira MMG, Buck GA. Genomic comparison of Trypanosoma conorhini and Trypanosoma rangeli to Trypanosoma cruzi strains of high and low virulence. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:770. [PMID: 30355302 PMCID: PMC6201504 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-5112-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Trypanosoma conorhini and Trypanosoma rangeli, like Trypanosoma cruzi, are kinetoplastid protist parasites of mammals displaying divergent hosts, geographic ranges and lifestyles. Largely nonpathogenic T. rangeli and T. conorhini represent clades that are phylogenetically closely related to the T. cruzi and T. cruzi-like taxa and provide insights into the evolution of pathogenicity in those parasites. T. rangeli, like T. cruzi is endemic in many Latin American countries, whereas T. conorhini is tropicopolitan. T. rangeli and T. conorhini are exclusively extracellular, while T. cruzi has an intracellular stage in the mammalian host. Results Here we provide the first comprehensive sequence analysis of T. rangeli AM80 and T. conorhini 025E, and provide a comparison of their genomes to those of T. cruzi G and T. cruzi CL, respectively members of T. cruzi lineages TcI and TcVI. We report de novo assembled genome sequences of the low-virulent T. cruzi G, T. rangeli AM80, and T. conorhini 025E ranging from ~ 21–25 Mbp, with ~ 10,000 to 13,000 genes, and for the highly virulent and hybrid T. cruzi CL we present a ~ 65 Mbp in-house assembled haplotyped genome with ~ 12,500 genes per haplotype. Single copy orthologs of the two T. cruzi strains exhibited ~ 97% amino acid identity, and ~ 78% identity to proteins of T. rangeli or T. conorhini. Proteins of the latter two organisms exhibited ~ 84% identity. T. cruzi CL exhibited the highest heterozygosity. T. rangeli and T. conorhini displayed greater metabolic capabilities for utilization of complex carbohydrates, and contained fewer retrotransposons and multigene family copies, i.e. trans-sialidases, mucins, DGF-1, and MASP, compared to T. cruzi. Conclusions Our analyses of the T. rangeli and T. conorhini genomes closely reflected their phylogenetic proximity to the T. cruzi clade, and were largely consistent with their divergent life cycles. Our results provide a greater context for understanding the life cycles, host range expansion, immunity evasion, and pathogenesis of these trypanosomatids. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-5112-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie R Bradwell
- Center for the Study of Biological Complexity, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,Present address: Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vishal N Koparde
- Center for the Study of Biological Complexity, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Andrey V Matveyev
- Center for the Study of Biological Complexity, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Myrna G Serrano
- Center for the Study of Biological Complexity, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - João M P Alves
- Department of Parasitology, ICB, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Hardik Parikh
- Center for the Study of Biological Complexity, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Bernice Huang
- Center for the Study of Biological Complexity, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Vladimir Lee
- Center for the Study of Biological Complexity, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | - Paola A Ortiz
- Department of Parasitology, ICB, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Marta M G Teixeira
- Department of Parasitology, ICB, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gregory A Buck
- Center for the Study of Biological Complexity, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA. .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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10
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Costa-Martins AG, Lima L, Alves JMP, Serrano MG, Buck GA, Camargo EP, Teixeira MMG. Genome-wide identification of evolutionarily conserved Small Heat-Shock and eight other proteins bearing α-crystallin domain-like in kinetoplastid protists. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206012. [PMID: 30346990 PMCID: PMC6197667 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Small Heat-Shock Proteins (sHSPs) and other proteins bearing alpha-crystallin domains (ACD) participate in defense against heat and oxidative stress and play important roles in cell cycle, cytoskeleton dynamics, and immunological and pathological mechanisms in eukaryotes. However, little is known about these proteins in early-diverging lineages of protists such as the kinetoplastids. Here, ACD-like proteins (ACDp) were investigated in genomes of 61 species of 12 kinetoplastid genera, including Trypanosoma spp. (23 species of mammals, reptiles and frogs), Leishmania spp. (mammals and lizards), trypanosomatids of insects, Phytomonas spp. of plants, and bodonids. Comparison of ACDps based on domain architecture, predicted tertiary structure, phylogeny and genome organization reveals a kinetoplastid evolutionarily conserved repertoire, which diversified prior to trypanosomatid adaptation to parasitic life. We identified 9 ACDp orthologs classified in 8 families of TryACD: four previously recognized (HSP20, Tryp23A, Tryp23B and ATOM69), and four characterized for the first time in kinetoplastids (TryACDP, TrySGT1, TryDYX1C1 and TryNudC). A single copy of each ortholog was identified in each genome alongside TryNudC1/TrypNudC2 homologs and, overall, ACDPs were under strong selection pressures at main phylogenetic lineages. Transcripts of all ACDPs were identified across the life stages of T. cruzi, T. brucei and Leishmania spp., but proteomic profiles suggested that most ACDPs may be species- and stage-regulated. Our findings establish the basis for functional studies, and provided evolutionary and structural support for an underestimated repertoire of ACDps in the kinetoplastids.
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Affiliation(s)
- André G Costa-Martins
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciana Lima
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,INCT-EpiAmO-Instituto Nacional de Epidemiologia na Amazônia Ocidental, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - João Marcelo P Alves
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Myrna G Serrano
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Gregory A Buck
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Erney P Camargo
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,INCT-EpiAmO-Instituto Nacional de Epidemiologia na Amazônia Ocidental, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Marta M G Teixeira
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,INCT-EpiAmO-Instituto Nacional de Epidemiologia na Amazônia Ocidental, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
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11
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Serrano M, Gonzalez V, Ray S, Chavez MD, Narayan M. Identification of Structure-Stabilizing Interactions in Enzymes: A Novel Mechanism to Impact Enzyme Activity. Cell Biochem Biophys 2018; 76:59-71. [PMID: 28756483 PMCID: PMC7446767 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-017-0816-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cruzain, a cysteine protease in the cathepsin family, is pivotal to the life-cycle of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent in Chagas disease. Current inhibitors of cruzain suffer from drawbacks involving gastrointestinal and neurological side effects and as a result have spurred the search for alternative anti-trypanocidals. Through sequence alignment studies and intra-residue interaction analysis of the pro-protein of cruzain (pro-cruzain), we have identified a host of non-active site residues that are conserved among the cathepsins. We hypothesize that these conserved amino acids play a critical role in structure-stabilizing interactions among the cathepsins and are therefore crucial for eventually gaining protease activity. As predicted, mutation of selected conserved non-active site amino-acid candidates in cruzain resulted in a compromised structural stability and a corresponding loss in enzymatic activity relative to wild-type enzyme. By advancing the discovery of novel, non-active-site-based targets to arrest enzymatic activity our results potentially open the field of alternative inhibitor design. The advantages of defining such a non-active-site inhibitor design space is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisol Serrano
- University of Texas at El Paso, 500W. University Ave, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Veronica Gonzalez
- University of Texas at El Paso, 500W. University Ave, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Supriyo Ray
- University of Texas at El Paso, 500W. University Ave, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Maria D Chavez
- University of Texas at El Paso, 500W. University Ave, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Mahesh Narayan
- University of Texas at El Paso, 500W. University Ave, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA.
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12
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Trypanosoma rangeli is phylogenetically closer to Old World trypanosomes than to Trypanosoma cruzi. Int J Parasitol 2018; 48:569-584. [PMID: 29544703 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma rangeli and Trypanosoma cruzi are generalist trypanosomes sharing a wide range of mammalian hosts; they are transmitted by triatomine bugs, and are the only trypanosomes infecting humans in the Neotropics. Their origins, phylogenetic relationships, and emergence as human parasites have long been subjects of interest. In the present study, taxon-rich analyses (20 trypanosome species from bats and terrestrial mammals) using ssrRNA, glycosomal glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gGAPDH), heat shock protein-70 (HSP70) and Spliced Leader RNA sequences, and multilocus phylogenetic analyses using 11 single copy genes from 15 selected trypanosomes, provide increased resolution of relationships between species and clades, strongly supporting two main sister lineages: lineage Schizotrypanum, comprising T. cruzi and bat-restricted trypanosomes, and Tra[Tve-Tco] formed by T. rangeli, Trypanosoma vespertilionis and Trypanosoma conorhini clades. Tve comprises European T. vespertilionis and African T. vespertilionis-like of bats and bat cimicids characterised in the present study and Trypanosoma sp. Hoch reported in monkeys and herein detected in bats. Tco included the triatomine-transmitted tropicopolitan T. conorhini from rats and the African NanDoum1 trypanosome of civet (carnivore). Consistent with their very close relationships, Tra[Tve-Tco] species shared highly similar Spliced Leader RNA structures that were highly divergent from those of Schizotrypanum. In a plausible evolutionary scenario, a bat trypanosome transmitted by cimicids gave origin to the deeply rooted Tra[Tve-Tco] and Schizotrypanum lineages, and bat trypanosomes of diverse genetic backgrounds jumped to new hosts. A long and independent evolutionary history of T. rangeli more related to Old World trypanosomes from bats, rats, monkeys and civets than to Schizotrypanum spp., and the adaptation of these distantly related trypanosomes to different niches of shared mammals and vectors, is consistent with the marked differences in transmission routes, life-cycles and host-parasite interactions, resulting in T. cruzi (but not T. rangeli) being pathogenic to humans.
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13
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Identification of bat trypanosomes from Minas Gerais state, Brazil, based on 18S rDNA and Cathepsin-L-like targets. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:737-746. [PMID: 29340783 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5744-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Several bat species can be infected by trypanosomes, but there is not much information about which of these parasites infect bats from Triângulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaíba, Minas Gerais state, Brazil, a formerly endemic region for Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. The aim of this study was to describe, characterize, and identify the presence of trypanosomes in bats. The captured bats (448) belong to four families and to 19 different species. Of those, 37 bats were found to be positive for trypanosomes by microhematocrit, (infection rate 8.3%) and 27 were positive after hemoculture analysis. Initially, the isolates were identified by PCR (18S rDNA, 24Sα rDNA, spliced leader, COII RFLP-PCR) using primers originally designed for T. cruzi. PCRs (18S rDNA, 24Sα rDNA) showed compatible bands for TcI, whereas COII RFLP-PCR showed a similar pattern associated to TcII. However, there was no DNA amplification using spliced leader as a target, revealing a discrepancy between the results. Phylogenetic analysis of Cathepsin L-like and 18S rDNA sequences proved that 15 of the isolates corresponded to Trypanosoma cruzi marinkellei and one to Trypanosoma dionisii. These results revealed that the diversity of trypanosome species in a region considered endemic for Chagas disease is greater than previous descriptions. All this can confirm the necessity of using DNA sequencing approaches in order to determinate trypanosomes species isolated from bats.
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14
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Diagnosis and genetic analysis of the worldwide distributed Rattus-borne Trypanosoma (Herpetosoma) lewisi and its allied species in blood and fleas of rodents. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 63:380-390. [PMID: 28882517 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma (Herpetosoma) lewisi is a cosmopolitan parasite of rodents strongly linked to the human dispersal of Rattus spp. from Asia to the rest of the world. This species is highly phylogenetically related to trypanosomes from other rodents (T. lewisi-like), and sporadically infects other mammals. T. lewisi may opportunistically infect humans, and has been considered an emergent rat-borne zoonosis associated to poverty. We developed the THeCATL-PCR based on Cathepsin L (CATL) sequences to specifically detect T. (Herpetosoma) spp., and assess their genetic diversity. This method exhibited high sensitivity using blood samples, and is the first molecular method employed to search for T. lewisi in its flea vectors. THeCATL-PCR surveys using simple DNA preparation from blood preserved in ethanol or filter paper detected T. lewisi in Rattus spp. from human dwellings in South America (Brazil and Venezuela), East Africa (Mozambique), and Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia and Lao PDR). In addition, native rodents captured in anthropogenic and nearby human settlements in natural habitats harbored T. (Herpetosoma) spp. PCR-amplified CATL gene fragments (253bp) distinguish T. lewisi and T. lewisi-like from other trypanosomes, and allow for assessment of genetic diversity and relationships among T. (Herpetosoma) spp. Our molecular surveys corroborated worldwide high prevalence of T. lewisi, incriminating Mastomys natalensis as an important carrier of this species in Africa, and supported its spillover from invader Rattus spp. to native rodents in Brazil and Mozambique. THeCATL-PCR provided new insights on the accurate diagnosis and genetic repertoire of T. (Herpetosoma) spp. in rodent and non-rodent hosts, revealing a novel species of this subgenus in an African gerbil. Phylogenetic analysis based on CATL sequences from T. (Herpetosoma) spp. and other trypanosomes (amplified using pan-trypanosome primers) uncovered rodents harboring, beyond mammal trypanosomes of different subgenera, some species that clustered in the lizard-snake clade of trypanosomes.
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15
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Pech-Canul ÁDLC, Monteón V, Solís-Oviedo RL. A Brief View of the Surface Membrane Proteins from Trypanosoma cruzi. J Parasitol Res 2017; 2017:3751403. [PMID: 28656101 PMCID: PMC5474541 DOI: 10.1155/2017/3751403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is the causal agent of Chagas' disease which affects millions of people around the world mostly in Central and South America. T. cruzi expresses a wide variety of proteins on its surface membrane which has an important role in the biology of these parasites. Surface molecules of the parasites are the result of the environment to which the parasites are exposed during their life cycle. Hence, T. cruzi displays several modifications when they move from one host to another. Due to the complexity of this parasite's cell surface, this review presents some membrane proteins organized as large families, as they are the most abundant and/or relevant throughout the T. cruzi membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel de la Cruz Pech-Canul
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, The University of Nottingham, University Park, University Blvd, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Victor Monteón
- Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Av. Patricio Trueba s/n, Col. Lindavista, 24039 Campeche, CAM, Mexico
| | - Rosa-Lidia Solís-Oviedo
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, The University of Nottingham, University Park, University Blvd, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Av. Patricio Trueba s/n, Col. Lindavista, 24039 Campeche, CAM, Mexico
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16
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Muñoz-San Martín C, Apt W, Zulantay I. Real-time PCR strategy for the identification of Trypanosoma cruzi discrete typing units directly in chronically infected human blood. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 49:300-308. [PMID: 28185987 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative agent of Chagas disease, a major public health problem in Latin America. This parasite has a complex population structure comprised by six or seven major evolutionary lineages (discrete typing units or DTUs) TcI-TcVI and TcBat, some of which have apparently resulted from ancient hybridization events. Because of the existence of significant biological differences between these lineages, strain characterization methods have been essential to study T. cruzi in its different vectors and hosts. However, available methods can be laborious and costly, limited in resolution or sensitivity. In this study, a new genotyping strategy by real-time PCR to identify each of the six DTUs in clinical blood samples have been developed and evaluated. Two nuclear (SL-IR and 18S rDNA) and two mitochondrial genes (COII and ND1) were selected to develop original primers. The method was evaluated with eight genomic DNA of T. cruzi populations belonging to the six DTUs, one genomic DNA of Trypanosoma rangeli, and 53 blood samples from individuals with chronic Chagas disease. The assays had an analytical sensitivity of 1-25fg of DNA per reaction tube depending on the DTU analyzed. The selectivity of trials with 20fg/μL of genomic DNA identified each DTU, excluding non-targets DTUs in every test. The method was able to characterize 67.9% of the chronically infected clinical samples with high detection of TcII followed by TcI. With the proposed original genotyping methodology, each DTU was established with high sensitivity after a single real-time PCR assay. This novel protocol reduces carryover contamination, enables detection of each DTU independently and in the future, the quantification of each DTU in clinical blood samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Muñoz-San Martín
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Básico-Clínico, Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Werner Apt
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Básico-Clínico, Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Inés Zulantay
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Básico-Clínico, Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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17
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Tibayrenc M, Ayala FJ. Is Predominant Clonal Evolution a Common Evolutionary Adaptation to Parasitism in Pathogenic Parasitic Protozoa, Fungi, Bacteria, and Viruses? ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2016; 97:243-325. [PMID: 28325372 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2016.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We propose that predominant clonal evolution (PCE) in microbial pathogens be defined as restrained recombination on an evolutionary scale, with genetic exchange scarce enough to not break the prevalent pattern of clonal population structure. The main features of PCE are (1) strong linkage disequilibrium, (2) the widespread occurrence of stable genetic clusters blurred by occasional bouts of genetic exchange ('near-clades'), (3) the existence of a "clonality threshold", beyond which recombination is efficiently countered by PCE, and near-clades irreversibly diverge. We hypothesize that the PCE features are not mainly due to natural selection but also chiefly originate from in-built genetic properties of pathogens. We show that the PCE model obtains even in microbes that have been considered as 'highly recombining', such as Neisseria meningitidis, and that some clonality features are observed even in Plasmodium, which has been long described as panmictic. Lastly, we provide evidence that PCE features are also observed in viruses, taking into account their extremely fast genetic turnover. The PCE model provides a convenient population genetic framework for any kind of micropathogen. It makes it possible to describe convenient units of analysis (clones and near-clades) for all applied studies. Due to PCE features, these units of analysis are stable in space and time, and clearly delimited. The PCE model opens up the possibility of revisiting the problem of species definition in these organisms. We hypothesize that PCE constitutes a major evolutionary strategy for protozoa, fungi, bacteria, and viruses to adapt to parasitism.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Tibayrenc
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
| | - F J Ayala
- University of California at Irvine, United States
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18
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San Francisco J, Barría I, Gutiérrez B, Neira I, Muñoz C, Sagua H, Araya JE, Andrade JC, Zailberger A, Catalán A, Remonsellez F, Vega JL, González J. Decreased cruzipain and gp85/trans-sialidase family protein expression contributes to loss of Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigote virulence. Microbes Infect 2016; 19:55-61. [PMID: 27553285 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Two cell lines derived from a single Trypanosoma cruzi clone by long-term passaging generated a highly virulent (C8C3hvir) and a low virulent (C8C3lvir) cell line. The C8C3hvir cell line was highly infective and lethal to Balb/c mice, and the C8C3lvir cell line was three- to five-fold less infective to mouse cardiomyocytes than C8C3hvir. The highly virulent T. cruzi cell line abundantly expressed the major cysteine proteinase cruzipain (Czp), complement regulatory protein (CRP) and trans-sialidase (TS), all of which are known to act as virulence factors in this parasite. The in vitro invasion capacity and in vivo Balb/c mouse infectiveness of the highly virulent strain was strongly reduced by pre-treatment with antisense oligonucleotides targeting TS or CRP or with E64d. Based on these results, we conclude that decreased levels of TS, CRP and Czp expression could contribute to loss of T. cruzi trypomastigote virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan San Francisco
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Medical Technology Department, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Iván Barría
- Experimental Physiology Laboratory (EPhyL), Antofagasta Institute, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Bessy Gutiérrez
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Medical Technology Department, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Iván Neira
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Medical Technology Department, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Christian Muñoz
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Medical Technology Department, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Hernán Sagua
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Medical Technology Department, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Jorge E Araya
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Medical Technology Department, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Juan Carlos Andrade
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Medical Technology Department, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | | | - Alejandro Catalán
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Medical Technology Department, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Francisco Remonsellez
- Applied Microbiology and Extremophiles Laboratory, Chemical Engineering Department, North Catholic University, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - José Luis Vega
- Experimental Physiology Laboratory (EPhyL), Antofagasta Institute, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Jorge González
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Medical Technology Department, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile.
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19
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Fraga J, Fernández-Calienes A, Montalvo AM, Maes I, Deborggraeve S, Büscher P, Dujardin JC, Van der Auwera G. Phylogenetic analysis of the Trypanosoma genus based on the heat-shock protein 70 gene. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 43:165-72. [PMID: 27180897 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosome evolution was so far essentially studied on the basis of phylogenetic analyses of small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU-rRNA) and glycosomal glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gGAPDH) genes. We used for the first time the 70kDa heat-shock protein gene (hsp70) to investigate the phylogenetic relationships among 11 Trypanosoma species on the basis of 1380 nucleotides from 76 sequences corresponding to 65 strains. We also constructed a phylogeny based on combined datasets of SSU-rDNA, gGAPDH and hsp70 sequences. The obtained clusters can be correlated with the sections and subgenus classifications of mammal-infecting trypanosomes except for Trypanosoma theileri and Trypanosoma rangeli. Our analysis supports the classification of Trypanosoma species into clades rather than in sections and subgenera, some of which being polyphyletic. Nine clades were recognized: Trypanosoma carassi, Trypanosoma congolense, Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma grayi, Trypanosoma lewisi, T. rangeli, T. theileri, Trypanosoma vivax and Trypanozoon. These results are consistent with existing knowledge of the genus' phylogeny. Within the T. cruzi clade, three groups of T. cruzi discrete typing units could be clearly distinguished, corresponding to TcI, TcIII, and TcII+V+VI, while support for TcIV was lacking. Phylogenetic analyses based on hsp70 demonstrated that this molecular marker can be applied for discriminating most of the Trypanosoma species and clades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Fraga
- Parasitology Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine Pedro Kouri, La Havana, Cuba
| | | | | | - Ilse Maes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Stijn Deborggraeve
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Philippe Büscher
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jean-Claude Dujardin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Gert Van der Auwera
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
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20
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The diversity and expansion of the trans-sialidase gene family is a common feature in Trypanosoma cruzi clade members. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2015; 37:266-74. [PMID: 26640033 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2015.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 11/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Trans-sialidase (TS) is a polymorphic protein superfamily described in members of the protozoan genus Trypanosoma. Of the eight TS groups recently described, TS group I proteins (some of which have catalytic activity) are present in the distantly related Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma cruzi phylogenetic clades, whereas other TS groups have only been described in some species belonging to the T. cruzi clade. In the present study we analyzed the repertoire, distribution and phylogenetic relationships of TS genes among species of the T. cruzi clade based on sequence similarity, multiple sequence alignment and tree-reconstruction approaches using TS sequences obtained with the aid of PCR-based strategies or retrieved from genome databases. We included the following representative isolates of the T. cruzi clade from South America: T. cruzi, T. cruzi Tcbat, Trypanosoma cruzi marinkellei, Trypanosoma dionisii, Trypanosoma rangeli and Trypanosoma conorhini. The cloned sequences encoded conserved TS protein motifs Asp-box and VTVxNVxLYNR but lacked the FRIP motif (conserved in TS group I). The T. conorhini sequences were the most divergent. The hybridization patterns of TS probes with chromosomal bands confirmed the abundance of these sequences in species in the T. cruzi clade. Divergence and relationship analysis placed most of the TS sequences in the groups defined in T. cruzi. Further examination of members of TS group II, which includes T. cruzi surface glycoproteins implicated in host cell attachment and invasion, showed that sequences of T. cruzi Tcbat grouped with those of T. cruzi genotype TcI. Our analysis indicates that different members of the T. cruzi clade, with different vertebrate hosts, vectors and pathogenicity, share the extensive expansion and sequence diversification of the TS gene family. Altogether, our results are congruent with the evolutionary history of the T. cruzi clade and represent a contribution to the understanding of the molecular evolution and role of TS proteins in trypanosomes.
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21
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Tibayrenc M, Ayala FJ. The population genetics of Trypanosoma cruzi revisited in the light of the predominant clonal evolution model. Acta Trop 2015; 151:156-65. [PMID: 26188332 PMCID: PMC7117470 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Revised: 05/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Comparing the population structure of Trypanosoma cruzi with that of other pathogens, including parasitic protozoa, fungi, bacteria and viruses, shows that the agent of Chagas disease shares typical traits with many other species, related to a predominant clonal evolution (PCE) pattern: statistically significant linkage disequilibrium, overrepresented multilocus genotypes, near-clades (genetic subdivisions somewhat blurred by occasional genetic exchange/hybridization) and "Russian doll" patterns (PCE is observed, not only at the level of the whole species, but also, within the near-clades). Moreover, T. cruzi population structure exhibits linkage with the diversity of several strongly selected genes, with gene expression profiles, and with some major phenotypic traits. We discuss the evolutionary significance of these results, and their implications in terms of applied research (molecular epidemiology/strain typing, analysis of genes of interest, vaccine and drug design, immunological diagnosis) and of experimental evolution. Lastly, we revisit the long-term debate of describing new species within the T. cruzi taxon.
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Lima L, Espinosa-Álvarez O, Ortiz PA, Trejo-Varón JA, Carranza JC, Pinto CM, Serrano MG, Buck GA, Camargo EP, Teixeira MM. Genetic diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi in bats, and multilocus phylogenetic and phylogeographical analyses supporting Tcbat as an independent DTU (discrete typing unit). Acta Trop 2015. [PMID: 26200788 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is a complex of phenotypically and genetically diverse isolates distributed in six discrete typing units (DTUs) designated as TcI-TcVI. Five years ago, T. cruzi isolates from Brazilian bats showing unique patterns of traditional ribosomal and spliced leader PCRs not clustering into any of the six DTUs were designated as the Tcbat genotype. In the present study, phylogenies inferred using SSU rRNA (small subunit of ribosomal rRNA), gGAPDH (glycosomal glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase) and Cytb (cytochrome b) genes strongly supported Tcbat as a monophyletic lineage prevalent in Brazil, Panama and Colombia. Providing strong support for Tcbat, sequences from 37 of 47 nuclear and 12 mitochondrial genes (retrieved from a draft genome of Tcbat) and reference strains of all DTUs available in databanks corroborated Tcbat as an independent DTU. Consistent with previous studies, multilocus analysis of most nuclear genes corroborated the evolution of T. cruzi from bat trypanosomes its divergence into two main phylogenetic lineages: the basal TcII; and the lineage clustering TcIV, the clade comprising TcIII and the sister groups TcI-Tcbat. Most likely, the common ancestor of Tcbat and TcI was a bat trypanosome. However, the results of the present analysis did not support Tcbat as the ancestor of all DTUs. Despite the insights provided by reports of TcIII, TcIV and TcII in bats, including Amazonian bats harbouring TcII, further studies are necessary to understand the roles played by bats in the diversification of all DTUs. We also demonstrated that in addition to value as molecular markers for DTU assignment, Cytb, ITS rDNA and the spliced leader (SL) polymorphic sequences suggest spatially structured populations of Tcbat. Phylogenetic and phylogeographical analyses, multiple molecular markers specific to Tcbat, and the degrees of sequence divergence between Tcbat and the accepted DTUs strongly support the definitive classification of Tcbat as a new DTU.
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Caballero ZC, Costa-Martins AG, Ferreira RC, P Alves JM, Serrano MG, Camargo EP, Buck GA, Minoprio P, G Teixeira MM. Phylogenetic and syntenic data support a single horizontal transference to a Trypanosoma ancestor of a prokaryotic proline racemase implicated in parasite evasion from host defences. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:222. [PMID: 25890302 PMCID: PMC4417235 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0829-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Proline racemase (PRAC) enzymes of Trypanosoma cruzi (TcPRAC), the agent of Chagas disease, and Trypanosoma vivax (TvPRAC), the agent of livestock trypanosomosis, have been implicated in the B-cells polyclonal activation contributing to immunosuppression and the evasion of host defences. The similarity to prokaryotic PRAC and the absence in Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma congolense have raised many questions about the origin, evolution, and functions of trypanosome PRAC (TryPRAC) enzymes. Findings We identified TryPRAC homologs as single copy genes per haploid genome in 12 of 15 Trypanosoma species, including T. cruzi and T. cruzi marinkellei, T. dionisii, T. erneyi, T. rangeli, T. conorhini and T. lewisi, all parasites of mammals. Polymorphisms in TcPRAC genes matched T. cruzi genotypes: TcI-TcIV and Tcbat have unique genes, while the hybrids TcV and TcVI contain TcPRACA and TcPRACB from parental TcII and TcIII, respectively. PRAC homologs were identified in trypanosomes from anurans, snakes, crocodiles, lizards, and birds. Most trypanosomes have intact PRAC genes. T. rangeli possesses only pseudogenes, maybe in the process of being lost. T. brucei, T. congolense and their allied species, except the more distantly related T. vivax, have completely lost PRAC genes. Conclusions The genealogy of TryPRAC homologs supports an evolutionary history congruent with the Trypanosoma phylogeny. This finding, together with the synteny of PRAC loci, the relationships with prokaryotic PRAC inferred by taxon-rich phylogenetic analysis, and the absence in trypanosomatids of any other genera or in bodonids or euglenids suggest that a common ancestor of Trypanosoma gained PRAC gene by a single and ancient horizontal gene transfer (HGT) from a Firmicutes bacterium more closely related to Gemella and other species of Bacilli than to Clostridium as previously suggested. Our broad phylogenetic study allowed investigation of TryPRAC evolution over long and short timescales. TryPRAC genes diverged to become species-specific and genotype-specific for T. cruzi and T. rangeli, with resulting genealogies congruent with those obtained using vertically inherited genes. The inventory of TryPRAC genes described here is the first step toward the understanding of the roles of PRAC enzymes in trypanosomes differing in life cycles, virulence, and infection and immune evasion strategies. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-015-0829-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuleima C Caballero
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-900, Brazil. .,Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología-AIP (INDICASAT-AIP), Ciudad del Saber, Clayon, Panamá.
| | - Andre G Costa-Martins
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-900, Brazil.
| | - Robson C Ferreira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-900, Brazil.
| | - João M P Alves
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-900, Brazil.
| | - Myrna G Serrano
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia, USA.
| | - Erney P Camargo
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-900, Brazil.
| | - Gregory A Buck
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia, USA.
| | - Paola Minoprio
- Département Infection et Epidemiologie, Institut Pasteur, Laboratoire des Processus Infectieux à Trypanosomatidés, Paris, France.
| | - Marta M G Teixeira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-900, Brazil.
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Rodrigues AC, Ortiz PA, Costa-Martins AG, Neves L, Garcia HA, Alves JM, Camargo EP, Alfieri SC, Gibson W, Teixeira MM. Congopain genes diverged to become specific to Savannah, Forest and Kilifi subgroups of Trypanosoma congolense, and are valuable for diagnosis, genotyping and phylogenetic inferences. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2014; 23:20-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2014.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Revised: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/11/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Mattos EC, Tonelli RR, Colli W, Alves MJM. The Gp85 surface glycoproteins from Trypanosoma cruzi. Subcell Biochem 2014; 74:151-180. [PMID: 24264245 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-7305-9_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi strains show distinctive characteristics as genetic polymorphism and infectivity. Large repertoires of molecules, such as the Gp85 glycoproteins, members of the Gp85/Trans-sialidase superfamily, as well as multiple signaling pathways, are associated with invasion of mammalian cells by the parasite. Due to the large number of expressed members, encoded by more than 700 genes, the research focused on this superfamily conserved sequences is discussed. Binding sites to laminin have been identified at the N-terminus of the Gp85 molecules. Interestingly, the T. cruzi protein phosphorylation profile is changed upon parasite binding to laminin (or fibronectin), particularly the cytoskeletal proteins such as those from the paraflagellar rod and the tubulins, which are both markedly dephosphorylated. Detailed analysis of the signaling cascades triggered upon T. cruzi binding to extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins revealed the involvement of the MAPK/ERK pathway in this event. At the C-terminus, the conserved FLY sequence is a cytokeratin-binding domain and is involved in augmented host cell invasion in vitro and high levels of parasitemia in vivo. FLY, which is associated to tissue tropism and preferentially binds to the heart vasculature may somehow be correlated with the severe cardiac form, an important clinical manifestation of chronic Chagas' disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliciane C Mattos
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 748, 05508-900, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, Brazil
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Lima L, Espinosa-Álvarez O, Hamilton PB, Neves L, Takata CSA, Campaner M, Attias M, de Souza W, Camargo EP, Teixeira MMG. Trypanosoma livingstonei: a new species from African bats supports the bat seeding hypothesis for the Trypanosoma cruzi clade. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:221. [PMID: 23915781 PMCID: PMC3737117 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bat trypanosomes have been implicated in the evolutionary history of the T. cruzi clade, which comprises species from a wide geographic and host range in South America, Africa and Europe, including bat-restricted species and the generalist agents of human American trypanosomosis T. cruzi and T. rangeli. METHODS Trypanosomes from bats (Rhinolophus landeri and Hipposideros caffer) captured in Mozambique, southeast Africa, were isolated by hemoculture. Barcoding was carried out through the V7V8 region of Small Subunit (SSU) rRNA and Fluorescent Fragment Length barcoding (FFLB). Phylogenetic inferences were based on SSU rRNA, glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase (gGAPDH) and Spliced Leader (SL) genes. Morphological characterization included light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS New trypanosomes from bats clustered together forming a clade basal to a larger assemblage called the T. cruzi clade. Barcoding, phylogenetic analyses and genetic distances based on SSU rRNA and gGAPDH supported these trypanosomes as a new species, which we named Trypanosoma livingstonei n. sp. The large and highly polymorphic SL gene repeats of this species showed a copy of the 5S ribosomal RNA into the intergenic region. Unique morphological (large and broad blood trypomastigotes compatible to species of the subgenus Megatrypanum and cultures showing highly pleomorphic epimastigotes and long and slender trypomastigotes) and ultrastructural (cytostome and reservosomes) features and growth behaviour (when co-cultivated with HeLa cells at 37°C differentiated into trypomastigotes resembling the blood forms and do not invaded the cells) complemented the description of this species. CONCLUSION Phylogenetic inferences supported the hypothesis that Trypanosoma livingstonei n. sp. diverged from a common ancestral bat trypanosome that evolved exclusively in Chiroptera or switched at independent opportunities to mammals of several orders forming the clade T. cruzi, hence, providing further support for the bat seeding hypothesis to explain the origin of T. cruzi and T. rangeli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Lima
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Burgos JM, Risso MG, Brenière SF, Barnabé C, Campetella O, Leguizamón MS. Differential distribution of genes encoding the virulence factor trans-sialidase along Trypanosoma cruzi Discrete typing units. PLoS One 2013; 8:e58967. [PMID: 23536842 PMCID: PMC3594200 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0058967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Accepted: 02/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi the agent of Chagas disease is a monophyletic but heterogeneous group conformed by several Discrete Typing Units (DTUs) named TcI to TcVI characterized by genetic markers. The trans-sialidase (TS) is a virulence factor involved in cell invasion and pathogenesis that is differentially expressed in aggressive and less virulent parasite stocks. Genes encoding TS-related proteins are included in a large family divided in several groups but only one of them contains TS genes. Two closely related genes differing in a T/C transition encode the enzymatically active TS (aTS) and a lectin-like TS (iTS). We quantified the aTS/iTS genes from TcII and TcVI aggressive and TcI low virulent strains and found variable aTS number (1-32) per haploid genome. In spite of being low TS enzyme-expressers, TcI strains carry 28-32 aTS gene copies. The intriguing absence of iTS genes in TcI strains together with the presence of aTS/iTS in TcII and TcVI strains (virulent) were observed. Moreover, after sequencing aTS/iTS from 38 isolates collected along the Americas encompassing all DTUs, the persistent absence of the iTS gene in TcI, TcIII and TcIV was found. In addition, the sequence clustering together with T/C transition analysis correlated to DTUs of T. cruzi. The consistence of TS results with both evolutionary genome models proposed for T. cruzi, namely the "Two Hybridization" and the "Three Ancestor" was discussed and reviewed to fit present findings. Parasite stocks to attempt genetic KO or to assay the involvement of iTS in parasite biology and virulence are finally available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M. Burgos
- Instituto de Microbiología y Parasitología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marikena G. Risso
- Instituto de Microbiología y Parasitología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Simone Frédérique Brenière
- Unité de Recherche MIVEGEC, Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs: Ecologie, Génétique, Evolution et Contrôle, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Représentation de l'IRD en Bolivie, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - Christian Barnabé
- Unité de Recherche MIVEGEC, Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs: Ecologie, Génétique, Evolution et Contrôle, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Représentation de l'IRD en Bolivie, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - Oscar Campetella
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Susana Leguizamón
- Instituto de Microbiología y Parasitología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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