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Deng B, Vanagas L, Alonso AM, Angel SO. Proteomics Applications in Toxoplasma gondii: Unveiling the Host-Parasite Interactions and Therapeutic Target Discovery. Pathogens 2023; 13:33. [PMID: 38251340 PMCID: PMC10821451 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite with the ability to infect various warm-blooded vertebrates, including humans, is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis. This infection poses significant risks, leading to severe complications in immunocompromised individuals and potentially affecting the fetus through congenital transmission. A comprehensive understanding of the intricate molecular interactions between T. gondii and its host is pivotal for the development of effective therapeutic strategies. This review emphasizes the crucial role of proteomics in T. gondii research, with a specific focus on host-parasite interactions, post-translational modifications (PTMs), PTM crosstalk, and ongoing efforts in drug discovery. Additionally, we provide an overview of recent advancements in proteomics techniques, encompassing interactome sample preparation methods such as BioID (BirA*-mediated proximity-dependent biotin identification), APEX (ascorbate peroxidase-mediated proximity labeling), and Y2H (yeast two hybrid), as well as various proteomics approaches, including single-cell analysis, DIA (data-independent acquisition), targeted, top-down, and plasma proteomics. Furthermore, we discuss bioinformatics and the integration of proteomics with other omics technologies, highlighting its potential in unraveling the intricate mechanisms of T. gondii pathogenesis and identifying novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Deng
- Department of Biology and VBRN Proteomics Facility, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Laura Vanagas
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Chascomús 7130, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina; (L.V.); (S.O.A.); (A.M.A.)
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (UNSAM), 25 de Mayo y Francia. C.P., San Martín 1650, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andres M. Alonso
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Chascomús 7130, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina; (L.V.); (S.O.A.); (A.M.A.)
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (UNSAM), 25 de Mayo y Francia. C.P., San Martín 1650, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sergio O. Angel
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Chascomús 7130, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina; (L.V.); (S.O.A.); (A.M.A.)
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (UNSAM), 25 de Mayo y Francia. C.P., San Martín 1650, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Xin Q, Yuan M, Lv W, Li H, Song X, Lu J, Jing T. Molecular characterization and serodiagnostic potential of Echinococcus granulosus hexokinase. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:105. [PMID: 33557934 PMCID: PMC7869421 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04606-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus (sensu stricto), is a life-threatening but neglected zoonosis. Glycolytic enzymes are crucial molecules for the survival and development of E. granulosus. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular characterization, immunogenicity, tissue distribution and serodiagnostic potential of E. granulosus hexokinase (EgHK), the first key enzyme in the glycolytic pathway. Methods EgHK was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Specific serum antibodies were evaluated in mice immunized with recombinant EgHK (rEgHK). The location of EgHK in the larval stage of E. granulosus was determined using fluorescence immunohistochemistry, and the potential of rEgHK as a diagnostic antigen was investigated in patients with CE using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Recombinant EgHK could be identified in the sera of patients with CE and in mouse anti-rEgHK sera. High titers of specific immunoglobulin G were induced in mice after immunization with rEgHK. EgHK was mainly located in the tegument, suckers and hooklets of protoscoleces and in the germinal layer and laminated layer of the cyst wall. The sensitivity and specificity of the rEgHK-ELISA reached 91.3% (42/46) and 87.8% (43/49), respectively. Conclusions We have characterized the sequence, structure and location of EgHK and investigated the immunoreactivity, immunogenicity and serodiagnostic potential of rEgHK. Our results suggest that EgHK may be a promising candidate for the development of vaccines against E. granulosus and an effective antigen for the diagnosis of human CE.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Xin
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Miaomiao Yuan
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China.,The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Lv
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Huanping Li
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxia Song
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Lu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Jing
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China.
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Crusco A, Whiteland H, Baptista R, Forde-Thomas JE, Beckmann M, Mur LAJ, Nash RJ, Westwell AD, Hoffmann KF. Antischistosomal Properties of Sclareol and Its Heck-Coupled Derivatives: Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Untargeted Metabolomics. ACS Infect Dis 2019; 5:1188-1199. [PMID: 31083889 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sclareol, a plant-derived diterpenoid widely used as a fragrance and flavoring substance, is well-known for its promising antimicrobial and anticancer properties. However, its activity on helminth parasites has not been previously reported. Here, we show that sclareol is active against larval (IC50 ≈ 13 μM), juvenile (IC50 = 5.0 μM), and adult (IC50 = 19.3 μM) stages of Schistosoma mansoni, a parasitic trematode responsible for the neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis. Microwave-assisted synthesis of Heck-coupled derivatives improved activity, with the substituents choice guided by the Matsy decision tree. The most active derivative 12 showed improved potency and selectivity on larval (IC50 ≈ 2.2 μM, selectivity index (SI) ≈ 22 in comparison to HepG2 cells), juvenile (IC50 = 1.7 μM, SI = 28.8), and adult schistosomes (IC50 = 9.4 μM, SI = 5.2). Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed that compound 12 induced blebbing of the adult worm surface at sublethal concentration (12.5 μM); moreover, the compound inhibited egg production at the lowest concentration tested (3.13 μM). The observed phenotype and data obtained by untargeted metabolomics suggested that compound 12 affects membrane lipid homeostasis by interfering with arachidonic acid metabolism. The same methodology applied to praziquantel (PZQ)-treated worms revealed sugar metabolism alterations that could be ascribed to the previously reported action of PZQ on serotonin signaling and/or effects on glycolysis. Importantly, our data suggest that compound 12 and PZQ exert different antischistosomal activities. More studies will be necessary to confirm the generated hypothesis and to progress the development of more potent antischistosomal sclareol derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Crusco
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Whiteland
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Rafael Baptista
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Josephine E. Forde-Thomas
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Manfred Beckmann
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Luis A. J. Mur
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Robert J. Nash
- PhytoQuest Limited, Plas Gogerddan, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3EB, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew D. Westwell
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Karl F. Hoffmann
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
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Son J, Kim S, Kim SE, Lee H, Lee MR, Hwang KY. Structural Analysis of an Epitope Candidate of Triosephosphate Isomerase in Opisthorchis viverrini. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15075. [PMID: 30305716 PMCID: PMC6180082 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33479-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Opisthorchis viverrini, a parasitic trematode, was recategorized as a group 1 biological carcinogen because it causes opisthorchiasis, which may result in cholangiocarcinoma. A new strategy for controlling opisthorchiasis is needed because of issues such as drug resistance and reinfection. Triosephosphate isomerase (TIM), a key enzyme in energy metabolism, is regarded as a potential drug target and vaccine candidate against various pathogens. Here, we determined the crystal structures of wild-type and 3 variants of TIMs from O. viverrini (OvTIM) at high resolution. The unique tripeptide of parasite trematodes, the SAD motif, was located on the surface of OvTIM and contributed to forming a 310-helix of the following loop in a sequence-independent manner. Through thermal stability and structural analyses of OvTIM variants, we found that the SAD motif induced local structural alterations of the surface and was involved in the overall stability of OvTIM in a complementary manner with another parasite-specific residue, N115. Comparison of the surface characteristics between OvTIM and Homo sapiens TIM (HsTIM) and structure-based epitope prediction suggested that the SAD motif functions as an epitope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonghyeon Son
- 0000 0001 0840 2678grid.222754.4Division of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 136-701 South Korea
| | - Sulhee Kim
- 0000 0001 0840 2678grid.222754.4Division of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 136-701 South Korea
| | - So Eun Kim
- 0000 0001 0840 2678grid.222754.4Division of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 136-701 South Korea
| | - Haemin Lee
- 0000 0001 0840 2678grid.222754.4Division of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 136-701 South Korea
| | - Myoung-Ro Lee
- 0000 0004 0647 4899grid.415482.eDivision of Malaria & Parasitic Disease, Korea National Institute of Health, Osong, 28159 Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Yeon Hwang
- 0000 0001 0840 2678grid.222754.4Division of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 136-701 South Korea
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Chen T, Jiang H, Sun H, Xie Z, Ren P, Zhao L, Dong H, Shi M, Lv Z, Wu Z, Li X, Yu X, Huang Y, Xu J. Sequence analysis and characterization of pyruvate kinase from Clonorchis sinensis, a 53.1-kDa homopentamer, implicated immune protective efficacy against clonorchiasis. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:557. [PMID: 29121987 PMCID: PMC5680780 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2494-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clonorchis sinensis, the causative agent of clonorchiasis, is classified as one of the most neglected tropical diseases and affects more than 15 million people globally. This hepatobiliary disease is highly associated with cholangiocarcinoma. As key molecules in the infectivity and subsistence of trematodes, glycolytic enzymes have been targets for drug and vaccine development. Clonorchis sinensis pyruvate kinase (CsPK), a crucial glycolytic enzyme, was characterized in this research. RESULTS Differences were observed in the sequences and spatial structures of CsPK and PKs from humans, rats, mice and rabbits. CsPK possessed a characteristic active site signature (IKLIAKIENHEGV) and some unique sites but lacked the N-terminal domain. The predicted subunit molecular mass (Mr) of CsPK was 53.1 kDa. Recombinant CsPK (rCsPK) was a homopentamer with a Mr. of approximately 290 kDa by both native PAGE and gel filtration chromatography. Significant differences in the protein and mRNA levels of CsPK were observed among four life stages of C. sinensis (egg, adult worm, excysted metacercaria and metacercaria), suggesting that these developmental stages may be associated with diverse energy demands. CsPK was widely distributed in adult worms. Moreover, an intense Th1-biased immune response was persistently elicited in rats immunized with rCsPK. Also, rat anti-rCsPK sera suppressed C. sinensis adult subsistence both in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSIONS The sequences and spatial structures, molecular mass, and expression profile of CsPK have been characterized. rCsPK was indicated to be a homopentamer. Rat anti-rCsPK sera suppressed C. sinensis adult subsistence both in vivo and in vitro. CsPK is worthy of further study as a promising target for drug and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingjin Chen
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Centre for Diseases-vectors Control, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Hongye Jiang
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Centre for Diseases-vectors Control, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Hengchang Sun
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Centre for Diseases-vectors Control, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Zhizhi Xie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630, China
| | - Pengli Ren
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, China
| | - Lu Zhao
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Centre for Diseases-vectors Control, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Huimin Dong
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Centre for Diseases-vectors Control, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630, China
| | - Mengchen Shi
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Centre for Diseases-vectors Control, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Zhiyue Lv
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Centre for Diseases-vectors Control, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Zhongdao Wu
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Centre for Diseases-vectors Control, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Xuerong Li
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Centre for Diseases-vectors Control, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Xinbing Yu
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Centre for Diseases-vectors Control, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China. .,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China. .,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Centre for Diseases-vectors Control, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China. .,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China. .,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Centre for Diseases-vectors Control, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.
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