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Makiuchi T, Saito-Nakano Y, Nozaki T. Evidence of γ-secretase complex involved in the regulation of intramembrane proteolysis in Entamoeba histolytica. Parasitol Int 2024; 103:102925. [PMID: 39048023 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2024.102925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Presenilins (PSNs) are multifunctional membrane proteins involved in signal transduction, lysosomal acidification, and certain physiological processes related to mitochondria. The aspartic protease activity of PSN and the formation of a γ-secretase complex with other subunits such as nicastrin (NCT) are required for the biological functions. Although PSN is widely conserved in eukaryotes, most studies on PSN were conducted in metazoans. Homologous genes for PSN and NCT (EhPSN and EhNCT, respectively) are encoded in the genome of Entamoeba histolytica, however, their functions remain unknown. In this study, we showed that EhPSN and EhNCT form a complex on the cell membrane, demonstrating that the parasite possesses γ-secretase. The predicted structure of EhPSN was similar to the human homolog, demonstrated by the crystal structure, and phylogenetic analysis indicated good conservation between EhPSN and human PSN, supporting the premise that EhPSN functions as a subunit of γ-secretase. By contrast, EhNCT appears to have undergone remarkable structural changes during its evolution. Blue native-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis combined with western blotting indicated that a 150-kDa single band contains both EhPSN (estimated molecular size: 47-kDa) and EhNCT (64-kDa), suggesting that the complex also contains other unknown components or post-translational modifications. Coimmunoprecipitation from amebic lysates also confirmed that EhPSN and EhNCT formed a complex. Indirect immunofluorescence analysis revealed that the complex localized to the plasma membrane. Moreover, EhPSN exhibited protease activity, which was suppressed by a γ-secretase inhibitor. This is the first report of a γ-secretase complex in protozoan parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Makiuchi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan.
| | - Yumiko Saito-Nakano
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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Grangeiro YA, Santos ALE, Barbosa FEV, Roma RR, Souza ROS, Silva CGL, Teixeira CS. A Review of the Leishmanicidal Properties of Lectins. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2024; 25:443-453. [PMID: 38284715 DOI: 10.2174/0113892037275751231221053730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Lectins are proteins widely distributed among plants, animals and microorganisms that have the ability to recognize and interact with specific carbohydrates. They have varied biological activities, such as the inhibition of the progression of infections caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses and protozoa, which is related to the interaction of these proteins with the carbohydrates present in the cell walls of these microorganisms. Leishmaniasis are a group of endemic infectious diseases caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. In vitro and in vivo tests with promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania demonstrated that lectins have the ability to interact with glycoconjugates present on the cell surface of the parasite, it prevents their development through various mechanisms of action, such as the production of ROS and alteration of membrane integrity, and can also interact with defense cells present in the human body, thus showing that these molecules can be considered alternative pharmacological targets for the treatment of leishmaniasis. The objective of the present work is to carry out a bibliographic review on lectins with leishmanicidal activity, emphasizing the advances and perspectives of research in this theme. Through the analysis of the selected studies, we were able to conclude that lectins have great potential for inhibiting the development of leishmaniasis. However, there are still few studies on this subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmim A Grangeiro
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Ana L E Santos
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Cariri, Barbalha, CE, Brazil
| | - Flávia E V Barbosa
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Cariri, Barbalha, CE, Brazil
| | - Renato R Roma
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Racquel O S Souza
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Cariri, Barbalha, CE, Brazil
| | - Cláudio G L Silva
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Cariri, Barbalha, CE, Brazil
| | - Claudener S Teixeira
- Centro de Ciências Agrárias e da biodiversidade, Universidade Federal do Cariri, Crato, CE, Brazil
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Walters HA, Welter BH, Knight EW, Villano MA, Keramati CA, Morris MT, Temesvari LA. Hypothetical proteins play a role in stage conversion, virulence, and the stress response in the Entamoeba species. Exp Parasitol 2022; 243:108410. [PMID: 36309065 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite that causes amoebic dysentery and amoebic liver abscess in humans, affecting millions of people worldwide. This pathogen possesses a two-stage life cycle consisting of an environmentally stable cyst and a pathogenic amoeboid trophozoite. As cysts can be ingested from contaminated food and water, this parasite is prevalent in underdeveloped countries and poses a significant health burden. Until recently there was no reliable method for inducing stage conversion in E. histolytica in vitro. As such, the reptilian pathogen, Entamoeba invadens, has long-served as a surrogate. Much remains unclear about stage conversion in these parasites and current treatments for amoebiasis are lacking, as they cause severe side effects. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies are needed. The genomes of these parasites remain enigmatic as approximately 54% of E. histolytica genes and 66% of E. invadens genes are annotated as hypothetical proteins. In this study, we characterized two hypothetical proteins in the Entamoeba species, EIN_059080, in E. invadens, and its homolog, EHI_056700, in the human pathogen, E. histolytica. EHI_056700 has no homolog in the human host. We used an RNAi-based silencing system to reduce expression of these genes in E. invadens and E. histolytica trophozoites. Loss of EIN_059080 resulted in a decreased rate of encystation and an increased rate of erythrophagocytosis, an important virulence function. Additionally, mutant parasites were more susceptible to oxidative stress. Similarly, loss of EHI_056700 in E. histolytica trophozoites resulted in increased susceptibility to oxidative stress and glucose deprivation, but not to nitrosative stress. Unlike the E. invadens mutants, E. histolytica parasites with decreased reduced expression of EHI_056700 exhibited a decreased rate of erythrophagocytosis of and adhesion to host cells. Taken together, these data suggest that these hypothetical proteins play a role in stage conversion, virulence, and the response to stress in the Entamoebae. Since parasites with reduced expression of EHI_056700 show decreased virulence functions and increased susceptibility to physiologically relevant stressors, EHI_056700 may represent a possible therapeutic target for the treatment of amoebiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather A Walters
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA; Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovations Center (EPIC), Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634, USA
| | - Brenda H Welter
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA; Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovations Center (EPIC), Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634, USA
| | - Emily W Knight
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634, USA; Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovations Center (EPIC), Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634, USA
| | - Martha A Villano
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA; Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovations Center (EPIC), Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634, USA
| | - Cameron A Keramati
- Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovations Center (EPIC), Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634, USA
| | - Meredith T Morris
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634, USA; Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovations Center (EPIC), Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634, USA
| | - Lesly A Temesvari
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA; Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovations Center (EPIC), Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634, USA.
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Jasni N, Saidin S, Kin WW, Arifin N, Othman N. Entamoeba histolytica: Membrane and Non-Membrane Protein Structure, Function, Immune Response Interaction, and Vaccine Development. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:1079. [PMID: 36363634 PMCID: PMC9695907 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12111079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite that is the causative agent of amoebiasis. This parasite has caused widespread infection in India, Africa, Mexico, and Central and South America, and results in 100,000 deaths yearly. An immune response is a body's mechanism for eradicating and fighting against substances it sees as harmful or foreign. E. histolytica biological membranes are considered foreign and immunogenic to the human body, thereby initiating the body's immune responses. Understanding immune response and antigen interaction are essential for vaccine development. Thus, this review aims to identify and understand the protein structure, function, and interaction of the biological membrane with the immune response, which could contribute to vaccine development. Furthermore, the current trend of vaccine development studies to combat amoebiasis is also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurhana Jasni
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Malaysia
| | - Syazwan Saidin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim 35900, Malaysia
| | - Wong Weng Kin
- School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
| | - Norsyahida Arifin
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Malaysia
| | - Nurulhasanah Othman
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Malaysia
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Giant Amoebic Liver Abscess: A Rare Diagnosis in a Rural Setting of Sub-Saharan Africa. J Parasitol Res 2021; 2021:2825778. [PMID: 34712492 PMCID: PMC8548179 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2825778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Extraintestinal amoebiasis is an uncommon complication of Entamoeba histolytica infection, occurring in about 5-10% of patient. Prompt diagnosis and management is essential to prevent complications. However, diagnosis and management in resource-limited settings is very challenging owing to limited diagnostic tools and nonspecific clinical symptoms. Therefore, our case report underscores the role of incisive clinical evaluation, basic investigation, and nonsurgical management of giant amoebic abscess in resource-limited settings. Case Presentation. A 13-year-old female Cameroonian presented with subacute onset of upper abdominal pain, high fever, and chest pain for one week. Before presentation, she had been on treatment at a local traditional practitioner during which her symptoms worsen. After clinical evaluation and basic investigation, she was diagnosed with a giant amoebic liver abscess. She was resuscitated and placed on nonsurgical management. Follow-up after 1 month was significant for complete recovery. Conclusion Amoebic liver abscess is a rare complication of Entamoeba histolytica infection with devastating complications. The diagnosis of this disease requires high index of suspicion in resource-limited settings. Good clinical evaluation and timely nonsurgical therapy can provide recovery to some patients.
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König C, Honecker B, Wilson IW, Weedall GD, Hall N, Roeder T, Metwally NG, Bruchhaus I. Taxon-Specific Proteins of the Pathogenic Entamoeba Species E. histolytica and E. nuttalli. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:641472. [PMID: 33816346 PMCID: PMC8017271 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.641472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The human protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica can live in the human intestine for months or years without generating any symptoms in the host. For unknown reasons, amoebae can suddenly destroy the intestinal mucosa and become invasive. This can lead to amoebic colitis or extraintestinal amoebiasis whereby the amoebae spread to other organs via the blood vessels, most commonly the liver where abscesses develop. Entamoeba nuttalli is the closest genetic relative of E. histolytica and is found in wild macaques. Another close relative is E. dispar, which asyptomatically infects the human intestine. Although all three species are closely related, only E. histolytica and E. nuttalli are able to penetrate their host’s intestinal epithelium. Lineage-specific genes and gene families may hold the key to understanding differences in virulence among species. Here we discuss those genes found in E. histolytica that have relatives in only one or neither of its sister species, with particular focus on the peptidase, AIG, Ariel, and BspA families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantin König
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Honecker
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ian W Wilson
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth D Weedall
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Hall
- Earlham Institute, Norwich, United Kingdom.,School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Roeder
- Zoology, Department of Molecular Physiology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany.,Airway Research Center North (ARCN), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Iris Bruchhaus
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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