1
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Izquierdo L. The glycobiology of plasmodium falciparum: New approaches and recent advances. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 66:108178. [PMID: 37216996 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Like any other microorganism, pathogenic protozoan parasites rely heavily on glycoconjugates and glycan binding proteins to protect themselves from the environment and to interact with their diverse hosts. A thorough comprehension of how glycobiology contributes to the survival and virulence of these organisms may reveal unknown aspects of their biology and may open much needed avenues for the design of new strategies against them. In the case of Plasmodium falciparum, which causes the vast majority of malaria cases and deaths, the restricted variety and the simplicity of its glycans seemed to confer limited significance to the role played by glycoconjugates in the parasite. Nonetheless, the last 10 to 15 years of research are revealing a clearer and more defined picture. Thus, the use of new experimental techniques and the results obtained provide new avenues for understanding the biology of the parasite, as well as opportunities for the development of much required new tools against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Izquierdo
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain.
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2
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Muema JM, Bargul JL, Obonyo MA, Njeru SN, Matoke-Muhia D, Mutunga JM. Contemporary exploitation of natural products for arthropod-borne pathogen transmission-blocking interventions. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:298. [PMID: 36002857 PMCID: PMC9404607 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05367-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
An integrated approach to innovatively counter the transmission of various arthropod-borne diseases to humans would benefit from strategies that sustainably limit onward passage of infective life cycle stages of pathogens and parasites to the insect vectors and vice versa. Aiming to accelerate the impetus towards a disease-free world amid the challenges posed by climate change, discovery, mindful exploitation and integration of active natural products in design of pathogen transmission-blocking interventions is of high priority. Herein, we provide a review of natural compounds endowed with blockade potential against transmissible forms of human pathogens reported in the last 2 decades from 2000 to 2021. Finally, we propose various translational strategies that can exploit these pathogen transmission-blocking natural products into design of novel and sustainable disease control interventions. In summary, tapping these compounds will potentially aid in integrated combat mission to reduce disease transmission trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson M Muema
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), P.O. Box 62000, Nairobi, 00200, Kenya.
| | - Joel L Bargul
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), P.O. Box 62000, Nairobi, 00200, Kenya.,International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (Icipe), P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - Meshack A Obonyo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Egerton, 20115, Kenya
| | - Sospeter N Njeru
- Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research (CTMDR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P.O. Box 54840, Nairobi, 00200, Kenya
| | - Damaris Matoke-Muhia
- Centre for Biotechnology Research Development (CBRD), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P.O. Box 54840, Nairobi, 00200, Kenya
| | - James M Mutunga
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mount Kenya University (MKU), P.O. Box 54, Thika, 01000, Kenya.,School of Engineering Design, Technology and Professional Programs, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
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3
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Niu G, Cui Y, Wang X, Keleta Y, Li J. Studies of the Parasite-Midgut Interaction Reveal Plasmodium Proteins Important for Malaria Transmission to Mosquitoes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:654216. [PMID: 34262880 PMCID: PMC8274421 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.654216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria transmission relies on parasite-mosquito midgut interaction. The interactive proteins are hypothesized to be ideal targets to block malaria transmission to mosquitoes. We chose 76 genes that contain signal peptide-coding regions and are upregulated and highly abundant at sexual stages. Forty-six of these candidate genes (60%) were cloned and expressed using the baculovirus expression system in insect cells. Six of them, e.g., PF3D7_0303900, PF3D7_0406200 (Pfs16), PF3D7_1204400 (Pfs37), PF3D7_1214800, PF3D7_1239400, and PF3D7_1472800 were discovered to interact with blood-fed mosquito midgut lysate. Previous works showed that among these interactive proteins, knockout the orthologs of Pfs37 or Pfs16 in P. berghei reduced oocysts in mosquitoes. Here we further found that anti-Pfs16 polyclonal antibody significantly inhibited P. falciparum transmission to Anopheles gambiae. Investigating these candidate proteins will improve our understanding of malaria transmission and discover new targets to break malaria transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jun Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
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4
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Heparin Administered to Anopheles in Membrane Feeding Assays Blocks Plasmodium Development in the Mosquito. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10081136. [PMID: 32752200 PMCID: PMC7463908 DOI: 10.3390/biom10081136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Innovative antimalarial strategies are urgently needed given the alarming evolution of resistance to every single drug developed against Plasmodium parasites. The sulfated glycosaminoglycan heparin has been delivered in membrane feeding assays together with Plasmodium berghei-infected blood to Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes. The transition between ookinete and oocyst pathogen stages in the mosquito has been studied in vivo through oocyst counting in dissected insect midguts, whereas ookinete interactions with heparin have been followed ex vivo by flow cytometry. Heparin interferes with the parasite's ookinete-oocyst transition by binding ookinetes, but it does not affect fertilization. Hypersulfated heparin is a more efficient blocker of ookinete development than native heparin, significantly reducing the number of oocysts per midgut when offered to mosquitoes at 5 µg/mL in membrane feeding assays. Direct delivery of heparin to mosquitoes might represent a new antimalarial strategy of rapid implementation, since it would not require clinical trials for its immediate deployment.
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5
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Pigeault R, Isaïa J, Yerbanga RS, Dabiré KR, Ouédraogo JB, Cohuet A, Lefèvre T, Christe P. Different distribution of malaria parasite in left and right extremities of vertebrate hosts translates into differences in parasite transmission. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10183. [PMID: 32576924 PMCID: PMC7311528 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67180-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria, a vector-borne disease caused by Plasmodium spp., remains a major global cause of mortality. Optimization of disease control strategies requires a thorough understanding of the processes underlying parasite transmission. While the number of transmissible stages (gametocytes) of Plasmodium in blood is frequently used as an indicator of host-to-mosquito transmission potential, this relationship is not always clear. Significant effort has been made in developing molecular tools that improve gametocyte density estimation and therefore prediction of mosquito infection rates. However a significant level of uncertainty around estimates remains. The weakness in the relationship between gametocyte burden, measured from a blood sample, and the mosquito infection rate could be explained by a non-homogeneous distribution of gametocytes in the bloodstream. The estimated gametocyte density would then only be a single snapshot that does not reflect the host infectivity. This aspect of Plasmodium infection, however, remains largely neglected. In both humans and birds, we found here that the gametocyte densities differed depending on which side of the body the sample was taken, suggesting that gametocytes are not homogeneously distributed within the vertebrate host. We observed a fluctuating asymmetry, in other words, the extremity of the body with the highest density of parasites is not always the same from one individual to another. An estimation of gametocyte density from only one blood sample, as is commonly measured, could, therefore, over- or underestimated the infectivity of gametocyte carriers. This might have important consequences on the epidemiology of the disease since we show that this variation influences host-to-mosquito transmission. Vectors fed on the least infected body part had a lower parasite burden than those fed on the most infected part. The heterogeneous distribution of gametocytes in bloodstream should be considered to improve diagnosis and test new malaria control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Pigeault
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Julie Isaïa
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Kounbobr R Dabiré
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Anna Cohuet
- Unité MIVEGEC, IRD 224-CNRS 5290-Université Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Thierry Lefèvre
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
- Unité MIVEGEC, IRD 224-CNRS 5290-Université Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Philippe Christe
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
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6
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Afosah DK, Al-Horani RA. Sulfated Non-Saccharide Glycosaminoglycan Mimetics as Novel Drug Discovery Platform for Various Pathologies. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:3412-3447. [PMID: 30457046 PMCID: PMC6551317 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666181120101147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are very complex, natural anionic polysaccharides. They are polymers of repeating disaccharide units of uronic acid and hexosamine residues. Owing to their template-free, spatiotemporally-controlled, and enzyme-mediated biosyntheses, GAGs possess enormous polydispersity, heterogeneity, and structural diversity which often translate into multiple biological roles. It is well documented that GAGs contribute to physiological and pathological processes by binding to proteins including serine proteases, serpins, chemokines, growth factors, and microbial proteins. Despite advances in the GAG field, the GAG-protein interface remains largely unexploited by drug discovery programs. Thus, Non-Saccharide Glycosaminoglycan Mimetics (NSGMs) have been rationally developed as a novel class of sulfated molecules that modulate GAG-protein interface to promote various biological outcomes of substantial benefit to human health. In this review, we describe the chemical, biochemical, and pharmacological aspects of recently reported NSGMs and highlight their therapeutic potentials as structurally and mechanistically novel anti-coagulants, anti-cancer agents, anti-emphysema agents, and anti-viral agents. We also describe the challenges that complicate their advancement and describe ongoing efforts to overcome these challenges with the aim of advancing the novel platform of NSGMs to clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel K. Afosah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219
| | - Rami A. Al-Horani
- Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125
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7
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Jacobsen Á, Shi X, Shao C, Eysturskarδ J, Mikalsen SO, Zaia J. Characterization of Glycosaminoglycans in Gaping and Intact Connective Tissues of Farmed Atlantic Salmon ( Salmo salar) Fillets by Mass Spectrometry. ACS OMEGA 2019; 4:15337-15347. [PMID: 31572832 PMCID: PMC6761683 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b01136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) aquaculture industry, gaping (the separation of muscle bundles from the connective tissue) is a major quality problem. This study characterized chondroitin sulfate (CS) and heparan sulfate (HS) in the connective tissue of intact and gaping salmon fillets from 30 salmon by mass spectrometry. Statistical difference was detected between gaping and intact tissues only when comparing pairwise samples from the same individual (n = 10). The gaping tissue had a lower content of monosulfated CS disaccharides (p = 0.027), and the relative distribution of CS disaccharides was significantly different (p < 0.05). The HS chains were short (average = 14.09, SD = 4.91), and the intact tissue seemed to have a more uniform HS chain structure compared to the gaping tissue. Time-series samples from the same individuals are recommended for future research to improve the understanding of reasons and implications of these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ása Jacobsen
- Aquaculture
Research Station of the Faroe Islands, Viδ Áir, FO-430 Hvalvík, The Faroe Islands
| | - Xiaofeng Shi
- Department
of Biochemistry, Center for Biomedical Mass Spectrometry, Boston University School of Medicine, 670 Albany Street, Boston, Massachusetats 02118, United States
| | - Chun Shao
- Department
of Biochemistry, Center for Biomedical Mass Spectrometry, Boston University School of Medicine, 670 Albany Street, Boston, Massachusetats 02118, United States
| | - Jonhard Eysturskarδ
- Aquaculture
Research Station of the Faroe Islands, Viδ Áir, FO-430 Hvalvík, The Faroe Islands
| | - Svein-Ole Mikalsen
- Department
of Science and Technology, University of
the Faroe Islands, Vestara
Bryggja 15, FO-100 Tórshavn, The Faroe Islands
| | - Joseph Zaia
- Department
of Biochemistry, Center for Biomedical Mass Spectrometry, Boston University School of Medicine, 670 Albany Street, Boston, Massachusetats 02118, United States
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8
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Sanz S, Aquilini E, Tweedell RE, Verma G, Hamerly T, Hritzo B, Tripathi A, Machado M, Churcher TS, Rodrigues JA, Izquierdo L, Dinglasan RR. Protein O-Fucosyltransferase 2 Is Not Essential for Plasmodium berghei Development. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:238. [PMID: 31334132 PMCID: PMC6616114 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thrombospondin type I repeat (TSR) domains are commonly O-fucosylated by protein O-fucosyltransferase 2 (PoFUT2), and this modification is required for optimal folding and secretion of TSR-containing proteins. The human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum expresses proteins containing TSR domains, such as the thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (TRAP) and circumsporozoite surface protein (CSP), which are O-fucosylated. TRAP and CSP are present on the surface of sporozoites and play essential roles in mosquito and human host invasion processes during the transmission stages. Here, we have generated PoFUT2 null-mutant P. falciparum and Plasmodium berghei (rodent) malaria parasites and, by phenotyping them throughout their complete life cycle, we show that PoFUT2 disruption does not affect the growth through the mosquito stages for both species. However, contrary to what has been described previously by others, P. berghei PoFUT2 null mutant sporozoites showed no deleterious motility phenotypes and successfully established blood stage infection in mice. This unexpected result indicates that the importance of O-fucosylation of TSR domains may differ between human and RODENT malaria parasites; complicating our understanding of glycosylation modifications in malaria biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Sanz
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, The University of Florida Emerging Pathogens Institute, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Eleonora Aquilini
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Unidade de Malária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rebecca E Tweedell
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, The University of Florida Emerging Pathogens Institute, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Garima Verma
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, The University of Florida Emerging Pathogens Institute, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Timothy Hamerly
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, The University of Florida Emerging Pathogens Institute, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Bernadette Hritzo
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Abhai Tripathi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Marta Machado
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Unidade de Malária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Thomas S Churcher
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - João A Rodrigues
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Unidade de Malária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luis Izquierdo
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rhoel R Dinglasan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, The University of Florida Emerging Pathogens Institute, Gainesville, FL, United States
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9
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Therapeutic strategies to target microbial protein-glycosaminoglycan interactions. Biochem Soc Trans 2018; 46:1505-1515. [PMID: 30381333 DOI: 10.1042/bst20170485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Glycans are involved in a plethora of human pathologies including infectious diseases. Especially, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), like heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, have been found to be involved in different crucial stages of microbial invasion. Here, we review various therapeutic approaches, which target the interface of host GAGs and microbial proteins and discuss their limitations and challenges for drug development.
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10
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Abstract
Basic science holds enormous power for revealing the biological mechanisms of disease and, in turn, paving the way toward new, effective interventions. Recognizing this power, the 2011 Research Agenda for Malaria Eradication included key priorities in fundamental research that, if attained, could help accelerate progress toward disease elimination and eradication. The Malaria Eradication Research Agenda (malERA) Consultative Panel on Basic Science and Enabling Technologies reviewed the progress, continuing challenges, and major opportunities for future research. The recommendations come from a literature of published and unpublished materials and the deliberations of the malERA Refresh Consultative Panel. These areas span multiple aspects of the Plasmodium life cycle in both the human host and the Anopheles vector and include critical, unanswered questions about parasite transmission, human infection in the liver, asexual-stage biology, and malaria persistence. We believe an integrated approach encompassing human immunology, parasitology, and entomology, and harnessing new and emerging biomedical technologies offers the best path toward addressing these questions and, ultimately, lowering the worldwide burden of malaria.
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11
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Abstract
Heparin is one of the oldest drugs, which nevertheless remains in widespread clinical use as an inhibitor of blood coagulation. The history of its identification a century ago unfolded amid one of the most fascinating scientific controversies turning around the distribution of credit for its discovery. The composition, purification and structure-function relationship of this naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan regarding its classical role as anticoagulant will be dealt with before proceeding to discuss its therapeutic potential in, among other, inflammatory and infectious disease, cancer treatment, cystic fibrosis and Alzheimer's disease. The first bibliographic reference hit using the words 'nanomedicine' and 'heparin' is as recent as 2008. Since then, nanomedical applications of heparin have experienced an exponential growth that will be discussed in detail, with particular emphasis on its antimalarial activity. Some of the most intriguing potential applications of heparin nanomedicines will be exposed, such as those contemplating the delivery of drugs to the mosquito stages of malaria parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Lantero
- Nanomalaria Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, ES-08028 Barcelona, Spain.,Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona Center for International Health Research (CRESIB, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona), Rosselló 149-153, ES-08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Fernàndez-Busquets
- Nanomalaria Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, ES-08028 Barcelona, Spain.,Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona Center for International Health Research (CRESIB, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona), Rosselló 149-153, ES-08036 Barcelona, Spain.,Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Institute (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1, ES-08028 Barcelona, Spain
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12
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Weber C, Berberich E, von Rhein C, Henß L, Hildt E, Schnierle BS. Identification of Functional Determinants in the Chikungunya Virus E2 Protein. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005318. [PMID: 28114368 PMCID: PMC5289616 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-transmitted alphavirus that causes high fever, rash, and recurrent arthritis in humans. It has efficiently adapted to Aedes albopictus, which also inhabits temperate regions, including Europe and the United States of America. In the past, CHIKV has mainly affected developing countries, but has recently caused large outbreaks in the Caribbean and Latin America. No treatment or licensed CHIKV vaccine exists. Methodology/Principal Findings Here, we have identified determinants in the CHIKV cell-attachment protein E2 that facilitate cell binding. The extracellular part of the E2 gene is subdivided into the three domains, A, B, and C. These domains were expressed in E. coli and as Fc-fusion proteins generated from HEK293T cells and used for cell-binding assays. Domains A and B bound to all cells tested, independently of their permissiveness to CHIKV infection. Domain C did not bind to cells at all. Furthermore, CHIKV cell entry was promoted by cell-surface glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and domain B interacted exclusively with GAG-expressing cells. Domain A also bound, although only moderately, to GAG-deficient cells. Soluble GAGs were able to inhibit CHIKV infection up to 90%; however, they enhanced the transduction rate of CHIKV Env pseudotyped vectors in GAG-negative cells. Conclusion/Significance These data imply that CHIKV uses at least two mechanisms to enter cells, one GAG-dependent, via initial attachment through domain B, and the other GAG-independent, via attachment of domain A. These data give indications that CHIKV uses multiple mechanisms to enter cells and shows the potential of GAGs as lead structures for developing antiviral drugs. The chikungunya virus (CHIKV) glycoprotein E2 mediates cell attachment and consists of three domains A, B and C. Since the cell entry process of CHIKV is not understood in detail, we analyzed the binding properties of the three E2 domains with proteins expressed in E. coli or as Fc-fusion proteins and the role of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) on E2 cell binding and CHIKV entry. The two surface-exposed E2 domains, A and B, both bound to cells and domain B bound only to cells expressing GAGs. Domain A bound additionally to GAG-deficient cells and domain C did not bind to cells. CHIKV-pseudotyped lentiviral vector and CHIKV entry were enhanced in cells expressing GAGs. Our results suggest that CHIKV uses at least two entry mechanisms, one GAG-dependent, via attachment through E2 domain B, and the other GAG-independent, via binding of domain A. These data give indications that CHIKV uses multiple mechanisms to enter cells and shows the potential of GAGs as lead structures for developing antiviral drugs. In addition, it shows that domain A and B might constitute good targets for vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Weber
- Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich Strasse, Langen, Germany
| | - Eva Berberich
- Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich Strasse, Langen, Germany
| | - Christine von Rhein
- Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich Strasse, Langen, Germany
| | - Lisa Henß
- Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich Strasse, Langen, Germany
| | - Eberhard Hildt
- Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich Strasse, Langen, Germany
| | - Barbara S. Schnierle
- Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich Strasse, Langen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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13
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Marques J, Valle-Delgado JJ, Urbán P, Baró E, Prohens R, Mayor A, Cisteró P, Delves M, Sinden RE, Grandfils C, de Paz JL, García-Salcedo JA, Fernàndez-Busquets X. Adaptation of targeted nanocarriers to changing requirements in antimalarial drug delivery. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2016; 13:515-525. [PMID: 27720930 PMCID: PMC5332526 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2016.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The adaptation of existing antimalarial nanocarriers to new Plasmodium stages, drugs, targeting molecules, or encapsulating structures is a strategy that can provide new nanotechnology-based, cost-efficient therapies against malaria. We have explored the modification of different liposome prototypes that had been developed in our group for the targeted delivery of antimalarial drugs to Plasmodium-infected red blood cells (pRBCs). These new models include: (i) immunoliposome-mediated release of new lipid-based antimalarials; (ii) liposomes targeted to pRBCs with covalently linked heparin to reduce anticoagulation risks; (iii) adaptation of heparin to pRBC targeting of chitosan nanoparticles; (iv) use of heparin for the targeting of Plasmodium stages in the mosquito vector; and (v) use of the non-anticoagulant glycosaminoglycan chondroitin 4-sulfate as a heparin surrogate for pRBC targeting. The results presented indicate that the tuning of existing nanovessels to new malaria-related targets is a valid low-cost alternative to the de novo development of targeted nanosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Marques
- Nanomalaria Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona Center for International Health Research (CRESIB, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain; Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Institute (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan José Valle-Delgado
- Nanomalaria Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona Center for International Health Research (CRESIB, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain; Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Institute (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Urbán
- Nanomalaria Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona Center for International Health Research (CRESIB, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain; Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Institute (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisabet Baró
- Nanomalaria Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona Center for International Health Research (CRESIB, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain; Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Institute (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafel Prohens
- Unitat de Polimorfisme i Calorimetria, Centres Científics i Tecnològics, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alfredo Mayor
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona Center for International Health Research (CRESIB, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pau Cisteró
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona Center for International Health Research (CRESIB, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michael Delves
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, South Kensington, London, UK
| | - Robert E Sinden
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, South Kensington, London, UK
| | - Christian Grandfils
- Interfacultary Research Center of Biomaterials (CEIB), University of Liège, Chemistry Institute, Liège (Sart-Tilman), Belgium
| | - José L de Paz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas (IIQ) CSIC-US, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de La Cartuja, Sevilla, Spain
| | - José A García-Salcedo
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. Granada, Hospitales Universitarios de Granada/Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Xavier Fernàndez-Busquets
- Nanomalaria Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona Center for International Health Research (CRESIB, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain; Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Institute (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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14
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Urbán P, Ranucci E, Fernàndez-Busquets X. Polyamidoamine nanoparticles as nanocarriers for the drug delivery to malaria parasite stages in the mosquito vector. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2016; 10:3401-14. [PMID: 26582279 DOI: 10.2217/nnm.15.174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is arguably one of the main medical concerns worldwide because of the numbers of people affected, the severity of the disease and the complexity of the life cycle of its causative agent, the protist Plasmodium spp. With the advent of nanoscience, renewed hopes have appeared of finally obtaining the long sought-after magic bullet against malaria in the form of a nanovector for the targeted delivery of antimalarial compounds exclusively to Plasmodium-infected cells, thus increasing drug efficacy and minimizing the induction of resistance to newly developed therapeutic agents. Polyamidoamine-derived nanovectors combine into a single chemical structure drug encapsulating capacity, antimalarial activity, low unspecific toxicity, specific targeting to Plasmodium, optimal in vivo activity and affordable synthesis cost. After having shown their efficacy in targeting drugs to intraerythrocytic parasites, now polyamidoamines face the challenge of spearheading a new generation of nanocarriers aiming at the malaria parasite stages in the mosquito vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Urbán
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Health & Consumer Protection, via E. Fermi 2749, IT-21027, Ispra, Varese, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ranucci
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Golgi 19, IT-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Xavier Fernàndez-Busquets
- Nanomalaria Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Baldiri Reixac 10-12, ES-08028 Barcelona, Spain.,Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona Center for International Health Research (CRESIB, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona), Rosselló 149-153, ES-08036 Barcelona, Spain.,Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Institute (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1, ES-08028 Barcelona, Spain
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15
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Impact of exposure to mosquito transmission-blocking antibodies on Plasmodium falciparum population genetic structure. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 45:138-144. [PMID: 27566334 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 08/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Progress in malaria control has led to a significant reduction of the malaria burden. Interventions that interrupt transmission are now needed to achieve the elimination goal. Transmission-blocking vaccines (TBV) that aim to prevent mosquito infections represent promising tools and several vaccine candidates targeting different stages of the parasite's lifecycle are currently under development. A mosquito-midgut antigen, the anopheline alanyl aminopeptidase (AnAPN1) is one of the lead TBV candidates; antibodies against AnAPN1 prevent ookinete invasion. In this study, we explored the transmission dynamics of Plasmodium falciparum in mosquitoes fed with anti-AnAPN1 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) vs. untreated controls, and investigated whether the parasite genetic content affects or is affected by antibody treatment. Exposure to anti-AnAPN1 mAbs was efficient at blocking parasite transmission and the effect was dose-dependent. Genetic analysis revealed a significant sib-mating within P. falciparum infra-populations infecting one host, as measured by the strong correlation between Wright's FIS and multiplicity of infection. Treatments also resulted in significant decrease in FIS as a by-product of drop in infra-population genetic diversity and concomitant increase of apparent panmictic genotyping proportions. Genetic differentiation analyses indicated that mosquitoes fed on a same donor randomly sampled blood-circulating gametocytes. We did not detect trace of selection, as the genetic differentiation between different donors did not decrease with increasing mAb concentration and was not significant between treatments for each gametocyte donor. Thus, there is apparently no specific genotype associated with the loss of diversity under mAb treatment. Finally, the anti-AnAPN1 mAbs were effective at reducing mosquito infection and a vaccine aiming at eliciting anti-AnAPN1 mAbs has a strong potential to decrease the burden of malaria in transmission-blocking interventions without any apparent selective pressure on the parasite population.
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16
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The Nonartemisinin Sesquiterpene Lactones Parthenin and Parthenolide Block Plasmodium falciparum Sexual Stage Transmission. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2016; 60:2108-17. [PMID: 26787692 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02002-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Parthenin and parthenolide are natural products that are closely related in structure to artemisinin, which is also a sesquiterpene lactone (SQL) and one of the most important antimalarial drugs available. Parthenin, like artemisinin, has an effect onPlasmodiumblood stage development. We extended the evaluation of parthenin as a potential therapeutic for the transmissible stages ofPlasmodium falciparumas it transitions between human and mosquito, with the aim of gaining potential mechanistic insight into the inhibitory activity of this compound. We posited that if parthenin targets different biological pathways in the parasite, this in turn could pave the way for the development of druggable compounds that could prevent the spread of artemisinin-resistant parasites. We examined parthenin's effect on male gamete activation and the ookinete-to-oocyst transition in the mosquito as well as on stage V gametocytes that are present in peripheral blood. Parthenin arrested parasite development for each of the stages tested. The broad inhibitory properties of parthenin on the evaluated parasite stages may suggest different mechanisms of action between parthenin and artemisinin. Parthenin's cytotoxicity notwithstanding, its demonstrated activity in this study suggests that structurally related SQLs with a better safety profile deserve further exploration. We used our battery of assays to test parthenolide, which has a more compelling safety profile. Parthenolide demonstrated activity nearly identical to that of parthenin againstP. falciparum, highlighting its potential as a possible transmission-blocking drug scaffold. We discuss the context of the evidence with respect to the next steps toward expanding the current antimalarial arsenal.
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17
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Roussel M, Villay A, Delbac F, Michaud P, Laroche C, Roriz D, El Alaoui H, Diogon M. Antimicrosporidian activity of sulphated polysaccharides from algae and their potential to control honeybee nosemosis. Carbohydr Polym 2015; 133:213-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2015.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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18
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Mongkol W, Arunyawat U, Surat W, Kubera A. Active Compounds Against Anopheles minimus Carboxypeptidase B for Malaria Transmission-Blocking Strategy. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2015; 52:1322-1332. [PMID: 26352934 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjv133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Malaria transmission-blocking compounds have been studied to block the transmission of malaria parasites, especially the drug-resistant Plasmodium. Carboxypeptidase B (CPB) in the midgut of Anopheline mosquitoes has been demonstrated to be essential for the sexual development of Plasmodium in the mosquito. Thus, the CPB is a potential target for blocking compounds. The aim of this research was to screen compounds from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) diversity dataset and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs that could reduce the Anopheles CPB activity. The cDNA fragment of cpb gene from An. minimus (cpbAmi) was amplified and sequenced. The three-dimensional structure of CPB was predicted from the deduced amino acid sequence. The virtual screening of the compounds from NCI diversity set IV and FDA-approved drugs was performed against CPBAmi. The inhibition activity against CPBAmi of the top-scoring molecules was characterized in vitro. Three compounds-NSC-1014, NSC-332670, and aminopterin with IC50 at 0.99 mM, 1.55 mM, and 0.062 mM, respectively-were found to significantly reduce the CPBAmi activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Watcharakorn Mongkol
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Uraiwan Arunyawat
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand. Centre for Advanced Studies in Tropical Natural Resources, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Wunrada Surat
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand. Centre for Advanced Studies in Tropical Natural Resources, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Anchanee Kubera
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand. Centre for Advanced Studies in Tropical Natural Resources, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.
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19
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Mathias DK, Jardim JG, Parish LA, Armistead JS, Trinh HV, Kumpitak C, Sattabongkot J, Dinglasan RR. Differential roles of an Anopheline midgut GPI-anchored protein in mediating Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax ookinete invasion. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2014; 28:635-47. [PMID: 24929123 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2014.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Revised: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Novel strategies to directly thwart malaria transmission are needed to maintain the gains achieved by current control measures. Transmission-blocking interventions (TBIs), namely vaccines and drugs targeting parasite or mosquito molecules required for vector-stage parasite development, have been recognized as promising approaches for preventing malaria transmission. However, the number of TBI targets is limited and their degree of conservation among the major vector-parasite systems causing human disease is unclear. Therefore, discovery and characterization of novel proteins involved in vector-stage parasite development of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax is paramount. We mined the recent Anopheles gambiae midgut lipid raft proteome for putative mosquito-derived TBI targets and characterized a secreted glycoconjugate of unknown function, AgSGU. We analyzed molecular variation in this protein among a range of anopheline mosquitoes, determined its transcriptomic and proteomic profiles, and conducted both standard and direct membrane feeding assays with P. falciparum (lab/field) and P. vivax (field) in An. gambiae and Anopheles dirus. We observed that α-AgSGU antibodies significantly reduced midgut infection intensity for both lab and field isolates of P. falciparum in An. gambiae and An. dirus. However, no transmission-reducing effects were noted when comparable concentrations of antibodies were included in P. vivax-infected blood meals. Although antibodies against AgSGU exhibit transmission-reducing activity, the high antibody titer required for achieving 80% reduction in oocyst intensity precludes its consideration as a malaria mosquito-based TBI candidate. However, our results suggest that P. falciparum and P. vivax ookinetes use a different repertoire of midgut surface glycoproteins for invasion and that α-AgSGU antibodies, as well as antibodies to other mosquito-midgut microvillar surface proteins, may prove useful as tools for interrogating Plasmodium-mosquito interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derrick K Mathias
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health & Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Juliette G Jardim
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health & Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Lindsay A Parish
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health & Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Jennifer S Armistead
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health & Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Hung V Trinh
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health & Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | | | | | - Rhoel R Dinglasan
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health & Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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20
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Jain S, Rana V, Shrinet J, Sharma A, Tridibes A, Sunil S, Bhatnagar RK. Blood feeding and Plasmodium infection alters the miRNome of Anopheles stephensi. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98402. [PMID: 24866389 PMCID: PMC4035286 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood feeding is an integral process required for physiological functions and propagation of the malaria vector Anopheles. During blood feeding, presence of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium in the blood induces several host effector molecules including microRNAs which play important roles in the development and maturation of the parasite within the mosquito. The present study was undertaken to elucidate the dynamic expression of miRNAs during gonotrophic cycle and parasite development in Anopheles stephensi. Using next generation sequencing technology, we identified 126 miRNAs of which 17 were novel miRNAs. The miRNAs were further validated by northern hybridization and cloning. Blood feeding and parasitized blood feeding in the mosquitoes revealed regulation of 13 and 16 miRNAs respectively. Expression profiling of these miRNAs revealed that significant miRNAs were down-regulated upon parasitized blood feeding with a repertoire of miRNAs showing stage specific up-regulation. Expression profiles of significantly modulated miRNAs were further validated by real time PCR. Target prediction of regulated miRNAs revealed overlapping targeting by different miRNAs. These targets included several metabolic pathways including metabolic, redox homeostasis and protein processing machinery components. Our analysis revealed tight regulation of specific miRNAs post blood feeding and parasite infection in An. stephensi. Such regulated expression suggests possible role of these miRNAs during gonotrophic cycle in mosquito. Another set of miRNAs were also significantly regulated at 42 h and 5 days post infection indicating parasite stage-specific role of host miRNAs. This study will result in better understanding of the role of miRNAs during gonotrophic cycle and parasite development in mosquito and can probably facilitate in devising novel malaria control strategies at vector level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanu Jain
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Vandita Rana
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Jatin Shrinet
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Anil Sharma
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Adak Tridibes
- National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
| | - Sujatha Sunil
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
- * E-mail: (RKB); (SS)
| | - Raj K. Bhatnagar
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
- * E-mail: (RKB); (SS)
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