1
|
Morrison LJ, Steketee PC, Tettey MD, Matthews KR. Pathogenicity and virulence of African trypanosomes: From laboratory models to clinically relevant hosts. Virulence 2023; 14:2150445. [PMID: 36419235 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2150445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
African trypanosomes are vector-borne protozoa, which cause significant human and animal disease across sub-Saharan Africa, and animal disease across Asia and South America. In humans, infection is caused by variants of Trypanosoma brucei, and is characterized by varying rate of progression to neurological disease, caused by parasites exiting the vasculature and entering the brain. Animal disease is caused by multiple species of trypanosome, primarily T. congolense, T. vivax, and T. brucei. These trypanosomes also infect multiple species of mammalian host, and this complexity of trypanosome and host diversity is reflected in the spectrum of severity of disease in animal trypanosomiasis, ranging from hyperacute infections associated with mortality to long-term chronic infections, and is also a main reason why designing interventions for animal trypanosomiasis is so challenging. In this review, we will provide an overview of the current understanding of trypanosome determinants of infection progression and severity, covering laboratory models of disease, as well as human and livestock disease. We will also highlight gaps in knowledge and capabilities, which represent opportunities to both further our fundamental understanding of how trypanosomes cause disease, as well as facilitating the development of the novel interventions that are so badly needed to reduce the burden of disease caused by these important pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liam J Morrison
- Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Pieter C Steketee
- Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Mabel D Tettey
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Keith R Matthews
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Danazumi AU, Ishmam IT, Idris S, Izert MA, Balogun EO, Górna MW. Targeted protein degradation might present a novel therapeutic approach in the fight against African trypanosomiasis. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 186:106451. [PMID: 37088149 PMCID: PMC11032742 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
African trypanosomiasis (AT) is a hemoparasitic disease caused by infection with African trypanosomes and it is prevalent in many sub-Saharan African countries, affecting both humans and domestic animals. The disease is transmitted mostly by haematophagous insects of the genus Glossina while taking blood meal, in the process spreading the parasites from an infected animal to an uninfected animal. The disease is fatal if untreated, and the available drugs are generally ineffective and resulting in toxicities. Therefore, it is still pertinent to explore novel methods and targets for drug discovery. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) present a new strategy for development of therapeutic molecules that mimic cellular proteasomal-mediated protein degradation to target proteins involved in different disease types. PROTACs have been used to degrade proteins involved in various cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and immune disorders with remarkable success. Here, we highlight the problems associated with the current treatments for AT, discuss the concept of PROTACs and associated targeted protein degradation (TPD) approaches, and provide some insights on the future potential for the use of these emerging technologies (PROTACs and TPD) for the development of new generation of anti-Trypanosoma drugs and the first "TrypPROTACs".
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Usman Danazumi
- Biological and Chemical Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland; Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland; Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | | | - Salisu Idris
- Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Matylda Anna Izert
- Biological and Chemical Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Emmanuel Oluwadare Balogun
- Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; African Centre of Excellence for Neglected Tropical Diseases and Forensic Biotechnology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
| | - Maria Wiktoria Górna
- Biological and Chemical Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Costa TFR, Goundry A, Morrot A, Grab DJ, Mottram JC, Lima APCA. Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense Inhibitor of Cysteine Peptidase (ICP) Is Required for Virulence in Mice and to Attenuate the Inflammatory Response. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:656. [PMID: 36614101 PMCID: PMC9820468 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The protozoan Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense causes Human African Trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, and penetrates the central nervous system, leading to meningoencephalitis. The Cathepsin L-like cysteine peptidase of T. b. rhodesiense has been implicated in parasite penetration of the blood-brain barrier and its activity is modulated by the chagasin-family endogenous inhibitor of cysteine peptidases (ICP). To investigate the role of ICP in T. b. rhodesiense bloodstream form, ICP-null (Δicp) mutants were generated, and lines re-expressing ICP (Δicp:ICP). Lysates of Δicp displayed increased E-64-sensitive cysteine peptidase activity and the mutant parasites traversed human brain microvascular endothelial cell (HBMEC) monolayers in vitro more efficiently. Δicp induced E-selectin in HBMECs, leading to the adherence of higher numbers of human neutrophils. In C57BL/6 mice, no Δicp parasites could be detected in the blood after 6 days, while mice infected with wild-type (WT) or Δicp:ICP displayed high parasitemia, peaking at day 12. In mice infected with Δicp, there was increased recruitment of monocytes to the site of inoculation and higher levels of IFN-γ in the spleen. At day 14, mice infected with Δicp exhibited higher preservation of the CD4+, CD8+, and CD19+ populations in the spleen, accompanied by sustained high IFN-γ, while NK1.1+ populations receded nearly to the levels of uninfected controls. We propose that ICP helps to downregulate inflammatory responses that contribute to the control of infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana F. R. Costa
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Amy Goundry
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Morrot
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-900, Brazil
- Centro de Pesquisa em Tuberculose, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Manguinhos 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Dennis J. Grab
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Jeremy C. Mottram
- York Biomedical Research Institute and Department of Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Ana Paula C. A. Lima
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Elrufaie HA, Mohamed LM, Hamd AY, Bala NA, Elbadawi FA, Ghaboosh H, Alzain AA. Discovery of novel natural products as rhodesain inhibitors for human African trypanosomiasis using in silico techniques. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022:1-13. [PMID: 35751127 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2092550] [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: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) or sleeping sickness is caused by the Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, a subspecies of the Trypanosomatide family. The parasite is associated with high morbidity and mortality rate in both animals and humans, claimed to be more fatal than other vector-transmitted diseases such as malaria. The majority of existing medications are highly toxic, not effective in the late chronic phase of the disease, and require maximum dosages to fully eradicate the parasite. In this study, we used computational methods to find out natural products that inhibit the Rhodesain, a parasitic enzyme that plays an important role in the parasite's pathogenicity, multiplication, and ability to pass through the host's blood-brain barrier. A library of 270540 natural products from ZINC databases was processed by using e-pharmacophore hypnosis and screening procedures, molecular docking, ADMET processes, and MM-GBSA calculations. This led to the identification of 3 compounds (ZINC000096269390, ZINC000035485292, and ZINC000035485242) which were then subjected to molecular dynamics. The findings of this study showed excellent binding affinity and stability toward the Rhodesain and suggest they may be a hopeful treatment for HAT in the future if further clinical trials were performed.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hisham A Elrufaie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
| | - Linda M Mohamed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
| | - Aya Y Hamd
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
| | - Noor A Bala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
| | | | - Hiba Ghaboosh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Gezira, Wad Madani, Sudan
| | - Abdulrahim A Alzain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Alama-Bermejo G, Bartošová-Sojková P, Atkinson SD, Holzer AS, Bartholomew JL. Proteases as Therapeutic Targets Against the Parasitic Cnidarian Ceratonova shasta: Characterization of Molecules Key to Parasite Virulence In Salmonid Hosts. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:804864. [PMID: 35071050 PMCID: PMC8777295 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.804864] [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: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteases and their inhibitors play critical roles in host-parasite interactions and in the outcomes of infections. Ceratonova shasta is a myxozoan pathogen that causes enteronecrosis in economically important salmonids from the Pacific Northwest of North America. This cnidarian parasite has host-specific genotypes with varying virulence, making it a powerful system to decipher virulence mechanisms in myxozoans. Using C. shasta genome and transcriptome, we identified four proteases of different catalytic types: cathepsin D (aspartic), cathepsin L and Z-like (cysteine) and aminopeptidase-N (metallo); and a stefin (cysteine protease inhibitor), which implied involvement in virulence and hence represent target molecules for the development of therapeutic strategies. We characterized, annotated and modelled their 3D protein structure using bioinformatics and computational tools. We quantified their expression in C. shasta genotype 0 (low virulence, no mortality) and IIR (high virulence and mortality) in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, to demonstrate that there are major differences between the genotypes during infection and parasite development. High proliferation of genotype IIR was associated with high expression of the cathepsin D and the stefin, likely correlated with high nutrient demands and to regulate cell metabolism, with upregulation preceding massive proliferation and systemic dispersion. In contrast, upregulation of the cathepsin L and Z-like cysteine proteases may have roles in host immune evasion in genotype 0 infections, which are associated with low proliferation, low inflammation and non-destructive development. In contrast to the other proteases, C. shasta aminopeptidase-N appears to have a prominent role in nematocyst formation in both genotypes, but only during sporogenesis. Homology searches of C. shasta proteases against other myxozoan transcriptomes revealed a high abundance of cathepsin L and aminopeptidase homologs suggesting common gene requirements across species. Our study identified molecules of potential therapeutic significance for aquaculture and serves as a baseline for future research aimed at functional characterisation of these targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gema Alama-Bermejo
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia.,Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Pavla Bartošová-Sojková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Stephen D Atkinson
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Astrid S Holzer
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Jerri L Bartholomew
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Horn D. Genome-scale RNAi screens in African trypanosomes. Trends Parasitol 2021; 38:160-173. [PMID: 34580035 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Genome-scale genetic screens allow researchers to rapidly identify the genes and proteins that impact a particular phenotype of interest. In African trypanosomes, RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown screens have revealed mechanisms underpinning drug resistance, drug transport, prodrug metabolism, quorum sensing, genome replication, and gene expression control. RNAi screening has also been remarkably effective at highlighting promising potential antitrypanosomal drug targets. The first ever RNAi library screen was implemented in African trypanosomes, and genome-scale RNAi screens and other related approaches continue to have a major impact on trypanosomatid research. Here, I review those impacts in terms of both discovery and translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Horn
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ibrahim MAM, Weber JS, Ngomtcho SCH, Signaboubo D, Berger P, Hassane HM, Kelm S. Diversity of trypanosomes in humans and cattle in the HAT foci Mandoul and Maro, Southern Chad-A matter of concern for zoonotic potential? PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009323. [PMID: 34106914 PMCID: PMC8224965 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND African trypanosomes are parasites mainly transmitted by tsetse flies. They cause trypanosomiasis in humans (HAT) and animals (AAT). In Chad, HAT/AAT are endemic. This study investigates the diversity and distribution of trypanosomes in Mandoul, an isolated area where a tsetse control campaign is ongoing, and Maro, an area bordering the Central African Republic (CAR) where the control had not started. METHODS 717 human and 540 cattle blood samples were collected, and 177 tsetse flies were caught. Trypanosomal DNA was detected using PCR targeting internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) and glycosomal glyceraldehyde-3 phosphate dehydrogenase (gGAPDH), followed by amplicon sequencing. RESULTS Trypanosomal DNA was identified in 14 human samples, 227 cattle samples, and in tsetse. Besides T. b. gambiense, T. congolense was detected in human in Maro. In Mandoul, DNA from an unknown Trypanosoma sp.-129-H was detected in a human with a history of a cured HAT infection and persisting symptoms. In cattle and tsetse samples from Maro, T. godfreyi and T. grayi were detected besides the known animal pathogens, in addition to T. theileri (in cattle) and T. simiae (in tsetse). Furthermore, in Maro, evidence for additional unknown trypanosomes was obtained in tsetse. In contrast, in the Mandoul area, only T. theileri, T. simiae, and T. vivax DNA was identified in cattle. Genetic diversity was most prominent in T. vivax and T. theileri. CONCLUSION Tsetse control activities in Mandoul reduced the tsetse population and thus the pathogenic parasites. Nevertheless, T. theileri, T. vivax, and T. simiae are frequent in cattle suggesting transmission by other insect vectors. In contrast, in Maro, transhumance to/from Central African Republic and no tsetse control may have led to the high diversity and frequency of trypanosomes observed including HAT/AAT pathogenic species. Active HAT infections stress the need to enforce monitoring and control campaigns. Additionally, the diverse trypanosome species in humans and cattle indicate the necessity to investigate the infectivity of the unknown trypanosomes regarding their zoonotic potential. Finally, this study should be widened to other trypanosome hosts to capture the whole diversity of circulating trypanosomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahamat Alhadj Moussa Ibrahim
- Centre for Biomolecular Interactions Bremen, Department of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Exacts and Applied sciences, University of N’Djamena, N’Djamena, Chad
- * E-mail: (MAMI); (SK)
| | - Judith Sophie Weber
- Centre for Biomolecular Interactions Bremen, Department of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Centre for Marine Environmental Sciences MARUM, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Sen Claudine Henriette Ngomtcho
- Centre for Biomolecular Interactions Bremen, Department of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Department of Microbiology, Haematology and Immunology, Faculty of medicine and pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Djoukzoumka Signaboubo
- Centre for Biomolecular Interactions Bremen, Department of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Petra Berger
- Centre for Biomolecular Interactions Bremen, Department of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | | | - Sørge Kelm
- Centre for Biomolecular Interactions Bremen, Department of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- * E-mail: (MAMI); (SK)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Johé P, Jaenicke E, Neuweiler H, Schirmeister T, Kersten C, Hellmich UA. Structure, interdomain dynamics, and pH-dependent autoactivation of pro-rhodesain, the main lysosomal cysteine protease from African trypanosomes. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100565. [PMID: 33745969 PMCID: PMC8080524 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhodesain is the lysosomal cathepsin L-like cysteine protease of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, the causative agent of Human African Trypanosomiasis. The enzyme is essential for the proliferation and pathogenicity of the parasite as well as its ability to overcome the blood-brain barrier of the host. Lysosomal cathepsins are expressed as zymogens with an inactivating prodomain that is cleaved under acidic conditions. A structure of the uncleaved maturation intermediate from a trypanosomal cathepsin L-like protease is currently not available. We thus established the heterologous expression of T. brucei rhodesiense pro-rhodesain in Escherichia coli and determined its crystal structure. The trypanosomal prodomain differs from nonparasitic pro-cathepsins by a unique, extended α-helix that blocks the active site and whose side-chain interactions resemble those of the antiprotozoal inhibitor K11777. Interdomain dynamics between pro- and core protease domain as observed by photoinduced electron transfer fluorescence correlation spectroscopy increase at low pH, where pro-rhodesain also undergoes autocleavage. Using the crystal structure, molecular dynamics simulations, and mutagenesis, we identify a conserved interdomain salt bridge that prevents premature intramolecular cleavage at higher pH values and may thus present a control switch for the observed pH sensitivity of proenzyme cleavage in (trypanosomal) CathL-like proteases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Johé
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Elmar Jaenicke
- Institute for Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Hannes Neuweiler
- Department for Biotechnology and Biophysics, Julius-Maximilians-University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tanja Schirmeister
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christian Kersten
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Ute A Hellmich
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry Division, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Update on relevant trypanosome peptidases: Validated targets and future challenges. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2020; 1869:140577. [PMID: 33271348 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2020.140577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of the American Trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease, and Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, the agents of Sleeping sickness (Human African Trypanosomiasis, HAT), as well as Trypanosoma brucei brucei, the agent of the cattle disease nagana, contain cysteine, serine, threonine, aspartyl and metallo peptidases. The most abundant among these enzymes are the cysteine proteases from the Clan CA, the Cathepsin L-like cruzipain and rhodesain, and the Cathepsin B-like enzymes, which have essential roles in the parasites and thus are potential targets for chemotherapy. In addition, several other proteases, present in one or both parasites, have been characterized, and some of them are also promising candidates for the developing of new drugs. Recently, new inhibitors, with good selectivity for the parasite proteasomes, have been described and are very promising as lead compounds for the development of new therapies for these neglected diseases. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: "Play and interplay of proteases in health and disease".
Collapse
|
10
|
Chemogenomic Profiling of Antileishmanial Efficacy and Resistance in the Related Kinetoplastid Parasite Trypanosoma brucei. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 63:AAC.00795-19. [PMID: 31160283 PMCID: PMC6658743 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00795-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The arsenal of drugs used to treat leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania spp., is limited and beset by toxicity and emergent resistance. Furthermore, our understanding of drug mode of action and potential routes to resistance is limited. Forward genetic approaches have revolutionized our understanding of drug mode of action in the related kinetoplastid parasite Trypanosoma brucei. The arsenal of drugs used to treat leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania spp., is limited and beset by toxicity and emergent resistance. Furthermore, our understanding of drug mode of action and potential routes to resistance is limited. Forward genetic approaches have revolutionized our understanding of drug mode of action in the related kinetoplastid parasite Trypanosoma brucei. Therefore, we screened our genome-scale T. brucei RNA interference (RNAi) library against the current antileishmanial drugs sodium stibogluconate (antimonial), paromomycin, miltefosine, and amphotericin B. Identification of T. brucei orthologues of the known Leishmania antimonial and miltefosine plasma membrane transporters effectively validated our approach, while a cohort of 42 novel drug efficacy determinants provides new insights and serves as a resource. Follow-up analyses revealed the antimonial selectivity of the aquaglyceroporin TbAQP3. A lysosomal major facilitator superfamily transporter contributes to paromomycin-aminoglycoside efficacy. The vesicle-associated membrane protein TbVAMP7B and a flippase contribute to amphotericin B and miltefosine action and are potential cross-resistance determinants. Finally, multiple phospholipid-transporting flippases, including the T. brucei orthologue of the Leishmania miltefosine transporter, a putative β-subunit/CDC50 cofactor, and additional membrane-associated hits, affect amphotericin B efficacy, providing new insights into mechanisms of drug uptake and action. The findings from this orthology-based chemogenomic profiling approach substantially advance our understanding of antileishmanial drug action and potential resistance mechanisms and should facilitate the development of improved therapies as well as surveillance for drug-resistant parasites.
Collapse
|
11
|
Koeller CM, Bangs JD. Processing and targeting of cathepsin L (TbCatL) to the lysosome in
Trypanosoma brucei. Cell Microbiol 2019; 21:e12980. [DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina M. Koeller
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences University at Buffalo (SUNY) Buffalo New York USA
| | - James D. Bangs
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences University at Buffalo (SUNY) Buffalo New York USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Siqueira-Neto JL, Debnath A, McCall LI, Bernatchez JA, Ndao M, Reed SL, Rosenthal PJ. Cysteine proteases in protozoan parasites. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006512. [PMID: 30138453 PMCID: PMC6107107 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cysteine proteases (CPs) play key roles in the pathogenesis of protozoan parasites, including cell/tissue penetration, hydrolysis of host or parasite proteins, autophagy, and evasion or modulation of the host immune response, making them attractive chemotherapeutic and vaccine targets. This review highlights current knowledge on clan CA cysteine proteases, the best-characterized group of cysteine proteases, from 7 protozoan organisms causing human diseases with significant impact: Entamoeba histolytica, Leishmania species (sp.), Trypanosoma brucei, T. cruzi, Cryptosporidium sp., Plasmodium sp., and Toxoplasma gondii. Clan CA proteases from three organisms (T. brucei, T. cruzi, and Plasmodium sp.) are well characterized as druggable targets based on in vitro and in vivo models. A number of candidate inhibitors are under development. CPs from these organisms and from other protozoan parasites should be further characterized to improve our understanding of their biological functions and identify novel targets for chemotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- 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, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Anjan Debnath
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Laura-Isobel McCall
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Jean A. Bernatchez
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Momar Ndao
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
- Program in Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sharon L. Reed
- Departments of Pathology and Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Philip J. Rosenthal
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kelner A, Tinti M, Guther MLS, Foth BJ, Chappell L, Berriman M, Cowling VH, Ferguson MAJ. The mRNA cap methyltransferase gene TbCMT1 is not essential in vitro but is a virulence factor in vivo for bloodstream form Trypanosoma brucei. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201263. [PMID: 30040830 PMCID: PMC6057678 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA is modified by the addition of a 5' methylated cap structure, which protects the transcript and recruits protein complexes that mediate RNA processing and/or the initiation of translation. Two genes encoding mRNA cap methyltransferases have been identified in T. brucei: TbCMT1 and TbCGM1. Here we analysed the impact of TbCMT1 gene deletion on bloodstream form T. brucei cells. TbCMT1 was dispensable for parasite proliferation in in vitro culture. However, significantly decreased parasitemia was observed in mice inoculated with TbCMT1 null and conditional null cell lines. Using RNA-Seq, we observed that several cysteine peptidase mRNAs were downregulated in TbCMT1 null cells lines. The cysteine peptidase Cathepsin-L was also shown to be reduced at the protein level in TbCMT1 null cell lines. Our data suggest that TbCMT1 is not essential to bloodstream form T. brucei growth in vitro or in vivo but that it contributes significantly to parasite virulence in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kelner
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Michele Tinti
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Lucia S. Guther
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | | | - Lia Chappell
- The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Victoria Haigh Cowling
- Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Michael A. J. Ferguson
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Currier RB, Cooper A, Burrell-Saward H, MacLeod A, Alsford S. Decoding the network of Trypanosoma brucei proteins that determines sensitivity to apolipoprotein-L1. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1006855. [PMID: 29346416 PMCID: PMC5790291 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In contrast to Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and T. b. rhodesiense (the causative agents of human African trypanosomiasis), T. b. brucei is lysed by apolipoprotein-L1 (apoL1)-containing human serum trypanolytic factors (TLF), rendering it non-infectious to humans. While the mechanisms of TLF1 uptake, apoL1 membrane integration, and T. b. gambiense and T. b. rhodesiense apoL1-resistance have been extensively characterised, our understanding of the range of factors that drive apoL1 action in T. b. brucei is limited. Selecting our bloodstream-form T. b. brucei RNAi library with recombinant apoL1 identified an array of factors that supports the trypanocidal action of apoL1, including six putative ubiquitin modifiers and several proteins putatively involved in membrane trafficking; we also identified the known apoL1 sensitivity determinants, TbKIFC1 and the V-ATPase. Most prominent amongst the novel apoL1 sensitivity determinants was a putative ubiquitin ligase. Intriguingly, while loss of this ubiquitin ligase reduces parasite sensitivity to apoL1, its loss enhances parasite sensitivity to TLF1-dominated normal human serum, indicating that free and TLF1-bound apoL1 have contrasting modes-of-action. Indeed, loss of the known human serum sensitivity determinants, p67 (lysosomal associated membrane protein) and the cathepsin-L regulator, 'inhibitor of cysteine peptidase', had no effect on sensitivity to free apoL1. Our findings highlight a complex network of proteins that influences apoL1 action, with implications for our understanding of the anti-trypanosomal action of human serum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel B. Currier
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anneli Cooper
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Annette MacLeod
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sam Alsford
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Fontaine F, Lecordier L, Vanwalleghem G, Uzureau P, Van Reet N, Fontaine M, Tebabi P, Vanhollebeke B, Büscher P, Pérez-Morga D, Pays E. APOLs with low pH dependence can kill all African trypanosomes. Nat Microbiol 2017; 2:1500-1506. [PMID: 28924146 PMCID: PMC5660622 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-017-0034-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The primate-specific serum protein apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) is the only secreted member of a family of cell death promoting proteins 1-4 . APOL1 kills the bloodstream parasite Trypanosoma brucei brucei, but not the human sleeping sickness agents T.b. rhodesiense and T.b. gambiense 3 . We considered the possibility that intracellular members of the APOL1 family, against which extracellular trypanosomes could not have evolved resistance, could kill pathogenic T. brucei subspecies. Here we show that recombinant APOL3 (rAPOL3) kills all African trypanosomes, including T.b. rhodesiense, T.b. gambiense and the animal pathogens Trypanosoma evansi, Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanosoma vivax. However, rAPOL3 did not kill more distant trypanosomes such as Trypanosoma theileri or Trypanosoma cruzi. This trypanolytic potential was partially shared by rAPOL1 from Papio papio (rPpAPOL1). The differential killing ability of rAPOL3 and rAPOL1 was associated with a distinct dependence on acidic pH for activity. Due both to its instability and toxicity when injected into mice, rAPOL3 cannot be used for the treatment of infection, but an experimental rPpAPOL1 mutant inspired by APOL3 exhibited enhanced trypanolytic activity in vitro and the ability to completely inhibit T.b. gambiense infection in mice. We conclude that pH dependence influences the trypanolytic potential of rAPOLs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Fontaine
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 12, rue des Profs Jeener et Brachet, B-6041, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Laurence Lecordier
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 12, rue des Profs Jeener et Brachet, B-6041, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Gilles Vanwalleghem
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 12, rue des Profs Jeener et Brachet, B-6041, Gosselies, Belgium.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Pierrick Uzureau
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 12, rue des Profs Jeener et Brachet, B-6041, Gosselies, Belgium.,Laboratoire de Médecine Expérimentale (ULB222), Hôpital André Vésale, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 706, route de Gozée, B-6110, Montigny le Tilleul, Belgium
| | - Nick Van Reet
- Unit of Parasite Diagnostics, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 155, Nationalestraat, B-2000, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Martina Fontaine
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 12, rue des Profs Jeener et Brachet, B-6041, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Patricia Tebabi
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 12, rue des Profs Jeener et Brachet, B-6041, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Benoit Vanhollebeke
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 12, rue des Profs Jeener et Brachet, B-6041, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Philippe Büscher
- Unit of Parasite Diagnostics, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 155, Nationalestraat, B-2000, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - David Pérez-Morga
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 12, rue des Profs Jeener et Brachet, B-6041, Gosselies, Belgium.,Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging (CMMI), Université Libre de Bruxelles, 12, rue des Profs Jeener et Brachet, B-6041, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Etienne Pays
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 12, rue des Profs Jeener et Brachet, B-6041, Gosselies, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Liang FR, Hong YH, Ye CC, Deng H, Yuan JP, Hao YF, Wang JH. Molecular characterization and gene expression of cathepsin L in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 67:280-292. [PMID: 28602734 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2017.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2016] [Revised: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Cathepsin L (CatL) has been widely known for its involvement in the innate immunity. However, it still remains poorly understand how CatL modulates the immune system of teleosts. Moreover, the CatL of Nile tilapia (NtCatL) has not been cloned or characterized. In this study, the gene encoding NtCatL was cloned, and was characterized by bioinformatics analysis, heterologous expression and protease activity assay. The coding sequence of NtCatL is 1017 bp in length and encodes 338 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular weight of 38.487 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point of 5.79. NtCatL possesses the features of a typical cathepsin L, including one signal peptide, one propeptide region, and one papain family cysteine protease domain containing four active site residues (Gln135, Cys141, His281, and Asn305). The prediction of protein-protein interaction shows that NtCatL may interact with some functional proteins for realizing an immune function. Real-time quantitative PCR revealed the widespread transcriptional expression of NtCatL in six tissues of healthy Nile tilapia, and the NtCatL mRNA is significantly up-regulated after Streptococcus agalactiae challenge. These results suggest that NtCatL is likely to be involved in the immune reaction of Nile tilapia. Recombinant proteins from the mature domain (residues 117-337) of NtCatL were obtained by heterologous expression using pET28a and Rosetta (DE3) competent cells. A protein product with the high purity was obtained by using TALON Superflow purification rather than adopting HisTrap HP columns. The protease activity of the recombinant protein was verified by using a substrate hydrolyzing assay. This work has cloned and characterized the CatL from Nile tilapia for the first time, and contributes to elucidating the immunological functions of CatL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Rui Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue-Hui Hong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Cong-Cong Ye
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Hailin Deng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Ping Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China; South China Sea Bioresource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun-Fang Hao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jiang-Hai Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China; South China Sea Bioresource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Genome-wide and protein kinase-focused RNAi screens reveal conserved and novel damage response pathways in Trypanosoma brucei. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006477. [PMID: 28742144 PMCID: PMC5542689 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
All cells are subject to structural damage that must be addressed for continued growth. A wide range of damage affects the genome, meaning multiple pathways have evolved to repair or bypass the resulting DNA lesions. Though many repair pathways are conserved, their presence or function can reflect the life style of individual organisms. To identify genome maintenance pathways in a divergent eukaryote and important parasite, Trypanosoma brucei, we performed RNAi screens to identify genes important for survival following exposure to the alkylating agent methyl methanesulphonate. Amongst a cohort of broadly conserved and, therefore, early evolved repair pathways, we reveal multiple activities not so far examined functionally in T. brucei, including DNA polymerases, DNA helicases and chromatin factors. In addition, the screens reveal Trypanosoma- or kinetoplastid-specific repair-associated activities. We also provide focused analyses of repair-associated protein kinases and show that loss of at least nine, and potentially as many as 30 protein kinases, including a nuclear aurora kinase, sensitises T. brucei to alkylation damage. Our results demonstrate the potential for synthetic lethal genome-wide screening of gene function in T. brucei and provide an evolutionary perspective on the repair pathways that underpin effective responses to damage, with particular relevance for related kinetoplastid pathogens. By revealing that a large number of diverse T. brucei protein kinases act in the response to damage, we expand the range of eukaryotic signalling factors implicated in genome maintenance activities. Damage to the genome is a universal threat to life. Though the repair pathways used to tackle damage can be widely conserved, lineage-specific specialisations are found, reflecting the differing life styles of extant organisms. Using RNAi coupled with next generation sequencing we have screened for genes that are important for growth of Trypanosoma brucei, a diverged eukaryotic microbe and important parasite, in the presence of alkylation damage caused by methyl methanesulphonate. We reveal both repair pathway conservation relative to characterised eukaryotes and specialisation, including uncharacterised roles for translesion DNA polymerases, DNA helicases and chromatin factors. Furthermore, we demonstrate that loss of around 15% of T. brucei protein kinases sensitises the parasites to alkylation, indicating phosphorylation signalling plays widespread and under-investigated roles in the damage response pathways of eukaryotes.
Collapse
|
18
|
Macedo JP, Currier RB, Wirdnam C, Horn D, Alsford S, Rentsch D. Ornithine uptake and the modulation of drug sensitivity in Trypanosoma brucei. FASEB J 2017; 31:4649-4660. [PMID: 28679527 PMCID: PMC5602898 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700311r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma brucei, protozoan parasites that cause human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), depend on ornithine uptake and metabolism by ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) for survival. Indeed, ODC is the target of the WHO “essential medicine” eflornithine, which is antagonistic to another anti-HAT drug, suramin. Thus, ornithine uptake has important consequences in T. brucei, but the transporters have not been identified. We describe these amino acid transporters (AATs). In a heterologous expression system, TbAAT10-1 is selective for ornithine, whereas TbAAT2-4 transports both ornithine and histidine. These AATs are also necessary to maintain intracellular ornithine and polyamine levels in T. brucei, thereby decreasing sensitivity to eflornithine and increasing sensitivity to suramin. Consistent with competition for histidine, high extracellular concentrations of this amino acid phenocopied a TbAAT2-4 genetic defect. Our findings established TbAAT10-1 and TbAAT2-4 as the parasite ornithine transporters, one of which can be modulated by histidine, but both of which affect sensitivity to important anti-HAT drugs.—Macedo, J. P., Currier, R. B., Wirdnam, C., Horn, D., Alsford, S., Rentsch, D. Ornithine uptake and the modulation of drug sensitivity in Trypanosoma brucei.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan P Macedo
- Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rachel B Currier
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Corina Wirdnam
- Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - David Horn
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Sam Alsford
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom;
| | - Doris Rentsch
- Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland;
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Cooper A, Ilboudo H, Alibu VP, Ravel S, Enyaru J, Weir W, Noyes H, Capewell P, Camara M, Milet J, Jamonneau V, Camara O, Matovu E, Bucheton B, MacLeod A. APOL1 renal risk variants have contrasting resistance and susceptibility associations with African trypanosomiasis. eLife 2017; 6. [PMID: 28537557 PMCID: PMC5495568 DOI: 10.7554/elife.25461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Reduced susceptibility to infectious disease can increase the frequency of otherwise deleterious alleles. In populations of African ancestry, two apolipoprotein-L1 (APOL1) variants with a recessive kidney disease risk, named G1 and G2, occur at high frequency. APOL1 is a trypanolytic protein that confers innate resistance to most African trypanosomes, but not Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense or T.b. gambiense, which cause human African trypanosomiasis. In this case-control study, we test the prevailing hypothesis that these APOL1 variants reduce trypanosomiasis susceptibility, resulting in their positive selection in sub-Saharan Africa. We demonstrate a five-fold dominant protective association for G2 against T.b. rhodesiense infection. Furthermore, we report unpredicted strong opposing associations with T.b. gambiense disease outcome. G2 associates with faster progression of T.b. gambiense trypanosomiasis, while G1 associates with asymptomatic carriage and undetectable parasitemia. These results implicate both forms of human African trypanosomiasis in the selection and persistence of otherwise detrimental APOL1 kidney disease variants. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.25461.001 African-Americans have a greater risk of developing chronic kidney disease than Americans with European ancestry. Much of this increased risk is explained by two versions of a gene called APOL1 that are common in people with African ancestry. These two versions of the gene, known as G1 and G2, suddenly became much more common in people in sub-Saharan Africa in the last 10,000 years. One theory for their rapid spread is that they might protect against a deadly parasitic disease known as African sleeping sickness. This disease is caused by two related parasites of a species known as Trypanosoma brucei, one of which is found in East Africa, while the other affects West Africa. Laboratory studies have shown that blood from individuals who carry the G1 and G2 variants is better at killing the East African parasites. However, it is not clear if these gene versions help people living in the rural communities, where African sleeping sickness is common, to fight off the disease. Now, Cooper, Ilboudo et al. show that G1 and G2 do indeed influence how susceptible individuals in these communities are to African sleeping sickness. Individuals with the G2 version were five-times less likely to get the disease from the East African parasite. Neither version could protect individuals from infection with the West African parasite, but infected individuals with the G1 version had fewer parasites in their blood and were less likely to become severely ill. The ability of the G1 version to control the disease and prolong life could explain why this gene version has become so common amongst people in West Africa. Unexpectedly, the experiments also revealed that people with the G2 version were more likely to become severely unwell when they were infected by the West African parasite. This indicates that whether this gene variant is helpful or harmful depends on where an individual lives. The next step following on from this work will be to investigate exactly how the G1 version reduces the severity of the West African disease. This may aid the development of new drugs for African sleeping sickness and kidney disease. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.25461.002
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anneli Cooper
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Hamidou Ilboudo
- Centre International de Recherche-Développement sur l'Elevage en zone Subhumide, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.,TrypanoGEN, H3Africa Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - V Pius Alibu
- TrypanoGEN, H3Africa Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sophie Ravel
- Unité Mixte de Recherche IRD-CIRAD 177, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
| | - John Enyaru
- TrypanoGEN, H3Africa Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - William Weir
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Harry Noyes
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,TrypanoGEN, H3Africa Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Capewell
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Mamadou Camara
- TrypanoGEN, H3Africa Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Programme National de Lutte contre la Trypanosomiase Humaine Africaine, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Jacqueline Milet
- Unité Mixte de Recherche IRD-CIRAD 177, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
| | - Vincent Jamonneau
- Centre International de Recherche-Développement sur l'Elevage en zone Subhumide, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.,TrypanoGEN, H3Africa Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Unité Mixte de Recherche IRD-CIRAD 177, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
| | - Oumou Camara
- Programme National de Lutte contre la Trypanosomiase Humaine Africaine, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Enock Matovu
- TrypanoGEN, H3Africa Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bruno Bucheton
- TrypanoGEN, H3Africa Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Unité Mixte de Recherche IRD-CIRAD 177, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France.,Programme National de Lutte contre la Trypanosomiase Humaine Africaine, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Annette MacLeod
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,TrypanoGEN, H3Africa Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Zoltner M, Horn D, de Koning HP, Field MC. Exploiting the Achilles' heel of membrane trafficking in trypanosomes. Curr Opin Microbiol 2016; 34:97-103. [PMID: 27614711 PMCID: PMC5176092 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2016.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Pathogenic protozoa are evolutionarily highly divergent from their metazoan hosts, reflected in many aspects of their biology. One particularly important parasite taxon is the trypanosomatids. Multiple transmission modes, distinct life cycles and exploitation of many host species attests to great prowess as parasites, and adaptability for efficient, chronic infection. Genome sequencing has begun uncovering how trypanosomatids are well suited to parasitism, and recent genetic screening and cell biology are revealing new aspects of how to control these organisms and prevent disease. Importantly, several lines of evidence suggest that membrane transport processes are central for the sensitivity towards several frontline drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Zoltner
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, UK
| | - David Horn
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, UK
| | - Harry P de Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, Scotland, UK
| | - Mark C Field
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Cooper A, Capewell P, Clucas C, Veitch N, Weir W, Thomson R, Raper J, MacLeod A. A Primate APOL1 Variant That Kills Trypanosoma brucei gambiense. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004903. [PMID: 27494254 PMCID: PMC4975595 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans are protected against infection from most African trypanosomes by lipoprotein complexes present in serum that contain the trypanolytic pore-forming protein, Apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1). The human-infective trypanosomes, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense in East Africa and T. b. gambiense in West Africa have separately evolved mechanisms that allow them to resist APOL1-mediated lysis and cause human African trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness, in man. Recently, APOL1 variants were identified from a subset of Old World monkeys, that are able to lyse East African T. b. rhodesiense, by virtue of C-terminal polymorphisms in the APOL1 protein that hinder that parasite’s resistance mechanism. Such variants have been proposed as candidates for developing therapeutic alternatives to the unsatisfactory anti-trypanosomal drugs currently in use. Here we demonstrate the in vitro lytic ability of serum and purified recombinant protein of an APOL1 ortholog from the West African Guinea baboon (Papio papio), which is able to lyse examples of all sub-species of T. brucei including T. b. gambiense group 1 parasites, the most common agent of human African trypanosomiasis. The identification of a variant of APOL1 with trypanolytic ability for both human-infective T. brucei sub-species could be a candidate for universal APOL1-based therapeutic strategies, targeted against all pathogenic African trypanosomes. African trypanosomes are protozoan parasites that affect both humans and animals in poor rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa, and are a major constraint on health and agricultural development. Disease control is principally dependent on the administration of drugs, which are old and largely unsatisfactory. Humans are naturally resistant to infection by most African trypanosomes species because of a lytic protein component in their blood, called APOL1. However, human-infective trypanosomes, T. b. rhodesiense in East Africa, and T. b. gambiense in West Africa, have evolved separate mechanisms to disarm this lytic protein and cause disease. Recently, variants of APOL1 were discovered in some primates that are able to kill the East African human disease-causing sub-species. These APOL1 variants form the basis of current attempts to create novel therapeutic interventions that can kill both animal and human-infective trypanosomes. In this study, we show that another variant of the same protein from a West African baboon species is able to kill, not only East African human-infective trypanosomes, but also the West African parasites, which causes the majority of human African trypanosomiasis cases. This new APOL1 variant could be a potential candidate for anti-trypanosomal therapies targeted at all pathogenic trypanosome species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anneli Cooper
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Capewell
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Clucas
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Veitch
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - William Weir
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Russell Thomson
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Langone School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Jayne Raper
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Langone School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Annette MacLeod
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Costa TF, Lima APC. Natural cysteine protease inhibitors in protozoa: Fifteen years of the chagasin family. Biochimie 2016; 122:197-207. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2015.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
23
|
Neglected Tropical Diseases in the Post-Genomic Era. Trends Genet 2015; 31:539-555. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2015.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Revised: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
|
24
|
Vanwalleghem G, Fontaine F, Lecordier L, Tebabi P, Klewe K, Nolan DP, Yamaryo-Botté Y, Botté C, Kremer A, Burkard GS, Rassow J, Roditi I, Pérez-Morga D, Pays E. Coupling of lysosomal and mitochondrial membrane permeabilization in trypanolysis by APOL1. Nat Commun 2015; 6:8078. [PMID: 26307671 PMCID: PMC4560804 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms9078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans resist infection by the African parasite Trypanosoma brucei owing to the trypanolytic activity of the serum apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1). Following uptake by endocytosis in the parasite, APOL1 forms pores in endolysosomal membranes and triggers lysosome swelling. Here we show that APOL1 induces both lysosomal and mitochondrial membrane permeabilization (LMP and MMP). Trypanolysis coincides with MMP and consecutive release of the mitochondrial TbEndoG endonuclease to the nucleus. APOL1 is associated with the kinesin TbKIFC1, of which both the motor and vesicular trafficking VHS domains are required for MMP, but not for LMP. The presence of APOL1 in the mitochondrion is accompanied by mitochondrial membrane fenestration, which can be mimicked by knockdown of a mitochondrial mitofusin-like protein (TbMFNL). The BH3-like peptide of APOL1 is required for LMP, MMP and trypanolysis. Thus, trypanolysis by APOL1 is linked to apoptosis-like MMP occurring together with TbKIFC1-mediated transport of APOL1 from endolysosomal membranes to the mitochondrion. The human serum protein apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) is taken up by trypanosomes where it triggers cell death, forming pores in endolysosomal membranes. Vanwalleghem et al. show that APOL1 triggers both lysosomal and mitochondrial membrane permeabilization, and that the latter is responsible for trypanolysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Vanwalleghem
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 12 rue des Prof Jeener et Brachet, B-6041 Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Fontaine
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 12 rue des Prof Jeener et Brachet, B-6041 Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Laurence Lecordier
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 12 rue des Prof Jeener et Brachet, B-6041 Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Patricia Tebabi
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 12 rue des Prof Jeener et Brachet, B-6041 Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Kristoffer Klewe
- Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Universitätsstrasse 150, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Derek P Nolan
- Molecular Parasitology Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Yoshiki Yamaryo-Botté
- Apicolipid Group, CNRS, Laboratoire Adaptation et Pathogénie des Microorganismes UMR5163/ Institut Albert Bonniot CRI Inserm/UJF U823, CNRS, Institut Jean Roget, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Cyrille Botté
- Apicolipid Group, CNRS, Laboratoire Adaptation et Pathogénie des Microorganismes UMR5163/ Institut Albert Bonniot CRI Inserm/UJF U823, CNRS, Institut Jean Roget, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Anneke Kremer
- IRC/VIB Bio Imaging Core, Gent, Technologiepark 927, B-9052 Gent, Belgium
| | | | - Joachim Rassow
- Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Universitätsstrasse 150, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Isabel Roditi
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 4, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - David Pérez-Morga
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 12 rue des Prof Jeener et Brachet, B-6041 Gosselies, Belgium.,Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging (CMMI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 8 rue Adrienne Bolland, B-6041 Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Etienne Pays
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 12 rue des Prof Jeener et Brachet, B-6041 Gosselies, Belgium.,Walloon Excellence in Life sciences and Biotechnology (WELBIO), Wavre, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Genome-scale RNAi screens for high-throughput phenotyping in bloodstream-form African trypanosomes. Nat Protoc 2014; 10:106-33. [PMID: 25502887 DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2015.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The ability to simultaneously assess every gene in a genome for a role in a particular process has obvious appeal. This protocol describes how to perform genome-scale RNAi library screens in bloodstream-form African trypanosomes, a family of parasites that causes lethal human and animal diseases and also serves as a model for studies on basic aspects of eukaryotic biology and evolution. We discuss strain assembly, screen design and implementation, the RNAi target sequencing approach and hit validation, and we provide a step-by-step protocol. A screen can yield from one to thousands of 'hits' associated with the phenotype of interest. The screening protocol itself takes 2 weeks or less to be completed, and high-throughput sequencing may also be completed within weeks. Pre- and post-screen strain assembly, validation and follow-up can take several months, depending on the type of screen and the number of hits analyzed.
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
African trypanosomes have been around for more than 100 million years, and have adapted to survival in a very wide host range. While various indigenous African mammalian host species display a tolerant phenotype towards this parasitic infection, and hence serve as perpetual reservoirs, many commercially important livestock species are highly disease susceptible. When considering humans, they too display a highly sensitive disease progression phenotype for infections with Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense or Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, while being intrinsically resistant to infections with other trypanosome species. As extracellular trypanosomes proliferate and live freely in the bloodstream and lymphatics, they are constantly exposed to the immune system. Due to co-evolution, this environment however no longer poses a hostile threat, but has become the niche environment where trypanosomes thrive and obligatory await transmission through the bites of tsetse flies or other haematophagic vectors, ideally without causing severe side infection-associated pathology to their host. Hence, African trypanosomes have acquired various mechanisms to manipulate and control the host immune response, evading effective elimination. Despite the extensive research into trypanosomosis over the past 40 years, many aspects of the anti-parasite immune response remain to be solved and no vaccine is currently available. Here we review the recent work on the different escape mechanisms employed by African Trypanosomes to ensure infection chronicity and transmission potential.
Collapse
|
27
|
Lecordier L, Uzureau P, Tebabi P, Pérez-Morga D, Nolan D, Schumann Burkard G, Roditi I, Pays E. Identification of Trypanosoma brucei components involved in trypanolysis by normal human serum. Mol Microbiol 2014; 94:625-36. [PMID: 25256834 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.12783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Normal human serum (NHS) confers human resistance to infection by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei owing to the trypanolytic activity of apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1), present in two serum complexes termed Trypanolytic Factors (TLF-1 and -2). In order to identify parasite components involved in the intracellular trafficking and activity of TLFs, an inducible RNA interference (RNAi) genomic DNA library constructed in bloodstream form T. brucei was subjected to RNAi induction and selection for resistant parasites under NHS conditions favouring either TLF-1 or TLF-2 uptake. While TLF-1 conditions readily selected the haptoglobin-haemoglobin (HP-HB) surface receptor TbHpHbR as expected, given its known ability to bind TLF-1, under TLF-2 conditions no specific receptor for TLF-2 was identified. Instead, the screen allowed the identification of five distinct factors expected to be involved in the assembly of the vacuolar proton pump V-ATPase and consecutive endosomal acidification. These data confirm that lowering the pH during endocytosis is required for APOL1 toxic activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Lecordier
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 12 rue des Professeurs Jeener et Brachet, B-6041, Gosselies, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Pays E, Vanhollebeke B, Uzureau P, Lecordier L, Pérez-Morga D. The molecular arms race between African trypanosomes and humans. Nat Rev Microbiol 2014; 12:575-84. [DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro3298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|