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Fall F, Mamede L, Vast M, De Tullio P, Hayette MP, Michels PAM, Frédérich M, Govaerts B, Quetin-Leclercq J. First comprehensive untargeted metabolomics study of suramin-treated Trypanosoma brucei: an integrated data analysis workflow from multifactor data modelling to functional analysis. Metabolomics 2024; 20:25. [PMID: 38393408 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-024-02094-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human African trypanosomiasis, commonly known as sleeping sickness, is a vector-borne parasitic disease prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa and transmitted by the tsetse fly. Suramin, a medication with a long history of clinical use, has demonstrated varied modes of action against Trypanosoma brucei. This study employs a comprehensive workflow to investigate the metabolic effects of suramin on T. brucei, utilizing a multimodal metabolomics approach. OBJECTIVES The primary aim of this study is to comprehensively analyze the metabolic impact of suramin on T. brucei using a combined liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) approach. Statistical analyses, encompassing multivariate analysis and pathway enrichment analysis, are applied to elucidate significant variations and metabolic changes resulting from suramin treatment. METHODS A detailed methodology involving the integration of high-resolution data from LC-MS and NMR techniques is presented. The study conducts a thorough analysis of metabolite profiles in both suramin-treated and control T. brucei brucei samples. Statistical techniques, including ANOVA-simultaneous component analysis (ASCA), principal component analysis (PCA), ANOVA 2 analysis, and bootstrap tests, are employed to discern the effects of suramin treatment on the metabolomics outcomes. RESULTS Our investigation reveals substantial differences in metabolic profiles between the control and suramin-treated groups. ASCA and PCA analysis confirm distinct separation between these groups in both MS-negative and NMR analyses. Furthermore, ANOVA 2 analysis and bootstrap tests confirmed the significance of treatment, time, and interaction effects on the metabolomics outcomes. Functional analysis of the data from LC-MS highlighted the impact of treatment on amino-acid, and amino-sugar and nucleotide-sugar metabolism, while time effects were observed on carbon intermediary metabolism (notably glycolysis and di- and tricarboxylic acids of the succinate production pathway and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle). CONCLUSION Through the integration of LC-MS and NMR techniques coupled with advanced statistical analyses, this study identifies distinctive metabolic signatures and pathways associated with suramin treatment in T. brucei. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the pharmacological impact of suramin and have the potential to inform the development of more efficacious therapeutic strategies against African trypanosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanta Fall
- Pharmacognosy Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), UCLouvain, Avenue E. Mounier, B1 72.03, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Lucia Mamede
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Center of Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines (CIRM), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Madeline Vast
- Institute of Statistics, Biostatistics and Actuarial Sciences (ISBA/LIDAM), Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Pascal De Tullio
- Clinical Metabolomics Group (CliMe), Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines (CIRM), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marie-Pierre Hayette
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège, Domaine Universitaire, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Paul A M Michels
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Michel Frédérich
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Center of Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines (CIRM), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Bernadette Govaerts
- Institute of Statistics, Biostatistics and Actuarial Sciences (ISBA/LIDAM), Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Joëlle Quetin-Leclercq
- Pharmacognosy Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), UCLouvain, Avenue E. Mounier, B1 72.03, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
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Schichler D, Konle A, Spath EM, Riegler S, Klein A, Seleznev A, Jung S, Wuppermann T, Wetterich N, Borges A, Meyer-Natus E, Havlicek K, Pérez Cabrera S, Niedermüller K, Sajko S, Dohn M, Malzer X, Riemer E, Tumurbaatar T, Djinovic-Carugo K, Dong G, Janzen CJ, Morriswood B. Characterisation of TbSmee1 suggests endocytosis allows surface-bound cargo to enter the trypanosome flagellar pocket. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs261548. [PMID: 37737012 PMCID: PMC10652038 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
All endocytosis and exocytosis in the African trypanosome Trypanosoma brucei occurs at a single subdomain of the plasma membrane. This subdomain, the flagellar pocket, is a small vase-shaped invagination containing the root of the single flagellum of the cell. Several cytoskeleton-associated multiprotein complexes are coiled around the neck of the flagellar pocket on its cytoplasmic face. One of these, the hook complex, was proposed to affect macromolecule entry into the flagellar pocket lumen. In previous work, knockdown of T. brucei (Tb)MORN1, a hook complex component, resulted in larger cargo being unable to enter the flagellar pocket. In this study, the hook complex component TbSmee1 was characterised in bloodstream form T. brucei and found to be essential for cell viability. TbSmee1 knockdown resulted in flagellar pocket enlargement and impaired access to the flagellar pocket membrane by surface-bound cargo, similar to depletion of TbMORN1. Unexpectedly, inhibition of endocytosis by knockdown of clathrin phenocopied TbSmee1 knockdown, suggesting that endocytic activity itself is a prerequisite for the entry of surface-bound cargo into the flagellar pocket.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daja Schichler
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Antonia Konle
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Spath
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sina Riegler
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Klein
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anna Seleznev
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sisco Jung
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Timothy Wuppermann
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Noah Wetterich
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alyssa Borges
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Meyer-Natus
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Havlicek
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Korbinian Niedermüller
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sara Sajko
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Maximilian Dohn
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Xenia Malzer
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Emily Riemer
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tuguldur Tumurbaatar
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kristina Djinovic-Carugo
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Grenoble, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Gang Dong
- Center for Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian J. Janzen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Brooke Morriswood
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
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Makarov A, Began J, Mautone IC, Pinto E, Ferguson L, Zoltner M, Zoll S, Field MC. The role of invariant surface glycoprotein 75 in xenobiotic acquisition by African trypanosomes. MICROBIAL CELL (GRAZ, AUSTRIA) 2023; 10:18-35. [PMID: 36789350 PMCID: PMC9896412 DOI: 10.15698/mic2023.02.790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The surface proteins of parasitic protozoa mediate functions essential to survival within a host, including nutrient accumulation, environmental sensing and immune evasion. Several receptors involved in nutrient uptake and defence from the innate immune response have been described in African trypanosomes and, together with antigenic variation, contribute towards persistence within vertebrate hosts. Significantly, a superfamily of invariant surface glycoproteins (ISGs) populates the trypanosome surface, one of which, ISG75, is implicated in uptake of the century-old drug suramin. By CRISPR/Cas9 knockout and biophysical analysis, we show here that ISG75 directly binds suramin and mediates uptake of additional naphthol-related compounds, making ISG75 a conduit for entry of at least one structural class of trypanocidal compounds. However, ISG75 null cells present only modest attenuation of suramin sensitivity, have unaltered viability in vivo and in vitro and no alteration to suramin-invoked proteome responses. While ISG75 is demonstrated as a valid suramin cell entry pathway, we suggest the presence of additional mechanisms for suramin accumulation, further demonstrating the complexity of trypanosomatid drug interactions and potential for evolution of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandr Makarov
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Jakub Began
- Laboratory of Structural Parasitology, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Ileana Corvo Mautone
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
- Laboratorio de Moléculas Bioactivas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de la República, Paysandú 60000, Uruguay
| | - Erika Pinto
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Liam Ferguson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Martin Zoltner
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Sebastian Zoll
- Laboratory of Structural Parasitology, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Mark C. Field
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
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A multifaceted strategy to improve recombinant expression and structural characterisation of a Trypanosoma invariant surface protein. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12706. [PMID: 35882923 PMCID: PMC9325691 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16958-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of a protein minimal fragment amenable to crystallisation can be time- and labour intensive especially if large amounts are required and the protein has a complex fold and functionally important post-translational modifications. In addition, a lack of homologues and structural information can further complicate the design of a minimal expression construct. Recombinant expression in E. coli promises high yields, low costs and fast turnover times, but falls short for many extracellular, eukaryotic proteins. Eukaryotic expression systems provide an alternative but are costly, slow and require special handling and equipment. Using a member of a structurally uncharacterized, eukaryotic receptor family as an example we employ hydrogen–deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) guided construct design in conjunction with truncation scanning and targeted expression host switching to identify a minimal expression construct that can be produced with high yields and moderate costs.
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Kasozi KI, MacLeod ET, Ntulume I, Welburn SC. An Update on African Trypanocide Pharmaceutics and Resistance. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:828111. [PMID: 35356785 PMCID: PMC8959112 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.828111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
African trypanosomiasis is associated with Trypanosoma evansi, T. vivax, T. congolense, and T. brucei pathogens in African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT) while T. b gambiense and T. b rhodesiense are responsible for chronic and acute human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), respectively. Suramin sodium suppresses ATP generation during the glycolytic pathway and is ineffective against T. vivax and T. congolense infections. Resistance to suramin is associated with pathogen altered transport proteins. Melarsoprol binds irreversibly with pyruvate kinase protein sulfhydryl groups and neutralizes enzymes which interrupts the trypanosome ATP generation. Melarsoprol resistance is associated with the adenine-adenosine transporter, P2, due to point mutations within this transporter. Eflornithine is used in combination with nifurtimox. Resistance to eflornithine is caused by the deletion or mutation of TbAAT6 gene which encodes the transmembrane amino acid transporter that delivers eflornithine into the cell, thus loss of transporter protein results in eflornithine resistance. Nifurtimox alone is regarded as a poor trypanocide, however, it is effective in melarsoprol-resistant gHAT patients. Resistance is associated with loss of a single copy of the genes encoding for nitroreductase enzymes. Fexinidazole is recommended for first-stage and non-severe second-stage illnesses in gHAT and resistance is associated with trypanosome bacterial nitroreductases which reduce fexinidazole. In AAT, quinapyramine sulfate interferes with DNA synthesis and suppression of cytoplasmic ribosomal activity in the mitochondria. Quinapyramine sulfate resistance is due to variations in the potential of the parasite's mitochondrial membrane. Pentamidines create cross-links between two adenines at 4–5 pairs apart in adenine-thymine-rich portions of Trypanosoma DNA. It also suppresses type II topoisomerase in the mitochondria of Trypanosoma parasites. Pentamidine resistance is due to loss of mitochondria transport proteins P2 and HAPT1. Diamidines are most effective against Trypanosome brucei group and act via the P2/TbAT1 transporters. Diminazene aceturate resistance is due to mutations that alter the activity of P2, TeDR40 (T. b. evansi). Isometamidium chloride is primarily employed in the early stages of trypanosomiasis and resistance is associated with diminazene resistance. Phenanthridine (homidium bromide, also known as ethidium bromide) acts by a breakdown of the kinetoplast network and homidium resistance is comparable to isometamidium. In humans, the development of resistance and adverse side effects against monotherapies has led to the adoption of nifurtimox-eflornithine combination therapy. Current efforts to develop new prodrug combinations of nifurtimox and eflornithine and nitroimidazole fexinidazole as well as benzoxaborole SCYX-7158 (AN5568) for HAT are in progress while little comparable progress has been done for the development of novel therapies to address trypanocide resistance in AAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keneth Iceland Kasozi
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- School of Medicine, Kabale University, Kabale, Uganda
- *Correspondence: Keneth Iceland Kasozi ;
| | - Ewan Thomas MacLeod
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ibrahim Ntulume
- School of Biosecurity Biotechnical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Susan Christina Welburn
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Joint Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Susan Christina Welburn
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6
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Abstract
African trypanosomes utilize glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) to evade the host immune system. VSG turnover is thought to be mediated via cleavage of the GPI anchor by endogenous GPI-specific phospholipase C (GPI-PLC). However, GPI-PLC is topologically sequestered from VSG substrates in intact cells. Recently, A. J. Szempruch, S. E. Sykes, R. Kieft, L. Dennison, et al. (Cell 164:246–257, 2016, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2015.11.051) demonstrated the release of nanotubes that septate to form free VSG+ extracellular vesicles (EVs). Here, we evaluated the relative contributions of GPI hydrolysis and EV formation to VSG turnover in wild-type (WT) and GPI-PLC null cells. The turnover rate of VSG was consistent with prior measurements (half-life [t1/2] of ∼26 h) but dropped significantly in the absence of GPI-PLC (t1/2 of ∼36 h). Ectopic complementation restored normal turnover rates, confirming the role of GPI-PLC in turnover. However, physical characterization of shed VSG in WT cells indicated that at least 50% is released directly from cell membranes with intact GPI anchors. Shedding of EVs plays an insignificant role in total VSG turnover in both WT and null cells. In additional studies, GPI-PLC was found to have no role in biosynthetic and endocytic trafficking to the lysosome but did influence the rate of receptor-mediated endocytosis. These results indicate that VSG turnover is a bimodal process involving both direct shedding and GPI hydrolysis.
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Zuma AA, Dos Santos Barrias E, de Souza W. Basic Biology of Trypanosoma cruzi. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 27:1671-1732. [PMID: 33272165 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826999201203213527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The present review addresses basic aspects of the biology of the pathogenic protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi and some comparative information of Trypanosoma brucei. Like eukaryotic cells, their cellular organization is similar to that of mammalian hosts. However, these parasites present structural particularities. That is why the following topics are emphasized in this paper: developmental stages of the life cycle in the vertebrate and invertebrate hosts; the cytoskeleton of the protozoa, especially the sub-pellicular microtubules; the flagellum and its attachment to the protozoan body through specialized junctions; the kinetoplast-mitochondrion complex, including its structural organization and DNA replication; glycosome and its role in the metabolism of the cell; acidocalcisome, describing its morphology, biochemistry, and functional role; cytostome and the endocytic pathway; the organization of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex; the nucleus, describing its structural organization during interphase and division; and the process of interaction of the parasite with host cells. The unique characteristics of these structures also make them interesting chemotherapeutic targets. Therefore, further understanding of cell biology aspects contributes to the development of drugs for chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline A Zuma
- Laboratorio de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Emile Dos Santos Barrias
- Laboratorio de Metrologia Aplicada a Ciencias da Vida, Diretoria de Metrologia Aplicada a Ciencias da Vida - Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia (Inmetro), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wanderley de Souza
- Laboratorio de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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8
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Umaer K, Aresta-Branco F, Chandra M, van Straaten M, Zeelen J, Lapouge K, Waxman B, Stebbins CE, Bangs JD. Dynamic, variable oligomerization and the trafficking of variant surface glycoproteins of Trypanosoma brucei. Traffic 2021; 22:274-283. [PMID: 34101314 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
African trypanosomes cause disease in humans and livestock, avoiding host immunity by changing the expression of variant surface glycoproteins (VSGs); the major glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchored antigens coating the surface of the bloodstream stage. Proper trafficking of VSGs is therefore critical to pathogen survival. The valence model argues that GPI anchors regulate progression and fate in the secretory pathway and that, specifically, a valence of two (VSGs are dimers) is critical for stable cell surface association. However, recent reports that the MITat1.3 (M1.3) VSG N-terminal domain (NTD) behaves as a monomer in solution and in a crystal structure challenge this model. We now show that the behavior of intact M1.3 VSG in standard in vivo trafficking assays is consistent with an oligomer. Nevertheless, Blue Native Gel electrophoresis and size exclusion chromatography-multiangle light scattering chromatography of purified full length M1.3 VSG indicates a monomer in vitro. However, studies with additional VSGs show that multiple oligomeric states are possible, and that for some VSGs oligomerization is concentration dependent. These data argue that individual VSG monomers possess different propensities to self-oligomerize, but that when constrained at high density to the cell surface, oligomeric species predominate. These results resolve the apparent conflict between the valence hypothesis and the M1.3 NTD VSG crystal structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khan Umaer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, New York, USA.,Eurofins, Spring House, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Francisco Aresta-Branco
- Division of Structural Biology of Infection and Immunity, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Immune Diversity, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Monica Chandra
- Division of Structural Biology of Infection and Immunity, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Biosciences, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Monique van Straaten
- Division of Structural Biology of Infection and Immunity, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Johan Zeelen
- Division of Structural Biology of Infection and Immunity, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Karine Lapouge
- Protein Expression and Purification Core Facility, EMBL Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Brandon Waxman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - C Erec Stebbins
- Division of Structural Biology of Infection and Immunity, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - James D Bangs
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, New York, USA
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Sutherland CJ, Henrici RC, Artavanis-Tsakonas K. Artemisinin susceptibility in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum: propellers, adaptor proteins and the need for cellular healing. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 45:fuaa056. [PMID: 33095255 PMCID: PMC8100002 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies of the susceptibility of Plasmodium falciparum to the artemisinin family of antimalarial drugs provide a complex picture of partial resistance (tolerance) associated with increased parasite survival in vitro and in vivo. We present an overview of the genetic loci that, in mutant form, can independently elicit parasite tolerance. These encode Kelch propeller domain protein PfK13, ubiquitin hydrolase UBP-1, actin filament-organising protein Coronin, also carrying a propeller domain, and the trafficking adaptor subunit AP-2μ. Detailed studies of these proteins and the functional basis of artemisinin tolerance in blood-stage parasites are enabling a new synthesis of our understanding to date. To guide further experimental work, we present two major conclusions. First, we propose a dual-component model of artemisinin tolerance in P. falciparum comprising suppression of artemisinin activation in early ring stage by reducing endocytic haemoglobin capture from host cytosol, coupled with enhancement of cellular healing mechanisms in surviving cells. Second, these two independent requirements limit the likelihood of development of complete artemisinin resistance by P. falciparum, favouring deployment of existing drugs in new schedules designed to exploit these biological limits, thus extending the useful life of current combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J Sutherland
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Ryan C Henrici
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London WC1E 7HT, UK
- Center for Global Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104, PA, USA
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Mutuku CN, Bateta R, Rono MK, Njunge JM, Awuoche EO, Ndung'u K, Mang'era CM, Akoth MO, Adung'a VO, Ondigo BN, Mireji PO. Physiological and proteomic profiles of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense parasite isolated from suramin responsive and non-responsive HAT patients in Busoga, Uganda. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2021; 15:57-67. [PMID: 33588295 PMCID: PMC7895675 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2021.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a disease of major economic importance in Sub-Saharan Africa. The HAT is caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (Tbr) parasite in eastern and southern Africa, with suramin as drug of choice for treatment of early stage of the disease. Suramin treatment failures has been observed among HAT patients in Tbr foci in Uganda. In this study, we assessed Tbr parasite strains isolated from HAT patients responsive (Tbr EATRO-232) and non-responsive (Tbr EATRO-734) to suramin treatment in Busoga, Uganda for 1) putative role of suramin resistance in the treatment failure 2) correlation of suramin resistance with Tbr pathogenicity and 3) proteomic pathways underpinning the potential suramin resistance phenotype in vivo. We first assessed suramin response in each isolate by infecting male Swiss white mice followed by treatment using a series of suramin doses. We then assessed relative pathogenicity of the two Tbr isolates by assessing changes pathogenicity indices (prepatent period, survival and mortality). We finally isolated proteins from mice infected by the isolates, and assessed their proteomic profiles using mass spectrometry. We established putative resistance to 2.5 mg/kg suramin in the parasite Tbr EATRO-734. We established that Tbr EATRO-734 proliferated slower and has significantly enriched pathways associated with detoxification and metabolism of energy and drugs relative to Tbr EATRO-232. The Tbr EATRO-734 also has more abundantly expressed mitochondrion proteins and enzymes than Tbr EATRO-232. The suramin treatment failure may be linked to the relatively higher resistance to suramin in Tbr EATRO-734 than Tbr EATRO-232, among other host and parasite specific factors. However, the Tbr EATRO-734 appears to be less pathogenic than Tbr EATRO-232, as evidenced by its lower rate of parasitaemia. The Tbr EATRO-734 putatively surmount suramin challenges through induction of energy metabolism pathways. These cellular and molecular processes may be involved in suramin resistance in Tbr.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine N Mutuku
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, P.O. Box 362, Kikuyu, Kenya; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Njoro, Kenya
| | - Rosemary Bateta
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, P.O. Box 362, Kikuyu, Kenya.
| | - Martin K Rono
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research - Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute, PO Box 230-80108 Kilifi, Kenya
| | - James M Njunge
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research - Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute, PO Box 230-80108 Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Erick O Awuoche
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Pure and Applied Science, Meru University of Science and Technology, Meru, Kenya
| | - Kariuki Ndung'u
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, P.O. Box 362, Kikuyu, Kenya
| | - Clarence M Mang'era
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Njoro, Kenya
| | - Modesta O Akoth
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, P.O. Box 362, Kikuyu, Kenya; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Njoro, Kenya
| | - Vincent O Adung'a
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Njoro, Kenya
| | - Bartholomew N Ondigo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Njoro, Kenya
| | - Paul O Mireji
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, P.O. Box 362, Kikuyu, Kenya; Centre for Geographic Medicine Research - Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute, PO Box 230-80108 Kilifi, Kenya.
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11
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Umaer K, Bangs JD. Late ESCRT machinery mediates the recycling and Rescue of Invariant Surface Glycoprotein 65 in Trypanosoma brucei. Cell Microbiol 2020; 22:e13244. [PMID: 32618070 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport machinery consists of four protein complexes (ESCRT 0-IV) and the post ESCRT ATPase Vps4. ESCRT mediates cargo delivery for lysosomal degradation via formation of multivesicular bodies. Trypanosoma brucei contains orthologues of ESCRT I-III and Vps4. Trypanosomes also have an ubiquitinylated invariant surface glycoprotein (ISG65) that is delivered to the lysosome by ESCRT, however, we previously implicated TbVps4 in rescue and recycling of ISG65. Here we use conditional silencing to investigate the role of TbVps24, a phosphoinositide-binding ESCRT III component, on protein trafficking. TbVps24 localises to the TbRab7+ late endosome, and binds PI(3,5)P2 , the product of the TbFab1 kinase, both of which also localise to late endosomes. TbVps24 silencing is lethal, and negatively affects biosynthetic trafficking of the lysosomal markers p67 and TbCathepsin L. However, the major phenotype of silencing is accelerated degradation and depletion of the surface pool of ISG65. Thus, TbVps24 silencing phenocopies that of TbVps4 in regard to ISG65 trafficking. This presents a paradox since we have previously found that depletion of TbFab1 completely blocks ISG65 turnover. We propose a model in which late ESCRT components operate at two sites, one PI(3,5)P2 -dependent (degradation) and one PI(3,5)P2 -independent (recycling), to regulate ISG65 homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khan Umaer
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - James D Bangs
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, New York, USA
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12
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Alghamdi AH, Munday JC, Campagnaro GD, Gurvic D, Svensson F, Okpara CE, Kumar A, Quintana J, Martin Abril ME, Milić P, Watson L, Paape D, Settimo L, Dimitriou A, Wielinska J, Smart G, Anderson LF, Woodley CM, Kelly SPY, Ibrahim HM, Hulpia F, Al-Salabi MI, Eze AA, Sprenger T, Teka IA, Gudin S, Weyand S, Field M, Dardonville C, Tidwell RR, Carrington M, O'Neill P, Boykin DW, Zachariae U, De Koning HP. Positively selected modifications in the pore of TbAQP2 allow pentamidine to enter Trypanosoma brucei. eLife 2020; 9:56416. [PMID: 32762841 PMCID: PMC7473772 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the Trypanosoma brucei aquaporin AQP2 are associated with resistance to pentamidine and melarsoprol. We show that TbAQP2 but not TbAQP3 was positively selected for increased pore size from a common ancestor aquaporin. We demonstrate that TbAQP2’s unique architecture permits pentamidine permeation through its central pore and show how specific mutations in highly conserved motifs affect drug permeation. Introduction of key TbAQP2 amino acids into TbAQP3 renders the latter permeable to pentamidine. Molecular dynamics demonstrates that permeation by dicationic pentamidine is energetically favourable in TbAQP2, driven by the membrane potential, although aquaporins are normally strictly impermeable for ionic species. We also identify the structural determinants that make pentamidine a permeant although most other diamidine drugs are excluded. Our results have wide-ranging implications for optimising antitrypanosomal drugs and averting cross-resistance. Moreover, these new insights in aquaporin permeation may allow the pharmacological exploitation of other members of this ubiquitous gene family. African sleeping sickness is a potentially deadly illness caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei. The disease is treatable, but many of the current treatments are old and are becoming increasingly ineffective. For instance, resistance is growing against pentamidine, a drug used in the early stages in the disease, as well as against melarsoprol, which is deployed when the infection has progressed to the brain. Usually, cases resistant to pentamidine are also resistant to melarsoprol, but it is still unclear why, as the drugs are chemically unrelated. Studies have shown that changes in a water channel called aquaglyceroporin 2 (TbAQP2) contribute to drug resistance in African sleeping sickness; this suggests that it plays a role in allowing drugs to kill the parasite. This molecular ‘drain pipe’ extends through the surface of T. brucei, and should allow only water and a molecule called glycerol in and out of the cell. In particular, the channel should be too narrow to allow pentamidine or melarsoprol to pass through. One possibility is that, in T. brucei, the TbAQP2 channel is abnormally wide compared to other members of its family. Alternatively, pentamidine and melarsoprol may only bind to TbAQP2, and then ‘hitch a ride’ when the protein is taken into the parasite as part of the natural cycle of surface protein replacement. Alghamdi et al. aimed to tease out these hypotheses. Computer models of the structure of the protein were paired with engineered changes in the key areas of the channel to show that, in T. brucei, TbAQP2 provides a much broader gateway into the cell than observed for similar proteins. In addition, genetic analysis showed that this version of TbAQP2 has been actively selected for during the evolution process of T. brucei. This suggests that the parasite somehow benefits from this wider aquaglyceroporin variant. This is a new resistance mechanism, and it is possible that aquaglyceroporins are also larger than expected in other infectious microbes. The work by Alghamdi et al. therefore provides insight into how other germs may become resistant to drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali H Alghamdi
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jane C Munday
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Dominik Gurvic
- Computational Biology Centre for Translational and Interdisciplinary Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Fredrik Svensson
- IOTA Pharmaceuticals Ltd, St Johns Innovation Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Chinyere E Okpara
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Arvind Kumar
- Chemistry Department, Georgia State University, Atlanta, United States
| | - Juan Quintana
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | | | - Patrik Milić
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Watson
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Paape
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Luca Settimo
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Dimitriou
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna Wielinska
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Graeme Smart
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Laura F Anderson
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Siu Pui Ying Kelly
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Hasan Ms Ibrahim
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Fabian Hulpia
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mohammed I Al-Salabi
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Anthonius A Eze
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Teresa Sprenger
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ibrahim A Teka
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Gudin
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Simone Weyand
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Field
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom.,Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | | | - Richard R Tidwell
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Mark Carrington
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Paul O'Neill
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - David W Boykin
- Chemistry Department, Georgia State University, Atlanta, United States
| | - Ulrich Zachariae
- Computational Biology Centre for Translational and Interdisciplinary Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Harry P De Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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13
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Zoltner M, Campagnaro GD, Taleva G, Burrell A, Cerone M, Leung KF, Achcar F, Horn D, Vaughan S, Gadelha C, Zíková A, Barrett MP, de Koning HP, Field MC. Suramin exposure alters cellular metabolism and mitochondrial energy production in African trypanosomes. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:8331-8347. [PMID: 32354742 PMCID: PMC7294092 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.012355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduced about a century ago, suramin remains a frontline drug for the management of early-stage East African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness). Cellular entry into the causative agent, the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei, occurs through receptor-mediated endocytosis involving the parasite's invariant surface glycoprotein 75 (ISG75), followed by transport into the cytosol via a lysosomal transporter. The molecular basis of the trypanocidal activity of suramin remains unclear, but some evidence suggests broad, but specific, impacts on trypanosome metabolism (i.e. polypharmacology). Here we observed that suramin is rapidly accumulated in trypanosome cells proportionally to ISG75 abundance. Although we found little evidence that suramin disrupts glycolytic or glycosomal pathways, we noted increased mitochondrial ATP production, but a net decrease in cellular ATP levels. Metabolomics highlighted additional impacts on mitochondrial metabolism, including partial Krebs' cycle activation and significant accumulation of pyruvate, corroborated by increased expression of mitochondrial enzymes and transporters. Significantly, the vast majority of suramin-induced proteins were normally more abundant in the insect forms compared with the blood stage of the parasite, including several proteins associated with differentiation. We conclude that suramin has multiple and complex effects on trypanosomes, but unexpectedly partially activates mitochondrial ATP-generating activity. We propose that despite apparent compensatory mechanisms in drug-challenged cells, the suramin-induced collapse of cellular ATP ultimately leads to trypanosome cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Zoltner
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Gustavo D Campagnaro
- Institute for Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Gergana Taleva
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Alana Burrell
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michela Cerone
- Institute for Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ka-Fai Leung
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Achcar
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology and Glasgow Polyomics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - David Horn
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Sue Vaughan
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Catarina Gadelha
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Alena Zíková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Michael P Barrett
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology and Glasgow Polyomics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Harry P de Koning
- Institute for Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Mark C Field
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom .,Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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14
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Abstract
Suramin is 100 years old and is still being used to treat the first stage of acute human sleeping sickness, caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense Suramin is a multifunctional molecule with a wide array of potential applications, from parasitic and viral diseases to cancer, snakebite, and autism. Suramin is also an enigmatic molecule: What are its targets? How does it get into cells in the first place? Here, we provide an overview of the many different candidate targets of suramin and discuss its modes of action and routes of cellular uptake. We reason that, once the polypharmacology of suramin is understood at the molecular level, new, more specific, and less toxic molecules can be identified for the numerous potential applications of suramin.
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15
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Differential Inhibition of Human and Trypanosome Ubiquitin E1S by TAK-243 Offers Possibilities for Parasite Selective Inhibitors. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16195. [PMID: 31700050 PMCID: PMC6838199 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52618-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel strategies to target Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania are urgently needed to generate better and safer drugs against Human African Trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease and Leishmaniasis, respectively. Here, we investigated the feasibility of selectively targeting in trypanosomatids the ubiquitin E1 activating enzyme (UBA1), an essential eukaryotic protein required for protein ubiquitination. Trypanosomatids contain two UBA1 genes in contrast to mammals and yeast that only have one, and using T. brucei as a model system, we show that both are active in vitro. Surprisingly, neither protein is inhibited by TAK-243, a potent inhibitor of human UBA1. This resistance stems from differences with the human protein at key amino acids, which includes a residue termed the gatekeeper because its mutation in E1s leads to resistance to TAK-243 and related compounds. Importantly, our results predict that trypanosomatid selective UBA1 inhibition is feasible and suggest ways to design novel compounds to achieve this.
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16
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Venkatesh D, Zhang N, Zoltner M, del Pino RC, Field MC. Evolution of protein trafficking in kinetoplastid parasites: Complexity and pathogenesis. Traffic 2018; 19:803-812. [DOI: 10.1111/tra.12601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 06/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ning Zhang
- School of Life Sciences; University of Dundee; Dundee UK
| | - Martin Zoltner
- School of Life Sciences; University of Dundee; Dundee UK
| | | | - Mark C. Field
- School of Life Sciences; University of Dundee; Dundee UK
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17
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Quintana JF, Pino RCD, Yamada K, Zhang N. Adaptation and Therapeutic Exploitation of the Plasma Membrane of African Trypanosomes. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:E368. [PMID: 30037058 PMCID: PMC6071061 DOI: 10.3390/genes9070368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
African trypanosomes are highly divergent from their metazoan hosts, and as part of adaptation to a parasitic life style have developed a unique endomembrane system. The key virulence mechanism of many pathogens is successful immune evasion, to enable survival within a host, a feature that requires both genetic events and membrane transport mechanisms in African trypanosomes. Intracellular trafficking not only plays a role in immune evasion, but also in homeostasis of intracellular and extracellular compartments and interactions with the environment. Significantly, historical and recent work has unraveled some of the connections between these processes and highlighted how immune evasion mechanisms that are associated with adaptations to membrane trafficking may have, paradoxically, provided specific sensitivity to drugs. Here, we explore these advances in understanding the membrane composition of the trypanosome plasma membrane and organelles and provide a perspective for how transport could be exploited for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan F Quintana
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK.
| | | | - Kayo Yamada
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK.
| | - Ning Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK.
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18
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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.
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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
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Matovu E, Kitibwa A, Picado A, Biéler S, Bessell PR, Ndung'u JM. Serological tests for gambiense human African trypanosomiasis detect antibodies in cattle. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:546. [PMID: 29100526 PMCID: PMC5670715 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2487-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Serological tests for gambiense human African trypanosomiasis (gHAT) detect antibodies to antigens on the cell surface of bloodstream trypanosomes. As trypanosomes that cause animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT) also express related antigens, we have evaluated two rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) on cattle in trypanosomiasis endemic and non-endemic regions, to determine whether gHAT serological tests could also be used to screen for AAT. Methods Two RDTs, 1G RDT, made with native antigens, and p2G RDT, made with recombinant antigens, were tested on 121 cattle in a trypanosomiasis-free region, and on 312 cattle from a rhodesiense HAT and AAT endemic region. A subset of samples from the endemic region were also tested with two immune trypanolysis (TL) tests. The sensitivity of the tests was estimated by evaluating the result of the RDT on samples that were positive by both microscopy and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) PCR, whilst specificity was the result of the RDT on samples that were negative by ITS PCR and microscopy, and others from the non-endemic region. Results The specificity of the p2G RDT on cattle from the non-endemic region was 97.5% (95% CI: 93.0–99.2%), compared to only 57.9% (95% CI: 48.9–66.3%) for 1G RDT. The specificities of 1G RDT, p2G RDT and TL on endemic control cattle were 14.6% (95% CI: 9.7–21.5%), 22.6% (95% CI: 16.4–30.3%) and 68.3% (95% CI: 59.6–75.9%), respectively. The sensitivities of the tests on trypanosome positive samples were 85.1% (95% CI: 79.1–89.7%), 89.1% (95% CI: 83.7–93.0%) and 59.3% (95% CI: 51.8–66.4%), respectively. Among the same samples, 51.7% were positive by both TL and the 1G RDT. Conclusions These serological tests detect cross-reacting antibodies in cattle. The p2G RDT based on recombinant antigens had a high specificity in a non-endemic region, while the 1G RDT had a lower specificity, suggesting cross-reactivity with other pathogens. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-017-2487-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enock Matovu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Annah Kitibwa
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Albert Picado
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Campus Biotech, Chemin des Mines, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sylvain Biéler
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Campus Biotech, Chemin des Mines, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Joseph Mathu Ndung'u
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Campus Biotech, Chemin des Mines, Geneva, Switzerland
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20
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Field MC, Horn D, Fairlamb AH, Ferguson MAJ, Gray DW, Read KD, De Rycker M, Torrie LS, Wyatt PG, Wyllie S, Gilbert IH. Anti-trypanosomatid drug discovery: an ongoing challenge and a continuing need. Nat Rev Microbiol 2017; 15:217-231. [PMID: 28239154 PMCID: PMC5582623 DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro.2016.193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The WHO recognizes human African trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease and the leishmaniases as neglected tropical diseases. These diseases are caused by parasitic trypanosomatids and range in severity from mild and self-curing to near invariably fatal. Public health advances have substantially decreased the effect of these diseases in recent decades but alone will not eliminate them. In this Review, we discuss why new drugs against trypanosomatids are required, approaches that are under investigation to develop new drugs and why the drug discovery pipeline remains essentially unfilled. In addition, we consider the important challenges to drug discovery strategies and the new technologies that can address them. The combination of new drugs, new technologies and public health initiatives is essential for the management, and hopefully eventual elimination, of trypanosomatid diseases from the human population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark C Field
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - David Horn
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Alan H Fairlamb
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Michael A J Ferguson
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - David W Gray
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Kevin D Read
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Manu De Rycker
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Leah S Torrie
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Paul G Wyatt
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Susan Wyllie
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Ian H Gilbert
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
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21
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Manna PT, Obado SO, Boehm C, Gadelha C, Sali A, Chait BT, Rout MP, Field MC. Lineage-specific proteins essential for endocytosis in trypanosomes. J Cell Sci 2017; 130:1379-1392. [PMID: 28232524 PMCID: PMC5399782 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.191478] [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: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is the most evolutionarily ancient endocytic mechanism known, and in many lineages the sole mechanism for internalisation. Significantly, in mammalian cells CME is responsible for the vast bulk of endocytic flux and has likely undergone multiple adaptations to accommodate specific requirements by individual species. In African trypanosomes, we previously demonstrated that CME is independent of the AP-2 adaptor protein complex, that orthologues to many of the animal and fungal CME protein cohort are absent, and that a novel, trypanosome-restricted protein cohort interacts with clathrin and drives CME. Here, we used a novel cryomilling affinity isolation strategy to preserve transient low-affinity interactions, giving the most comprehensive trypanosome clathrin interactome to date. We identified the trypanosome AP-1 complex, Trypanosoma brucei (Tb)EpsinR, several endosomal SNAREs plus orthologues of SMAP and the AP-2 associated kinase AAK1 as interacting with clathrin. Novel lineage-specific proteins were identified, which we designate TbCAP80 and TbCAP141. Their depletion produced extensive defects in endocytosis and endomembrane system organisation, revealing a novel molecular pathway subtending an early-branching and highly divergent form of CME, which is conserved and likely functionally important across the kinetoplastid parasites. Summary: Endocytosis is a vital process in most cells, and here we identify important proteins required for this process in trypanosomes. Significantly, these are unique and not present in animals, fungi or plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul T Manna
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Samson O Obado
- The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Cordula Boehm
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Catarina Gadelha
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG2 7UH, UK
| | - Andrej Sali
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Brian T Chait
- The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Michael P Rout
- The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Mark C Field
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland DD1 5EH, UK
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22
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Ottilie S, Goldgof GM, Calvet CM, Jennings GK, LaMonte G, Schenken J, Vigil E, Kumar P, McCall LI, Lopes ESC, Gunawan F, Yang J, Suzuki Y, Siqueira-Neto JL, McKerrow JH, Amaro RE, Podust LM, Durrant JD, Winzeler EA. Rapid Chagas Disease Drug Target Discovery Using Directed Evolution in Drug-Sensitive Yeast. ACS Chem Biol 2017; 12:422-434. [PMID: 27977118 PMCID: PMC5649375 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.6b01037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in cell-based, high-throughput phenotypic screening have identified new chemical compounds that are active against eukaryotic pathogens. A challenge to their future development lies in identifying these compounds' molecular targets and binding modes. In particular, subsequent structure-based chemical optimization and target-based screening require a detailed understanding of the binding event. Here, we use directed evolution and whole-genome sequencing of a drug-sensitive S. cerevisiae strain to identify the yeast ortholog of TcCyp51, lanosterol-14-alpha-demethylase (TcCyp51), as the target of MMV001239, a benzamide compound with activity against Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. We show that parasites treated with MMV0001239 phenocopy parasites treated with another TcCyp51 inhibitor, posaconazole, accumulating both lanosterol and eburicol. Direct drug-protein binding of MMV0001239 was confirmed through spectrophotometric binding assays and X-ray crystallography, revealing a binding site shared with other antitrypanosomal compounds that target Cyp51. These studies provide a new probe chemotype for TcCyp51 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Ottilie
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine , La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Gregory M Goldgof
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine , La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Bioenergy, J. Craig Venter Institute , La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Claudia Magalhaes Calvet
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego , La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Cellular Ultrastructure Laboratory, IOC, FIOCRUZ , Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 21045-360
| | - Gareth K Jennings
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego , La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Greg LaMonte
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine , La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Jake Schenken
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine , La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Edgar Vigil
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine , La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Prianka Kumar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine , La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Laura-Isobel McCall
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego , La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Eduardo Soares Constantino Lopes
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine , La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Paraná , Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil 80210-170
| | - Felicia Gunawan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine , La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Jennifer Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine , La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Yo Suzuki
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Bioenergy, J. Craig Venter Institute , La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Jair L Siqueira-Neto
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego , La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - James H McKerrow
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego , La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Rommie E Amaro
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego , La Jolla, California 92093-0340, United States
| | - Larissa M Podust
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego , La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Jacob D Durrant
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Elizabeth A Winzeler
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine , La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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23
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Boehm CM, Obado S, Gadelha C, Kaupisch A, Manna PT, Gould GW, Munson M, Chait BT, Rout MP, Field MC. The Trypanosome Exocyst: A Conserved Structure Revealing a New Role in Endocytosis. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006063. [PMID: 28114397 PMCID: PMC5256885 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane transport is an essential component of pathogenesis for most infectious organisms. In African trypanosomes, transport to and from the plasma membrane is closely coupled to immune evasion and antigenic variation. In mammals and fungi an octameric exocyst complex mediates late steps in exocytosis, but comparative genomics suggested that trypanosomes retain only six canonical subunits, implying mechanistic divergence. We directly determined the composition of the Trypanosoma brucei exocyst by affinity isolation and demonstrate that the parasite complex is nonameric, retaining all eight canonical subunits (albeit highly divergent at the sequence level) plus a novel essential subunit, Exo99. Exo99 and Sec15 knockdowns have remarkably similar phenotypes in terms of viability and impact on morphology and trafficking pathways. Significantly, both Sec15 and Exo99 have a clear function in endocytosis, and global proteomic analysis indicates an important role in maintaining the surface proteome. Taken together these data indicate additional exocyst functions in trypanosomes, which likely include endocytosis, recycling and control of surface composition. Knockdowns in HeLa cells suggest that the role in endocytosis is shared with metazoan cells. We conclude that, whilst the trypanosome exocyst has novel components, overall functionality appears conserved, and suggest that the unique subunit may provide therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cordula M. Boehm
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Samson Obado
- The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Catarina Gadelha
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandra Kaupisch
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Paul T. Manna
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Gwyn W. Gould
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Mary Munson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Brian T. Chait
- The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Michael P. Rout
- The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Mark C. Field
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, United Kingdom
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24
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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.
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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.
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25
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Klinger CM, Ramirez-Macias I, Herman EK, Turkewitz AP, Field MC, Dacks JB. Resolving the homology-function relationship through comparative genomics of membrane-trafficking machinery and parasite cell biology. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2016; 209:88-103. [PMID: 27444378 PMCID: PMC5140719 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
With advances in DNA sequencing technology, it is increasingly common and tractable to informatically look for genes of interest in the genomic databases of parasitic organisms and infer cellular states. Assignment of a putative gene function based on homology to functionally characterized genes in other organisms, though powerful, relies on the implicit assumption of functional homology, i.e. that orthology indicates conserved function. Eukaryotes reveal a dazzling array of cellular features and structural organization, suggesting a concomitant diversity in their underlying molecular machinery. Significantly, examples of novel functions for pre-existing or new paralogues are not uncommon. Do these examples undermine the basic assumption of functional homology, especially in parasitic protists, which are often highly derived? Here we examine the extent to which functional homology exists between organisms spanning the eukaryotic lineage. By comparing membrane trafficking proteins between parasitic protists and traditional model organisms, where direct functional evidence is available, we find that function is indeed largely conserved between orthologues, albeit with significant adaptation arising from the unique biological features within each lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christen M Klinger
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Emily K Herman
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Aaron P Turkewitz
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mark C Field
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Joel B Dacks
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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26
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Zoltner M, Leung KF, Alsford S, Horn D, Field MC. Correction: Modulation of the Surface Proteome through Multiple Ubiquitylation Pathways in African Trypanosomes. PLoS Pathog 2015; 11:e1005291. [PMID: 26599633 PMCID: PMC4657948 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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