1
|
Gang SS, Lažetić V. Microsporidia: Pervasive natural pathogens of Caenorhabditis elegans and related nematodes. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2024:e13027. [PMID: 38702921 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.13027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is an invaluable host model for studying infections caused by various pathogens, including microsporidia. Microsporidia represent the first natural pathogens identified in C. elegans, revealing the previously unknown Nematocida genus of microsporidia. Following this discovery, the utilization of nematodes as a model host has rapidly expanded our understanding of microsporidia biology and has provided key insights into the cell and molecular mechanisms of antimicrosporidia defenses. Here, we first review the isolation history, morphological characteristics, life cycles, tissue tropism, genetics, and host immune responses for the four most well-characterized Nematocida species that infect C. elegans. We then highlight additional examples of microsporidia that infect related terrestrial and aquatic nematodes, including parasitic nematodes. To conclude, we assess exciting potential applications of the nematode-microsporidia system while addressing the technical advances necessary to facilitate future growth in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Spencer S Gang
- Molecular Biology Department, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
| | - Vladimir Lažetić
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbian College of Arts & Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Thekke-Veetil T, McCoppin NK, Domier LL, Hajimorad M, Lambert KN, Lim HS, Hartman GL. Transient expression of a luciferase mRNA in plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes by electroporation. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2022; 250:111489. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2022.111489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
3
|
Shaffer JM, Greenwald I. SALSA, a genetically encoded biosensor for spatiotemporal quantification of Notch signal transduction in vivo. Dev Cell 2022; 57:930-944.e6. [PMID: 35413239 PMCID: PMC9473748 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Notch-mediated lateral specification is a fundamental mechanism to resolve stochastic cell fate choices by amplifying initial differences between equivalent cells. To study how stochastic events impact Notch activity, we developed a biosensor, SALSA (sensor able to detect lateral signaling activity), consisting of an amplifying "switch"-Notch tagged with TEV protease-and a "reporter"-GFP fused to a nuclearly localized red fluorescent protein, separated by a TEVp cut site. When ligand activates Notch, TEVp enters the nucleus and releases GFP from its nuclear tether, allowing Notch activation to be quantified based on the changes in GFP subcellular localization. We show that SALSA accurately reports Notch activity in different signaling paradigms in Caenorhabditis elegans and use time-lapse imaging to test hypotheses about how stochastic elements ensure a reproducible and robust outcome in a canonical lin-12/Notch-mediated lateral signaling paradigm. SALSA should be generalizable to other experimental systems and be adaptable to increase options for bespoke "SynNotch" applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Shaffer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Iva Greenwald
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Erdenee E, Ting AY. A Dual-Purpose Real-Time Indicator and Transcriptional Integrator for Calcium Detection in Living Cells. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:1086-1095. [PMID: 35254056 PMCID: PMC10395047 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Calcium is a ubiquitous second messenger in eukaryotes, correlated with neuronal activity and T-cell activation among other processes. Real-time calcium indicators such as GCaMP have recently been complemented by newer calcium integrators that convert transient calcium activity into stable gene expression. Here we introduce LuCID, a dual-purpose real-time calcium indicator and transcriptional calcium integrator that combines the benefits of both calcium detection technologies. We show that the calcium-dependent split luciferase component of LuCID provides a real-time bioluminescence readout of calcium dynamics in cells, while the GI/FKF1 split GAL4 component of LuCID converts calcium-generated bioluminescence into stable gene expression. We also show that LuCID's modular design enables it to read out other cellular events such as protein-protein interactions. LuCID adds to the arsenal of tools for studying cells and cell populations that utilize calcium for signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elbegduuren Erdenee
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Alice Y. Ting
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Groß VE, Gershkovich MM, Schöneberg T, Kaiser A, Prömel S. NanoBRET in C. elegans illuminates functional receptor interactions in real time. BMC Mol Cell Biol 2022; 23:8. [PMID: 35100990 PMCID: PMC8805316 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-022-00405-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Protein-protein interactions form the basis of every organism and thus, investigating their dynamics, intracellular protein localization, trafficking and interactions of distinct proteins such as receptors and their ligand-binding are of general interest. Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) is a powerful tool to investigate these aspects in vitro. Since in vitro approaches mostly neglect the more complex in vivo situation, we established BRET as an in vivo tool for studying protein interactions in the nematode C. elegans. Results We generated worms expressing NanoBRET sensors and elucidated the interaction of two ligand-G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) pairs, the neuropeptide receptor NPR-11 and the Adhesion GPCR LAT-1. Furthermore, we adapted the enhanced bystander BRET technology to measure subcellular protein localization. Using this approach, we traced ligand-induced internalization of NPR-11 in vivo. Conclusions Our results indicate that in vivo NanoBRET is a tool to investigate specific protein interactions and localization in a physiological setting in real time in the living organism C. elegans. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12860-022-00405-w.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Elisabeth Groß
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.,Institute of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Torsten Schöneberg
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anette Kaiser
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Leipzig University, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Simone Prömel
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103, Leipzig, Germany. .,Institute of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lažetić V, Wu F, Cohen LB, Reddy KC, Chang YT, Gang SS, Bhabha G, Troemel ER. The transcription factor ZIP-1 promotes resistance to intracellular infection in Caenorhabditis elegans. Nat Commun 2022; 13:17. [PMID: 35013162 PMCID: PMC8748929 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27621-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Defense against intracellular infection has been extensively studied in vertebrate hosts, but less is known about invertebrate hosts; specifically, the transcription factors that induce defense against intracellular intestinal infection in the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans remain understudied. Two different types of intracellular pathogens that naturally infect the C. elegans intestine are the Orsay virus, which is an RNA virus, and microsporidia, which comprise a phylum of fungal pathogens. Despite their molecular differences, these pathogens induce a common host transcriptional response called the intracellular pathogen response (IPR). Here we show that zip-1 is an IPR regulator that functions downstream of all known IPR-activating and regulatory pathways. zip-1 encodes a putative bZIP transcription factor, and we show that zip-1 controls induction of a subset of genes upon IPR activation. ZIP-1 protein is expressed in the nuclei of intestinal cells, and is at least partially required in the intestine to upregulate IPR gene expression. Importantly, zip-1 promotes resistance to infection by the Orsay virus and by microsporidia in intestinal cells. Altogether, our results indicate that zip-1 represents a central hub for triggers of the IPR, and that this transcription factor has a protective function against intracellular pathogen infection in C. elegans. Intestinal immune responses to intracellular infection of Caenorhabditis elegans and other Invertebrate hosts are not well understood. Here the authors show a key role for the transcription factor ZIP-1 during intestinal intracellular infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Lažetić
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, CA, USA
| | - Fengting Wu
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, CA, USA
| | - Lianne B Cohen
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, CA, USA
| | - Kirthi C Reddy
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, CA, USA
| | - Ya-Ting Chang
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Spencer S Gang
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, CA, USA
| | - Gira Bhabha
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Emily R Troemel
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Insights from C. elegans into Microsporidia Biology and Host-Pathogen Relationships. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM 2022; 114:115-136. [PMID: 35544001 PMCID: PMC9208714 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-93306-7_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidia are poorly understood, ubiquitous eukaryotic parasites that are completely dependent on their hosts for replication. With the discovery of microsporidia species naturally infecting the genetically tractable transparent nematode C. elegans, this host has been used to explore multiple areas of microsporidia biology. Here we review results about microsporidia infections in C. elegans, which began with the discovery of the intestinal-infecting species Nematocida parisii. Recent findings include new species identification in the Nematocida genus, with more intestinal-infecting species, and also a species with broader tissue tropism, the epidermal and muscle-infecting species Nematocida displodere. This species has a longer polar tube infection apparatus, which may enable its wider tissue range. After invasion, multiple Nematocida species appear to fuse host cells, which likely promotes their dissemination within host organs. Localized proteomics identified Nematocida proteins that have direct contact with the C. elegans intestinal cytosol and nucleus, and many of these host-exposed proteins belong to expanded, species-specific gene families. On the host side, forward genetic screens have identified regulators of the Intracellular Pathogen Response (IPR), which is a transcriptional response induced by both microsporidia and the Orsay virus, which is also a natural, obligate intracellular pathogen of the C. elegans intestine. The IPR constitutes a novel immune/stress response that promotes resistance against microsporidia, virus, and heat shock. Overall, the Nematocida/C. elegans system has provided insights about strategies for microsporidia pathogenesis, as well as innate defense pathways against these parasites.
Collapse
|
8
|
Li H, Wu C, Du M, Chen Y, Hou X, Yang Y, Xie K. A versatile nanoluciferase toolkit and optimized in-gel detection method for protein analysis in plants. MOLECULAR BREEDING : NEW STRATEGIES IN PLANT IMPROVEMENT 2021; 41:13. [PMID: 37309479 PMCID: PMC10236060 DOI: 10.1007/s11032-021-01210-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Dissection of gene function requires sophisticated tools to monitor gene expression. Gene tagging with epitope peptides and fluorescent protein tags is a routine method to investigate protein expression using tag-specific antibodies and western blotting with tedious blotting and immunodetection steps. Nanoluciferase (NanoLuc) exhibits extremely bright bioluminescence and is engineered as a sensitive genetic reporter. Due to its small size and high bioluminescent activity, NanoLuc could be engineered to function as a novel protein tag that permits direct detection of tagged protein in the gel matrix (in-gel detection). In this study, we developed Gateway compatible vectors to tag proteins with NanoLuc in plants. We also tailored the in-gel detection conditions which can detect NanoLuc-tagged MPK3 from as low as 200 pg of total protein extracts. Compared to FLAG tag and western blotting-based detection, NanoLuc tag and optimized in-gel detection exhibit increased detection sensitivity but omit the blotting and immunodetection steps. We also demonstrated versatile applications of the NanoLuc-based in-gel detection method for protein expression analysis, probing protein-protein interactions by coimmunoprecipitation, and in vivo protein phosphorylation detection with Phos-tag gel electrophoresis. Finally, NanoLuc was used to tag the gene at its endogenous locus using the wheat dwarf virus replicon and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene targeting. Our data suggest that NanoLuc tag and in-gel detection permit fast detection of tagged protein with high sensitivity. The versatile NanoLuc toolkit and convenient in-gel detection method are expected to facilitate in vitro and in vivo protein analysis for plant functional genomics. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11032-021-01210-7.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Caiyun Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Manman Du
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Yache Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Xin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072 China
| | - Yinong Yang
- Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA 16802 USA
| | - Kabin Xie
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sepúlveda-Crespo D, Reguera RM, Rojo-Vázquez F, Balaña-Fouce R, Martínez-Valladares M. Drug discovery technologies: Caenorhabditis elegans as a model for anthelmintic therapeutics. Med Res Rev 2020; 40:1715-1753. [PMID: 32166776 DOI: 10.1002/med.21668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Helminthiasis is one of the gravest problems worldwide. There is a growing concern on less available anthelmintics and the emergence of resistance creating a major threat to human and livestock health resources. Novel and broad-spectrum anthelmintics are urgently needed. The free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans could address this issue through automated high-throughput technologies for the screening of large chemical libraries. This review discusses the strong advantages and limitations for using C elegans as a screening method for anthelmintic drug discovery. C elegans is the best model available for the validation of novel effective drugs in treating most, if not all, helminth infections, and for the elucidation the mode of action of anthelmintic candidates. This review also focuses on available technologies in the discovery of anthelmintics published over the last 15 years with particular attention to high-throughput technologies over conventional screens. On the other hand, this review highlights how combinatorial and nanomedicine strategies could prolong the use of anthelmintics and control resistance problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sepúlveda-Crespo
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Rosa M Reguera
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Francisco Rojo-Vázquez
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), León, Spain.,Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Rafael Balaña-Fouce
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - María Martínez-Valladares
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), León, Spain.,Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| |
Collapse
|