1
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Wong C, Jurczak EM, Roy R. Neuronal exosomes transport an miRISC cargo to preserve stem cell integrity during energy stress. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114851. [PMID: 39392750 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114851] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 10/13/2024] Open
Abstract
During periods of nutrient scarcity, many animals undergo germline quiescence to preserve reproductive capacity, and neurons are often necessary for this adaptation. We show here that starvation causes the release of neuronal microRNA (miRNA)/Argonaute-loaded exosomes following AMP kinase-regulated trafficking changes within serotonergic neurons. This neuron-to-germline communication is independent of classical neurotransmission but instead relies on endosome-derived vesicles that carry a pro-quiescent small RNA cargo to modify germline gene expression. Using an miRNA activity sensor, we show that neuronally expressed miRNAs can extinguish the expression of germline mRNA targets in an exosome-dependent manner. Our findings demonstrate how an adaptive neuronal response can change gene expression at a distance by redirecting intracellular trafficking to release neuronal exosomes with specific miRNA cargoes capable of tracking to their appropriate destinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Wong
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1B1, Canada
| | - Elena M Jurczak
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1B1, Canada
| | - Richard Roy
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1B1, Canada.
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2
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Wang J, Barr MM, Wehman AM. Extracellular vesicles. Genetics 2024; 227:iyae088. [PMID: 38884207 PMCID: PMC11304975 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyae088] [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: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) encompass a diverse array of membrane-bound organelles released outside cells in response to developmental and physiological cell needs. EVs play important roles in remodeling the shape and content of differentiating cells and can rescue damaged cells from toxic or dysfunctional content. EVs can send signals and transfer metabolites between tissues and organisms to regulate development, respond to stress or tissue damage, or alter mating behaviors. While many EV functions have been uncovered by characterizing ex vivo EVs isolated from body fluids and cultured cells, research using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has provided insights into the in vivo functions, biogenesis, and uptake pathways. The C. elegans EV field has also developed methods to analyze endogenous EVs within the organismal context of development and adult physiology in free-living, behaving animals. In this review, we summarize major themes that have emerged for C. elegans EVs and their relevance to human health and disease. We also highlight the diversity of biogenesis mechanisms, locations, and functions of worm EVs and discuss open questions and unexplored topics tenable in C. elegans, given the nematode model is ideal for light and electron microscopy, genetic screens, genome engineering, and high-throughput omics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wang
- Department of Genetics, Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Maureen M Barr
- Department of Genetics, Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Ann M Wehman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80210, USA
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3
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Chowdhury S, Sais D, Donnelly S, Tran N. The knowns and unknowns of helminth-host miRNA cross-kingdom communication. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:176-191. [PMID: 38151361 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that oversee gene modulation. They are integral to cellular functions and can migrate between species, leading to cross-kingdom gene suppression. Recent breakthroughs in helminth genome studies have sparked curiosity about helminth RNA regulators and their ability to regulate genes across species. Growing data indicate that helminth miRNAs have a significant impact on the host's immune system. Specific miRNAs from helminth parasites can merge with the host's miRNA system, implying that parasites could exploit their host's regulatory machinery and function. This review highlights the role of cross-kingdom helminth-derived miRNAs in the interplay between host and parasite, exploring potential routes for their uptake, processing, and consequences in host interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumaiya Chowdhury
- The School of Life Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia; School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Dayna Sais
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Sheila Donnelly
- The School of Life Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Nham Tran
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia.
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4
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Al-Jawabreh R, Lastik D, McKenzie D, Reynolds K, Suleiman M, Mousley A, Atkinson L, Hunt V. Advancing Strongyloides omics data: bridging the gap with Caenorhabditis elegans. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20220437. [PMID: 38008117 PMCID: PMC10676819 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0437] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Among nematodes, the free-living model organism Caenorhabditis elegans boasts the most advanced portfolio of high-quality omics data. The resources available for parasitic nematodes, including Strongyloides spp., however, are lagging behind. While C. elegans remains the most tractable nematode and has significantly advanced our understanding of many facets of nematode biology, C. elegans is not suitable as a surrogate system for the study of parasitism and it is important that we improve the omics resources available for parasitic nematode species. Here, we review the omics data available for Strongyloides spp. and compare the available resources to those for C. elegans and other parasitic nematodes. The advancements in C. elegans omics offer a blueprint for improving omics-led research in Strongyloides. We suggest areas of priority for future research that will pave the way for expansions in omics resources and technologies. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Strongyloides: omics to worm-free populations'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Al-Jawabreh
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Dominika Lastik
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | | | - Kieran Reynolds
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Mona Suleiman
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | | | | | - Vicky Hunt
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
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5
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Parperides E, El Mounadi K, Garcia‐Ruiz H. Induction and suppression of gene silencing in plants by nonviral microbes. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2023; 24:1347-1356. [PMID: 37438989 PMCID: PMC10502822 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Gene silencing is a conserved mechanism in eukaryotes that dynamically regulates gene expression. In plants, gene silencing is critical for development and for maintenance of genome integrity. Additionally, it is a critical component of antiviral defence in plants, nematodes, insects, and fungi. To overcome gene silencing, viruses encode effectors that suppress gene silencing. A growing body of evidence shows that gene silencing and suppression of silencing are also used by plants during their interaction with nonviral pathogens such as fungi, oomycetes, and bacteria. Plant-pathogen interactions involve trans-kingdom movement of small RNAs into the pathogens to alter the function of genes required for their development and virulence. In turn, plant-associated pathogenic and nonpathogenic microbes also produce small RNAs that move trans-kingdom into host plants to disrupt pathogen defence through silencing of plant genes. The mechanisms by which these small RNAs move from the microbe to the plant remain poorly understood. In this review, we examine the roles of trans-kingdom small RNAs and silencing suppressors produced by nonviral microbes in inducing and suppressing gene silencing in plants. The emerging model is that gene silencing and suppression of silencing play critical roles in the interactions between plants and their associated nonviral microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Parperides
- Department of Plant Pathology and Nebraska Center for VirologyUniversity of Nebraska‐LincolnLincolnNebraskaUSA
| | - Kaoutar El Mounadi
- Department of BiologyKutztown University of PennsylvaniaKutztownPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Hernan Garcia‐Ruiz
- Department of Plant Pathology and Nebraska Center for VirologyUniversity of Nebraska‐LincolnLincolnNebraskaUSA
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Palomba M, Rughetti A, Mignogna G, Castrignanò T, Rahimi H, Masuelli L, Napoletano C, Pinna V, Giorgi A, Santoro M, Schininà ME, Maras B, Mattiucci S. Proteomic characterization of extracellular vesicles released by third stage larvae of the zoonotic parasite Anisakis pegreffii (Nematoda: Anisakidae). Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1079991. [PMID: 37009516 PMCID: PMC10050594 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1079991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionAnisakis pegreffii is a sibling species within the A. simplex (s.l.) complex requiring marine homeothermic (mainly cetaceans) and heterothermic (crustaceans, fish, and cephalopods) organisms to complete its life cycle. It is also a zoonotic species, able to accidentally infect humans (anisakiasis). To investigate the molecular signals involved in this host-parasite interaction and pathogenesis, the proteomic composition of the extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by the third-stage larvae (L3) of A. pegreffii, was characterized.MethodsGenetically identified L3 of A. pegreffii were maintained for 24 h at 37°C and EVs were isolated by serial centrifugation and ultracentrifugation of culture media. Proteomic analysis was performed by Shotgun Analysis.Results and discussionEVs showed spherical shaped structure (size 65-295 nm). Proteomic results were blasted against the A. pegreffii specific transcriptomic database, and 153 unique proteins were identified. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis predicted several proteins belonging to distinct metabolic pathways. The similarity search employing selected parasitic nematodes database revealed that proteins associated with A. pegreffii EVs might be involved in parasite survival and adaptation, as well as in pathogenic processes. Further, a possible link between the A. pegreffii EVs proteins versus those of human and cetaceans’ hosts, were predicted by using HPIDB database. The results, herein described, expand knowledge concerning the proteins possibly implied in the host-parasite interactions between this parasite and its natural and accidental hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marialetizia Palomba
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Aurelia Rughetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Mignogna
- Department of Biochemistry Science, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Castrignanò
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Hassan Rahimi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Napoletano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Pinna
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Giorgi
- Department of Biochemistry Science, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Santoro
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Bruno Maras
- Department of Biochemistry Science, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Simonetta Mattiucci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Parasitology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Simonetta Mattiucci,
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7
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Soichot J, Guttmann N, Rehrauer H, Joller N, Tritten L. Nematode microRNAs can Individually Regulate Interferon Regulatory Factor 4 and mTOR in Differentiating T Helper 2 Lymphocytes and Modulate Cytokine Production in Macrophages. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:909312. [PMID: 35836928 PMCID: PMC9274173 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.909312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes are masterful immunomodulators. This class of pathogens has evolved a spectrum of sophisticated strategies to regulate and evade host immune responses, mediated through the release of various molecules. In this context, the release of microRNAs (miRNAs), short post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, has been of particular interest in the host-parasite interplay. Evidence that parasite-derived miRNAs modulate host innate and adaptive immune responses has become increasingly compelling. However, since miRNAs are usually contained in extracellular vesicles containing other mediators, it is difficult to assign an observed effect on host cells to miRNAs specifically. Here, the effects of some abundantly secreted miRNAs by nematodes used as models of gastrointestinal infections (Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri, Trichuris muris and Ascaris suum) were evaluated, addressing the potential of parasite miRNAs to impair in vitro differentiation of two important types of immune cells in the context of helminth infections, Th2 lymphocytes and macrophages. Mimicking a continuous exposure to low concentrations of nematode miRNAs, the interferon gamma signaling, the IL-2/STAT5 signaling, and the mTOR signaling pathways were identified as downregulated by Hpo-miR-71-5p. Interferon regulatory factor 4 (Irf4) was validated as a target of Hpo-miR-71-5p, while Mtor is targeted by Asu-miR-791-3p, abundant in the T. muris secretions. By trend, Hpo-miR-71-5p impacts mildly but consistently on the amounts of inflammatory cytokines in unpolarized macrophages but leads to slightly increased IL-10 level in alternatively activated cells. In addition, our data suggests that transfected miRNAs remain for days in recipient cells, and that Hpo-miR-71-5p can incorporate into mouse Argonaute protein complexes. Nematode miRNAs can impair both innate and adaptive arms of host immunity. Hpo-miR-71-5p in particular, absent in mammals, interacts with host genes and pathways with crucial involvement in anthelmintic immune responses. This report brings new insights into the dynamics of miRNA-driven immunomodulation and highlights putative targeted pathways. Although the absolute repression is subtle, it is expected that the dozens of different miRNAs released by nematodes may have a synergistic effect on surrounding host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Soichot
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Guttmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hubert Rehrauer
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, ETH Zurich/University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Joller
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lucienne Tritten
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Lucienne Tritten,
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8
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Ricafrente A, Cwiklinski K, Nguyen H, Dalton JP, Tran N, Donnelly S. Stage-specific miRNAs regulate gene expression associated with growth, development and parasite-host interaction during the intra-mammalian migration of the zoonotic helminth parasite Fasciola hepatica. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:419. [PMID: 35659245 PMCID: PMC9167548 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08644-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background MiRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression in organisms ranging from viruses to mammals. There is great relevance in understanding how miRNAs regulate genes involved in the growth, development, and maturation of the many parasitic worms (helminths) that together afflict more than 2 billion people. Results Here, we describe the miRNAs expressed by each of the predominant intra-mammalian development stages of Fasciola hepatica, a foodborne flatworm that infects a wide range of mammals worldwide, most importantly humans and their livestock. A total of 124 miRNAs were profiled, 72 of which had been previously reported and three of which were conserved miRNA sequences described here for the first time. The remaining 49 miRNAs were novel sequences of which, 31 were conserved with F. gigantica and the remaining 18 were specific to F. hepatica. The newly excysted juveniles express 22 unique miRNAs while the immature liver and mature bile duct stages each express 16 unique miRNAs. We discovered several sequence variant miRNAs (IsomiRs) as well as miRNA clusters that exhibit strict temporal expression paralleling parasite development. Target analysis revealed the close association between miRNA expression and stage-specific changes in the transcriptome; for example, we identified specific miRNAs that target parasite proteases known to be essential for intestinal wall penetration (cathepsin L3). Moreover, we demonstrate that miRNAs fine-tune the expression of genes involved in the metabolic pathways that allow the parasites to move from an aerobic external environment to the anerobic environment of the host. Conclusions These results provide novel insight into the regulation of helminth parasite development and identifies new genes and miRNAs for therapeutic development to limit the virulence and pathogenesis caused by F. hepatica. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08644-z.
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9
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Nikonorova IA, Wang J, Cope AL, Tilton PE, Power KM, Walsh JD, Akella JS, Krauchunas AR, Shah P, Barr MM. Isolation, profiling, and tracking of extracellular vesicle cargo in Caenorhabditis elegans. Curr Biol 2022; 32:1924-1936.e6. [PMID: 35334227 PMCID: PMC9491618 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) may mediate intercellular communication by carrying protein and RNA cargo. The composition, biology, and roles of EVs in physiology and pathology have been primarily studied in the context of biofluids and in cultured mammalian cells. The experimental tractability of C. elegans makes for a powerful in vivo animal system to identify and study EV cargo from its cellular source. We developed an innovative method to label, track, and profile EVs using genetically encoded, fluorescent-tagged EV cargo and conducted a large-scale isolation and proteomic profiling. Nucleic acid binding proteins (∼200) are overrepresented in our dataset. By integrating our EV proteomic dataset with single-cell transcriptomic data, we identified and validated ciliary EV cargo: CD9-like tetraspanin (TSP-6), ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase (ENPP-1), minichromosome maintenance protein (MCM-3), and double-stranded RNA transporter SID-2. C. elegans EVs also harbor RNA, suggesting that EVs may play a role in extracellular RNA-based communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inna A Nikonorova
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Department of Genetics and Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey Piscataway, 145 Bevier Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Juan Wang
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Department of Genetics and Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey Piscataway, 145 Bevier Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Alexander L Cope
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Department of Genetics and Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey Piscataway, 145 Bevier Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Peter E Tilton
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Department of Genetics and Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey Piscataway, 145 Bevier Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Kaiden M Power
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Department of Genetics and Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey Piscataway, 145 Bevier Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Jonathon D Walsh
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Department of Genetics and Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey Piscataway, 145 Bevier Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Jyothi S Akella
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Department of Genetics and Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey Piscataway, 145 Bevier Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Amber R Krauchunas
- University of Delaware, Department of Biological Sciences, 105 The Green, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Premal Shah
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Department of Genetics and Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey Piscataway, 145 Bevier Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Maureen M Barr
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Department of Genetics and Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey Piscataway, 145 Bevier Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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10
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Dagenais M, Gerlach JQ, Geary TG, Long T. Sugar Coating: Utilisation of Host Serum Sialoglycoproteins by Schistosoma mansoni as a Potential Immune Evasion Mechanism. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11040426. [PMID: 35456101 PMCID: PMC9030049 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11040426] [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: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic helminths resort to various mechanisms to evade and modulate their host’s immune response, several of which have been described for Schistosoma mansoni. We recently reported the presence of sialic acid residues on the surface of adult S. mansoni extracellular vesicles (EVs). We now report that these sialylated molecules are mammalian serum proteins. In addition, our data suggest that most sialylated EV-associated proteins do not elicit a humoral response upon injection into mice, or in sera obtained from infected animals. Sialic acids frequently terminate glycans on the surface of vertebrate cells, where they serve important functions in physiological processes such as cell adhesion and signalling. Interestingly, several pathogens have evolved ways to mimic or utilise host sialic acid beneficially by coating their own proteins, thereby facilitating cell invasion and providing protection from host immune effectors. Together, our results indicate that S. mansoni EVs are coated with host glycoproteins, which may contribute to immune evasion by masking antigenic sites, protecting EVs from removal from serum and aiding in cell adhesion and entry to exert their functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maude Dagenais
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada; (T.G.G.); (T.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Jared Q. Gerlach
- Advanced Glycoscience Research Cluster, National University of Ireland-Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland;
| | - Timothy G. Geary
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada; (T.G.G.); (T.L.)
- Microbes and Pathogen Biology, The Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University-Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Thavy Long
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada; (T.G.G.); (T.L.)
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11
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Mining nematode protein secretomes to explain lifestyle and host specificity. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009828. [PMID: 34587193 PMCID: PMC8504978 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes are highly successful pathogens, inflicting disease on humans, animals and plants. Despite great differences in their life cycles, host preference and transmission modes, these parasites share a common capacity to manipulate their host's immune system. This is at least partly achieved through the release of excretory/secretory proteins, the most well-characterized component of nematode secretomes, that are comprised of functionally diverse molecules. In this work, we analyzed published protein secretomes of parasitic nematodes to identify common patterns as well as species-specific traits. The 20 selected organisms span 4 nematode clades, including plant pathogens, animal parasites, and the free-living species Caenorhabditis elegans. Transthyretin-like proteins were the only component common to all adult secretomes; many other protein classes overlapped across multiple datasets. The glycolytic enzymes aldolase and enolase were present in all parasitic species, but missing from C. elegans. Secretomes from larval stages showed less overlap between species. Although comparison of secretome composition across species and life-cycle stages is challenged by the use of different methods and depths of sequencing among studies, our workflow enabled the identification of conserved protein families and pinpointed elements that may have evolved as to enable parasitism. This strategy, extended to more secretomes, may be exploited to prioritize therapeutic targets in the future.
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12
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Santos D, Remans S, Van den Brande S, Vanden Broeck J. RNAs on the Go: Extracellular Transfer in Insects with Promising Prospects for Pest Management. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:484. [PMID: 33806650 PMCID: PMC8001424 DOI: 10.3390/plants10030484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
RNA-mediated pathways form an important regulatory layer of myriad biological processes. In the last decade, the potential of RNA molecules to contribute to the control of agricultural pests has not been disregarded, specifically via the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism. In fact, several proofs-of-concept have been made in this scope. Furthermore, a novel research field regarding extracellular RNAs and RNA-based intercellular/interorganismal communication is booming. In this article, we review key discoveries concerning extracellular RNAs in insects, insect RNA-based cell-to-cell communication, and plant-insect transfer of RNA. In addition, we overview the molecular mechanisms implicated in this form of communication and discuss future biotechnological prospects, namely from the insect pest-control perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulce Santos
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.R.); (S.V.d.B.); (J.V.B.)
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13
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Moreno Y, Geary TG, Tritten L. When Secretomes Meet Anthelmintics: Lessons for Therapeutic Interventions. Trends Parasitol 2021; 37:468-475. [PMID: 33563557 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Helminth secretomes comprise many potential immunomodulators. The molecular and functional diversity of these entities and their importance at the host-parasite interface have been increasingly recognized. It is now common to hypothesize that parasite-derived molecules (PDMs) are essential mediators used by parasites to establish and remain in their hosts. Suppression of PDM release has been reported for two anthelmintic drug classes, the benzimidazoles and macrocyclic lactones, the mechanisms of action of which remain incompletely resolved. We propose that bringing together recent insights from different streams of parasitology research, for example, immunoparasitology and pharmacology, will stimulate the development of new ways to alter the host-parasite interface in the search for novel anthelmintic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yovany Moreno
- Boehringer-Ingelheim Animal Health, Duluth, GA, USA.
| | - Timothy G Geary
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada; School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University - Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Lucienne Tritten
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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King M, Carson J, Stewart MT, Gobert GN. Revisiting the Schistosoma japonicum life cycle transcriptome for new insights into lung schistosomula development. Exp Parasitol 2021; 223:108080. [PMID: 33548219 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2021.108080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Schistosome parasites are complex trematode blood flukes responsible for the disease schistosomiasis; a global health concern prevalent in many tropical and sub-tropical countries. While established transcriptomic databases are accessed ad hoc to facilitate studies characterising specific genes or gene families, a more comprehensive systematic updating of gene annotation and survey of the literature to aid in annotation and context is rarely addressed. We have reanalysed an online transcriptomic dataset originally published in 2009, where seven life cycle stages of Schistosoma japonicum were examined. Using the online pathway analysis tool Reactome, we have revisited key data from the original study. A key focus of this study was to improve the interpretation of the gene expression profile of the developmental lung-stage schistosomula, since it is one of the principle targets for worm elimination. Highly enriched transcripts, associated with lung schistosomula, were related to a number of important biological pathways including host immune evasion, energy metabolism and parasitic development. Revisiting large transcriptomic databases should be considered in the context of substantial new literature. This approach could aid in the improved understanding of the molecular basis of parasite biology. This may lead to the identification of new targets for diagnosis and therapies for schistosomes, and other helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meághan King
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Jack Carson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Michael T Stewart
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK.
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