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Berg A, Berntsson RPA, Barandun J. Nematocida displodere mechanosensitive ion channel of small conductance 2 assembles into a unique 6-channel super-structure in vitro. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301951. [PMID: 39038013 PMCID: PMC11262690 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301951] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanosensitive ion channels play an essential role in reacting to environmental signals and sustaining cell integrity by facilitating ion flux across membranes. For obligate intracellular pathogens like microsporidia, adapting to changes in the host environment is crucial for survival and propagation. Despite representing a eukaryote of extreme genome reduction, microsporidia have expanded the gene family of mechanosensitive ion channels of small conductance (mscS) through repeated gene duplication and horizontal gene transfer. All microsporidian genomes characterized to date contain mscS genes of both eukaryotic and bacterial origin. Here, we investigated the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the bacterially derived mechanosensitive ion channel of small conductance 2 (MscS2) from Nematocida displodere, an intracellular pathogen of Caenorhabditis elegans. MscS2 is the most compact MscS-like channel known and assembles into a unique superstructure in vitro with six heptameric MscS2 channels. Individual MscS2 channels are oriented in a heterogeneous manner to one another, resembling an asymmetric, flexible six-way cross joint. Finally, we show that microsporidian MscS2 still forms a heptameric membrane channel, however the extreme compaction suggests a potential new function of this MscS-like protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Berg
- Department of Molecular Biology, The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå Centre for Microbial Research, Science for Life Laboratory, Umeå University, Umeå, Västerbotten, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Västerbotten, Sweden
| | - Ronnie P.-A. Berntsson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Västerbotten, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine & Umeå Centre for Microbial Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jonas Barandun
- Department of Molecular Biology, The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå Centre for Microbial Research, Science for Life Laboratory, Umeå University, Umeå, Västerbotten, Sweden
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2
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Doboși AA, Paștiu AI, Bel LV, Pusta DL. The Prevalence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Domestic Rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus) in the North-Western Region of Romania Using Serological Diagnosis: A Preliminary Study. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1440. [PMID: 39065208 PMCID: PMC11279170 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071440] [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: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidian, domestic rabbits being the main host. The disease can be acute or subclinical, but treatment options are limited and usually with unrewarding results; therefore, diagnosis and prevention of encephalitozoonosis in rabbits are of the utmost importance. This study aims to obtain the first preliminary information of the prevalence of E. cuniculi in the north-western region of Romania. A total of 176 rabbits were clinically examined and 2 mL of blood was sampled from each. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit by Medicago (Medicago, Uppsala, Sweden) on the resulted blood serum was utilized. Statistical analysis of the results was conducted using the EpiInfo 2000 software (CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA). A total prevalence of 39.2% (69/176) was identified, with statistically significant differences in relation to the rabbits' clinical status, age, season of sampling, breeding system, body condition score and county of origin; the different family farms tested also had a statistically significant difference. This study gives the first preliminary information on this pathogen distribution on Romania's territory, but further studies need to be performed on larger regions to declare the prevalence in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca-Alexandra Doboși
- Department of Genetics and Hereditary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-A.D.); (D.L.P.)
| | - Anamaria Ioana Paștiu
- Department of Genetics and Hereditary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-A.D.); (D.L.P.)
| | - Lucia-Victoria Bel
- New Companion Animals Veterinary Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Dana Liana Pusta
- Department of Genetics and Hereditary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-A.D.); (D.L.P.)
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3
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Fayet M, Long M, Han B, Belkorchia A, Delbac F, Polonais V. New insights into Microsporidia polar tube function and invasion mechanism. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2024:e13043. [PMID: 38973152 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.13043] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Microsporidia comprise a large phylum of single-cell and obligate intracellular parasites that can infect a wide range of invertebrate and vertebrate hosts including humans. These fungal-related parasites are characterized by a highly reduced genome, a strong energy dependence on their host, but also by their unique invasion organelle known as the polar tube which is coiled within the resistant spore. Upon appropriate environmental stimulation, the long hollow polar tube (ranging from 50 to 500 μm in length) is extruded at ultra-fast speeds (300 μm/s) from the spore acting as a harpoon-like organelle to transport and deliver the infectious material or sporoplasm into the host cell. To date, seven polar tube proteins (PTPs) with distinct localizations along the extruded polar tube have been described. For example, the specific location of PTP4 and PTP7 at the tip of the polar tube supports their role in interacting with cellular receptor(s). This chapter provides a brief overview on the current understanding of polar tube structure and dynamics of extrusion, primarily through recent advancements in cryo-tomography and 3D reconstruction. It also explores the various mechanisms used for host cell invasion. Finally, recent studies on the structure and maturation of sporoplasm and its moving through the tube are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurine Fayet
- Laboratoire "Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement", CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Mengxian Long
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bing Han
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Abdel Belkorchia
- Laboratoire "Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement", CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Frédéric Delbac
- Laboratoire "Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement", CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Valerie Polonais
- Laboratoire "Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement", CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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de Oliveira CGN, Perez EC, Alvares-Saraiva AM, Lallo MA. CD8 T lymphocytes from B-1 cell-deficient mice down-regulates fungicidal activity of macrophages challenged with E. Cuniculi. Immunobiology 2024; 229:152827. [PMID: 38878483 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2024.152827] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Encephalitozoon cuniculi is an opportunistic intracellular pathogen that establishes a balanced relationship with immunocompetent individuals depending on the activity of their CD8+ T cells lymphocytes. However, lower resistance to experimental infection with E. cuniculi was found in B-1 deficient mice (Xid), besides increased the number of CD8 T lymphocytes. Here, we evaluated the profile of CD8+ T lymphocytes from Balb/c wild-type (WT) or Balb/c Xid mice (with B-1 cell deficiency) on the microbicidal activity of macrophages challenged with E. cuniculi. METHODS Naïve CD8 T lymphocytes from WT or Xid mice uninfected and primed CD8 T lymphocytes from WT or Xid mice infected with E cuniculi were co-cultured with macrophages previously challenged with E. cuniculi. We evaluated macrophages viability and microbicidal activity, and CD8 T lymphocytes viability and presence of activating molecules (CD62L, CD69, and CD107a). RESULTS Macrophages co-cultured with naïve CD8 T lymphocytes from WT demonstrated high microbicidal activity. Naïve CD8 T lymphocytes obtained from WT mice had a higher expression of CD69 and LAMP-1-activating molecules compared to Xid CD8+ T lymphocytes. Primed CD8 T lymphocytes from Xid mice proliferated more than those from WT mice, however, when the expression of the activating molecule CD69 associated with the expression of CD62L was kept low. In conclusion, naïve CD8+ T lymphocytes from Xid mice, deficient in B-1 cells, they had reduced expression of activation molecules and cytotoxic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth Cristina Perez
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista - Unip, Rua Dr Bacelar 1212, CEP 04026002 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Anuska Marcelino Alvares-Saraiva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista - Unip, Rua Dr Bacelar 1212, CEP 04026002 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Anete Lallo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista - Unip, Rua Dr Bacelar 1212, CEP 04026002 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Miao Z, Liao Y, Huang X, Wang X, Liao W, Wang G. New insights into the effects of UV light on individual Nosema bombycis spores, as determined using single-cell optical approaches. Photochem Photobiol 2024; 100:596-603. [PMID: 37698249 DOI: 10.1111/php.13858] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Nosema bombycis (Nb) is a pathogen causing pebrine in sericulture. Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure is a common physical disinfection method, but the mechanisms underlying UV-based disinfection have only been studied at the population level. In this study, changes in and germination of UV-irradiated spores were observed using Raman tweezers and phase-contrast imaging to evaluate the effects of UV radiation on Nb spores at the single-cell level. We found that irradiation caused the complete leakage of trehalose from individual spores. We also found that more spores leaked as the UV dose increased. There was no significant loss of intracellular biomacromolecules and no marked changes in the peaks associated with protein secondary structures. Low-dose radiation promoted spore germination and high-dose radiation decreased the germination rate, while the germination time did not undergo significant alterations. These results suggest that UV radiation disrupts the permeability of the inner membrane and alters the spore wall, thereby affecting the ability of the spore to sense and respond to extracellular stimuli, which further triggers germination and reduces or stops spore germination. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying conventional disinfection measures on microsporidian spores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenbin Miao
- Institute of Eco-Environmental Research, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yanlian Liao
- Guangxi Vocational & Technical College, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xuhua Huang
- Guangxi Academy of Sericultural Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaochun Wang
- Institute of Eco-Environmental Research, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Wei Liao
- Guangxi Vocational & Technical College, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Guiwen Wang
- Institute of Eco-Environmental Research, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Natural Products and Combinatorial Biosynthesis Chemistry, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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Webster VL, Hemmings S, Pérez M, Fisher MC, Brown MJF, Farrer RA. Revealing the genome of the microsporidian Vairimorpha bombi, a potential driver of bumble bee declines in North America. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2024; 14:jkae029. [PMID: 38334143 PMCID: PMC10989860 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkae029] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Pollinators are vital for food security and the maintenance of terrestrial ecosystems. Bumblebees are important pollinators across northern temperate, arctic, and alpine ecosystems, yet are in decline across the globe. Vairimorpha bombi is a parasite belonging to the fungal class Microsporidia that has been implicated in the rapid decline of bumblebees in North America, where it may be an emerging infectious disease. To investigate the evolutionary basis of pathogenicity of V. bombi, we sequenced and assembled its genome using Oxford Nanopore and Illumina technologies and performed phylogenetic and genomic evolutionary analyses. The genome assembly for V. bombi is 4.73 Mb, from which we predicted 1,870 protein-coding genes and 179 tRNA genes. The genome assembly has low repetitive content and low GC content. V. bombi's genome assembly is the smallest of the Vairimorpha and closely related Nosema genera, but larger than those found in the Encephalitozoon and Ordospora sister clades. Orthology and phylogenetic analysis revealed 18 core conserved single-copy microsporidian genes including the histone acetyltransferase (HAT) GCN5. Surprisingly, V. bombi was unique to the microsporidia in not encoding the second predicted HAT ESA1. The V. bombi genome assembly annotation included 265 unique genes (i.e. not predicted in other microsporidia genome assemblies), 20% of which encode a secretion signal, which is a significant enrichment. Intriguingly, of the 36 microsporidian genomes we analyzed, 26 also had a significant enrichment of secreted signals encoded by unique genes, ranging from 6 to 71% of those predicted genes. These results suggest that microsporidia are under selection to generate and purge diverse and unique genes encoding secreted proteins, potentially contributing to or facilitating infection of their diverse hosts. Furthermore, V. bombi has 5/7 conserved spore wall proteins (SWPs) with its closest relative V. ceranae (that primarily infects honeybees), while also uniquely encoding four additional SWPs. This gene class is thought to be essential for infection, providing both environmental protection and recognition and uptake into the host cell. Together, our results show that SWPs and unique genes encoding a secretion signal are rapidly evolving in the microsporidia, suggesting that they underpin key pathobiological traits including host specificity and pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L Webster
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, London TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Samuel Hemmings
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Marta Pérez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, London TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Matthew C Fisher
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Mark J F Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, London TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Rhys A Farrer
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
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Xin ZZ, Zhu ZQ, Chen JY, Xu YL, Zhang XT, Zhang JY. Insights into the differential molecular response of non-germinated and germinated spores of Ameson portunus in vitro by comparative transcriptome analysis. J Invertebr Pathol 2024; 203:108066. [PMID: 38246321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2024.108066] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Ameson portunus, the recently discovered causative agent of "toothpaste disease" of pond-cultured swimming crabs in China has caused enormous economic losses in aquaculture. Understanding the process of spore germination is helpful to elucidate the molecular mechanism of its invasion of host cells. Here, we obtained mature and germinating spores by isolation and purification and in vitro stimulation, respectively. Then, non-germinated and germinated spores were subjected to the comparative transcriptomic analysis to disclose differential molecular responses of these two stages. The highest germination rate, i.e., 71.45 %, was achieved in 0.01 mol/L KOH germination solution. There were 9,609 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 685 up-regulated and 8,924 down-regulated DEGs. The up-regulated genes were significantly enriched in ribosome pathway, and the down-regulated genes were significantly enriched in various metabolic pathways, including carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism and other metabolism. The results suggested that spores require various carbohydrates and amino acids as energy to support their life activities during germination and synthesize large amounts of ribosomal proteins to provide sites for DNA replication, transcription, translation and protein synthesis of the spores of A. portunus within the host cells. Functional genes related to spore germination, such as protein phosphatase CheZ and aquaporin, were also analyzed. The analysis of transcriptome data and identification of functional genes will help to understand the process of spore germination and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Zhe Xin
- The Laboratory of Aquatic Parasitology, School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China.
| | - Zhi-Qiang Zhu
- The Laboratory of Aquatic Parasitology, School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China.
| | - Jiu-Yang Chen
- The Laboratory of Aquatic Parasitology, School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China.
| | - Ya-Li Xu
- The Laboratory of Aquatic Parasitology, School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China.
| | - Xin-Tong Zhang
- The Laboratory of Aquatic Parasitology, School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China.
| | - Jin-Yong Zhang
- The Laboratory of Aquatic Parasitology, School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China.
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Sharma H, Jespersen N, Ehrenbolger K, Carlson LA, Barandun J. Ultrastructural insights into the microsporidian infection apparatus reveal the kinetics and morphological transitions of polar tube and cargo during host cell invasion. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002533. [PMID: 38422169 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
During host cell invasion, microsporidian spores translocate their entire cytoplasmic content through a thin, hollow superstructure known as the polar tube. To achieve this, the polar tube transitions from a compact spring-like state inside the environmental spore to a long needle-like tube capable of long-range sporoplasm delivery. The unique mechanical properties of the building blocks of the polar tube allow for an explosive transition from compact to extended state and support the rapid cargo translocation process. The molecular and structural factors enabling this ultrafast process and the structural changes during cargo delivery are unknown. Here, we employ light microscopy and in situ cryo-electron tomography to visualize multiple ultrastructural states of the Vairimorpha necatrix polar tube, allowing us to evaluate the kinetics of its germination and characterize the underlying morphological transitions. We describe a cargo-filled state with a unique ordered arrangement of microsporidian ribosomes, which cluster along the thin tube wall, and an empty post-translocation state with a reduced diameter but a thicker wall. Together with a proteomic analysis of endogenously affinity-purified polar tubes, our work provides comprehensive data on the infection apparatus of microsporidia and uncovers new aspects of ribosome regulation and transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu Sharma
- Department of Molecular Biology, The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Science for Life Laboratory, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Nathan Jespersen
- Department of Molecular Biology, The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Science for Life Laboratory, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Kai Ehrenbolger
- Department of Molecular Biology, The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Science for Life Laboratory, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Lars-Anders Carlson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jonas Barandun
- Department of Molecular Biology, The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Science for Life Laboratory, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Wang C, Yu B, Meng X, Xia D, Pei B, Tang X, Zhang G, Wei J, Long M, Chen J, Bao J, Li C, Pan G, Zhou Z, Li T. Microsporidian Nosema bombycis hijacks host vitellogenin and restructures ovariole cells for transovarial transmission. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011859. [PMID: 38060601 PMCID: PMC10729982 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011859] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular parasites that infect almost all animals, causing serious human diseases and major economic losses to the farming industry. Nosema bombycis is a typical microsporidium that infects multiple lepidopteran insects via fecal-oral and transovarial transmission (TOT); however, the underlying TOT processes and mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we characterized the TOT process and identified key factors enabling N. bombycis to invade the ovariole and oocyte of silkworm Bombyx mori. We found that the parasites commenced with TOT at the early pupal stage when ovarioles penetrated the ovary wall and were exposed to the hemolymph. Subsequently, the parasites in hemolymph and hemolymph cells firstly infiltrated the ovariole sheath, from where they invaded the oocyte via two routes: (I) infecting follicular cells, thereby penetrating oocytes after proliferation, and (II) infecting nurse cells, thus entering oocytes following replication. In follicle and nurse cells, the parasites restructured and built large vacuoles to deliver themselves into the oocyte. In the whole process, the parasites were coated with B. mori vitellogenin (BmVg) on their surfaces. To investigate the BmVg effects on TOT, we suppressed its expression and found a dramatic decrease of pathogen load in both ovarioles and eggs, suggesting that BmVg plays a crucial role in the TOT. Thereby, we identified the BmVg domains and parasite spore wall proteins (SWPs) mediating the interaction, and demonstrated that the von Willebrand domain (VWD) interacted with SWP12, SWP26 and SWP30, and the unknown function domain (DUF1943) bound with the SWP30. When disrupting these interactions, we found significant reductions of the pathogen load in both ovarioles and eggs, suggesting that the interplays between BmVg and SWPs were vital for the TOT. In conclusion, our study has elucidated key aspects about the microsporidian TOT and revealed the key factors for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying this transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xianzhi Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Boyan Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangyou Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guizheng Zhang
- Guangxi Institute of Sericulture Science, Nanning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Junhong Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mengxian Long
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jialing Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunfeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guoqing Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zeyang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
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10
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Huang Q, Chen J, Pan G, Reinke AW. Screening of the Pandemic Response Box identifies anti-microsporidia compounds. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011806. [PMID: 38064503 PMCID: PMC10732440 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011806] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are fungal obligate intracellular pathogens, which infect most animals and cause microsporidiosis. Despite the serious threat that microsporidia pose to humans and agricultural animals, few drugs are available for the treatment and control of microsporidia. To identify novel inhibitors, we took advantage of the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans infected with its natural microsporidian Nematocida parisii. We used this system to screen the Pandemic Response Box, a collection of 400 diverse compounds with known antimicrobial activity. After testing these compounds in a 96-well format at high (100 μM) and low (40 μM) concentrations, we identified four inhibitors that restored the ability of C. elegans to produce progeny in the presence of N. parisii. All four compounds reduced the pathogen load of both N. parisii and Pancytospora epiphaga, a C. elegans-infecting microsporidia related to human-infecting species. One of these compounds, a known inhibitor of a viral protease, MMV1006203, inhibited invasion and prevented the firing of spores. A bis-indole derivative, MMV1593539, decreased spore viability. An albendazole analog, MMV1782387, inhibited proliferation of N. parisii. We tested albendazole as well as 5 other analogs and observed that MMV1782387 was amongst the strongest inhibitors of N. parisii and displayed the least host toxicity. Our study further demonstrates the effectiveness of the C. elegans-N. parisii system for discovering microsporidia inhibitors and the compounds we identified provide potential scaffolds for anti-microsporidia drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyuan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guoqing Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Aaron W. Reinke
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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11
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Zhang L, Zhang S, Qiao Y, Cao X, Cheng J, Meng Q, Shen H. Dynamic Interplay of Metabolic and Transcriptional Responses in Shrimp during Early and Late Infection Stages of Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16738. [PMID: 38069062 PMCID: PMC10706788 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) is a microsporidian parasite that infects Litopenaeus vannamei, causing severe hepatopancreatic microsporidiosis (HPM) and resulting in significant economic losses. This study utilizes a combined analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics to unveil the dynamic molecular interactions between EHP and its host, the Pacific white shrimp, during the early and late stages of infection. The results indicate distinct immunological, detoxification, and antioxidant responses in the early and late infection phases. During early EHP infection in shrimp, immune activation coincides with suppression of genes like Ftz-F1 and SEPs, potentially aiding parasitic evasion. In contrast, late infection shows a refined immune response with phagocytosis-enhancing down-regulation of Ftz-F1 and a resurgence in SEP expression. This phase is characterized by an up-regulated detoxification and antioxidant response, likely a defense against the accumulated effects of EHP, facilitating a stable host-pathogen relationship. In the later stages of infection, most immune responses return to baseline levels, while some immune genes remain active. The glutathione antioxidant system is suppressed early on but becomes activated in the later stages. This phenomenon could facilitate the early invasion of EHP while assisting the host in mitigating oxidative damage caused by late-stage infection. Notably, there are distinctive events in polyamine metabolism. Sustained up-regulation of spermidine synthase and concurrent reduction in spermine levels suggest a potential role of polyamines in EHP development. Throughout the infection process, significant differences in genes such as ATP synthase and hexokinase highlight the continuous influence on energy metabolism pathways. Additionally, growth-related pathways involving amino acids such as tryptophan, histidine, and taurine are disrupted early on, potentially contributing to the growth inhibition observed during the initial stages of infection. In summary, these findings elucidate the dynamic interplay between the host, Litopenaeus vannamei, and the parasite, EHP, during infection. Specific phase differences in immune responses, energy metabolism, and antioxidant processes underscore the intricate relationship between the host and the parasite. The disruption of polyamine metabolism offers a novel perspective in understanding the proliferation mechanisms of EHP. These discoveries significantly advance our comprehension of the pathogenic mechanisms of EHP and its interactions with the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leiting Zhang
- Jiangsu Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Nantong 226007, China
- College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Jiangsu Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Nantong 226007, China
- School of Marine Science and Fisheries, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
| | - Yi Qiao
- Jiangsu Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Nantong 226007, China
| | - Xiaohui Cao
- Jiangsu Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Nantong 226007, China
| | - Jie Cheng
- School of Marine Science and Fisheries, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
| | - Qingguo Meng
- College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hui Shen
- Jiangsu Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Nantong 226007, China
- College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
- School of Marine Science and Fisheries, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
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12
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Antao NV, Lam C, Davydov A, Riggi M, Sall J, Petzold C, Liang FX, Iwasa JH, Ekiert DC, Bhabha G. 3D reconstructions of parasite development and the intracellular niche of the microsporidian pathogen Encephalitozoon intestinalis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7662. [PMID: 37996434 PMCID: PMC10667486 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43215-0] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are an early-diverging group of fungal pathogens with a wide host range. Several microsporidian species cause opportunistic infections in humans that can be fatal. As obligate intracellular parasites with highly reduced genomes, microsporidia are dependent on host metabolites for successful replication and development. Our knowledge of microsporidian intracellular development remains rudimentary, and our understanding of the intracellular niche occupied by microsporidia has relied on 2D TEM images and light microscopy. Here, we use serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) to capture 3D snapshots of the human-infecting species, Encephalitozoon intestinalis, within host cells. We track E. intestinalis development through its life cycle, which allows us to propose a model for how its infection organelle, the polar tube, is assembled de novo in developing spores. 3D reconstructions of parasite-infected cells provide insights into the physical interactions between host cell organelles and parasitophorous vacuoles, which contain the developing parasites. The host cell mitochondrial network is substantially remodeled during E. intestinalis infection, leading to mitochondrial fragmentation. SBF-SEM analysis shows changes in mitochondrial morphology in infected cells, and live-cell imaging provides insights into mitochondrial dynamics during infection. Our data provide insights into parasite development, polar tube assembly, and microsporidia-induced host mitochondria remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelle V Antao
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cherry Lam
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ari Davydov
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Margot Riggi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - Joseph Sall
- Office of Science and Research Microscopy Laboratory, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christopher Petzold
- Office of Science and Research Microscopy Laboratory, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Feng-Xia Liang
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Office of Science and Research Microscopy Laboratory, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Janet H Iwasa
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - Damian C Ekiert
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Gira Bhabha
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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13
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Wang Y, Chen J, Na Y, Li XC, Zhou JF, Fang WH, Tan HX. Ecytonucleospora hepatopenaei n. gen. et comb. (Microsporidia: Enterocytozoonidae): A redescription of the Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (Tourtip et al., 2009), a microsporidian infecting the widely cultivated shrimp Penaeus vannamei. J Invertebr Pathol 2023; 201:107988. [PMID: 37657756 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2023.107988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
The microsporidian Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei from Penaeus vannamei (EHPPv) was redescribed on the basis of spore morphology, life cycle, pathology, and molecular character. Compared with the Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei isolated from Penaeus monodon (EHPPm), described by Tourtip et al. in 2009, new features were found in EHPPv. Electron microscopy demonstrated that EHPPv was closely associated with the nucleus of host cell. The merogony and sporogony phages were in direct contact with the cytoplasm of host cells, whereas some of the sporoblasts and the spores were surrounded by the interfacial envelope. Mature spores of EHPPv were oval and monokaryotic, measuring 1.65 ± 0.15 μm × 0.92 ± 0.05 μm. Spores possessed many polyribosomes around a bipartite polaroplast and the polar filament with 4-5 coils in two rows. Phylogenetic analyses showed all Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei isolates shared a common ancestor. Based on the morphological and molecular analyses, we propose the establishment of a new genus Ecytonucleospora and transferring Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei to the genus Ecytonucleospora, retaining the specific epithet hepatopenaei that Tourtip et al. proposed in recognition of their first research, as the new combination Ecytonucleospora hepatopenaei n. comb. Furthermore, it was suggested Enterospora nucleophila, Enterocytozoon sp. isolate RA19015_21, and Enterocytozoon schreckii be assigned into this new genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, China Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai 200090, China.
| | - Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Ying Na
- East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, China Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Xin-Cang Li
- East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, China Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Jun-Fang Zhou
- East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, China Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Wen-Hong Fang
- East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, China Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Hong-Xin Tan
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
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14
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Whelan TA, Fast NM. Microsporidia. Curr Biol 2023; 33:R936-R938. [PMID: 37751700 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.06.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
In this Quick guide, Thomas Whelan and Naomi Fast introduce the microsporidia: obligate intracellular parasites with the most extremely reduced genomes known in eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Whelan
- Biodiversity Research Centre, Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Naomi M Fast
- Biodiversity Research Centre, Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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15
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Velázquez-Lizárraga AE, Sukonthamarn P, Junprung W, Nanakorn Z, Itsathitphaisarn O, Jaroenlak P, Tassanakajon A. Molecular characterization of turtle-like protein in whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and its role in Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei infection. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 140:108976. [PMID: 37506856 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.108976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) is a microsporidian parasite that infects shrimp hepatopancreas, causing growth retardation and disease susceptibility. Knowledge of the host-pathogen molecular mechanisms is essential to understanding the microsporidian pathogenesis. Turtle-like protein (TLP) is part of the immunoglobulin superfamily of proteins, which is widely distributed in the animal kingdom. TLP has multiple functions, such as cell surface receptors and cell adhesion molecules. The spore wall proteins (SWPs) of microsporidia are involved in the infection mechanisms. Some SWPs are responsible for spore adherence, which is part of the activation and host cell invasion processes. Previous studies showed that TLP from silkworms (Bombyx mori) interacted with SWP26, contributing to the infectivity of Nosema bombycis to its host. In this study, we identified and characterized for the first time, the Litopenaeus vannamei TLP gene (LvTLP), which encodes an 827-aa protein (92.4 kDa) composed of five immunoglobulin domains, two fibronectin type III domains, and a transmembrane region. The LvTLP transcript was expressed in all tested tissues and upregulated in the hepatopancreas at 1 and 7 days post-cohabitation (dpc) and at 9 dpc in hemocytes. To identify the LvTLP binding counterpart, recombinant (r)LvTLP and recombinant (r)EhSWP1 were produced in Escherichia coli. Coimmunoprecipitation and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays demonstrated that rLvTLP interacted with rEhSWP with high affinity (KD = 1.20 × 10-7 M). In EHP-infected hepatopancreases, LvTLP was clustered and co-localized with some of the developing EHP plasmodia. Furthermore, LvTLP gene silencing reduced the EHP copy numbers compared with those of the control group, suggesting the critical role of LvTLP in EHP infection. These results provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of the host-pathogen interactions during EHP infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián E Velázquez-Lizárraga
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomic of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phaya Thai Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Pongsakorn Sukonthamarn
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomic of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phaya Thai Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Wisarut Junprung
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomic of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phaya Thai Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Zittipong Nanakorn
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomic of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phaya Thai Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Ornchuma Itsathitphaisarn
- Center of Excellence for Shrimp Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (Centex Shrimp), Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, 272 Rama VI, Road, Thung Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Pattana Jaroenlak
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomic of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phaya Thai Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Anchalee Tassanakajon
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomic of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phaya Thai Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
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16
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Chen Y, Lv Q, Liao H, Xie Z, Hong L, Qi L, Pan G, Long M, Zhou Z. The microsporidian polar tube: origin, structure, composition, function, and application. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:305. [PMID: 37649053 PMCID: PMC10468886 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05908-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are a class of obligate intracellular parasitic unicellular eukaryotes that infect a variety of hosts, even including humans. Although different species of microsporidia differ in host range and specificity, they all share a similar infection organelle, the polar tube, which is also defined as the polar filament in mature spores. In response to the appropriate environmental stimulation, the spore germinates with the polar filament everted, forming a hollow polar tube, and then the infectious cargo is transported into host cells via the polar tube. Hence, the polar tube plays a key role in microsporidian infection. Here, we review the origin, structure, composition, function, and application of the microsporidian polar tube, focusing on the origin of the polar filament, the structural differences between the polar filament and polar tube, and the characteristics of polar tube proteins. Comparing the three-dimensional structure of PTP6 homologous proteins provides new insight for the screening of additional novel polar tube proteins with low sequence similarity in microsporidia. In addition, the interaction of the polar tube with the spore wall and the host are summarized to better understand the infection mechanism of microsporidia. Due to the specificity of polar tube proteins, they are also used as the target in the diagnosis and prevention of microsporidiosis. With the present findings, we propose a future study on the polar tube of microsporidia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Qing Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hongjie Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Zhengkai Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Liuyi Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Lei Qi
- Biomedical Research Center for Structural Analysis, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Guoqing Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Mengxian Long
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Zeyang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 400047, China
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17
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Huang Q, Chen J, Lv Q, Long M, Pan G, Zhou Z. Germination of Microsporidian Spores: The Known and Unknown. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:774. [PMID: 37504762 PMCID: PMC10381864 DOI: 10.3390/jof9070774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are a large group of mysterious obligate intracellular eukaryotic parasites. The microsporidian spore can survive in the absence of nutrients for years under harsh conditions and germinate within seconds under the stimulation of environmental changes like pH and ions. During germination, microsporidia experience an increase in intrasporal osmotic pressure, which leads to an influx of water into the spore, followed by swelling of the polaroplasts and posterior vacuole, which eventually fires the polar filament (PF). Infectious sporoplasm was transported through the extruded polar tube (PT) and delivered into the host cell. Despite much that has been learned about the germination of microsporidia, there are still several major questions that remain unanswered, including: (i) There is still a lack of knowledge about the signaling pathways involved in spore germination. (ii) The germination of spores is not well understood in terms of its specific energetics. (iii) Limited understanding of how spores germinate and how the nucleus and membranes are rearranged during germination. (iv) Only a few proteins in the invasion organelles have been identified; many more are likely undiscovered. This review summarizes the major resolved and unresolved issues concerning the process of microsporidian spore germination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyuan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Qing Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Mengxian Long
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Guoqing Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Zeyang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Pollinator Insect of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 400047, China
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18
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Antao NV, Lam C, Davydov A, Riggi M, Sall J, Petzold C, Liang FX, Iwasa J, Ekiert DC, Bhabha G. 3D reconstructions of parasite development and the intracellular niche of the microsporidian pathogen E. intestinalis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.02.547383. [PMID: 37425741 PMCID: PMC10327200 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.02.547383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Microsporidia are an early-diverging group of fungal pathogens that infect a wide range of hosts. Several microsporidian species infect humans, and infections can lead to fatal disease in immunocompromised individuals. As obligate intracellular parasites with highly reduced genomes, microsporidia are dependent on metabolites from their hosts for successful replication and development. Our knowledge of how microsporidian parasites develop inside the host remains rudimentary, and our understanding of the intracellular niche occupied by microsporidia has thus far relied largely on 2D TEM images and light microscopy. Here, we use serial block face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) to capture 3D snapshots of the human-infecting microsporidian, Encephalitozoon intestinalis , within host cells. We track the development of E. intestinalis through its life cycle, which allows us to propose a model for how its infection organelle, the polar tube, is assembled de novo in each developing spore. 3D reconstructions of parasite-infected cells provide insights into the physical interactions between host cell organelles and parasitophorous vacuoles, which contain the developing parasites. The host cell mitochondrial network is substantially remodeled during E. intestinalis infection, leading to mitochondrial fragmentation. SBF-SEM analysis shows changes in mitochondrial morphology in infected cells, and live-cell imaging provides insights into mitochondrial dynamics during infection. Together, our data provide insights into parasite development, polar tube assembly, and microsporidia-induced mitochondrial remodeling in the host cell.
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Fayet M, Prybylski N, Collin ML, Peyretaillade E, Wawrzyniak I, Belkorchia A, Akossi RF, Diogon M, El Alaoui H, Polonais V, Delbac F. Identification and localization of polar tube proteins in the extruded polar tube of the microsporidian Anncaliia algerae. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8773. [PMID: 37253964 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35511-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites able to infect a wide range of hosts from invertebrates to vertebrates. The success of their invasion process is based on an original organelle, the polar tube, which is suddenly extruded from the spore to inoculate the sporoplasm into the host cytoplasm. The polar tube is mainly composed of proteins named polar tube proteins (PTPs). A comparative analysis allowed us to identify genes coding for 5 PTPs (PTP1 to PTP5) in the genome of the microsporidian Anncaliia algerae. While PTP1 and PTP2 are found on the whole polar tube, PTP3 is present in a large part of the extruded polar tube except at its end-terminal part. On the contrary, PTP4 is specifically detected at the end-terminal part of the polar tube. To complete PTPs repertoire, sequential sporal protein extractions were done with high concentration of reducing agents. In addition, a method to purify polar tubes was developed. Mass spectrometry analysis conducted on both samples led to the identification of a PTP3-like protein (PTP3b), and a new PTP (PTP7) only found at the extremity of the polar tube. The specific localization of PTPs asks the question of their roles in cell invasion processes used by A. algerae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurine Fayet
- "Laboratoire "Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement", CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Nastasia Prybylski
- "Laboratoire "Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement", CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marie-Laure Collin
- "Laboratoire "Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement", CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Eric Peyretaillade
- "Laboratoire "Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement", CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Ivan Wawrzyniak
- "Laboratoire "Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement", CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Abdel Belkorchia
- "Laboratoire "Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement", CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Reginald Florian Akossi
- "Laboratoire "Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement", CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marie Diogon
- "Laboratoire "Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement", CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Hicham El Alaoui
- "Laboratoire "Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement", CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Valérie Polonais
- "Laboratoire "Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement", CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Frédéric Delbac
- "Laboratoire "Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement", CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
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Dou Y, Zhang L, Shen H, Zhang S, Cao X, Qiao Y, Jiang G, Cheng J, Wan X, Fan X, Li H, Wang L, Shi W, Qin Y, Sun X. Comparative transcriptome analysis of non-germinated and germinated spores of Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) in vitro. J Invertebr Pathol 2023; 197:107900. [PMID: 36806462 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2023.107900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP), an obligate intracellular parasite classified as microsporidia, is an emerging pathogen with a significant impact on the global shrimp aquaculture industry. The understanding of how microsporidia germinate has been a key factor in exploring its infection process. However, the germination process of EHP was rarely reported. To gain insight into the germination process, we conducted a high-throughput sequencing analysis of purified EHP spores that had undergone in vitro germination treatment. This analysis revealed 137 differentially expressed genes, with 84 up-regulated and 53 down-regulated genes. While the functions of some of the genes remain unknown, this study provides important data on the transcriptomic changes before and after EHP germination, which can aid in further studies on the EHP infection mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yabin Dou
- Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | | | - Hui Shen
- Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Nantong 226007, China; Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China.
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
| | - Xiaohui Cao
- Jiangsu Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Nantong 226007, China
| | - Yi Qiao
- Jiangsu Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Nantong 226007, China.
| | - Ge Jiang
- Jiangsu Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Nantong 226007, China
| | - Jie Cheng
- Jiangsu Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Nantong 226007, China
| | - Xihe Wan
- Jiangsu Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Nantong 226007, China
| | - Xianping Fan
- Jiangsu Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Nantong 226007, China
| | - Hui Li
- Jiangsu Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Nantong 226007, China
| | - Libao Wang
- Jiangsu Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Nantong 226007, China
| | - Wenjun Shi
- Jiangsu Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Nantong 226007, China
| | - Yali Qin
- Jiangsu Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Nantong 226007, China
| | - Xiaoman Sun
- Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
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Codeceira JF, Alvares-Saraiva AM, Hurtado ECP, Spadacci-Morena DD, Coutinho SDA, Lallo MA. Heat-killed Malassezia pachydermatis suspension modulates the activity of macrophages challenged with Encephalitozoon cuniculi. J Mycol Med 2023; 33:101338. [PMID: 36306561 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2022.101338] [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: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Phagocytic responses are critical for effective host defense against opportunistic fungal pathogens, such as Encephalitozoon cuniculi, an obligate intracellular fungus that causes emerging encephalitozoonosis in humans and other animals. Malassezia has immunomodulatory effects and can modulate the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines via keratinocytes and human monocytes. In this study, we evaluated the modulatory effects of heat-killed Malassezia pachydermatis suspension on macrophages challenged with Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Macrophages were treated with heat-killed M. pachydermatis suspension before being infected with spores of E. cuniculi. The cultures were stained with calcofluor, and the spores, internalized or not, were counted to determine their phagocytic capacity and index (PC and PI, respectively). Microbicidal and phagocytic activities were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The untreated macrophages had higher PC and PI and number of phagocytosed spores than treated macrophages. However, TEM revealed that treated macrophages had higher microbicidal activity because there were few spores in different degrees of degeneration and amorphous materials in the phagocytic vacuoles. Macrophages treated with heat-killed M. pachydermatis suspension had lower PC and PI and incipient presence of E. cuniculi in phagosomes. Treated macrophages had a mixed pattern of cytokine release with Th1, Th2, and Th17 profiles, with emphasis on interleukin (IL)-10, IL-4, IL-17, IL-6, and interferon (IFN)-γ secretion, and particularly high production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Our results suggest that treatment with heat-killed M. pachydermatis suspension increases the release of cytokines and decreases the phagocytic activity of macrophages challenged with E. cuniculi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Feliciana Codeceira
- Programa de Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista-Unip, Rua Dr. Bacelar 902, São Paulo, SP CEP 05622-001, Brazil
| | - Anuska Marcelino Alvares-Saraiva
- Programa de Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista-Unip, Rua Dr. Bacelar 902, São Paulo, SP CEP 05622-001, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth Cristina Perez Hurtado
- Programa de Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista-Unip, Rua Dr. Bacelar 902, São Paulo, SP CEP 05622-001, Brazil
| | | | - Selene Dall Acqua Coutinho
- Programa de Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista-Unip, Rua Dr. Bacelar 902, São Paulo, SP CEP 05622-001, Brazil
| | - Maria Anete Lallo
- Programa de Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista-Unip, Rua Dr. Bacelar 902, São Paulo, SP CEP 05622-001, Brazil.
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Bunn DC, Miller N. Natural Occurrence and Analysis of Nosema sp. Infection in the Adult Population of Western Bean Cutworm in Michigan. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 52:39-46. [PMID: 36469425 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvac102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
An understanding of population dynamics and insect biology is important for effective crop management strategies. Biotic factors such as pathogens play a large role on the fitness and dynamics of insect populations. Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites that infect more than 150 insect species and range from sublethal and chronic to fast acting and deadly. The western bean cutworm, Striacosta albicosta (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a pest of both corn (Zea maize L. [Poales: Poaceae]) and dry beans (Phaseolus sp L. [Fabales: Fabaceae]) that is infected by a microsporidian parasite from the genus Nosema (Microsporidia: Nosematidae). Unfortunately, little is known about the interactions between the Nosema sp. (Microsporidia: Nosematidae) infecting the western bean cutworm and its prevalence and effects on the host population. This is especially true for the western bean cutworm population that has settled in the Great Lakes region over the last two decades. Using field caught samples and phase contrast microscopy, no consistent trends in pathogen load were observed over the course of the western bean cutworm flight season. A weak, but statistically significant relationship was observed between male body weight and pathogen load. Overall, we found a 100% prevalence of infection in the adult western bean cutworm population in Michigan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dakota C Bunn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
| | - Nicholas Miller
- Department of Biological Sciences, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
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Imura Y, Nakamura H, Arai R, Hatakeyama Y. Comparison of the Germination Conditions of Two Large-Spore Microsporidia Using Potassium and Sodium Ion Solutions. INSECTS 2023; 14:185. [PMID: 36835754 PMCID: PMC9958894 DOI: 10.3390/insects14020185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The germination of a microsporidian polar tube generally occurs under alkaline conditions. Typically, microsporidian spores can be stored in physiological salt solution for short periods. However, because of differences in the lodging area, the requirements may not always be uniform. In fact, Trachipleistophora sp. OSL-2012-10 (nomen nudum Trachipleistophora haruka) germinated when preserved in physiological salt solution. In this study, the germination characteristics of the large-spore microsporidia Trachipleistophora sp. FOA-2014-10 and Vavraia sp. YGSL-2015-13 were compared with those of Trachipleistophora sp. OSL-2012-10; moreover, we investigated whether these characteristics are specific to these microsporidia. We found that both microsporidia germinated in physiological salt solution. These differences in germination rates were affected by the preservation solution and temperature.
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Structural and Functional Annotation of Hypothetical Proteins from the Microsporidia Species Vittaforma corneae ATCC 50505 Using in silico Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043507. [PMID: 36834914 PMCID: PMC9960886 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are spore-forming eukaryotes that are related to fungi but have unique traits that set them apart. They have compact genomes as a result of evolutionary gene loss associated with their complete dependency on hosts for survival. Despite having a relatively small number of genes, a disproportionately high percentage of the genes in microsporidia genomes code for proteins whose functions remain unknown (hypothetical proteins-HPs). Computational annotation of HPs has become a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to experimental investigation. This research developed a robust bioinformatics annotation pipeline of HPs from Vittaforma corneae, a clinically important microsporidian that causes ocular infections in immunocompromised individuals. Here, we describe various steps to retrieve sequences and homologs and to carry out physicochemical characterization, protein family classification, identification of motifs and domains, protein-protein interaction network analysis, and homology modelling using a variety of online resources. Classification of protein families produced consistent findings across platforms, demonstrating the accuracy of annotation utilizing in silico methods. A total of 162 out of 2034 HPs were fully annotated, with the bulk of them categorized as binding proteins, enzymes, or regulatory proteins. The protein functions of several HPs from Vittaforma corneae were accurately inferred. This improved our understanding of microsporidian HPs despite challenges related to the obligate nature of microsporidia, the absence of fully characterized genes, and the lack of homologous genes in other systems.
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Frolova EV, Paskerova GG, Smirnov AV, Nassonova ES. Diversity, Distribution, and Development of Hyperparasitic Microsporidia in Gregarines within One Super-Host. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11010152. [PMID: 36677444 PMCID: PMC9864637 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Metchnikovellids (Microsporidia: Metchnikovellida) are poorly studied hyperparasitic microsporidia that live in gregarines inhabiting the intestines of marine invertebrates, mostly polychaetes. Our recent studies showed that diversity of metchnikovellids might be significantly higher than previously thought, even within a single host. Four species of metchnikovellids were found in the gregarines inhabiting the gut of the polychaete Pygospio elegans from littoral populations of the White and Barents Seas: the eugregarine Polyrhabdina pygospionis is the host for Metchnikovella incurvata and M. spiralis, while the archigregarine Selenidium pygospionis is the host for M. dogieli and M. dobrovolskiji. The most common species in the White Sea is M. incurvata, while M. dobrovolskiji prevails in the Barents Sea. Gregarines within a single worm could be infected with different metchnikovellid species. However, co-infection of one and the same gregarine with several species of metchnikovellids has never been observed. The difference in prevalence and intensity of metchnikovellid invasion apparently depends on the features of the life cycle and on the development strategies of individual species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina V. Frolova
- Laboratory of Cytology of Unicellular Organisms, Institute of Cytology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology, St Petersburg University, Universitetskaya Emb. 7/9, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Gita G. Paskerova
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology, St Petersburg University, Universitetskaya Emb. 7/9, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexey V. Smirnov
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology, St Petersburg University, Universitetskaya Emb. 7/9, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Elena S. Nassonova
- Laboratory of Cytology of Unicellular Organisms, Institute of Cytology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Correspondence:
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Berbeć E, Migdał P, Cebrat M, Roman A, Murawska A. Honeybee age and inoculum concentration as factors affecting the development of Nosema ceranae infection. THE EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2022.2121009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- E. Berbeć
- Bee Division, Department of Environment, Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - P. Migdał
- Bee Division, Department of Environment, Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - M. Cebrat
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - A. Roman
- Bee Division, Department of Environment, Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - A. Murawska
- Bee Division, Department of Environment, Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
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Debnath SK, Debnath M, Srivastava R. Opportunistic etiological agents causing lung infections: emerging need to transform lung-targeted delivery. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12620. [PMID: 36619445 PMCID: PMC9816992 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung diseases continue to draw considerable attention from biomedical and public health care agencies. The lung with the largest epithelial surface area is continuously exposed to the external environment during exchanging gas. Therefore, the chances of respiratory disorders and lung infections are overgrowing. This review has covered promising and opportunistic etiologic agents responsible for lung infections. These pathogens infect the lungs either directly or indirectly. However, it is difficult to intervene in lung diseases using available oral or parenteral antimicrobial formulations. Many pieces of research have been done in the last two decades to improve inhalable antimicrobial formulations. However, very few have been approved for human use. This review article discusses the approved inhalable antimicrobial agents (AMAs) and identifies why pulmonary delivery is explored. Additionally, the basic anatomy of the respiratory system linked with barriers to AMA delivery has been discussed here. This review opens several new scopes for researchers to work on pulmonary medicines for specific diseases and bring more respiratory medication to market.
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Doboși AA, Bel LV, Paștiu AI, Pusta DL. A Review of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Domestic Rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus)-Biology, Clinical Signs, Diagnostic Techniques, Treatment, and Prevention. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121486. [PMID: 36558820 PMCID: PMC9785705 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121486] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a eukaryote, unicellular, spore-forming, obligate intracellular microorganism of the phylum Microsporidia, with domestic rabbits as its main host. Another important species in which this pathogen has been identified are humans, the infection being therefore called a "zoonosis". The transmission takes place via the horizontal route or the vertical route, and cell-mediated immunity plays the biggest role in the infected hosts' protection. Encephalitozoonosis can manifest itself as an acute infection, with neurological signs, renal signs, and ocular lesions, or as a chronic or subclinical infection, which is usually the case for asymptomatic carriers. The diagnostic techniques usually carried out are histological examination, serological tests, and molecular genetic techniques. The treatment of encephalitozoonosis is usually symptomatic, with unrewarding results, and prevention methods include periodical serological screening, prophylactic administration of fenbendazole, and maintenance of a clean environment. The purpose of this article is to review the current data regarding the pathogenesis, host immunity, clinical signs, diagnostic methods, treatment, and prevention methods of encephalitozoonosis in the domestic rabbit, as well as to analyze the prevalence of this disease in different countries of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca-Alexandra Doboși
- Department of Genetics and Hereditary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- New Companion Animals Veterinary Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Lucia-Victoria Bel
- New Companion Animals Veterinary Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Anamaria Ioana Paștiu
- Department of Genetics and Hereditary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Dana Liana Pusta
- Department of Genetics and Hereditary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Zárate Rodriguez PT, Collazos-Escobar LF, Benavides-Montaño JA. Endoparasites Infecting Domestic Animals and Spectacled Bears (Tremarctos ornatus) in the Rural High Mountains of Colombia. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9100537. [PMID: 36288150 PMCID: PMC9608847 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9100537] [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: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) is a threatened species, a member of the Ursidae family that lives in the Andes rural high mountain territories of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia near livestock areas. Parasites in the spectacled bear are a relevant area of interest to preserve this species and understand its habitats and interactions with farm animals. The present work aimed to evaluate the presence of endoparasites in both T. ornatus and domestic animals in these areas, by copro- parasitological examination. The results indicate that some parasites have zoonotic potential in wild endangered species and domestic animals in Colombian regions. More sensitive molecular techniques are needed for further identification of the parasite species. Abstract This research described the co-infection prevalence of endoparasites in Tremartus ornatus and domestic animals in the rural high mountains of Colombia by copro-parasitological examination. Some parasites have a zoonotic potential in wild endangered species and domestic animals in Colombian regions. T. ornatus had a notable infection with Eimeria spp., Ascaris spp., Ancylostoma spp., and Baylisascaris spp. Cryptosporidium spp., Balantidium coli, Anoplocephala spp., and Acanthamoeba spp. In B. taurus, Eimeria spp. is coinfecting with Cryptosporidium spp. (6.6%) and represents 18% of the total parasitism. In E. caballus and B. taurus. Eimeria spp. coinfecting (34.7%), with the Strongylus spp. (21.9–25%). In T. ornatus, Eimeria spp. is coinfecting with Ancylostoma spp. (36.2%), Cryptosporidium spp., Ascaris spp., Baylisascaris spp., and B. coli.
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High-throughput small molecule screen identifies inhibitors of microsporidia invasion and proliferation in C. elegans. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5653. [PMID: 36163337 PMCID: PMC9513054 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33400-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are a diverse group of fungal-related obligate intracellular parasites that infect most animal phyla. Despite the emerging threat that microsporidia represent to humans and agricultural animals, few reliable treatment options exist. Here, we develop a high-throughput screening method for the identification of chemical inhibitors of microsporidia infection, using liquid cultures of Caenorhabditis elegans infected with the microsporidia species Nematocida parisii. We screen a collection of 2560 FDA-approved compounds and natural products, and identify 11 candidate microsporidia inhibitors. Five compounds prevent microsporidia infection by inhibiting spore firing, whereas one compound, dexrazoxane, slows infection progression. The compounds have in vitro activity against several other microsporidia species, including those known to infect humans. Together, our results highlight the effectiveness of C. elegans as a model host for drug discovery against intracellular pathogens, and provide a scalable high-throughput system for the identification and characterization of microsporidia inhibitors.
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Estrella-Parra EA, Arreola R, Álvarez-Sánchez ME, Torres-Romero JC, Rojas-Espinosa O, De la Cruz-Santiago JA, Martinez-Benitez MB, López-Camarillo C, Lara-Riegos JC, Arana-Argáez VE, Ramírez-Camacho MA. Natural marine products as antiprotozoal agents against amitochondrial parasites. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2022; 19:40-46. [PMID: 35636129 PMCID: PMC9157375 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2022.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this work is to compile and discuss molecules of marine origin reported in the scientific literature with anti-parasitic activity against Trichomonas, Giardia, and Entamoeba, parasites responsible for diseases that are major global health problems, and Microsporidial parasites as an emerging problem. The presented data correspond to metabolites with anti-parasitic activity in human beings that have been isolated by chromatographic techniques from marine sources and structurally elucidated by spectroscopic and spectrometric procedures. We also highlight some semi-synthetic derivatives that have been successful in enhancing the activity of original compounds. The biological oceanic reservoir offers the possibility to discover new biologically active molecules as lead compounds to develop new drug candidates. The molecular variety is extensive and must be correctly explored and managed. Also, it will be necessary to take some actions to preserve the source species from extinction or overharvest (e.g., by cryopreservation of coral spermatozoa, oocytes, embryos, and larvae) and coordinate appropriate exploitation to increase the chemical knowledge of the natural products generated in the oceans. Additional initiatives such as the total synthesis of complex natural products and their derivatives can help to prevent overharvest of the marine ecosystems and at the same time contribute to the discovery of new molecules. Natural active components of marine organisms have specific biological properties. The marine compounds have multiple anti-parasitic activity. The semi-synthetic derivatives of natural active components of marine organism are candidates for new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Antonio Estrella-Parra
- Laboratorio de Fitoquímica, UBIPRO, FES-Iztacala, Unidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios No.1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, 54090, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo Arreola
- Psychiatric Genetics Department, Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Psychiatry, Ramón de la Fuente, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, Colonia San Lorenzo Huipulco, Tlalpan, 14370, México City, DF, Mexico
| | - Maria Elizbeth Álvarez-Sánchez
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México (UACM), San Lorenzo 290, Col. Del Valle, 03100, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | | | - Oscar Rojas-Espinosa
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), 11340, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - José Alberto De la Cruz-Santiago
- Psychiatric Genetics Department, Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Psychiatry, Ramón de la Fuente, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, Colonia San Lorenzo Huipulco, Tlalpan, 14370, México City, DF, Mexico
| | - Máximo Berto Martinez-Benitez
- Psychiatric Genetics Department, Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Psychiatry, Ramón de la Fuente, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, Colonia San Lorenzo Huipulco, Tlalpan, 14370, México City, DF, Mexico
| | - Cesar López-Camarillo
- Psychiatric Genetics Department, Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Psychiatry, Ramón de la Fuente, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, Colonia San Lorenzo Huipulco, Tlalpan, 14370, México City, DF, Mexico
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Bukhari T, Pevsner R, Herren JK. Microsporidia: a promising vector control tool for residual malaria transmission. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.957109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) have resulted in a major decrease in malaria transmission. However, it has become apparent that malaria can be effectively transmitted despite high coverage of LLINs/IRS. Residual transmission can occur due to Plasmodium-carrying Anopheles mosquitoes that are insecticide resistant and have feeding and resting behavior that reduces their chance of encountering the currently deployed indoor malaria control tools. Residual malaria transmission is likely to be the most significant hurdle to achieving the goal of malaria eradication and research and development towards new tools and strategies that can control residual malaria transmission is therefore critical. One of the most promising strategies involves biological agents that are part of the mosquito microbiome and influence the ability of Anopheles to transmit Plasmodium. These differ from biological agents previously used for vector control in that their primary effect is on vectoral capacity rather than the longevity and fitness of Anopheles (which may or may not be affected). An example of this type of biological agent is Microsporidia MB, which was identified in field collected Anopheles arabiensis and caused complete inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum transmission without effecting the longevity and fitness of the host. Microsporidia MB belongs to a unique group of rapidly adapting and evolving intracellular parasites and symbionts called microsporidia. In this review we discuss the general biology of microsporidians and the inherent characteristics that make some of them particularly suitable for malaria control. We then discuss the research priorities for developing a transmission blocking strategy for the currently leading microsporidian candidate Microsporidia MB for malaria control.
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Meng X, Ye H, Shang Z, Sun L, Guo Y, Li N, Xiao L, Feng Y. Identification and Characterization of Three Spore Wall Proteins of Enterocytozoon Bieneusi. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:808986. [PMID: 35795186 PMCID: PMC9251001 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.808986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most common microsporidian pathogen in farm animals and humans. Although several spore wall proteins (SWPs) of other human-pathogenic microsporidia have been identified, SWPs of E. bieneusi remain poorly characterized. In the present study, we identified the sequences of three E. bieneusi SWPs from whole genome sequence data, expressed them in Escherichia coli, generated a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against one of them (EbSWP1), and used the mAb in direct immunofluorescence detection of E. bieneusi spores in fecal samples. The amino acid sequence of EbSWP1 shares some identity to EbSWP2 with a BAR2 domain, while the sequence of EbSWP3 contains a MICSWaP domain. No cross-reactivity among the EbSWPs was demonstrated using the polyclonal antibodies generated against them. The mAb against EbSWP1 was shown to react with E. bieneusi spores in fecal samples. Using chromotrope 2R staining-based microscopy as the gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of the direct immunofluorescence for the detection of E. bieneusi were 91.4 and 73.7%. Data generated from the study could be useful in the characterization of E. bieneusi and immunological detection of the pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinan Meng
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haojie Ye
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziyu Shang
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lianjing Sun
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaqiong Guo
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Na Li
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Lihua Xiao, ; Yaoyu Feng,
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Lihua Xiao, ; Yaoyu Feng,
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Zhang X, Feng H, He J, Liang X, Zhang N, Shao Y, Zhang F, Lu X. The gut commensal bacterium Enterococcus faecalis LX10 contributes to defending against Nosema bombycis infection in Bombyx mori. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:2215-2227. [PMID: 35192238 PMCID: PMC9314687 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microsporidia, a group of obligate intracellular fungal-related parasites, have been used as efficient biocontrol agents for agriculture and forestry pests due to their host specificity and transovarial transmission. They mainly infect insect pests through the intestinal tract, but the interactions between microsporidia and the gut microbiota of the host have not been well demonstrated. RESULTS Based on the microsporidia-Bombyx mori model, we report that the susceptibility of silkworms to exposure to the microsporidium Nosema bombycis was both dose and time dependent. Comparative analyses of the silkworm gut microbiome revealed substantially increased abundance of Enterococcus belonging to Firmicutes after N. bombycis infection. Furthermore, a bacterial strain (LX10) was obtained from the gut of B. mori and identified as Enterococcus faecalis based on 16S rRNA sequence analysis. E. faecalis LX10 reduced the N. bombycis spore germination rate and the infection efficiency in vitro and in vivo, as confirmed by bioassay tests and histopathological analyses. In addition, after simultaneous oral feeding with E. faecalis LX10 and N. bombycis, gene (Akirin, Cecropin A, Mesh, Ssk, DUOX and NOS) expression, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide levels, and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity showed different degrees of recovery and correction compared with those under N. bombycis infection alone. Finally, the enterococcin LX protein was identified from sterile LX10 fermentation liquid based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. CONCLUSION Altogether, the results revealed that E. faecalis LX10 with anti-N. bombycis activity might play an important role in protecting silkworms from microsporidia. Removal of these specific commensal bacteria with antibiotics and utilization of transgenic symbiotic systems may effectively improve the biocontrol value of microsporidia. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiancui Zhang
- Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Huihui Feng
- Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Jintao He
- Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Xili Liang
- Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Nan Zhang
- Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Yongqi Shao
- Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Fan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, College of Life ScienceShandong Normal UniversityJinanChina
| | - Xingmeng Lu
- Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
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Protists in the Insect Rearing Industry: Benign Passengers or Potential Risk? INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13050482. [PMID: 35621816 PMCID: PMC9144225 DOI: 10.3390/insects13050482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary As human populations grow and the climate crisis deepens, humans will need to look to alternative sustainable sources of protein. The insect rearing industry is now rapidly growing to generate more sustainable sources of food and feed, and, as it does so, there will be an urgent need to better understand the role that microorganisms play in both maintaining insect health and generating disease. Protists are microbes that are neither viral, bacterial nor fungal and, therefore, are sometimes overlooked when considering microbial fauna. In this paper, we review the literature on protists that have been uncovered within insects that are being considered for rearing as food and feed. We discuss what is known about how they interact with hosts, how they may affect industrially reared insects in the future and which tools now need to be developed to better study them. Abstract As the insects for food and feed industry grows, a new understanding of the industrially reared insect microbiome is needed to better comprehend the role that it plays in both maintaining insect health and generating disease. While many microbiome projects focus on bacteria, fungi or viruses, protists (including microsporidia) can also make up an important part of these assemblages. Past experiences with intensive invertebrate rearing indicate that these parasites, whilst often benign, can rapidly sweep through populations, causing extensive damage. Here, we review the diversity of microsporidia and protist species that are found in reared insect hosts and describe the current understanding of their host spectra, life cycles and the nature of their interactions with hosts. Major entomopathogenic parasite groups with the potential to infect insects currently being reared for food and feed include the Amoebozoa, Apicomplexa, Ciliates, Chlorophyta, Euglenozoa, Ichtyosporea and Microsporidia. However, key gaps exist in the understanding of how many of these entomopathogens affect host biology. In addition, for many of them, there are very limited or even no molecular data, preventing the implementation of molecular detection methods. There is now a pressing need to develop and use novel molecular tools, coupled with standard molecular diagnostic methods, to help unlock their biology and predict the effects of these poorly studied protist parasites in intensive insect rearing systems.
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Lv Q, Zhou B, Liao H, He X, Chen Y, Pan G, Long M, Zhou Z. Proteomic profile of polar filament and polar tube from fungal pathogen microsporidium Nosema bombycis provides new insights into its unique invasion organelle. J Proteomics 2022; 263:104617. [PMID: 35595055 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104617] [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: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidium is a kind of intracellular fungal pathogen that greatly threatens the human health, breeding industry, and food security. All members of microsporidia possess a unique, highly specialized invasion organelle, described as the polar filament. Like "reversing a finger of gloves", the polar filament discharges out of mature spores to transform as the polar tube, and pathogenic sporoplasm is transported to host cell through polar tube to complete infection. During the invasion process, the structure of polar filament and polar tube has changed, so does the protein composition on them? In this study, we firstly proposed a purification method for polar filament and polar tube from microsporidium Nosema bombycis which was infected silkworm Bombyx mori, and it was also found that the structure of polar filament and polar tube was obviously different. Therefore, the proteome of these two structures was comparatively analyzed. A total of 881 and 1216 proteins were respectively identified from the polar filament and polar tube. Ten potential novel polar tube proteins (PTPs) were screened, providing a reference for the novel PTPs identification. Compared with the polar filament, there were 35 upregulated and 41 downregulated proteins on the polar tube. GO and KEGG pathway analysis of all proteins from the polar filament and polar tube provided us with a profound understanding for the microsporidian germination process, which was of great significance for clarifying the infection mechanism of microsporidia. SIGNIFICANCE: Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites that infect a wide variety of hosts, including humans. The polar filament is a unique invasion organelle for microsporidia, and it is also one of the important indexes of microsporidian taxonomy. The polar tube is deformed from the primitive polar filament in mature spores. During the germination, the polar filament turns into a polar tube, like "reversing a finger of gloves", through which pathogenic sporoplasm is transported to host cells to complete infection. Since the structure of the polar filament and polar tube has changed, what about their protein composition? In this study, it was the first time to purify the polar filament and the polar tube from microsporidium Nosema bombycis that was infected silkworm Bombyx mori, which provided new insights for studying the invasion organelle of microsporidia. Comparing the fine structure of polar filament and polar tube, we found that their structure was obviously different. Therefore, the protein composition of these two structures is supposed to be varied. In this case, the proteome of these two structures was comparatively analyzed. A total of 881 and 1216 proteins were respectively identified from the polar filament and polar tube. Ten potential novel polar tube proteins (PTPs) were screened, providing a reference for the novel PTPs identification. Compared with the polar filament, there were 35 upregulated and 41 downregulated proteins on the polar tube. GO and KEGG pathway analysis of all proteins from the polar filament and polar tube provided us with a profound understanding for the microsporidian germination process, which was of great significance for clarifying the infection mechanism of microsporidia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Bingqian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Hongjie Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xiuli He
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yuqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Guoqing Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Mengxian Long
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Zeyang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 400047, China.
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Wang Y, Ying N, Huang Y, Zou X, Liu X, Li L, Zhou J, Zhao S, Ma R, Li X, Tan H, Fang W. Nucleospora hippocampi n. sp., an Intranuclear Microsporidian Infecting the Seahorse Hippocampus erectus From China. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:882843. [PMID: 35601100 PMCID: PMC9114889 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.882843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The life cycle, ultrastructure, and molecular phylogeny of a new intranuclear microsporidian, Nucleospora hippocampi n. sp., infecting the intestine of the Hippocampus erectus, were described. The histopathology revealed an extensive infection, mainly in the columnar epithelium of the intestinal mucosa layer. The enterocytes were the important target cell for Nucleospora hippocampi n. sp. infection. Transmission electron microscopy results showed that this microsporidian developed directly within the host cell nucleoplasm. In the intranuclear life cycle, the transformation from meront to sporogonial plasmodium was recognized by forming electron-dense disc structures, which were considered the polar tube precursors. The microsporidian showed the typical morphological characteristics of the family Enterocytozoonidae in the formation and development of spore organelles prior to the division of the sporogonial plasmodium. According to wet smear observation, eight spores were generally formed in a single host nucleus. Mature spores were elongated ovoids that were slightly bent and measured 1.93 × 0.97 μm. The isofilar polar tube was arranged in 7~8 coils in one row. Phylogenetic analysis of its small subunit ribosomal DNA sequences demonstrated that the parasite belonged to the Nucleospora group clade. The histological, ultrastructural, and molecular data support the emergence of a new species in the genus Nucleospora. This is the first report of Nucleospora species in Asia and threatened syngnathid fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wang
- East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, China Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai, China
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Na Ying
- East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, China Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanqing Huang
- East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, China Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiong Zou
- East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, China Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Liu
- East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, China Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Letian Li
- East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, China Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai, China
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junfang Zhou
- East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, China Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu Zhao
- East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, China Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongrong Ma
- College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Xincang Li
- East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, China Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongxin Tan
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Hongxin Tan, ; Wenhong Fang,
| | - Wenhong Fang
- East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, China Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Hongxin Tan, ; Wenhong Fang,
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Proteomic Analysis of Spore Surface Proteins and Characteristics of a Novel Spore Wall Protein and Biomarker, EhSWP3, from the Shrimp Microsporidium Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP). Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020367. [PMID: 35208822 PMCID: PMC8874471 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei, a spore-forming and obligate intracellular microsporidium, mainly infects shrimp and results in growth retardation and body length variation, causing huge economic losses to the Asian shrimp aquaculture industry. However, the lack of a full understanding of the surface proteins of spores associated with host infection has hindered the development of technologies for the detection of EHP. In this study, the surface proteins of EHP spores were extracted using the improved SDS method, and 130 proteins were identified via LC-MS/MS analysis. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that these proteins were enriched in biological processes (67), cellular components (62), and molecular functions (71) based on GO terms. KEGG pathway analysis showed that 20 pathways, including the proteasome (eight proteins) and the fatty acid metabolism (15 proteins), were enriched. Among 15 high-abundance surface proteins (HASPs), EhSWP3 was identified as a novel spore wall protein (SWP), and was localized on the endospore of the EHP spores with an indirect immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy assay. Polyclonal antibodies against EhSWP3 showed strong species specificity and high sensitivity to the hepatopancreas of EHP-infected shrimp. As a specific high-abundance protein, EhSWP3 is therefore a promising target for the development of immunoassay tools for EHP detection, and may play a crucial role in the invasion of EHP into the host.
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Tamim El Jarkass H, Mok C, Schertzberg MR, Fraser AG, Troemel ER, Reinke AW. An intestinally secreted host factor promotes microsporidia invasion of C. elegans. eLife 2022; 11:72458. [PMID: 34994689 PMCID: PMC8806185 DOI: 10.7554/elife.72458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are ubiquitous obligate intracellular pathogens of animals. These parasites often infect hosts through an oral route, but little is known about the function of host intestinal proteins that facilitate microsporidia invasion. To identify such factors necessary for infection by Nematocida parisii, a natural microsporidian pathogen of Caenorhabditis elegans, we performed a forward genetic screen to identify mutant animals that have a Fitness Advantage with Nematocida (Fawn). We isolated four fawn mutants that are resistant to Nematocida infection and contain mutations in T14E8.4, which we renamed aaim-1 (Antibacterial and Aids invasion by Microsporidia). Expression of AAIM-1 in the intestine of aaim-1 animals restores N. parisii infectivity and this rescue of infectivity is dependent upon AAIM-1 secretion. N. parisii spores in aaim-1 animals are improperly oriented in the intestinal lumen, leading to reduced levels of parasite invasion. Conversely, aaim-1 mutants display both increased colonization and susceptibility to the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa and overexpression ofaaim-1 reduces P. aeruginosa colonization. Competitive fitness assays show that aaim-1 mutants are favored in the presence of N. parisii but disadvantaged on P. aeruginosa compared to wild-type animals. Together, this work demonstrates how microsporidia exploits a secreted protein to promote host invasion. Our results also suggest evolutionary trade-offs may exist to optimizing host defense against multiple classes of pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Calvin Mok
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Andrew G Fraser
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Emily R Troemel
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, United States
| | - Aaron W Reinke
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Willis AR, Reinke AW. Factors That Determine Microsporidia Infection and Host Specificity. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2022; 114:91-114. [PMID: 35544000 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-93306-7_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microsporidia are a large phylum of obligate intracellular parasites that infect an extremely diverse range of animals and protists. In this chapter, we review what is currently known about microsporidia host specificity and what factors influence microsporidia infection. Extensive sampling in nature from related hosts has provided insight into the host range of many microsporidia species. These field studies have been supported by experiments conducted in controlled laboratory environments which have helped to demonstrate host specificity. Together, these approaches have revealed that, while examples of generalist species exist, microsporidia specificity is often narrow, and species typically infect one or several closely related hosts. For microsporidia to successfully infect and complete their life cycle within a compatible host, several steps must occur, including spore germination, host cell invasion, and proliferation of the parasite within the host tissue. Many factors influence infection, including temperature, seasonality, nutrient availability, and the presence or absence of microbes, as well as the developmental stage, sex, and genetics of the host. Several studies have identified host genomic regions that influence resistance to microsporidia, and future work is likely to uncover molecular mechanisms of microsporidia host specificity in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra R Willis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Aaron W Reinke
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Jaroenlak P, Usmani M, Ekiert DC, Bhabha G. Mechanics of Microsporidian Polar Tube Firing. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2022; 114:215-245. [PMID: 35544005 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-93306-7_9] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As obligate intracellular parasites with reduced genomes, microsporidia must infect host cells in order to replicate and cause disease. They can initiate infection by utilizing a harpoon-like invasion organelle called the polar tube (PT). The PT is both visually and functionally a striking organelle and is a characteristic feature of the microsporidian phylum. Outside the host, microsporidia exist as transmissible, single-celled spores. Inside each spore, the PT is arranged as a tight coil. Upon germination, the PT undergoes a large conformational change into a long, linear tube and acts as a tunnel for the delivery of infectious cargo from the spore to a host cell. The firing process is extremely rapid, occurring on a millisecond timescale, and the emergent tube may be as long as 20 times the size of the spore body. In this chapter, we discuss what is known about the structure of the PT, the mechanics of the PT firing process, and how it enables movement of material from the spore body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pattana Jaroenlak
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mahrukh Usmani
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Damian C Ekiert
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Gira Bhabha
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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Han B, Takvorian PM, Weiss LM. The Function and Structure of the Microsporidia Polar Tube. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2022; 114:179-213. [PMID: 35544004 PMCID: PMC10037675 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-93306-7_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular pathogens that were initially identified about 160 years ago. Current phylogenetic analysis suggests that they are grouped with Cryptomycota as a basal branch or sister group to the fungi. Microsporidia are found worldwide and can infect a wide range of animals from invertebrates to vertebrates, including humans. They are responsible for a variety of diseases once thought to be restricted to immunocompromised patients but also occur in immunocompetent individuals. The small oval spore containing a coiled polar filament, which is part of the extrusion and invasion apparatus that transfers the infective sporoplasm to a new host, is a defining characteristic of all microsporidia. When the spore becomes activated, the polar filament uncoils and undergoes a rapid transition into a hollow tube that will transport the sporoplasm into a new cell. The polar tube has the ability to increase its diameter from approximately 100 nm to over 600 nm to accommodate the passage of an intact sporoplasm and penetrate the plasmalemma of the new host cell. During this process, various polar tube proteins appear to be involved in polar tube attachment to host cell and can interact with host proteins. These various interactions act to promote host cell infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Han
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Peter M Takvorian
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Louis M Weiss
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA.
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ROMANO F, XAVIER JG, DE ARAÚJO RS, COUTINHO SD, LALLO MA. Successful use of albendazole and fenbendazole therapy in a cat with persistent diarrhea due <i>Enterocytozoon bieneusi</i>. J Vet Med Sci 2022; 84:869-871. [PMID: 35491092 PMCID: PMC9246685 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.22-0045] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi, also known as microsporidia, is an obligate,
opportunistic, and neglected intracellular pathogen that causes diarrhea in humans.
Although identified in the cat feces by epidemiological studies, no association with
diarrhea has been demonstrated. We demonstrated a case of chronic enteritis by E.
bieneusi in a 1-year-old male Maine Coon cat, neutered with diarrhea for nine
months, by histopathological analysis of gastrointestinal biopsies and PCR of feces. The
treatment with albendazole (10 days) followed by fenbendazole (5 days) proved to be
effective and safe after diagnosis. This description highlights the need to investigate
these pathogens in cases of diarrhea due to their importance in public health since they
are zoonotic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe ROMANO
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista–UNIP
| | - José Guilherme XAVIER
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista–UNIP
| | | | | | - Maria Anete LALLO
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista–UNIP
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Kwon JY, Seo JY, Kim TY, Lee HI, Ju JW. First Identification and Genotyping of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Prevalence of Encephalitozoon intestinalis in Patients with Acute Diarrhea in the Republic of Korea. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111424. [PMID: 34832580 PMCID: PMC8622466 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Encephalitozoon intestinalis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi can cause diarrhea in humans, especially severe diarrhea in immunocompromised patients. However, there have been few studies on Enc. intestinalis and Ent. bieneusi in patients with acute diarrhea in the Republic of Korea (ROK). In this study, fecal samples were collected from 1241 patients with acute diarrhea in 2020. Among these, 24 cases of Enc. intestinalis and one case of Ent. bieneusi were detected via PCR amplification of small subunit ribosomal RNA. Genotyping of the internal transcribed spacer region sequence revealed that the detected Ent. bieneusi genotype was in Group 1. This study provides the first evidence that Ent. bieneusi exists in humans in addition to animals in the ROK. To identify the causative agent, continuous monitoring of Enc. intestinalis and Ent. bieneusi is necessary for patients with acute diarrhea in the ROK.
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Kaczmarek A, Boguś MI. Fungi of entomopathogenic potential in Chytridiomycota and Blastocladiomycota, and in fungal allies of the Oomycota and Microsporidia. IMA Fungus 2021; 12:29. [PMID: 34635188 PMCID: PMC8504053 DOI: 10.1186/s43008-021-00074-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between entomopathogenic fungi and their insect hosts is a classic example of the co-evolutionary arms race between pathogen and target host. The present review describes the entomopathogenic potential of Chytridiomycota and Blastocladiomycota fungi, and two groups of fungal allies: Oomycota and Microsporidia. The Oomycota (water moulds) are considered as a model biological control agent of mosquito larvae. Due to their shared ecological and morphological similarities, they had long been considered a part of the fungal kingdom; however, phylogenetic studies have since placed this group within the Straminipila. The Microsporidia are parasites of economically-important insects, including grasshoppers, lady beetles, bumblebees, colorado potato beetles and honeybees. They have been found to display some fungal characteristics, and phylogenetic studies suggest that they are related to fungi, either as a basal branch or sister group. The Blastocladiomycota and Chytridiomycota, named the lower fungi, historically were described together; however, molecular phylogenetic and ultrastructural research has classified them in their own phylum. They are considered parasites of ants, and of the larval stages of black flies, mosquitoes and scale insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Kaczmarek
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Mieczysława I Boguś
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818, Warsaw, Poland
- Biomibo, Strzygłowska 15, 04-872, Warsaw, Poland
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Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular pathogens identified ∼150 years ago as the cause of pébrine, an economically important infection in silkworms. There are about 220 genera and 1,700 species of microsporidia, which are classified based on their ultrastructural features, developmental cycle, host-parasite relationship, and molecular analysis. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that microsporidia are related to the fungi, being grouped with the Cryptomycota as a basal branch or sister group to the fungi. Microsporidia can be transmitted by food and water and are likely zoonotic, as they parasitize a wide range of invertebrate and vertebrate hosts. Infection in humans occurs in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient hosts, e.g., in patients with organ transplantation, patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and patients receiving immune modulatory therapy such as anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha antibody. Clusters of infections due to latent infection in transplanted organs have also been demonstrated. Gastrointestinal infection is the most common manifestation; however, microsporidia can infect virtually any organ system, and infection has resulted in keratitis, myositis, cholecystitis, sinusitis, and encephalitis. Both albendazole and fumagillin have efficacy for the treatment of various species of microsporidia; however, albendazole has limited efficacy for the treatment of Enterocytozoon bieneusi. In addition, immune restoration can lead to resolution of infection. While the prevalence rate of microsporidiosis in patients with AIDS has fallen in the United States, due to the widespread use of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), infection continues to occur throughout the world and is still seen in the United States in the setting of cART if a low CD4 count persists.
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48
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Generation of a Microsporidia Species Attribute Database and Analysis of the Extensive Ecological and Phenotypic Diversity of Microsporidia. mBio 2021; 12:e0149021. [PMID: 34182782 PMCID: PMC8262960 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01490-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are a large group of fungus-related obligate intracellular parasites. Though many microsporidia species have been identified over the past 160 years, depiction of the full diversity of this phylum is lacking. To systematically describe the characteristics of these parasites, we created a database of 1,440 species and their attributes, including the hosts they infect and spore characteristics. We find that microsporidia have been reported to infect 16 metazoan and 4 protozoan phyla, with smaller phyla being underrepresented. Most species are reported to infect only a single host, but those that are generalists are also more likely to infect a broader set of host tissues. Strikingly, polar tubes are threefold longer in species that infect tissues besides the intestine, suggesting that polar tube length is a determinant of tissue specificity. Phylogenetic analysis revealed four clades which each contain microsporidia that infect hosts from all major habitats. Although related species are more likely to infect similar hosts, we observe examples of changes in host specificity and convergent evolution. Taken together, our results show that microsporidia display vast diversity in their morphology and the hosts they infect, illustrating the flexibility of these parasites to evolve new traits.
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49
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Huang Q, Wu ZH, Li WF, Guo R, Xu JS, Dang XQ, Ma ZG, Chen YP, Evans JD. Genome and Evolutionary Analysis of Nosema ceranae: A Microsporidian Parasite of Honey Bees. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:645353. [PMID: 34149635 PMCID: PMC8206274 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.645353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia comprise a phylum of single cell, intracellular parasites and represent the earliest diverging branch in the fungal kingdom. The microsporidian parasite Nosema ceranae primarily infects honey bee gut epithelial cells, leading to impaired memory, suppressed host immune responses and colony collapse under certain circumstances. As the genome of N. ceranae is challenging to assembly due to very high genetic diversity and repetitive region, the genome was re-sequenced using long reads. We present a robust 8.8 Mbp genome assembly of 2,280 protein coding genes, including a high number of genes involved in transporting nutrients and energy, as well as drug resistance when compared with sister species Nosema apis. We also describe the loss of the critical protein Dicer in approximately half of the microsporidian species, giving new insights into the availability of RNA interference pathway in this group. Our results provided new insights into the pathogenesis of N. ceranae and a blueprint for treatment strategies that target this parasite without harming honey bees. The unique infectious apparatus polar filament and transportation pathway members can help to identify treatments to control this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Huang
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China.,Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhi Hao Wu
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China.,Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wen Feng Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Guo
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jin Shan Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao Qun Dang
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zheng Gang Ma
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Ping Chen
- US Department of Agriculture-Aricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, United States
| | - Jay D Evans
- US Department of Agriculture-Aricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, United States
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50
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Tanida K, Hahn A, Eberhardt KA, Tannich E, Landt O, Kann S, Feldt T, Sarfo FS, Di Cristanziano V, Frickmann H, Loderstädt U. Comparative Assessment of In-House Real-Time PCRs Targeting Enteric Disease-Associated Microsporidia in Human Stool Samples. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060656. [PMID: 34073403 PMCID: PMC8229491 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidiosis is an infection predominantly occurring in immunosuppressed patients and infrequently also in travelers. This study was performed to comparatively evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of real-time PCR assays targeting microsporidia with etiological relevance in the stool of human patients in a latent class analysis-based test comparison without a reference standard with perfect accuracy. Thereby, two one-tube real-time PCR assays and two two-tube real-time PCR assays targeting Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalocytozoon spp. were included in the assessment with reference stool material (20), stool samples from Ghanaian HIV-positive patients (903), and from travelers, migrants and Colombian indigenous people (416). Sensitivity of the assays ranged from 60.4% to 97.4% and specificity from 99.1% to 100% with substantial agreement according to Cohen’s kappa of 79.6%. Microsporidia DNA was detected in the reference material and the stool of the HIV patients but not in the stool of the travelers, migrants, and the Colombian indigenous people. Accuracy-adjusted prevalence was 5.8% (n = 78) for the study population as a whole. In conclusion, reliable detection of enteric disease-associated microsporidia in stool samples by real-time PCR could be demonstrated, but sensitivity between the compared microsporidia-specific real-time PCR assays varied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Tanida
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (K.T.); (H.F.)
| | - Andreas Hahn
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Egbert Tannich
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany;
- National Reference Centre for Tropical Pathogens, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Simone Kann
- Medical Mission Institute, 97074 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Torsten Feldt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany;
| | - Fred Stephen Sarfo
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana;
| | - Veronica Di Cristanziano
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50935 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Hagen Frickmann
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (K.T.); (H.F.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Ulrike Loderstädt
- Department of Hospital Hygiene & Infectious Diseases, University Medicine Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-551-3965709
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