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Hagen KD, Hart CJS, McInally SG, Dawson SC. Harnessing the power of new genetic tools to illuminate Giardia biology and pathogenesis. Genetics 2024; 227:iyae038. [PMID: 38626297 PMCID: PMC11151923 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyae038] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Giardia is a prevalent single-celled microaerophilic intestinal parasite causing diarrheal disease and significantly impacting global health. Double diploid (essentially tetraploid) Giardia trophozoites have presented a formidable challenge to the development of molecular genetic tools to interrogate gene function. High sequence divergence and the high percentage of hypothetical proteins lacking homology to proteins in other eukaryotes have limited our understanding of Giardia protein function, slowing drug target validation and development. For more than 25 years, Giardia A and B assemblages have been readily amenable to transfection with plasmids or linear DNA templates. Here, we highlight the utility and power of genetic approaches developed to assess protein function in Giardia, with particular emphasis on the more recent clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats/Cas9-based methods for knockdowns and knockouts. Robust and reliable molecular genetic approaches are fundamental toward the interrogation of Giardia protein function and evaluation of druggable targets. New genetic approaches tailored for the double diploid Giardia are imperative for understanding Giardia's unique biology and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari D Hagen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Christopher J S Hart
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Shane G McInally
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
| | - Scott C Dawson
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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2
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Manciu FS, Guerrero J, Pence BC, Martinez Lopez LV, Das S. Assessment of Drug Activities against Giardia Using Hyperspectral Raman Microscopy. Pathogens 2024; 13:358. [PMID: 38787210 PMCID: PMC11124377 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13050358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study demonstrates the capability of Raman microscopy for detecting structural differences in Giardia cells exposed to different drugs and incubation times. While metronidazole (MTZ) visibly affects the cells by inducing extracellular vesicle releases of toxic iron intermediates and modified triple-bond moieties, oseltamivir (OSM) alters the phenylalanine and lipid structures. Modifications in the heme protein environment and the transformation of iron from ferric to ferrous observed for both drug treatments are more notable for MTZ. Different contents and amounts of vesicle excretion are detected for 24 h or 48 h with MTZ incubation. At a shorter drug exposure, releases of altered proteins, glycogen, and phospholipids dominate. Agglomerates of transformed iron complexes from heme proteins and multiple-bond moieties prevail at 48 h of treatment. No such vesicle releases are present in the case of OSM usage. Drug incorporations into the cells and their impact on the plasma membrane and the dynamics of lipid raft confirmed by confocal fluorescence microscopy reveal a more destructive extent by OSM, corroborating the Raman results. Raman microscopy provides a broader understanding of the multifaceted factors and mechanisms responsible for giardiasis treatment or drug resistance by enabling a label-free, simultaneous monitoring of structural changes at the cellular and molecular levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia S. Manciu
- Department of Physics, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (J.G.); (L.V.M.L.)
- Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Jose Guerrero
- Department of Physics, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (J.G.); (L.V.M.L.)
| | - Breanna C. Pence
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA;
| | | | - Siddhartha Das
- Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA;
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Asghari A, Mahdavi F, Yousefi A, Shamsi L, Badali R, Mohammadi MR, Irannejad H, Mohammadi-Ghalehbin B, Shahabi S, Asgari Q, Motazedian MH, Bastaminejad S. Development of New PCR Protocols to Detect Genetic Diversity in the Metronidazole Metabolism Genes in Susceptible and Refractory Clinical Samples of Giardia duodenalis. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:1073-1077. [PMID: 38499920 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00828-9] [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: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Investigating the genetic variation in thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and nitroreductase (NR) genes in both treatment-resistant and -sensitive Giardia duodenalis isolates can provide valuable information in identifying potential markers of resistance to metronidazole. The rapid increase in metronidazole treatment failures suggests the presence of genetic resistance mechanisms. By analyzing these genes, researchers can gain insights into the efficacy of metronidazole against G. duodenalis and potentially develop alternative treatment strategies. In this regard, four G. duodenalis isolates (two clinically sensitive and two clinically resistant to metronidazole) were collected from various hospitals of Shiraz, southwestern Iran. METHODS Parasitological methods including sucrose flotation and microscopy were employed for the primary confirmation of G. duodenalis cysts in stool samples. Microscopy-positive samples were approved by SSU-PCR amplification of the parasite DNA. All four positive G. duodenalis specimens at SSU-PCR were afterward analyzed utilizing designed primers based on important metronidazole metabolism genes including TrxR, NR1, and NR2. RESULTS Unlike TrxR gene, the results of NR1 and NR2 genes showed that there are non-synonymous variations between sequences of treatment-sensitive and -resistant samples compared to reference sequences. Furthermore, the outcomes of molecular docking revealed that there is an interaction between the protein sequence and spatial shape of treatment-resistant samples and metronidazole in the position of serine amino acid based on the NR1 gene. CONCLUSION This issue can be one of the possible factors involved in the resistance of Giardia parasites to metronidazole. To reach more accurate results, a large sample size along with simulation and advanced molecular dynamics investigations are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Asghari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Farzad Mahdavi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Gilan, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Yousefi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Laya Shamsi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Roya Badali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mohammad Reza Mohammadi
- Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Irannejad
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | | | - Saeed Shahabi
- Department of Biology and Control of Disease Vectors, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Qasem Asgari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Saiyad Bastaminejad
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of ParaMedicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
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Zurita A, Vega Hissi E, Cianci Romero A, Luján AM, Salido S, Yaneff A, Davio C, Cobo J, Carpinella MC, Enriz RD. Rosmarinic Acid Present in Lepechinia floribunda and Lepechinia meyenii as a Potent Inhibitor of the Adenylyl Cyclase gNC1 from Giardia lamblia. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:646. [PMID: 38475493 DOI: 10.3390/plants13050646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Giardiasis is a parasitosis caused by Giardia lamblia with significant epidemiological and clinical importance due to its high prevalence and pathogenicity. The lack of optimal therapies for treating this parasite makes the development of new effective chemical entities an urgent need. In the search for new inhibitors of the adenylyl cyclase gNC1 obtained from G. lamblia, 14 extracts from Argentinian native plants were screened. Lepechinia floribunda and L. meyenii extracts exhibited the highest gNC1 inhibitory activity, with IC50 values of 9 and 31 µg/mL, respectively. In silico studies showed rosmarinic acid, a hydroxycinnamic acid present in both mentioned species, to be a promising anti-gNC1 compound. This result was confirmed experimentally, with rosmarinic acid showing an IC50 value of 10.1 µM. Theoretical and experimental findings elucidate the molecular-level mechanism of rosmarinic acid, pinpointing the key interactions stabilizing the compound-enzyme complex and the binding site. These results strongly support that rosmarinic acid is a promising scaffold for developing novel compounds with inhibitory activity against gNC1, which could serve as potential therapeutic agents to treat giardiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adolfo Zurita
- Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas (IMIBIO-SL), Ejército de los Andes 950, San Luis 5700, Argentina
| | - Esteban Vega Hissi
- Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas (IMIBIO-SL), Ejército de los Andes 950, San Luis 5700, Argentina
| | - Agostina Cianci Romero
- Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas (IMIBIO-SL), Ejército de los Andes 950, San Luis 5700, Argentina
| | - Adela María Luján
- Laboratorio de Química Fina y Productos Naturales, Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Inmunología y Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIDIE) CONICET-UCC, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Avda. Armada Argentina 3555, Córdoba X5016DHK, Argentina
| | - Sofía Salido
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica y Orgánica, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas s/n, 23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - Agustín Yaneff
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (ININFA-UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Buenos Aires C1113AAD, Argentina
| | - Carlos Davio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (ININFA-UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Buenos Aires C1113AAD, Argentina
| | - Justo Cobo
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica y Orgánica, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas s/n, 23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - María Cecilia Carpinella
- Laboratorio de Química Fina y Productos Naturales, Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Inmunología y Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIDIE) CONICET-UCC, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Avda. Armada Argentina 3555, Córdoba X5016DHK, Argentina
| | - Ricardo Daniel Enriz
- Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas (IMIBIO-SL), Ejército de los Andes 950, San Luis 5700, Argentina
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Hamouda RA, Makharita RR, Qarabai FAK, Shahabuddin FS, Saddiq AA, Bahammam LA, El-Far SW, Bukhari MA, Elaidarous MA, Abdella A. Antibacterial Activities of Ag/Cellulose Nanocomposites Derived from Marine Environment Algae against Bacterial Tooth Decay. Microorganisms 2023; 12:1. [PMID: 38276170 PMCID: PMC10820646 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010001] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Dental caries is an infectious oral disease caused by the presence of different bacteria in biofilms. Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major challenge of dental caries treatment. Swabs were taken from 65 patients with dental caries in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Swabs were cultivated on mitis salivarius agar and de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe (MRS) agar. VITEK 2 was used for the identification of isolated bacteria. Antibiotic susceptibility testing of the isolated bacteria was performed using commercial antibiotic disks. Ulva lactuca was used as a reducing agent and cellulose source to create nanocellulose and Ag/cellulose nanocomposites. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) were used to characterize nanocellulose and Ag/cellulose nanocomposites. The results showed that most bacterial isolates were Streptococcus spp., followed by Staphylococcus spp. on mitis salivarius media. Lactobacillus spp. and Corynebacterium group f-1 were the bacterial isolates on de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe (MRS) media. The antibiotic susceptibility test revealed resistance rates of 77%, 93%, 0, 83%, 79%, and 79% against penicillin G, Augmentin, metronidazole, ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, and cotrimoxazole, respectively. Ag/cellulose nanocomposites and Ag/cellulose nanocomposites with fluoride were the most effective antibacterial agents. The aim of this work was to assess the antibacterial activity of Ag/cellulose nanocomposites with and without fluoride against bacteria isolated from the oral cavities of patients with dental caries. This study demonstrated that Ag/cellulose nanocomposites have antibacterial properties against multidrug-resistant bacteria that cause dental caries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragaa A. Hamouda
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences and Arts at Khulis, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 21959, Saudi Arabia; (R.A.H.); (R.R.M.); (F.A.K.Q.); (A.A.S.)
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), University of Sadat City, Sadat City 32897, Egypt
| | - Rabab R. Makharita
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences and Arts at Khulis, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 21959, Saudi Arabia; (R.A.H.); (R.R.M.); (F.A.K.Q.); (A.A.S.)
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Fauzia A. K. Qarabai
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences and Arts at Khulis, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 21959, Saudi Arabia; (R.A.H.); (R.R.M.); (F.A.K.Q.); (A.A.S.)
| | | | - Amna A. Saddiq
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences and Arts at Khulis, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 21959, Saudi Arabia; (R.A.H.); (R.R.M.); (F.A.K.Q.); (A.A.S.)
| | - Laila Ahmed Bahammam
- Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Shaymaa W. El-Far
- Division of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif 21974, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mamdouh A. Bukhari
- Regional Laboratory, Laboratories and Blood Banks Administration, Ministry of Health, 7780 Wali Alahed, Makkah P.O. Box 24353-4537, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.B.); (M.A.E.)
| | - Mohammad A. Elaidarous
- Regional Laboratory, Laboratories and Blood Banks Administration, Ministry of Health, 7780 Wali Alahed, Makkah P.O. Box 24353-4537, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.B.); (M.A.E.)
| | - Asmaa Abdella
- Department of Industrial Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, University of Sadat City, Sadat City 32897, Egypt
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Seabolt MH, Roellig DM, Konstantinidis KT. Spliceosomal introns in the diplomonad parasite Giardia duodenalis revisited. Microb Genom 2023; 9. [PMID: 37934076 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001117] [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] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Complete reference genomes, including correct feature annotations, are a fundamental aspect of genomic biology. In the case of protozoan species such as Giardia duodenalis, a major human and animal parasite worldwide, accurate genome annotation can deepen our understanding of the evolution of parasitism and pathogenicity by identifying genes underlying key traits and clinically relevant cellular mechanisms, and by extension, the development of improved prevention strategies and treatments. This study used bioinformatics analyses of Giardia mRNA libraries to characterize known introns and identify new intron candidates, working towards completion of the G. duodenalis assemblage A strain 'WB' genome and further elucidating Giardia's gene expression. By using a set of experimentally validated positive control loci to calibrate our intron detection pipeline, we were able to detect evidence of previously missed candidate splice junctions directly from expressed transcript data. These intron candidates were further studied in silico using NMDS (non-metric multidimensional scaling) clustering to determine shared characteristics and their relative importance such as secondary structure, splicing efficiency and motif conservation, and thus to refine intron models. Results from this study identified 34 new intron candidates, with several potential introns showing evidence that secondary structure of the mRNA molecule might play a more significant role in splicing than previously reported eukaryotic splicing activity mediated by a reduced spliceosome present in G. duodenalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew H Seabolt
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Leidos Inc., Reston, VA 20190, USA
| | - Dawn M Roellig
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Konstantinos T Konstantinidis
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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Wongstitwilairoong B, Anothaisintawee T, Ruamsap N, Lertsethtakarn P, Kietsiri P, Oransathid W, Oransathid W, Gonwong S, Silapong S, Suksawad U, Sornsakrin S, Bodhidatta L, Boudreaux DM, Livezey JR. Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections, Genotypes, and Drug Susceptibility of Giardia lamblia among Preschool and School-Aged Children: A Cross-Sectional Study in Thailand. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:394. [PMID: 37624332 PMCID: PMC10457730 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8080394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in children and assess the drug susceptibility and genotypes/assemblages of Giardia lamblia in Thailand. This cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 3-12 years in Sangkhlaburi District, Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand, between 25 September 2017 and 12 January 2018. Parasites were identified by stool microscopic examination, cultivation of intestinal parasitic protozoa, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Drug susceptibility and genotype of G. lamblia were performed, respectively, by a resazurin assay and Triosephosphate Isomerase A and B genes using modified primers and probes. Among the 661 participants, 445 had an intestinal parasitic infection, resulting in a prevalence of 67.32% (95% CI: 63.60-70.89%). Blastocystis hominis was the most prevalent protozoa infection (49.32%; 95% CI: 45.44-53.22%), while Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent helminth infection (0.91%; 95% CI: 0.33-1.97%). The prevalence of G. lamblia was 17.40%, with genotype B being the most common. According to our study, intestinal parasitic infections were commonly found in Thai children. G. lamblia was the most common pathogenic protozoa infection identified and exhibited less susceptibility to metronidazole compared to furazolidone and mebendazole.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thunyarat Anothaisintawee
- Department of Bacterial and Parasitic Diseases, US Army Medical Directorate of the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok 10120, Thailand; (B.W.); (P.L.); (P.K.); (W.O.); (W.O.); (S.G.); (S.S.); (U.S.); (S.S.); (L.B.); (D.M.B.); (J.R.L.)
| | - Nattaya Ruamsap
- Department of Bacterial and Parasitic Diseases, US Army Medical Directorate of the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok 10120, Thailand; (B.W.); (P.L.); (P.K.); (W.O.); (W.O.); (S.G.); (S.S.); (U.S.); (S.S.); (L.B.); (D.M.B.); (J.R.L.)
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Sangkanu S, Paul AK, Chuprom J, Mitsuwan W, Boonhok R, de Lourdes Pereira M, Oliveira SMR, Wilairatana P, Rahmatullah M, Wiart C, Nawaz M, Sin C, Kayesth S, Nissapatorn V. Conserved Candidate Antigens and Nanoparticles to Develop Vaccine against Giardia intestinalis. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 11:vaccines11010096. [PMID: 36679941 PMCID: PMC9863896 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11010096] [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: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Giardia intestinalis (Giardia lambia, Giardia duodenalis) infections in humans may be asymptomatic or symptomatic and associated with diarrhea (without blood), abdominal cramps, bloating, flatulence, and weight loss. The protozoan Giardia is the third most common cause of diarrhea and death in children under five, preceded only by rotavirus and by Cryptosporidium parvum and C. hominis infections. Antimicrobial drugs, particularly 5-nitroimidazole (5-NIs), are used to treat giardiasis in humans. Immunologically naive or immunocompromised host are more vulnerable to Giardia infection, whereas a degree of resistance to this protozoan is present in humans living in endemic areas. This suggests that vaccination may be a potential and appropriate means to control this parasitic disease outbreak and protect the human population. This review discusses Giardia antigens related to vaccine development. Additionally, based on the latest development of nanoparticle technology, a combination of methods for future research and development is proposed for the design of the next generation of powerful immunogens and an effective vaccine against Giardia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suthinee Sangkanu
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Alok K. Paul
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Julalak Chuprom
- School of Languages and General Education (SOLGEN), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Watcharapong Mitsuwan
- Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Rachasak Boonhok
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Maria de Lourdes Pereira
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Sonia Marlene Rodrigues Oliveira
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Mohammed Rahmatullah
- Department of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, University of Development Alternative, Dhaka 1209, Bangladesh
| | - Christophe Wiart
- The Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, University Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Nawaz
- Department of Nano-Medicine Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chea Sin
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Puthisastra, Phnom Penh 12211, Cambodia
| | - Sunil Kayesth
- Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110019, India
| | - Veeranoot Nissapatorn
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
- Correspondence:
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Benchimol M, Gadelha AP, de Souza W. Unusual Cell Structures and Organelles in Giardia intestinalis and Trichomonas vaginalis Are Potential Drug Targets. Microorganisms 2022; 10:2176. [PMID: 36363768 PMCID: PMC9698047 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This review presents the main cell organelles and structures of two important protist parasites, Giardia intestinalis, and Trichomonas vaginalis; many are unusual and are not found in other eukaryotic cells, thus could be good candidates for new drug targets aimed at improvement of the chemotherapy of diseases caused by these eukaryotic protists. For example, in Giardia, the ventral disc is a specific structure to this parasite and is fundamental for the adhesion and pathogenicity to the host. In Trichomonas, the hydrogenosome, a double membrane-bounded organelle that produces ATP, also can be a good target. Other structures include mitosomes, ribosomes, and proteasomes. Metronidazole is the most frequent compound used to kill many anaerobic organisms, including Giardia and Trichomonas. It enters the cell by passive diffusion and needs to find a highly reductive environment to be reduced to the nitro radicals to be active. However, it provokes several side effects, and some strains present metronidazole resistance. Therefore, to improve the quality of the chemotherapy against parasitic protozoa is important to invest in the development of highly specific compounds that interfere with key steps of essential metabolic pathways or in the functional macromolecular complexes which are most often associated with cell structures and organelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Benchimol
- Laboratorio de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Centro de Ciêcias da Saúde, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitaria, Rio de Janeiro 96200-000, Brazil
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens e Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Gadelha
- Diretoria de Metrologia Aplicada as Ciências da Vida, Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia (INMETRO), Rio de Janeiro 25250-020, Brazil
| | - Wanderley de Souza
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens e Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
- CMABio, Escola Superior de Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas-UEA, Manaus 69850-000, Brazil
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Xu F, Jiménez-González A, Kurt Z, Ástvaldsson Á, Andersson JO, Svärd SG. A chromosome-scale reference genome for Spironucleus salmonicida. Sci Data 2022; 9:585. [PMID: 36153341 PMCID: PMC9509377 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-022-01703-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Spironucleus salmonicida is a diplomonad causing systemic infection in salmon. The first S. salmonicida genome assembly was published 2014 and has been a valuable reference genome in protist research. However, the genome assembly is fragmented without assignment of the sequences to chromosomes. In our previous Giardia genome study, we have shown how a fragmented genome assembly can be improved with long-read sequencing technology complemented with optical maps. Combining Pacbio long-read sequencing technology and optical maps, we are presenting here this new S. salmonicida genome assembly in nine near-complete chromosomes with only three internal gaps at long repeats. This new genome assembly is not only more complete sequence-wise but also more complete at annotation level, providing more details into gene families, gene organizations and chromosomal structure. This near-complete reference genome will aid comparative genomics at chromosomal level, and serve as a valuable resource for the diplomonad community and protist research. Measurement(s) | genomic_DNA • sequence_assembly • sequence feature annotation | Technology Type(s) | SMRT Sequencing • sequence assembly process • sequence annotation | Sample Characteristic - Organism | Spironucleus salmonicida |
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Comprehensive characterization of Cysteine-rich protein-coding genes of Giardia lamblia and their role during antigenic variation. Genomics 2022; 114:110462. [PMID: 35998788 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2022.110462] [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: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Giardia lamblia encodes several families of cysteine-rich proteins, including the Variant-specific Surface Proteins (VSPs) involved in the process of antigenic variation. Their characteristics, definition and relationships are still controversial. An exhaustive analysis of the Cys-rich families including organization, features, evolution and levels of expression was performed, by combining pattern searches and predictions with massive sequencing techniques. Thus a new classification for Cys-rich proteins, genes and pseudogenes that better describes their involvement in Giardia's biology is presented. Moreover, three novel characteristics exclusive to the VSP genes, comprising an Initiator element/Kozak-like sequence, an extended polyadenylation signal and a unique pattern of mutually exclusive transcript accumulation is presented as well as the finding that High Cysteine Membrane Proteins, upregulated under stress, may protect the parasite during VSP switching. These results allow better interpretation of previous reports providing the basis for further studies of the biology of this early-branching eukaryote.
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Reyes-López M, Ramírez-Rico G, Serrano-Luna J, de la Garza M. Activity of Apo-Lactoferrin on Pathogenic Protozoa. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081702. [PMID: 36015327 PMCID: PMC9414845 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081702] [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: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites and other eventually pathogenic organisms require the ability to adapt to different environmental conditions inside the host to assure survival. Some host proteins have evolved as defense constituents, such as lactoferrin (Lf), which is part of the innate immune system. Lf in its iron-free form (apo-Lf) and its peptides obtained by cleavage with pepsin are microbicides. Parasites confront Lf in mucosae and blood. In this work, the activity of Lf against pathogenic and opportunistic parasites such as Cryptosporidium spp., Eimeria spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia duodenalis, Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma spp., Plasmodium spp., Babesia spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Trichomonas spp., and the free-living but opportunistic pathogens Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba castellani were reviewed. The major effects of Lf could be the inhibition produced by sequestering the iron needed for their survival and the production of oxygen-free radicals to more complicated mechanisms, such as the activation of macrophages to phagocytes with the posterior death of those parasites. Due to the great interest in Lf in the fight against pathogens, it is necessary to understand the exact mechanisms used by this protein to affect their virulence factors and to kill them.
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Wang X, Chen J, Zheng J. The state of the art of extracellular vesicle research in protozoan infection. Front Genet 2022; 13:941561. [PMID: 36035188 PMCID: PMC9417467 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.941561] [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: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Protozoan diseases seriously affect the health of human beings, livestock and poultry and lead to high economic and medical costs. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membranous structures formed through biological processes that play important roles in immune regulation. Studies have shown that parasites transmit information to hosts through EVs to modulate host immune responses. The major roles played by EVs released from parasites involve facilitating parasitization of the host. In this review, we discuss relevant recently obtained data on EVs secreted by different kinds of protozoa, including their molecular mechanisms, and discuss the roles played by EVs in the occurrence and development of parasitic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingtong Zheng
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Jingtong Zheng,
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