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Martorelli Di Genova B. mSphere of Influence: Deciphering purine auxotrophy in protozoan parasites. mSphere 2024; 9:e0000724. [PMID: 38567972 PMCID: PMC11036795 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00007-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Bruno Martorelli Di Genova works in parasitology, focusing on Toxoplasma gondii metabolism. In this mSphere of Influence article, he reflects on how the articles "Metabolic Reprogramming during Purine Stress in the Protozoan Pathogen Leishmania donovani" and "Yeast-Based High-Throughput Screen Identifies Plasmodium falciparum Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporter 1 Inhibitors That Kill Malaria Parasites" impacted him, informing his research strategies and understanding of metabolic flexibility in Toxoplasma gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Martorelli Di Genova
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
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Kubinski HC, Despres HW, Johnson BA, Schmidt MM, Jaffrani SA, Mills MG, Lokugamage K, Dumas CM, Shirley DJ, Estes LK, Pekosz A, Crothers JW, Roychoudhury P, Greninger AL, Jerome KR, Di Genova BM, Walker DH, Ballif BA, Ladinsky MS, Bjorkman PJ, Menachery VD, Bruce EA. Variant mutation in SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid enhances viral infection via altered genomic encapsidation. bioRxiv 2024:2024.03.08.584120. [PMID: 38559000 PMCID: PMC10979914 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.08.584120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants and their respective phenotypes represents an important set of tools to understand basic coronavirus biology as well as the public health implications of individual mutations in variants of concern. While mutations outside of Spike are not well studied, the entire viral genome is undergoing evolutionary selection, particularly the central disordered linker region of the nucleocapsid (N) protein. Here, we identify a mutation (G215C), characteristic of the Delta variant, that introduces a novel cysteine into this linker domain, which results in the formation of a disulfide bond and a stable N-N dimer. Using reverse genetics, we determined that this cysteine residue is necessary and sufficient for stable dimer formation in a WA1 SARS-CoV-2 background, where it results in significantly increased viral growth both in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we demonstrate that the N:G215C virus packages more nucleocapsid per virion and that individual virions are larger, with elongated morphologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C. Kubinski
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington VT, 05405, USA
| | - Hannah W. Despres
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington VT, 05405, USA
| | - Bryan A. Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Center for Tropical Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Madaline M. Schmidt
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington VT, 05405, USA
| | - Sara A. Jaffrani
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington VT, 05405, USA
| | - Margaret G. Mills
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195, USA
| | - Kumari Lokugamage
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Caroline M. Dumas
- Department of Biology, University of Vermont 109 Carrigan Drive, 120A Marsh Life Sciences, Burlington VT 05404, USA
| | - David J. Shirley
- Faraday, Inc. Data Science Department. Burlington VT, 05405, USA
| | - Leah K. Estes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Andrew Pekosz
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jessica W. Crothers
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Robert Larner, MD College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Pavitra Roychoudhury
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195, USA
| | - Alexander L. Greninger
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle WA 98109, USA
| | - Keith R. Jerome
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle WA 98109, USA
| | - Bruno Martorelli Di Genova
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington VT, 05405, USA
| | - David H. Walker
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Bryan A. Ballif
- Department of Biology, University of Vermont 109 Carrigan Drive, 120A Marsh Life Sciences, Burlington VT 05404, USA
| | - Mark S. Ladinsky
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA. 91125, USA
| | - Pamela J. Bjorkman
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA. 91125, USA
| | - Vineet D. Menachery
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- World Reference Center of Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Emily A. Bruce
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington VT, 05405, USA
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Owens LA, Friant S, Martorelli Di Genova B, Knoll LJ, Contreras M, Noya-Alarcon O, Dominguez-Bello MG, Goldberg TL. VESPA: an optimized protocol for accurate metabarcoding-based characterization of vertebrate eukaryotic endosymbiont and parasite assemblages. Nat Commun 2024; 15:402. [PMID: 38195557 PMCID: PMC10776621 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44521-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Protocols for characterizing taxonomic assemblages by deep sequencing of short DNA barcode regions (metabarcoding) have revolutionized our understanding of microbial communities and are standardized for bacteria, archaea, and fungi. Unfortunately, comparable methods for host-associated eukaryotes have lagged due to technical challenges. Despite 54 published studies, issues remain with primer complementarity, off-target amplification, and lack of external validation. Here, we present VESPA (Vertebrate Eukaryotic endoSymbiont and Parasite Analysis) primers and optimized metabarcoding protocol for host-associated eukaryotic community analysis. Using in silico prediction, panel PCR, engineered mock community standards, and clinical samples, we demonstrate VESPA to be more effective at resolving host-associated eukaryotic assemblages than previously published methods and to minimize off-target amplification. When applied to human and non-human primate samples, VESPA enables reconstruction of host-associated eukaryotic endosymbiont communities more accurately and at finer taxonomic resolution than microscopy. VESPA has the potential to advance basic and translational science on vertebrate eukaryotic endosymbiont communities, similar to achievements made for bacterial, archaeal, and fungal microbiomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah A Owens
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Sagan Friant
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Anthropology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Bruno Martorelli Di Genova
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Larner College of Medicine, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Laura J Knoll
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Monica Contreras
- Center for Biophysics and Biochemistry, Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Oscar Noya-Alarcon
- Centro Amazónico de Investigación y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales-CAICET, Puerto Ayacucho, Amazonas, Venezuela
| | - Maria G Dominguez-Bello
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Anthropology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tony L Goldberg
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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Elati HAA, Goerner AL, Martorelli Di Genova B, Sheiner L, de Koning HP. Pyrimidine salvage in Toxoplasma gondii as a target for new treatment. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1320160. [PMID: 38162577 PMCID: PMC10755004 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1320160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a common protozoan infection that can have severe outcomes in the immunocompromised and during pregnancy, but treatment options are limited. Recently, nucleotide metabolism has received much attention as a target for new antiprotozoal agents and here we focus on pyrimidine salvage by Toxoplasma gondii as a drug target. Whereas uptake of [3H]-cytidine and particularly [3H]-thymidine was at most marginal, [3H]-uracil and [3H]-uridine were readily taken up. Kinetic analysis of uridine uptake was consistent with a single transporter with a Km of 3.3 ± 0.8 µM, which was inhibited by uracil with high affinity (Ki = 1.15 ± 0.07 µM) but not by thymidine or 5-methyluridine, showing that the 5-Me group is incompatible with uptake by T. gondii. Conversely, [3H]-uracil transport displayed a Km of 2.05 ± 0.40 µM, not significantly different from the uracil Ki on uridine transport, and was inhibited by uridine with a Ki of 2.44 ± 0.59 µM, also not significantly different from the experimental uridine Km. The reciprocal, complete inhibition, displaying Hill slopes of approximately -1, strongly suggest that uridine and uracil share a single transporter with similarly high affinity for both, and we designate it uridine/uracil transporter 1 (TgUUT1). While TgUUT1 excludes 5-methyl substitutions, the smaller 5F substitution was tolerated, as 5F-uracil inhibited uptake of [3H]-uracil with a Ki of 6.80 ± 2.12 µM (P > 0.05 compared to uracil Km). Indeed, we found that 5F-Uridine, 5F-uracil and 5F,2'-deoxyuridine were all potent antimetabolites against T. gondii with EC50 values well below that of the current first line treatment, sulfadiazine. In vivo evaluation also showed that 5F-uracil and 5F,2'-deoxyuridine were similarly effective as sulfadiazine against acute toxoplasmosis. Our preliminary conclusion is that TgUUT1 mediates potential new anti-toxoplasmosis drugs with activity superior to the current treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamza A. A. Elati
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Pharmacy College, University of Elmergib, Al Khums, Libya
| | - Amber L. Goerner
- Larner College of Medicine at The University of Vermont, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Bruno Martorelli Di Genova
- Larner College of Medicine at The University of Vermont, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Lilach Sheiner
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Harry P. de Koning
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Sokol-Borrelli SL, Reilly SM, Holmes MJ, Orchanian SB, Massmann MD, Sharp KG, Cabo LF, Alrubaye HS, Martorelli Di Genova B, Lodoen MB, Sullivan WJ, Boyle JP. A transcriptional network required for bradyzoite development in Toxoplasma gondii is dispensable for recrudescent disease. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6078. [PMID: 37770433 PMCID: PMC10539341 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40948-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Identification of regulators of Toxoplasma gondii bradyzoite development and cyst formation is the most direct way to address the importance of parasite development in long-term persistence and reactivation of this parasite. Here we show that a T. gondii gene (named Regulator of Cystogenesis 1; ROCY1) is sufficient for T. gondii bradyzoite formation in vitro and in vivo. ROCY1 encodes an RNA binding protein that has a preference for 3' regulatory regions of hundreds of T. gondii transcripts, and its RNA-binding domains are required to mediate bradyzoite development. Female mice infected with ΔROCY1 parasites have reduced (>90%) cyst burden. While viable parasites can be cultivated from brain tissue for up to 6 months post-infection, chronic brain-resident ΔROCY1 parasites have reduced oral infectivity compared to wild type. Despite clear defects in bradyzoite formation and oral infectivity, ΔROCY1 parasites were able to reactivate with similar timing and magnitude as wild type parasites for up to 5 months post-infection. Therefore while ROCY1 is a critical regulator of the bradyzoite developmental pathway, it is not required for parasite reactivation, raising new questions about the persisting life stage responsible for causing recrudescent disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Sokol-Borrelli
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sarah M Reilly
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael J Holmes
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 462022, USA
| | - Stephanie B Orchanian
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Mackenzie D Massmann
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Katherine G Sharp
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Leah F Cabo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hisham S Alrubaye
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bruno Martorelli Di Genova
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Melissa B Lodoen
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - William J Sullivan
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 462022, USA
| | - Jon P Boyle
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Humayun M, Ayuso JM, Park KY, Martorelli Di Genova B, Skala MC, Kerr SC, Knoll LJ, Beebe DJ. Innate immune cell response to host-parasite interaction in a human intestinal tissue microphysiological system. Sci Adv 2022; 8:eabm8012. [PMID: 35544643 PMCID: PMC9075809 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm8012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Protozoan parasites that infect humans are widespread and lead to varied clinical manifestations, including life-threatening illnesses in immunocompromised individuals. Animal models have provided insight into innate immunity against parasitic infections; however, species-specific differences and complexity of innate immune responses make translation to humans challenging. Thus, there is a need for in vitro systems that can elucidate mechanisms of immune control and parasite dissemination. We have developed a human microphysiological system of intestinal tissue to evaluate parasite-immune-specific interactions during infection, which integrates primary intestinal epithelial cells and immune cells to investigate the role of innate immune cells during epithelial infection by the protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, which affects billions of people worldwide. Our data indicate that epithelial infection by parasites stimulates a broad range of effector functions in neutrophils and natural killer cell-mediated cytokine production that play immunomodulatory roles, demonstrating the potential of our system for advancing the study of human-parasite interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mouhita Humayun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jose M. Ayuso
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Morgridge Institute for Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Keon Young Park
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Melissa C. Skala
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Morgridge Institute for Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sheena C. Kerr
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Laura J. Knoll
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David J. Beebe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Martorelli Di Genova B, Knoll LJ. Comparisons of the Sexual Cycles for the Coccidian Parasites Eimeria and Toxoplasma. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:604897. [PMID: 33381466 PMCID: PMC7768002 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.604897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Eimeria spp. are widely prevalent Coccidian parasites that undergo sexual reproduction during their life cycle. T. gondii can infect any warm-blooded animal in its asexual cycle; however, its sexual cycle is restricted to felines. Eimeria spp. are usually restricted to one host species, and their whole life cycle is completed within this same host. The literature reviewed in this article comprises the recent findings regarding the unique biology of the sexual development of T. gondii and Eimeria spp. The molecular basis of sex in these pathogens has been significantly unraveled by new findings in parasite differentiation along with transcriptional analysis of T. gondii and Eimeria spp. pre-sexual and sexual stages. Focusing on the metabolic networks, analysis of these transcriptome datasets shows enrichment for several different metabolic pathways. Transcripts for glycolysis enzymes are consistently more abundant in T. gondii cat infection stages than the asexual tachyzoite stage and Eimeria spp. merozoite and gamete stages compared to sporozoites. Recent breakthroughs in host-pathogen interaction and host restriction have significantly expanded the understating of the unique biology of these pathogens. This review aims to critically explore advances in the sexual cycle of Coccidia parasites with the ultimate goal of comparing and analyzing the sexual cycle of Eimeria spp. and T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura J. Knoll
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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Khalifa MM, Martorelli Di Genova B, McAlpine SG, Gallego-Lopez GM, Stevenson DM, Rozema SD, Monaghan NP, Morris JC, Knoll LJ, Golden JE. Dual-Stage Picolinic Acid-Derived Inhibitors of Toxoplasma gondii. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:2382-2388. [PMID: 33335660 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii causes a prevalent human infection for which only the acute stage has an FDA-approved therapy. To find inhibitors of both the acute stage parasites and the persistent cyst stage that causes a chronic infection, we repurposed a compound library containing known inhibitors of parasitic hexokinase, the first step in the glycolysis pathway, along with a larger collection of new structural derivatives. The focused screen of 22 compounds showed a 77% hit rate (>50% multistage inhibition) and revealed a series of aminobenzamide-linked picolinic acids with submicromolar potency against both T. gondii parasite forms. Picolinic acid 23, designed from an antiparasitic benzamidobenzoic acid class with challenging ADME properties, showed 60-fold-enhanced solubility, a moderate LogD7.4, and a 30% improvement in microsomal stability. Furthermore, isotopically labeled glucose tracing revealed that picolinic acid 23 does not function by hexokinase inhibition. Thus, we report a new probe scaffold to interrogate dual-stage inhibition of T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad M. Khalifa
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53703, United States
| | - Bruno Martorelli Di Genova
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Sarah G. McAlpine
- Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center, Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, 190 Collins Street, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
| | - Gina M. Gallego-Lopez
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin 53715, United States
| | - David M. Stevenson
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States of America
| | - Soren D. Rozema
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53703, United States
| | - Neil P. Monaghan
- Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center, Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, 190 Collins Street, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
| | - James C. Morris
- Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center, Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, 190 Collins Street, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
| | - Laura J. Knoll
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Jennifer E. Golden
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53703, United States
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Bowden GD, Reis PM, Rogers MB, Bone Relat RM, Brayton KA, Wilson SK, Di Genova BM, Knoll LJ, Nepveux V FJ, Tai AK, Ramadhar TR, Clardy J, O'Connor RM. A conserved coccidian gene is involved in Toxoplasma sensitivity to the anti-apicomplexan compound, tartrolon E. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2020; 14:1-7. [PMID: 32738587 PMCID: PMC7394737 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2020.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
New treatments for the diseases caused by apicomplexans are needed. Recently, we determined that tartrolon E (trtE), a secondary metabolite derived from a shipworm symbiotic bacterium, has broad-spectrum anti-apicomplexan parasite activity. TrtE inhibits apicomplexans at nM concentrations in vitro, including Cryptosporidium parvum, Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis neurona, Plasmodium falciparum, Babesia spp. and Theileria equi. To investigate the mechanism of action of trtE against apicomplexan parasites, we examined changes in the transcriptome of trtE-treated T. gondii parasites. RNA-Seq data revealed that the gene, TGGT1_272370, which is broadly conserved in the coccidia, is significantly upregulated within 4 h of treatment. Using bioinformatics and proteome data available on ToxoDB, we determined that the protein product of this tartrolon E responsive gene (trg) has multiple transmembrane domains, a phosphorylation site, and localizes to the plasma membrane. Deletion of trg in a luciferase-expressing T. gondii strain by CRISPR/Cas9 resulted in a 68% increase in parasite resistance to trtE treatment, supporting a role for the trg protein product in the response of T. gondii to trtE treatment. Trg is conserved in the coccidia, but not in more distantly related apicomplexans, indicating that this response to trtE may be unique to the coccidians, and other mechanisms may be operating in other trtE-sensitive apicomplexans. Uncovering the mechanisms by which trtE inhibits apicomplexans may identify shared pathways critical to apicomplexan parasite survival and advance the search for new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory D Bowden
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, P.O. Box 647040, Pullman, WA, 99164-7040, USA
| | - Patricia M Reis
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, P.O. Box 647040, Pullman, WA, 99164-7040, USA
| | - Maxwell B Rogers
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, P.O. Box 647040, Pullman, WA, 99164-7040, USA
| | - Rachel M Bone Relat
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, P.O. Box 647040, Pullman, WA, 99164-7040, USA
| | - Kelly A Brayton
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, P.O. Box 647040, Pullman, WA, 99164-7040, USA
| | - Sarah K Wilson
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1550 Linden Dr Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Bruno Martorelli Di Genova
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1550 Linden Dr Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Laura J Knoll
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1550 Linden Dr Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Felix J Nepveux V
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Disease, Tufts Medical Center, 60 Tremont St 3rd Fl, Boston, MA, 02116, USA
| | - Albert K Tai
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Timothy R Ramadhar
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, 240 Longwood Avenue C-213, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jon Clardy
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, 240 Longwood Avenue C-213, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Roberta M O'Connor
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, P.O. Box 647040, Pullman, WA, 99164-7040, USA.
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10
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Wilson SK, Heckendorn J, Martorelli Di Genova B, Koch LL, Rooney PJ, Morrissette N, Lebrun M, Knoll LJ. A Toxoplasma gondii patatin-like phospholipase contributes to host cell invasion. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008650. [PMID: 32628723 PMCID: PMC7365478 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that can invade any nucleated cell of any warm-blooded animal. In a previous screen to identify virulence determinants, disruption of gene TgME49_305140 generated a T. gondii mutant that could not establish a chronic infection in mice. The protein product of TgME49_305140, here named TgPL3, is a 277 kDa protein with a patatin-like phospholipase (PLP) domain and a microtubule binding domain. Antibodies generated against TgPL3 show that it is localized to the apical cap. Using a rapid selection FACS-based CRISPR/Cas-9 method, a TgPL3 deletion strain (ΔTgPL3) was generated. ΔTgPL3 parasites have defects in host cell invasion, which may be caused by reduced rhoptry secretion. We generated complementation clones with either wild type TgPL3 or an active site mutation in the PLP domain by converting the catalytic serine to an alanine, ΔTgPL3::TgPL3S1409A (S1409A). Complementation of ΔTgPL3 with wild type TgPL3 restored all phenotypes, while S1409A did not, suggesting that phospholipase activity is necessary for these phenotypes. ΔTgPL3 and S1409A parasites are also virtually avirulent in vivo but induce a robust antibody response. Vaccination with ΔTgPL3 and S1409A parasites protected mice against subsequent challenge with a lethal dose of Type I T. gondii parasites, making ΔTgPL3 a compelling vaccine candidate. These results demonstrate that TgPL3 has a role in rhoptry secretion, host cell invasion and survival of T. gondii during acute mouse infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K. Wilson
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | | | - Bruno Martorelli Di Genova
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Lindsey L. Koch
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Peggy J. Rooney
- Stratatech Corporation, Charmany Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Naomi Morrissette
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | | | - Laura J. Knoll
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
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11
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Olson WJ, Martorelli Di Genova B, Gallego-Lopez G, Dawson AR, Stevenson D, Amador-Noguez D, Knoll LJ. Dual metabolomic profiling uncovers Toxoplasma manipulation of the host metabolome and the discovery of a novel parasite metabolic capability. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008432. [PMID: 32255806 PMCID: PMC7164669 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii is auxotrophic for several key metabolites and must scavenge these from the host. It is unclear how T. gondii manipulates host metabolism to support its overall growth rate and non-essential metabolites. To investigate this question, we measured changes in the joint host-parasite metabolome over a time course of infection. Host and parasite transcriptomes were simultaneously generated to determine potential changes in expression of metabolic enzymes. T. gondii infection changed metabolite abundance in multiple metabolic pathways, including the tricarboxylic acid cycle, the pentose phosphate pathway, glycolysis, amino acid synthesis, and nucleotide metabolism. Our analysis indicated that changes in some pathways, such as the tricarboxylic acid cycle, were mirrored by changes in parasite transcription, while changes in others, like the pentose phosphate pathway, were paired with changes in both the host and parasite transcriptomes. Further experiments led to the discovery of a T. gondii enzyme, sedoheptulose bisphosphatase, which funnels carbon from glycolysis into the pentose phosphate pathway through an energetically driven dephosphorylation reaction. This additional route for ribose synthesis appears to resolve the conflict between the T. gondii tricarboxylic acid cycle and pentose phosphate pathway, which are both NADP+ dependent. Sedoheptulose bisphosphatase represents a novel step in T. gondii central carbon metabolism that allows T. gondii to energetically-drive ribose synthesis without using NADP+. The obligate intracellular parasite T. gondii is commonly found among human populations worldwide and poses severe health risks to fetuses and individuals with AIDS. While some treatments are available they are limited in scope. A possible target for new therapies is T. gondii’s incomplete metabolism, which makes it heavily reliant on its host. In this study, we generated a joint host/parasite metabolome to better understand host manipulation by the parasite and to discover unique aspects of T. gondii metabolism that could serve as the next generation of drug targets. Metabolomic analysis of T. gondii infection over time found broad alterations to host metabolism by the parasite in both energetic and biosynthetic pathways. We discovered a new T. gondii enzyme, sedoheptulose bisphosphatase, which redirects carbon from glycolysis into the pentose phosphate pathway. The wholesale remodeling of host metabolism for optimal parasite growth is also of interest, although the mechanisms behind this host manipulation must be further studied before therapeutic targets can be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J. Olson
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI
| | | | - Gina Gallego-Lopez
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Anthony R. Dawson
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI
| | - David Stevenson
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Daniel Amador-Noguez
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI
- * E-mail: (DAN); (LJK)
| | - Laura J. Knoll
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI
- * E-mail: (DAN); (LJK)
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12
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Martorelli Di Genova B, Wilson SK, Dubey JP, Knoll LJ. Intestinal delta-6-desaturase activity determines host range for Toxoplasma sexual reproduction. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000364. [PMID: 31430281 PMCID: PMC6701743 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Many eukaryotic microbes have complex life cycles that include both sexual and asexual phases with strict species specificity. Whereas the asexual cycle of the protistan parasite Toxoplasma gondii can occur in any warm-blooded mammal, the sexual cycle is restricted to the feline intestine. The molecular determinants that identify cats as the definitive host for T. gondii are unknown. Here, we defined the mechanism of species specificity for T. gondii sexual development and break the species barrier to allow the sexual cycle to occur in mice. We determined that T. gondii sexual development occurs when cultured feline intestinal epithelial cells are supplemented with linoleic acid. Felines are the only mammals that lack delta-6-desaturase activity in their intestines, which is required for linoleic acid metabolism, resulting in systemic excess of linoleic acid. We found that inhibition of murine delta-6-desaturase and supplementation of their diet with linoleic acid allowed T. gondii sexual development in mice. This mechanism of species specificity is the first defined for a parasite sexual cycle. This work highlights how host diet and metabolism shape coevolution with microbes. The key to unlocking the species boundaries for other eukaryotic microbes may also rely on the lipid composition of their environments as we see increasing evidence for the importance of host lipid metabolism during parasitic lifecycles. Pregnant women are advised against handling cat litter, as maternal infection with T. gondii can be transmitted to the fetus with potentially lethal outcomes. Knowing the molecular components that create a conducive environment for T. gondii sexual reproduction will allow for development of therapeutics that prevent shedding of T. gondii parasites. Finally, given the current reliance on companion animals to study T. gondii sexual development, this work will allow the T. gondii field to use of alternative models in future studies. The sexual cycle of Toxoplasma gondii is restricted to cats, the only mammals to lack delta-6-desaturase activity, with consequent high levels of linoleic acid. This study shows that inhibition of delta-6-desaturase and diet supplementation with linoleic acid allows Toxoplasma sexual development in mice, potentially opening up alternative model hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Martorelli Di Genova
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Sarah K. Wilson
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - J. P. Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Animal and Natural Resources Institute, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Laura J. Knoll
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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