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da Silva Vaz Junior I, Lu S, Pinto AFM, Diedrich JK, Yates JR, Mulenga A, Termignoni C, Ribeiro JM, Tirloni L. Changes in saliva protein profile throughout Rhipicephalus microplus blood feeding. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:36. [PMID: 38281054 PMCID: PMC10821567 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06136-5] [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: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND When feeding on a vertebrate host, ticks secrete saliva, which is a complex mixture of proteins, lipids, and other molecules. Tick saliva assists the vector in modulating host hemostasis, immunity, and tissue repair mechanisms. While helping the vector to feed, its saliva modifies the site where pathogens are inoculated and often facilitates the infection process. The objective of this study is to uncover the variation in protein composition of Rhipicephalus microplus saliva during blood feeding. METHODS Ticks were fed on calves, and adult females were collected, weighed, and divided in nine weight groups, representing the slow and rapid feeding phases of blood feeding. Tick saliva was collected, and mass spectrometry analyses were used to identify differentially secreted proteins. Bioinformatic tools were employed to predict the structural and functional features of the salivary proteins. Reciprocal best hit analyses were used to identify conserved families of salivary proteins secreted by other tick species. RESULTS Changes in the protein secretion profiles of R. microplus adult female saliva during the blood feeding were observed, characterizing the phenomenon known as "sialome switching." This observation validates the idea that the switch in protein expression may serve as a mechanism for evading host responses against tick feeding. Cattle tick saliva is predominantly rich in heme-binding proteins, secreted conserved proteins, lipocalins, and protease inhibitors, many of which are conserved and present in the saliva of other tick species. Additionally, another remarkable observation was the identification of host-derived proteins as a component of tick saliva. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this study brings new insights to understanding the dynamics of the proteomic profile of tick saliva, which is an important component of tick feeding biology. The results presented here, along with the disclosed sequences, contribute to our understanding of tick feeding biology and might aid in the identification of new targets for the development of novel anti-tick methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itabajara da Silva Vaz Junior
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Stephen Lu
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Antônio F M Pinto
- Clayton Foundation Peptide Biology Lab, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jolene K Diedrich
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Mass Spectrometry Core, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - John R Yates
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Albert Mulenga
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Carlos Termignoni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - José Marcos Ribeiro
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Lucas Tirloni
- Tick-Pathogen Transmission Unit, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, MT, USA.
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Parizi LF, Githaka NW, Logullo C, Zhou J, Onuma M, Termignoni C, da Silva Vaz I. Universal Tick Vaccines: Candidates and Remaining Challenges. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2031. [PMID: 37370541 DOI: 10.3390/ani13122031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements in molecular biology, particularly regarding massively parallel sequencing technologies, have enabled scientists to gain more insight into the physiology of ticks. While there has been progress in identifying tick proteins and the pathways they are involved in, the specificities of tick-host interaction at the molecular level are not yet fully understood. Indeed, the development of effective commercial tick vaccines has been slower than expected. While omics studies have pointed to some potential vaccine immunogens, selecting suitable antigens for a multi-antigenic vaccine is very complex due to the participation of redundant molecules in biological pathways. The expansion of ticks and their pathogens into new territories and exposure to new hosts makes it necessary to evaluate vaccine efficacy in unusual and non-domestic host species. This situation makes ticks and tick-borne diseases an increasing threat to animal and human health globally, demanding an urgent availability of vaccines against multiple tick species and their pathogens. This review discusses the challenges and advancements in the search for universal tick vaccines, including promising new antigen candidates, and indicates future directions in this crucial research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Fernando Parizi
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
| | | | - Carlos Logullo
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Jinlin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Misao Onuma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Carlos Termignoni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91540-000, Brazil
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Ali A, Zeb I, Alouffi A, Zahid H, Almutairi MM, Ayed Alshammari F, Alrouji M, Termignoni C, Vaz IDS, Tanaka T. Host Immune Responses to Salivary Components - A Critical Facet of Tick-Host Interactions. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:809052. [PMID: 35372098 PMCID: PMC8966233 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.809052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [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: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick sialome is comprised of a rich cocktail of bioactive molecules that function as a tool to disarm host immunity, assist blood-feeding, and play a vibrant role in pathogen transmission. The adaptation of the tick's blood-feeding behavior has lead to the evolution of bioactive molecules in its saliva to assist them to overwhelm hosts' defense mechanisms. During a blood meal, a tick secretes different salivary molecules including vasodilators, platelet aggregation inhibitors, anticoagulants, anti-inflammatory proteins, and inhibitors of complement activation; the salivary repertoire changes to meet various needs such as tick attachment, feeding, and modulation or impairment of the local dynamic and vigorous host responses. For instance, the tick's salivary immunomodulatory and cement proteins facilitate the tick's attachment to the host to enhance prolonged blood-feeding and to modulate the host's innate and adaptive immune responses. Recent advances implemented in the field of "omics" have substantially assisted our understanding of host immune modulation and immune inhibition against the molecular dynamics of tick salivary molecules in a crosstalk between the tick-host interface. A deep understanding of the tick salivary molecules, their substantial roles in multifactorial immunological cascades, variations in secretion, and host immune responses against these molecules is necessary to control these parasites. In this article, we reviewed updated knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying host responses to diverse elements in tick saliva throughout tick invasion, as well as host defense strategies. In conclusion, understanding the mechanisms involved in the complex interactions between the tick salivary components and host responses is essential to decipher the host defense mechanisms against the tick evasion strategies at tick-host interface which is promising in the development of effective anti-tick vaccines and drug therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Ismail Zeb
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Abdulaziz Alouffi
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hafsa Zahid
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Mashal M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahdah Ayed Alshammari
- College of Sciences and Literature Microbiology, Nothern Border University, Rafha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alrouji
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
| | - Carlos Termignoni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
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dos Reis SV, Beys-da-Silva WO, Tirloni L, Santi L, Seixas A, Termignoni C, da Silva MV, Macedo AJ. The extremophile Anoxybacillus sp. PC2 isolated from Brazilian semiarid region (Caatinga) produces a thermostable keratinase. J Basic Microbiol 2020; 60:809-815. [PMID: 32602226 PMCID: PMC11025368 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202000186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to select and identify thermophilic bacteria from Caatinga biome (Brazil) able to produce thermoactive keratinases and characterize the keratinase produced by the selected isolate. After enrichment in keratin culture media, an Anoxybacillus caldiproteolyticus PC2 was isolated. This thermotolerant isolate presents a remarkable feature producing a thermostable keratinase at 60°C. The partially purified keratinase, identified as a thermolysin-like peptidase, was active at a pH range of 5.0-10.0 with maximal activity at a temperature range of 50-80°C. The optimal activity was observed at pH 7.0 and 50-60°C. These characteristics are potentially useful for biotechnological purposes such as processing and bioconversion of keratin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon V. dos Reis
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Walter O. Beys-da-Silva
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Lucas Tirloni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Lucélia Santi
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Adriana Seixas
- Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saude, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Carlos Termignoni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Márcia V. da Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Alexandre J. Macedo
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Kim TK, Tirloni L, Berger M, Diedrich JK, Yates JR, Termignoni C, da Silva Vaz I, Mulenga A. Amblyomma americanum serpin 41 (AAS41) inhibits inflammation by targeting chymase and chymotrypsin. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 156:1007-1021. [PMID: 32320803 PMCID: PMC11005088 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.04.088] [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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Ticks inject serine protease inhibitors (serpins) into their feeding sites to evade serine protease-mediated host defenses against tick-feeding. This study describes two highly identitical (97%) but functionally different Amblyomma americanum tick saliva serpins (AAS41 and 46) that are secreted at the inception of tick-feeding. We show that AAS41, which encodes a leucine at the P1 site inhibits inflammation system proteases: chymase (SI = 3.23, Ka = 5.6 ± 3.7X103M-1 s-1) and α-chymotrypsin (SI = 3.18, Ka = 1.6 ± 4.1X104M-1 s-1), while AAS46, which encodes threonine has no inhibitory activity. Similary, rAAS41 inhibits rMCP-1 purified from rat peritonuem derived mast cells. Consistently, rAAS41 inhibits chymase-mediated inflammation induced by compound 48/80 in rat paw edema and vascular permeability models. Native AAS41/46 proteins are among tick saliva immunogens that provoke anti-tick immunity in repeatedly infested animals as revealed by specific reactivity with tick immune sera. Of significance, native AAS41/46 play critical tick-feeding functions in that RNAi-mediated silencing caused ticks to ingest significantly less blood. Importantly, monospecific antibodies to rAAS41 blocked inhibitory functions of rAAS41, suggesting potential for design of vaccine antigens that provokes immunity to neutralize functions of this protein at the tick-feeding site. We discuss our findings with reference to tick-feeding physiology and discovery of effective tick vaccine antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Kwon Kim
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
| | - Lucas Tirloni
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA; Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Markus Berger
- Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Jolene K Diedrich
- Foundation Peptide Biology Lab, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - John R Yates
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Carlos Termignoni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Albert Mulenga
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA.
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Xavier MA, Tirloni L, Pinto AF, Diedrich JK, Yates JR, Gonzales S, Farber M, da Silva Vaz I, Termignoni C. Tick Gené’s organ engagement in lipid metabolism revealed by a combined transcriptomic and proteomic approach. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:787-797. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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7
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Xavier MA, Tirloni L, Torquato R, Tanaka A, Pinto AFM, Diedrich JK, Yates JR, da Silva Vaz I, Seixas A, Termignoni C. Blood anticlotting activity of a Rhipicephalus microplus cathepsin L-like enzyme. Biochimie 2019; 163:12-20. [PMID: 31059753 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2019.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In parasites, cathepsins are implicated in mechanisms related to organism surveillance and host evasion. Some parasite cathepsins have fibrinogenolytic and fibrinolytic activity, suggesting that they may contribute to maintain blood meal fluidity for extended feeding periods. Here, it is shown that BmGTI (Rhipicephalus [Boophilus] microplus Gut Thrombin Inhibitor), a protein previously described as an inhibitor of fibrinogen hydrolysis and platelet aggregation by thrombin, and BmCL1 (Rhipicephalus [Boophilus] microplus Cathepsin-L like 1) are the same protein, hereinafter referred to using the earliest name (BmCL1). To further characterize BmCL1, Rhipicephalus microplus native and recombinant (rBmCL1) proteins were obtained. Native BmCL1 was isolated using thrombin-affinity chromatography, and it displays thrombin inhibition activity. We subsequently investigated rBmCL1 interaction with thrombin. We show that rBmCL1 and thrombin have a dissociation constant (ΚD) of 130.2 ± 11.2 nM, and this interaction likely occurs due to a more electronegative surface of BmCL1 at pH 7.5 than at pH 5.0, which may favor an electrostatic binding to positively charged thrombin exosites. During BmCL1-thrombin interaction, thrombin is not degraded or inhibited. rBmCL1 impairs thrombin-induced fibrinogen clotting via a fibrinogenolytic activity. Fibrinogen degradation by BmCL1 occurs by the hydrolysis of Aα- and Bβ-chains, generating products similar to those produced by fibrinogenolytic cathepsins from other organisms. In conclusion, BmCL1 likely has an additional role in R. microplus blood digestion, besides its role in hemoglobin degradation at acid pH. BmCL1 fibrinogenolytic activity indicates a proteolytic activity in the neutral lumen of tick midgut, contributing to maintain the fluidity of the ingested blood, which remains to be confirmed in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Amaral Xavier
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Lucas Tirloni
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Ricardo Torquato
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Aparecida Tanaka
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Antônio F M Pinto
- Clayton Foundation Peptide Biology Lab, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, USA
| | - Jolene K Diedrich
- Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - John R Yates
- Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Adriana Seixas
- Departamento de Farmacociências, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carlos Termignoni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Parizi LF, Ali A, Tirloni L, Oldiges DP, Sabadin GA, Coutinho ML, Seixas A, Logullo C, Termignoni C, DA Silva Vaz I. Peptidase inhibitors in tick physiology. Med Vet Entomol 2018; 32:129-144. [PMID: 29111611 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Peptidase inhibitors regulate a wide range of physiological processes involved in the interaction between hematophagous parasites and their hosts, including tissue remodeling, the immune response and blood coagulation. In tick physiology, peptidase inhibitors have a crucial role in adaptation to improve parasitism mechanisms, facilitating blood feeding by interfering with defense-related host peptidases. Recently, a larger number of studies on this topic led to the description of several new tick inhibitors displaying interesting novel features, for example a role in pathogen transmission to the host. A comprehensive review discussing these emerging concepts can therefore shed light on peptidase inhibitor functions, their relevance to tick physiology and their potential applications. Here, we summarize and examine the general characteristics, functional diversity and action of tick peptidase inhibitors with known physiological roles in the tick-host-pathogen interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- L F Parizi
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - A Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
- Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - L Tirloni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - D P Oldiges
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - G A Sabadin
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - M L Coutinho
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - A Seixas
- Departamento de Farmacociências, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - C Logullo
- Laboratório de Química e Função de Proteínas e Peptídeos-CBB and Unidade de Experimentação Animal, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - C Termignoni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - I DA Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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10
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Xavier MA, Tirloni L, Pinto AFM, Diedrich JK, Yates JR, Mulenga A, Logullo C, da Silva Vaz I, Seixas A, Termignoni C. A proteomic insight into vitellogenesis during tick ovary maturation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:4698. [PMID: 29549327 PMCID: PMC5856802 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23090-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are arthropod ectoparasites of importance for public and veterinary health. The understanding of tick oogenesis and embryogenesis could contribute to the development of novel control methods. However, to date, studies on the temporal dynamics of proteins during ovary development were not reported. In the present study we followed protein profile during ovary maturation. Proteomic analysis of ovary extracts was performed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) using shotgun strategy, in addition to dimethyl labelling-based protein quantification. A total of 3,756 proteins were identified, which were functionally annotated into 30 categories. Circa 80% of the annotated proteins belong to categories related to basal metabolism, such as protein synthesis and modification machineries, nuclear regulation, cytoskeleton, proteasome machinery, transcriptional machinery, energetic metabolism, extracellular matrix/cell adhesion, immunity, oxidation/detoxification metabolism, signal transduction, and storage. The abundance of selected proteins involved in yolk uptake and degradation, as well as vitellin accumulation during ovary maturation, was assessed using dimethyl-labelling quantification. In conclusion, proteins identified in this study provide a framework for future studies to elucidate tick development and validate candidate targets for novel control methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Amaral Xavier
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Lucas Tirloni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Antônio F M Pinto
- Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jolene K Diedrich
- Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - John R Yates
- Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Albert Mulenga
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Carlos Logullo
- Laboratório de Sanidade Animal, Laboratório de Química e Função de Proteínas e Peptídeos and Unidade de Experimentação Animal, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Adriana Seixas
- Departamento de Farmacociências, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carlos Termignoni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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11
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Seixas A, Alzugaray MF, Tirloni L, Parizi LF, Pinto AFM, Githaka NW, Konnai S, Ohashi K, Yates Iii JR, Termignoni C, da Silva Vaz I. Expression profile of Rhipicephalus microplus vitellogenin receptor during oogenesis. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 9:72-81. [PMID: 29054547 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The vitellogenin receptor (VgR), which belongs to the low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLR) family, regulates the absorption of yolk protein accumulated in developing oocytes during oogenesis. In the present study, the full sequence of Rhipicephalus microplus VgR (RmVgR) and the partial sequence of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus VgR (RaVgR) ORF were determined and cloned. The RmVgR amino acid sequence contains the five highly conserved structural motifs characteristic of LDLR superfamily members, the same overall structure as observed in other species. Phylogenetic analysis separated VgRs in two major groups, corresponding to receptors from acarines and insects. Consistent with observations from other arthropods, RmVgR was specifically expressed in the ovarian tissue and its peak of expression occurs in females that are detaching from the host. Silencing with RmVgR dsRNA reduced VgR expression, which resulted in reduced fertility, evidenced by a decrease in the number of larvae. The present study confirms RmVgR is a specific receptor involved in yolk protein uptake and oocyte maturation in R. microplus, playing an important role in tick reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Seixas
- Departamento de Farmacociências, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil.
| | - María Fernanda Alzugaray
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Prédio 43421, Campus do Vale, Caixa Postal 15005, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil; Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la Republica, Alberto Lasplaces 1550 a 1620, Montevideo, Código Postal 11600, Uruguay.
| | - Lucas Tirloni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Prédio 43421, Campus do Vale, Caixa Postal 15005, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil.
| | - Luis Fernando Parizi
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Prédio 43421, Campus do Vale, Caixa Postal 15005, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil.
| | - Antonio Frederico Michel Pinto
- Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 90037 USA; Centro de Pesquisas em Biologia Molecular e Funcional, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Tuberculose (INCT-TB), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Naftaly Wang'ombe Githaka
- Tick Unit, Animal and Human Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Satoru Konnai
- Department of Disease Control, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, 060-0818, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
| | - Kazuhiko Ohashi
- Department of Disease Control, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, 060-0818, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
| | - John R Yates Iii
- Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 90037 USA.
| | - Carlos Termignoni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Prédio 43421, Campus do Vale, Caixa Postal 15005, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil.
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Prédio 43421, Campus do Vale, Caixa Postal 15005, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-000, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Oldiges DP, Laughery JM, Tagliari NJ, Leite Filho RV, Davis WC, da Silva Vaz I, Termignoni C, Knowles DP, Suarez CE. Transfected Babesia bovis Expressing a Tick GST as a Live Vector Vaccine. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0005152. [PMID: 27911903 PMCID: PMC5135042 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Rhipicephalus microplus tick is a notorious blood-feeding ectoparasite of livestock, especially cattle, responsible for massive losses in animal production. It is the main vector for transmission of pathogenic bacteria and parasites, including Babesia bovis, an intraerythrocytic apicomplexan protozoan parasite responsible for bovine Babesiosis. This study describes the development and testing of a live B. bovis vaccine expressing the protective tick antigen glutathione-S-transferase from Haemaphysalis longicornis (HlGST). The B. bovis S74-T3B parasites were electroporated with a plasmid containing the bidirectional Ef-1α (elongation factor 1 alpha) promoter of B. bovis controlling expression of two independent genes, the selectable marker GFP-BSD (green fluorescent protein–blasticidin deaminase), and HlGST fused to the MSA-1 (merozoite surface antigen 1) signal peptide from B. bovis. Electroporation followed by blasticidin selection resulted in the emergence of a mixed B. bovis transfected line (termed HlGST) in in vitro cultures, containing parasites with distinct patterns of insertion of both exogenous genes, either in or outside the Ef-1α locus. A B. bovis clonal line termed HlGST-Cln expressing intracellular GFP and HlGST in the surface of merozoites was then derived from the mixed parasite line HlGST using a fluorescent activated cell sorter. Two independent calf immunization trials were performed via intravenous inoculation of the HlGST-Cln and a previously described control consisting of an irrelevant transfected clonal line of B. bovis designated GFP-Cln. The control GFP-Cln line contains a copy of the GFP-BSD gene inserted into the Ef-1α locus of B. bovis in an identical fashion as the HIGST-Cln parasites. All animals inoculated with the HlGST-Cln and GFP-Cln transfected parasites developed mild babesiosis. Tick egg fertility and fully engorged female tick weight was reduced significantly in R. microplus feeding on HlGST-Cln-immunized calves. Collectively, these data show the efficacy of a transfected HlGST-Cln B. bovis parasite to induce detectable anti-glutathione-S-transferase antibodies and a reduction in tick size and fecundity of R. microplus feeding in experimentally inoculated animals. The cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus is a hematophagous ectoparasite, responsible for the transmission of lethal parasites such as Babesia sp, limiting cattle production in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. There is an urgent emerging need for improved methods of control for these currently neglected tick and tick borne diseases. It is hypothesized that a dual attenuated-live vector vaccine containing a stably transfected tick antigen elicits protective immune responses against the parasite and the tick vector in vaccinated cattle. Live Babesia vaccines based on attenuated parasites are the only effective method available for preventing acute babesiosis. On the other hand, glutathione-S-transferase from Haemaphysalis longicornis (HlGST) is a known effective antigen against Rhipicephalus microplus, the most common vector for B. bovis. This study describes the development and testing of a transfected, B. bovis vaccine expressing HlGST against the tick R. microplus. A B. bovis clonal line designated HlGST-Cln expressing HlGST and GFP/BSD, and separately a control transfected B. bovis clonal line expressing only GFP/BSD was used to vaccinate calves in two independent experiments. All immunized calves developed mild babesiosis, and only calves immunized with the HlGST-Cln parasite line generated anti-HlGST antibodies. Tick egg fertility and fully engorged female tick weight were reduced significantly in R. microplus feeding on HlGST-Cln-vaccinated calves. Taken together, these data demonstrates the ability of transfected B. bovis to elicit antibodies against a heterologous tick antigen in cattle and to induce partial protection in the vaccinated animals against the cattle tick for the first time, representing a step toward the goal to produce a live vector anti-tick vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiane P. Oldiges
- Centro de Biotecnologia Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Jacob M. Laughery
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Nelson Junior Tagliari
- Faculdade de Veterinária Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo Viana Leite Filho
- Faculdade de Veterinária Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - William C. Davis
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Faculdade de Veterinária Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Carlos Termignoni
- Centro de Biotecnologia Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Donald P. Knowles
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
- Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Carlos E. Suarez
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
- Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail: ,
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Tirloni L, Kim TK, Coutinho ML, Ali A, Seixas A, Termignoni C, Mulenga A, da Silva Vaz I. The putative role of Rhipicephalus microplus salivary serpins in the tick-host relationship. Insect Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 71:12-28. [PMID: 26844868 PMCID: PMC4808628 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2016.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Revised: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation and hemostasis are part of the host's first line of defense to tick feeding. These systems are in part serine protease mediated and are tightly controlled by their endogenous inhibitors, in the serpin superfamily (serine protease inhibitors). From this perspective ticks are thought to use serpins to evade host defenses during feeding. The cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus encodes at least 24 serpins, of which RmS-3, RmS-6, and RmS-17 were previously identified in saliva of this tick. In this study, we screened inhibitor functions of these three saliva serpins against a panel of 16 proteases across the mammalian defense pathway. Our data confirm that Pichia pastoris-expressed rRmS-3, rRmS-6, and rRmS-17 are likely inhibitors of pro-inflammatory and pro-coagulant proteases. We show that rRmS-3 inhibited chymotrypsin and cathepsin G with stoichiometry of inhibition (SI) indices of 1.8 and 2.0, and pancreatic elastase with SI higher than 10. Likewise, rRmS-6 inhibited trypsin with SI of 2.6, chymotrypsin, factor Xa, factor XIa, and plasmin with SI higher than 10, while rRmS-17 inhibited trypsin, cathepsin G, chymotrypsin, plasmin, and factor XIa with SI of 1.6, 2.6, 2.7, 3.4, and 9.0, respectively. Additionally, we observed the formation of irreversible complexes between rRmS-3 and chymotrypsin, rRmS-6/rRmS-17 and trypsin, and rRmS-3/rRmS-17 and cathepsin G, which is consistent with typical mechanism of inhibitory serpins. In blood clotting assays, rRmS-17 delayed plasma clotting by 60 s in recalcification time assay, while rRmS-3 and rRmS-6 did not have any effect. Consistent with inhibitor function profiling data, 2.0 μM rRmS-3 and rRmS-17 inhibited cathepsin G-activated platelet aggregation in a dose-responsive manner by up to 96% and 95% respectively. Of significant interest, polyclonal antibodies blocked inhibitory functions of the three serpins. Also notable, antibodies to Amblyomma americanum, Ixodes scapularis, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick saliva proteins cross-reacted with the three R. microplus saliva serpins, suggesting the potential of these proteins as candidates for universal anti-tick vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Tirloni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Tae Kwon Kim
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Mariana Loner Coutinho
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Abid Ali
- Institute of Biotechnology Genetic Engineering, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Adriana Seixas
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Farmacociências, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carlos Termignoni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Albert Mulenga
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Ali A, Parizi LF, Guizzo MG, Tirloni L, Seixas A, Vaz IDS, Termignoni C. Immunoprotective potential of a Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus metalloprotease. Vet Parasitol 2014; 207:107-14. [PMID: 25480468 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Revised: 10/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Ticks have serious impacts on animal and human health, causing significant economic losses in cattle breeding. Besides damage due to the hematophagous behavior, they transmit several pathogens. Low cost and environmental safety have made vaccines a promising alternative control method against tick infestation. Metalloproteases (MPs) have been shown to be essential for diverse biological functions in hematophagous organisms, inhibiting blood clotting, degrading extracellular matrix proteins, and inhibiting host tissue repair via anti-angiogenic activity. In this study, we analyzed the immunoprotective potential of a recombinant MP against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus infestation. First, a cDNA encoding R. microplus amino acids sequence with highly conserved regions of the metzincin (reprolysin) group of MP was identified (BrRm-MP4). After expression and purification, recombinant BrRm-MP4 was used as a vaccinal antigen against R. microplus infestation in cattle (Bos taurus taurus). All vaccinated bovines developed immune response to the antigen, resulting in increased antibody level throughout the immunization protocol. Immunization with rBrRm-MP4 reduced tick feeding success, decreasing the number of engorged females and their reproduction potential, representing a 60% overall protection. These results show that rBrRm-MP4 provides protection against tick infestation, placing it is a potential candidate for an anti-tick vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abid Ali
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43421, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, Porto Alegre 90035-000, RS, Brazil; Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar 25130, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Luís Fernando Parizi
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43421, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil
| | - Melina Garcia Guizzo
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43421, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil
| | - Lucas Tirloni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43421, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil
| | - Adriana Seixas
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43421, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Rua Sarmento Leite 245, Porto Alegre 90050-170, RS, Brazil
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43421, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre 91540-000, RS, Brazil
| | - Carlos Termignoni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43421, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, Porto Alegre 90035-000, RS, Brazil.
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Ali A, Tirloni L, Isezaki M, Seixas A, Konnai S, Ohashi K, da Silva Vaz Junior I, Termignoni C. Reprolysin metalloproteases from Ixodes persulcatus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Rhipicephalus microplus ticks. Exp Appl Acarol 2014; 63:559-578. [PMID: 24687173 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-014-9796-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Metalloproteases (MPs) have been considered essential for blood feeding and other physiological functions in several hematophagous animals, including ticks. We report the characterization of MP sequences of three important ticks from Asia, Africa and America: Ixodes persulcatus (Ip-MPs), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Rs-MPs) and R. microplus (BrRm-MPs). Amino acid sequence identity between R. microplus and R. sanguineus MPs ranged from 76 to 100 %, and identities among I. persulcatus, I. ricinus and I. scapularis MP sequences ranged from 88 to 97 %. This high sequence identity and typical functional motifs show that all sequences are MPs. The presence of a zinc binding site, a Met-turn and cysteine rich domain at the C-terminal region indicates that these proteins belong to the reproplysin family of MPs. Differences in amino acid sequences of BrRm-MP1, BrRm-MP2, BrRm-MP4 and BrRm-MP5 (from Porto Alegre strain ticks) were 6, 2, 7 and 5 %, respectively, when compared with sequences deposited in GenBank for the same genes from other R. microplus isolates. Analyses of MPs predicted that they have various highly antigenic regions. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed the presence of transcripts in salivary glands of partially and fully fed female ticks. None of these transcripts were observed in males (except BrRm-MP4) and eggs. These enzymes may be functional components required during tick feeding to manipulate host defenses and support tick hematophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abid Ali
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43421, C.P. 15005, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil
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Reck J, Bandarra P, Pavarini S, Termignoni C, Driemeier D, Martins JR, Guimarães JA. Experimentally induced tick toxicosis in rats bitten by Ornithodoros brasiliensis (Chelicerata: Argasidae): a clinico-pathological characterization. Toxicon 2014; 88:99-106. [PMID: 24973739 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Ornithodoros brasiliensis, also known as the mouro tick, is an argasid tick only found in the highlands of Southern Brazil. O. brasiliensis parasitism is associated with severe reactions in its hosts ranging from local pruritus and pain to systemic disturbances. Recently, the re-emergence of O. brasiliensis parasitism in humans and dogs drew attention to the clinical findings induced by its bite, which are poorly understood and described. Moreover, rare experimental data about tick bite effects under controlled conditions were available. Thus, this study aimed to describe clinical and pathological findings induced by O. brasiliensis bites in experimentally parasitized rats. Ticks feed for ∼40 min in rats, and their weight increased by approximately four times after the blood meal. Rats bitten by five adult ticks showed hyperemia of the oral/ocular mucosa, piloerection, tachypnea, claudication, ocular and nasal discharge, pruritus, and swollen and erythemic lesions. A large hemorrhagic lesion was observed on rat skin in tick attachment sites, reaching ∼17 mm in diameter 12 h after a bite. Bitten rats also presented an increased bleeding tendency (∼50%) 6 h after a tick bite, evaluated by the tail-cut rat model of bleeding. Blood samples of bitten rats were taken, and clinical pathology analysis showed significant alterations in the eosinophil and basophil counts, in creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and CPK MB fraction, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, and fibrinogen level. Histopathological analysis revealed marked subcutaneous hemorrhage, edema and slight muscle degeneration at the bite site. Also, muscle degeneration and necrosis were observed in the myocardium of bitten rats 72 h after bites by histopathology and immunohistochemistry against troponin C. This work showed the ability of O. brasiliensis to cause severe disturbances in experimentally parasitized rats, compatible with a tick toxicosis syndrome. This observation associated with the re-emergence of O. brasiliensis parasitism makes this parasite as a public health hazard in southern Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Reck
- Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária (FEPAGRO), Eldorado do Sul, RS, Brazil.
| | - Paulo Bandarra
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Saulo Pavarini
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carlos Termignoni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - David Driemeier
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - João Ricardo Martins
- Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária (FEPAGRO), Eldorado do Sul, RS, Brazil
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Dedavid e Silva L, Tirloni L, Loss-Morais G, Margis R, da Silva Vaz I, Macedo A, Termignoni C. A recombinant subtilisin with keratinolytic and fibrin(ogen)olytic activity. Process Biochem 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2014.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Tirloni L, Reck J, Terra RMS, Martins JR, Mulenga A, Sherman NE, Fox JW, Yates JR, Termignoni C, Pinto AFM, da Silva Vaz I. Proteomic analysis of cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus saliva: a comparison between partially and fully engorged females. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94831. [PMID: 24762651 PMCID: PMC3998978 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [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: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is one of the most harmful parasites affecting bovines. Similarly to other hematophagous ectoparasites, R. microplus saliva contains a collection of bioactive compounds that inhibit host defenses against tick feeding activity. Thus, the study of tick salivary components offers opportunities for the development of immunological based tick control methods and medicinal applications. So far, only a few proteins have been identified in cattle tick saliva. The aim of this work was to identify proteins present in R. microplus female tick saliva at different feeding stages. Proteomic analysis of R. microplus saliva allowed identifying peptides corresponding to 187 and 68 tick and bovine proteins, respectively. Our data confirm that (i) R. microplus saliva is complex, and (ii) that there are remarkable differences in saliva composition between partially engorged and fully engorged female ticks. R. microplus saliva is rich mainly in (i) hemelipoproteins and other transporter proteins, (ii) secreted cross-tick species conserved proteins, (iii) lipocalins, (iv) peptidase inhibitors, (v) antimicrobial peptides, (vii) glycine-rich proteins, (viii) housekeeping proteins and (ix) host proteins. This investigation represents the first proteomic study about R. microplus saliva, and reports the most comprehensive Ixodidae tick saliva proteome published to date. Our results improve the understanding of tick salivary modulators of host defense to tick feeding, and provide novel information on the tick-host relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Tirloni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - José Reck
- Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor, Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Eldorado do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - Renata Maria Soares Terra
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Department of Microbiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- CAPES, Ministério da Educação do Brasil, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - João Ricardo Martins
- Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor, Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Eldorado do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - Albert Mulenga
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Nicholas E. Sherman
- Department of Microbiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Jay W. Fox
- Department of Microbiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - John R. Yates
- Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Carlos Termignoni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Antônio F. M. Pinto
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Department of Microbiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- CAPES, Ministério da Educação do Brasil, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Tirloni L, Seixas A, Mulenga A, Vaz IDS, Termignoni C. A family of serine protease inhibitors (serpins) in the cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Exp Parasitol 2013; 137:25-34. [PMID: 24333790 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Revised: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Proteins belonging to the serine protease inhibitor (serpin) superfamily play essential roles in many organisms. In arthropods these proteins are involved in innate immune system, morphogenesis and development. In mammals serpins regulate pathways that are essential to life such as blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, inflammation and complement activation, some of which are considered the host's first line of defense to hematophagous and/or blood dueling parasites. Thus, it is hypothesized that ticks use serpins to evade host defense, facilitating parasitism. This study describes eighteen full-length cDNA sequences encoding serpins identified in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, here named RmS 1-18 (R. microplus serpin). Spatial and temporal transcriptional profiling demonstrated that R. microplus serpins are transcribed during feeding, suggesting their participation in tick physiology regulation. We speculate that the majority of R. microplus serpins are conserved in other ticks, as indicated by phylogeny analysis. Over half of the 18 RmSs are putatively functional in the extracellular environment, as indicated by putative signal peptides on 11 of 18 serpins. Comparative modeling and structural-based alignment revealed that R. microplus serpins in this study retain the consensus secondary of typical serpins. This descriptive study enlarges the knowledge on the molecular biology of R. microplus, an important tick species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Tirloni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9500, Prédio 43421, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil
| | - Adriana Seixas
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9500, Prédio 43421, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Rua Sarmento Leite 245, Porto Alegre 90050-170, RS, Brazil
| | - Albert Mulenga
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, Minnie Heep Center, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9500, Prédio 43421, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre 91540-000, RS, Brazil.
| | - Carlos Termignoni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9500, Prédio 43421, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos 2600, Porto Alegre 90035-000, RS, Brazil
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Zimmer KR, Macedo AJ, Nicastro GG, Baldini RL, Termignoni C. Egg wax from the cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus inhibits Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2013; 4:366-76. [PMID: 23583751 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2013.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is constantly challenged during its life cycle by microorganisms present in their hosts or in the environment. Tick eggs may be especially vulnerable to environmental conditions because they are exposed to a rich and diverse microflora in the soil. Despite being oviposited in such hostile sites, tick eggs remain viable, suggesting that the egg surface has defense mechanisms against opportunistic and/or pathogenic organisms. R. microplus engorged females deposit a superficial wax layer onto their eggs during oviposition. This egg wax is essential for preventing desiccation as well as acting as a barrier against attack by microorganisms. In this study, we report the detection of anti-biofilm activity of R. microplus egg wax against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14. Genes involved in the functions of production and maintenance of the biofilm extracellular matrix, pelA and cdrA, respectively, were markedly downregulated by a tick egg-wax extract. Moreover, this extract strongly inhibited fliC gene expression. Instead of a compact extracellular matrix, P. aeruginosa PA14 treated with egg-wax extract produces a fragile one. Also, the colony morphology of cells treated with egg-wax extract appears much paler and brownish, instead of the bright purple characteristic of normal colonies. Swarming motility was also inhibited by treatment with the egg-wax extract. The inhibition of P. aeruginosa biofilm does not seem to depend on inhibition of the quorum sensing system since mRNA levels of the 3 regulators of this system were not inhibited by egg-wax extract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine R Zimmer
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, 91501-970, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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21
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Zimmer KR, Macedo AJ, Giordani RB, Conceição JM, Nicastro GG, Boechat AL, Baldini RL, Abraham WR, Termignoni C. A steroidal molecule present in the egg wax of the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus inhibits bacterial biofilms. Environ Microbiol 2013; 15:2008-18. [PMID: 23419060 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.12082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Revised: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 12/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus lays eggs in the soil near the roots of grass, or in similar highly moist environments that are prone to biofilm formation. Tick eggs have a protective wax coating that may be a source of nutrients for microorganisms. However, as the eggs remain viable and show no visible signs of microbial colonization, we hypothesized that the coating might have anti-biofilm properties. We show here that the coating inhibits biofilm formation by both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, though by different mechanisms. We have identified the anti-biofilm molecule as N-(3-sulfooxy-25-cholest-5-en-26-oyl)-L-isoleucine (boophiline), and we show that it inhibits the expression of fliC (flagellin) and cdrA (biofilm scaffold), whose products are necessary for biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Boophiline is a novel biofilm inhibitor being also effective against Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm. In our study we show evidences of the boophiline mode of action in the protection of arthropod eggs against biofilm colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine R Zimmer
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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22
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Reck J, Marks FS, Termignoni C, Guimarães JA, Martins JR. Ornithodoros brasiliensis (mouro tick) salivary gland homogenates inhibit in vivo wound healing and in vitro endothelial cell proliferation. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:1749-53. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3333-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Reck J, Marks FS, Guimarães JA, Termignoni C, Martins JR. Epidemiology of Ornithodoros brasiliensis (mouro tick) in the southern Brazilian highlands and the description of human and animal retrospective cases of tick parasitism. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2012; 4:101-9. [PMID: 23238249 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2012.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2012] [Revised: 09/21/2012] [Accepted: 09/23/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Ornithodoros brasiliensis, also known as the "mouro" tick, is an argasid tick found exclusively in the southern Brazilian highlands. O. brasiliensis parasitism is frequently associated with severe symptoms directly induced by the tick bite, a condition compatible with the definition of tick toxicosis. The objectives of this work include (i) the determination of the distribution of O. brasiliensis in farms located in the tick-endemic region, (ii) the description of the characteristics of O. brasiliensis habitats, (iii) the analysis of risk factors associated with O. brasiliensis, and (iv) the retrospective description of cases of human and animal parasitism by O. brasiliensis. Of the 30 farms included in this study, O. brasiliensis was identified on 5 farms (frequency 16.7%), in which several ticks found in high density buried in soil were collected. Information regarding the tick habitats and the local population was recorded. The data indicated that O. brasiliensis feeds on humans, dogs, armadillos (Dasypus hybridus), and possibly skunks (Conepatus chinga). The analysis of risk factors indicated that the presence of house basements with an unpaved (natural soil) floor on farms and insufficient sanitary conditions significantly enhanced the probability of identifying O. brasiliensis. Additionally, we describe retrospectively cases of tick parasitism in 28 humans and 11 dogs including the most common symptoms associated with tick toxicosis. This is the first study concerning O. brasiliensis epidemiology, distribution, and habitat, and the report represents the most comprehensive characterization of Ornithodoros bite-associated toxicosis syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Reck
- Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor, Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Eldorado do Sul, RS, Brazil.
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24
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Seixas A, Oliveira P, Termignoni C, Logullo C, Masuda A, da Silva Vaz I. Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus embryo proteins as target for tick vaccine. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2012; 148:149-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2011.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2010] [Revised: 03/24/2011] [Accepted: 05/02/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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25
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Oldiges DP, Parizi LF, Zimmer KR, Lorenzini DM, Seixas A, Masuda A, da Silva Vaz I, Termignoni C. A Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus cathepsin with dual peptidase and antimicrobial activity. Int J Parasitol 2012; 42:635-45. [PMID: 22584130 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2012.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2012] [Revised: 04/08/2012] [Accepted: 04/09/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, is a haematophagous arthropod responsible for considerable losses in the livestock industry. Immunological control with vaccines is a promising alternative to replace chemical acaricides. Due to their importance in parasite physiology, cysteine endopeptidases are potential targets. In a previous study, native Vitellin Degrading Cysteine Endopeptidase (VTDCE) was successfully tested as a vaccine antigen for bovines against R. microplus. In this work, nucleotide and amino acid VTDCE sequences were obtained from cDNA databanks, based on data from Edman sequencing and mass spectrometry. Subsequently, cloning and expression, purification, immunological and biochemical characterisation of the recombinant protein were performed to determine the biological importance of VTDCE. By Western blot, polyclonal antibodies produced against recombinant VTDCE recognised native VTDCE. Interestingly, molecular analysis showed that the VTDCE sequence has similarity to antimicrobial peptides. Indeed, experimental results revealed that VTDCE has an antimicrobial activity which is independent of endopeptidase activity. We believe that this is the first known study to show that an arthropod enzyme has antimicrobial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiane P Oldiges
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43421, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil
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26
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Trentin D, Gorziza DF, Abraham W, Antunes A, Lerner C, Mothes B, Termignoni C, Macedo A. Antibiofilm activity of Cobetia marina filtrate upon Staphylococcus epidermidis catheter-related isolates. Braz J Microbiol 2011. [DOI: 10.1590/s1517-83822011000400013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Trentin DS, Gorziza DF, Abraham WR, Antunes ALS, Lerner C, Mothes B, Termignoni C, Macedo AJ. Antibiofilm activity of Cobetia marina filtrate upon Staphylococcus epidermidis catheter-related isolates. Braz J Microbiol 2011; 42:1329-33. [PMID: 24031760 PMCID: PMC3768739 DOI: 10.1590/s1517-838220110004000013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2010] [Accepted: 05/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We report the antibiofilm activity by the sponge-associated bacterium Cobetia marina upon Staphylococcus epidermidis clinical isolates obtained from central venous catheters. Antibiofilm activity/antimicrobial susceptibility correlation might predict the action of the metabolite(s) upon Staphylococcus epidermidis in the clinic, making it a possible adjuvant in therapies against biofilm-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- D S Trentin
- Centro de Biotecnologia do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul , Porto Alegre, RS , Brasil ; Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul , Porto Alegre, RS , Brasil
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Marks FS, Reck J, Almeida LL, Berger M, Corrêa AMR, Driemeier D, Barcellos DESN, Guimarães JA, Termignoni C, Canal CW. Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) induces a procoagulant state in naturally infected swine and in cultured endothelial cells. Vet Microbiol 2009; 141:22-30. [PMID: 19733020 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2009.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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: 04/07/2009] [Revised: 07/24/2009] [Accepted: 08/03/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) is the primary causative agent of porcine circovirus disease (PCVD). PCVD is an emerging disease that has been reported worldwide, associated with wasting, lymphoid depletion, enteritis, pneumonia, vasculitis, ischemic lesions, and necrotizing dermatitis. Although PCVD causes considerable economic losses, the pathogenesis of PCV2 has not been fully understood. The aim of the present work was to study the participation of hemostatic system and of vascular endothelium in PCV2 infection, as well as their possible role in PCVD pathogenesis. Our results showed that naturally PCV2-infected swine displayed a prothrombotic state in vivo, since a diminished coagulation time (recalcification time, activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time), a higher platelet aggregation ability (despite a diminished platelet blood count), and an increased thrombin plasma activity (associated with a reduced fibrinogen level) were observed. The PCV2-infected animals showed vasculitis and positive staining for PCV2 antigen in capillary vessels. Furthermore, PCV2-infected endothelial cells displayed an activated phenotype, characterized by an increase in cell surface procoagulant activity. Moreover, the PCV2-infected endothelial cells pre-treated with exogenous thrombin displayed an increased viral load. This work reports, for the first time, the role of the hemostatic system and of endothelium in the pathogenesis and infectivity of PCV2. The study reinforces the importance of the phenomena which occur during PCV2 infection, and affords a better knowledge of the mechanisms behind the pathophysiology of PCVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda S Marks
- Laboratório de Virologia, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, 91540-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Berger M, Reck J, Terra RMS, Pinto AFM, Termignoni C, Guimarães JA. Lonomia obliqua caterpillar envenomation causes platelet hypoaggregation and blood incoagulability in rats. Toxicon 2009; 55:33-44. [PMID: 19577588 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2009.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2009] [Revised: 06/22/2009] [Accepted: 06/26/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Envenomation caused by Lonomia obliqua is a public health hazard in Southern Brazil. Envenomed victims present severe hemorrhagic syndrome that can progress to intracranial hemorrhage and death. To understand the mechanisms that lead to hemorrhage, we investigated the platelet dysfunction and blood coagulation disturbances following experimental envenomation in rats. L. obliqua bristle extract was injected (s.c.) and blood collected at different times post-venom administration for determination of platelet response and analysis of blood coagulation. Rats presented hypofibrinogenemia and platelet hypoaggregation in platelet rich plasma (PRP). After addition of exogenous fibrinogen to PRP, platelet hypoaggregation was not corrected. Interestingly, normoaggregation was observed when platelets were separated from plasma. In addition, incubation of plasma from envenomed rats inhibits aggregation response of normal washed platelets. These results indicate that an aggregation inhibitor is generated in plasma during envenomation. Moreover, rats presented an increase in nitric oxide plasmatic levels which coincided with maximum inhibition in platelet aggregation. Animals also showed blood incoagulability and a significant increase in thrombin, plasmin and urokinase plasmatic activities. Despite this intravascular thrombin generation, only a slight decrease in platelet numbers was detected. Certainly, the platelet hypoaggregation and blood incoagulability described herein contribute to systemic bleeding observed in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Berger
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Cx. Postal 15005, Cep 91501-970, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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31
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Abstract
Bacillus subtilis S14 produces a keratinase (KerS14) with non collagen-degrading activity. Indeed, this is the first keratinase described so far that does not have any detectable effect on collagen, which is a crucial property for an enzyme intended to be used in skin dehairing. Because of its importance as an industrial tanning enzyme, we report the biochemical characterization of KerS14. This protein exhibited an apparent molecular mass of 27 kDa, a pI of 6.5, and an optimum pH in the range of 8.0-9.0. The enzyme's activity was stimulated by Mn2+ (7.7-fold), Ca2+ (6.1-fold), Mg2+ (4.9-fold), and Co2+ (4.0-fold) but was inhibited by Cu2+ and Zn2+. Using p-nitroanilide and methylcoumarine derivatized peptides, we observed that KerS14 prefered Arg at subsite P1, small amino acid residues at subsite P2, and Gln or Glu at subsite P3. KerS14 presented higher keratin degradation specificity than other commercial proteases. Its high keratinolytic activity and the absence of virtually any activity against collagen remark the biotechnological potential of this enzyme to be used at larger scales in tannery dehairing processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre José Macedo
- Centro de Biotecnologia do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, and Faculdade de Farmacia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Seixas A, Leal AT, Nascimento-Silva MCL, Masuda A, Termignoni C, da Silva Vaz I. Vaccine potential of a tick vitellin-degrading enzyme (VTDCE). Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2008; 124:332-40. [PMID: 18490061 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2008.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2007] [Revised: 04/07/2008] [Accepted: 04/09/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
VTDCE (Vitelin-Degrading Cysteine Endopeptidase) is a peptidase with an active role in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus embryogenesis. VTDCE is found in the tick's eggs and was shown to be the most active protein in vitellin (VT) hydrolysis of the three peptidases already characterized in R. microplus eggs (Boophilus Yolk pro-cathepsin (BYC), Tick Heme Binding Aspartic Proteinase (THAP) and VTDCE). VTDCE activity was assessed in vitro using the natural substrate and a synthetic substrate (N-Cbz-Phe-Arg-MCA). The activity was inhibited by anti-VTDCE antibodies. In the present study, it was shown that VTDCE acts differently from BYC and THAP in VT hydrolysis and that the vaccination of bovines with VTDCE induces a partial protective immune response against R. microplus infestation. Immunized bovines challenged with R. microplus larvae presented an overall protection of 21%, and a reduction in the weight of fertile eggs of 17.6% was observed. The data obtained indicate that VTDCE seems to be important for tick physiology, and that it induces partial protective immune response when inoculated in bovines. This suggests that VTDCE can be useful to improve the protective capacity observed for other antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Seixas
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500 Prédio 43421, Porto Alegre, RS 91501-970, Brazil
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Estrela A, Seixas A, Termignoni C. A cysteine endopeptidase from tick (Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus) larvae with vitellin digestion activity. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2007; 148:410-6. [PMID: 17765577 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2007.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2006] [Revised: 07/23/2007] [Accepted: 07/24/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The hard tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is a blood-sucking ectoparasite. R. microplus free-living stage comprises egg development, hatching, and subsequent larval development until encountering a host. In order to complete the embryological development, this tick relies on yolk reserve substances, mainly vitellin (Vt), which is still present in the larval stage. The present study demonstrates presence and digestion of Vt in unfed R. microplus larvae. An increasing proteolytic activity is observed in larval development, as well as a decrease in total protein and in Vt content. Partial purification and characterization of a R. microplus larval cysteine endopeptidase (RmLCE) with Vt-degrading activity is also described. RmLCE has optimal activity at 37 degrees C at pH 5.0, being unstable at pH > or =7.5. This enzyme is active upon fluorogenic peptide substrates and is able to degrade Vt, its putative natural substrate. These results indicate that RmLCE has a role in supporting the nutritional needs of unfed R. microplus larva through Vt proteolysis, allowing survival until the first blood meal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréia Estrela
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Ricci CG, Pinto AFM, Berger M, Termignoni C. A thrombin inhibitor from the gut of Boophilus microplus ticks. Exp Appl Acarol 2007; 42:291-300. [PMID: 17710557 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-007-9097-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2006] [Accepted: 08/07/2007] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
A thrombin inhibitor was identified for the first time in the gut of the cattle tick Boophilus microplus. Here we present the partial purification and characterization of this new molecule, which was purified from the gut extract by three chromatographic steps: ion-exchange, gel filtration and affinity chromatography in a thrombin-Sepharose resin. In SDS-PAGE the inhibitor showed an apparent molecular mass of circa 26 kDa, which is different from the two thrombin inhibitors present in the saliva of this tick. The new inhibitor delays bovine plasma clotting time and inhibits both thrombin induced fibrinogen clotting and thrombin induced platelet aggregation. However, it does not interfere with thrombin amidolytic activity upon a small substrate (H-D-Phe-Pip-Arg-para-nitroanilide), which does not require binding to thrombin exosites. Therefore, the inhibitor does not block thrombin active site, although it must interfere with one of the thrombin exosites. B. microplus gut thrombin inhibitor (BmGTI) is also capable of enhancing activated protein C (APC) activity upon its specific substrate (H-D-Glu-Pro-Arg-para-nitroanilide), an activity never described before among B. microplus molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarisse Gravina Ricci
- Centro de Biotecnologia da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, 15005, Porto Alegre, 91501-970, Brazil
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Leal AT, Seixas A, Pohl PC, Ferreira CAS, Logullo C, Oliveira PL, Farias SE, Termignoni C, da Silva Vaz I, Masuda A. Vaccination of bovines with recombinant Boophilus Yolk pro-Cathepsin. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2006; 114:341-5. [PMID: 16997384 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2006.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2006] [Revised: 08/14/2006] [Accepted: 08/23/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Boophilus Yolk pro-Cathepsin (BYC) is an aspartic proteinase found in Boophilus microplus eggs that is involved in the embryogenesis and has been tested as antigen to compose an anti-tick vaccine. The vaccine potential of a recombinant BYC expressed in Escherichia coli (rBYC) was investigated. rBYC was purified and used to immunize Hereford cattle. The sera of bovines immunized with rBYC recognized the native BYC with a titer ranging from 125 to 4000. Furthermore, immunized bovines challenged with 20,000 larvae presented an overall protection of 25.24%. The partial protection obtained against B. microplus infestation with the recombinant protein immunization was similar to the already described for native BYC immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre T Leal
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43421, Porto Alegre RS 91501-970, Brazil
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36
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Bohrer CB, Reck Junior J, Fernandes D, Sordi R, Guimarães JA, Assreuy J, Termignoni C. Kallikrein-kinin system activation by Lonomia obliqua caterpillar bristles: involvement in edema and hypotension responses to envenomation. Toxicon 2006; 49:663-9. [PMID: 17188732 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2006.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2006] [Revised: 11/11/2006] [Accepted: 11/13/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Lonomia obliqua envenomation induces an intense burning sensation at the site of contact and severe hemorrhage followed by edema and hypotension, and after few days death can occur usually due to acute renal failure. In order to understand more about the envenomation syndrome, the present study investigates the role played by kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) in edematogenic and hypotensive responses to the envenomation by L. obliqua. The incubation of L. obliqua caterpillar bristles extract (LOCBE) with plasma results in kallikrein activation, measured by cromogenic assay using the kallikrein synthetic substrate S-2302 (H-D-Pro-Phe-Arg-pNA). It was also showed that LOCBE was able to release kinins from low-molecular weight kininogen (LMWK). Moreover, it was demonstrated that previous administration of a kallikrein inhibitor (aprotinin) or bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist (HOE-140) significantly reduces the edema and hypotension in response to LOCBE, using mouse paw edema bioassay and mean arterial blood pressure analysis, respectively. The results demonstrate a direct involvement of the KKS in the edema formation and in the fall of arterial pressure that occur in the L. obliqua envenomation syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- C B Bohrer
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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37
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Ciprandi A, de Oliveira SK, Masuda A, Horn F, Termignoni C. Boophilus microplus: Its saliva contains microphilin, a small thrombin inhibitor. Exp Parasitol 2006; 114:40-6. [PMID: 16600217 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2006.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2005] [Revised: 02/08/2006] [Accepted: 02/09/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Saliva of the cattle tick Boophilus microplus contains two thrombin inhibitors, BmAP and microphilin. This work presents the purification and characterization of microphilin. It was purified from the saliva by gel filtration, ultrafiltration through a 3 kDa cut-off membrane and affinity chromatography in a thrombin-Sepharose column. Analysis by mass spectrometry showed a molecular mass of 1770 Da. Microphilin is the smallest salivary thrombin inhibitor peptide known to date. It inhibits fibrinocoagulation and thrombin-induced platelet aggregation with an IC(50) of 5.5 microM, is temperature resistant and its inhibitory activity was abolished by protease K treatment. Microphilin did not inhibit the amidolytic activity of the enzyme upon a small chromogenic substrate, but inhibited the hydrolysis of a substrate that binds both catalytic site and exosite I. Therefore, we propose that microphilin blocks thrombin at exosite I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Ciprandi
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, P.O. Box 15005, 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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38
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Macedo AJ, da Silva WOB, Gava R, Driemeier D, Henriques JAP, Termignoni C. Novel keratinase from Bacillus subtilis S14 exhibiting remarkable dehairing capabilities. Appl Environ Microbiol 2005; 71:594-6. [PMID: 15640244 PMCID: PMC544270 DOI: 10.1128/aem.71.1.594-596.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the isolation of a keratinolytic-producing Bacillus subtilis strain and the characterization of the exceptional dehairing properties of its subtilisin-like keratinase. This enzyme can be an alternative to sodium sulfide, the major pollutant from tanneries, and may completely replace it. Its unique nonactivity upon collagen enhances its industrial potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre J Macedo
- Centro de Biotecnologia do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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39
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da Silva Vaz I, Torino Lermen T, Michelon A, Sanchez Ferreira CA, Joaquim de Freitas DR, Termignoni C, Masuda A. Effect of acaricides on the activity of a Boophilus microplus glutathione S-transferase. Vet Parasitol 2004; 119:237-45. [PMID: 14746982 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2003.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we report the effect of several acaricides on the enzyme activity of a Boophilus microplus recombinant glutathione S-transferase (rGST). GST was expressed in Escherichia coli and was purified with glutathione (GSH) affinity column chromatography. The kinetic constants were determined by reacting GST with the substrates 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) and glutathione. We report the effect of several acaricides on the enzyme activity of rGST. Some acaricides (ethion, amitraz, chlorpyrifos, DDT, cypermethrin, diazinon, ivermectin, deltamethrin and flumethrin) inhibited rGST. Contrarily, coumaphos had an activating effect. Although the accurate mechanisms of the B. microplus resistance to acaricides remain elusive, this work helps in understanding how acaricides can interact with GST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, C.P. 15005, 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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40
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Seixas A, Dos Santos PC, Velloso FF, Da Silva Vaz I, Masuda A, Horn F, Termignoni C. A Boophilus microplus vitellin-degrading cysteine endopeptidase. Parasitology 2003; 126:155-63. [PMID: 12636353 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182002002731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Here we describe the purification and characterization of a vitellin (VT) degrading cysteine endopeptidase (VTDCE) from eggs of the hard tick Boophilus microplus. A homogeneous enzyme preparation was obtained by chromatographic fractionation on ion-exchange and gel filtration columns and an autolysis step. This step consisted of incubation of a semipurified enzyme (after the first ion-exchange chromatography) at pH 4.0 that dissociated the enzyme from VT, to which VTDCE is naturally tightly associated. The enzyme purity was confirmed by capillary and native gel electrophoresis, and SDS-PAGE suggested the enzyme is a dimer of 17 and 22 kDa. VTDCE was active upon several synthetic substrates, with a preference for a hydrophobic or a basic residue in P1, and a hydrophobic residue in P2. VTDCE also hydrolysed haemoglobin, albumin, gelatin and vitellin. VTDCE is inactive in the absence of DTT and was totally inhibited by E-64, indicating it is a cysteine endopeptidase. Our results suggest that VTDCE is a major enzyme involved in yolk processing during B. microplus embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Seixas
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, P.O. Box 15005, 91501-970, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
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41
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Bastiani M, Hillebrand S, Horn F, Kist TBL, Guimarães JA, Termignoni C. Cattle tick Boophilus microplus salivary gland contains a thiol-activated metalloendopeptidase displaying kininase activity. Insect Biochem Mol Biol 2002; 32:1439-1446. [PMID: 12530211 DOI: 10.1016/s0965-1748(02)00064-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
This work reports on the characterization of a metalloendopeptidase kininase present in Boophilus microplus salivary glands. Using the guinea pig ileum assay, salivary gland whole extracts (SGE) were found to have a potent kininase activity. Ion-exchange chromatography separated two kininase activities from SGE. The major enzymatic component, eluted at lower ionic strength, was named BooKase (Boophilus Kininase). Analysis of the hydrolysis products by capillary electrophoresis identified Phe5-Ser6 as the only hydrolyzable peptide bond in bradykinin after BooKase treatment. This is the same specificity as the mammalian thimet oligoendopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.15). Like this enzyme, BooKase is also a metallo-peptidase (requires Mn2+) and is activated by-SH protecting reagents. In addition, BooKase was partially inhibited by cFP-AAF-pAB, a specific inhibitor of thimet oligopeptidase. Contrary to other kininases, BooKase had no activity upon angiontensin I. Our results show that BooKase behaves as a typical peptidase with kinase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Bastiani
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade, Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Caixa Postal 15005, 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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43
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Renard G, Lara FA, de Cardoso FC, Miguens FC, Dansa-Petretski M, Termignoni C, Masuda A. Expression and immunolocalization of a Boophilus microplus cathepsin L-like enzyme. Insect Mol Biol 2002; 11:325-328. [PMID: 12144697 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2583.2002.00342.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Efforts are being undertaken to control tick infestations that cause important economic losses. A cathepsin L-like endopeptidase of Boophilus microplus was expressed in Escherichia coli; the recombinant enzyme was capable of hydrolysing gelatin, tick vitellin and bovine haemoglobin. In this paper we focus on the expression and local of synthesis of this enzyme in the tick. RT-PCR experiments showed that this endopeptidase is transcribed in the gut of partially engorged tick females. In immunoblotting, polyclonal antibodies against the recombinant enzyme reacted with proteins of larvae older than 5 days, of fully and partially engorged female gut. In immunolocalization experiments the enzyme was localized in probable secretory cells of the gut. Based on our findings we postulate that BmCL1 may be involved in haemoglobin degradation in the B. microplus gut. This enzyme may be used as target for the control of this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaby Renard
- Centro de Biotecnologia do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Departamento de Bioquímica and Departamento de Biologia Molecular and Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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44
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Hillebrand S, Schoffen JR, Mandaji M, Termignoni C, Grieneisen HPH, Kist TBL. Performance of an ultraviolet light-emitting diode-induced fluorescence detector in capillary electrophoresis. Electrophoresis 2002; 23:2445-8. [PMID: 12210201 DOI: 10.1002/1522-2683(200208)23:15<2445::aid-elps2445>3.0.co;2-k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The performance of a fluorescence detector in capillary electrophoresis (CE) using a light-emitting diode (LED) as excitation source is reported. An ultraviolet LED pulsed at a repetition rate of 500 Hz, combined with a time-discrimination and averaging acquisition system, was used. Limits of detection of 3 and 18 fmoles (at a signal-to-noise ratio equal to 3) were achieved for fluorescamine-derivatized bradykinin and lysine, respectively. This system exhibited a linear response for a concentration range between 54 and 417 microM for derivatized lysine, and between 1.81 and 23.58 microM for derivatized bradykinin. This detection system showed to be very convenient for routine analytical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Hillebrand
- Centro de Biotecnologia do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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45
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Schoffen JR, Mandaji M, Termignoni C, Grieneisen HPH, Kist TBL. The propagator (retarded Green function) formalism as a new calculation method to predict the time evolution of bands in capillary electrophoresis and microchannels. Electrophoresis 2002; 23:2704-9. [PMID: 12210175 DOI: 10.1002/1522-2683(200208)23:16<2704::aid-elps2704>3.0.co;2-f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Capillary electrophoresis (CE) and microchannel (MC) techniques are important tools in chemical and biological sciences, mainly in the study of genomes, transcriptomes, proteomes, metabolomes, and organic as well as inorganic ions. The speed of DNA sequencing increased significantly during the last decade with the use of capillary electrophoresis (CE). The time evolution of the bands' spatial profile inside capillaries and channels is of paramount importance, since the main goal of these techniques is to maximize resolution (the ratio between the spacing of the peaks and their mean standard deviations). In the present work, the propagator (retarded Green function) formalism is applied to solve a few problems which are typical for CE and MC. We also apply this mathematical method to the problem of velocity gradients along the capillary, i.e., the time evolution of the bands is analyzed when they enter regions where they migrate with different velocities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlio R Schoffen
- Instituto de Física, Universitario Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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46
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De Toni CH, Richter MF, Chagas JR, Henriques JAP, Termignoni C. Purification and characterization of an alkaline serine endopeptidase from a feather-degrading Xanthomonas maltophilia strain. Can J Microbiol 2002; 48:342-8. [PMID: 12030707 DOI: 10.1139/w02-027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A keratinolytic Xanthomonas maltophilia strain (POA-1), cultured on feather meal broth, using keratin as its sole source of carbon and nitrogen, secretes several extracellular peptidases. The major serine peptidase was purified to homogeneity by a five-step procedure. Its purity was evaluated by capillary zone electrophoresis. This enzyme has a molecular mass of 36 kDa, an optimum pH of 9.0, and an optimum temperature of 60 degrees C. The inhibitory profile using protease inhibitors shows that this enzyme is a serine endopeptidase. Besides keratin, the enzyme is active upon the substrates azokeratin, azocasein, and the following fluorogenic peptide substrates: Abz-Leu-Gly-Met-Ile-Ser-Leu-Met-Lys-Arg-Pro-Gln-EDDnp, Abz-Lys-Leu-Cys(SBzl)-Gly-Pro-Lys-Gln-EDDnp, and Abz-Lys-Pro-Cys(SBzl)-Phe-Ser-Lys-Gln-EDDnp.
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Affiliation(s)
- C H De Toni
- Departamento de Bioquímica and Centro de Biotecnologia, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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47
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Horn F, dos Santos PC, Termignoni C. Boophilus microplus anticoagulant protein: an antithrombin inhibitor isolated from the cattle tick saliva. Arch Biochem Biophys 2000; 384:68-73. [PMID: 11147837 DOI: 10.1006/abbi.2000.2076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
An anticoagulant was isolated from saliva of the cattle tick Boophilus microplus. Crude saliva prolonged both recalcification time and prothrombin time in assays with bovine plasma. It also inhibited thrombin, but not fXa, amidolytic activity. We purified the antithrombin activity by a combination of gel filtration, anion exchange, and affinity chromatography. The purified inhibitor has a molecular weight of 60,000 Da, determined by SDS-PAGE. The anticoagulant IC50 varied from 100 nM to 1.1 microM, depending on the thrombin concentration and substrate used (fibrinogen or platelet receptor). The excess of inhibitor in relation to thrombin indicates that it is not a tight-binding inhibitor. Chromogenic assays using a panel of five serine-proteinases suggest that the inhibitor is specific against thrombin.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Horn
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brasil.
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48
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Renard G, Garcia JF, Cardoso FC, Richter MF, Sakanari JA, Ozaki LS, Termignoni C, Masuda A. Cloning and functional expression of a Boophilus microplus cathepsin L-like enzyme. Insect Biochem Mol Biol 2000; 30:1017-1026. [PMID: 10989288 DOI: 10.1016/s0965-1748(00)00070-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
A cysteine proteinase gene homologous to cathepsins L genes was isolated from a B. microplus cDNA library. The precursor protein deduced from the nucleotide sequence contains 332 amino acid residues consisting of a signal sequence (pre-region), a pro-region and a mature proteinase. The DNA fragment coding for the proenzyme was cloned and expressed using the E. coli expression vector pMAL-p. The recombinant protein (MBP+PROCP) once activated is able to hydrolyze synthetic substrates as well as protein substrates like hemoglobin, vitellin and gelatin. Its optimal enzymatic activity on both fluorogenic and protein substrates was found to occur at an acidic pH. Expression of the proteinase gene was tested by RT-PCR with tick larvae RNA. Detection of amplified sequences indicates that the gene is expressed at this stage of the tick life cycle and the molecule is therefore potentially a target for chemotherapy or an immunogen in a vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Renard
- Centro de Biotecnologia do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, C.P. 15005 - Campus do Vale, 91501-970 RS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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49
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De Boni L, França LT, Grieneisen HP, Janowicz M, Kist TB, Consiglio AR, Schoffen JR, Stefani V, Termignoni C. Experimental observation of light-induced solitary waves of analyte bands in capillary electrophoresis. Electrophoresis 1999; 20:2493-500. [PMID: 10499342 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1522-2683(19990801)20:12<2493::aid-elps2493>3.0.co;2-u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The phenomenon of electrophoresis in free solution has been studied theoretically down to the molecular level for decades. In addition, intermolecular photo-induced proton transfer reactions, which occur in a wide class of molecules (phenols and aminoarenes) as well as proteins (green fluorescent protein), were also studied extensively. However, the study of the effect of light-induced electrophoretic mobility changes of the analytes in electrophoresis was begun only recently. In the present work, capillary zone electrophoresis was chosen as the environment to measure the magnitude of these electrophoretic mobility shifts induced by light. Background electrolytes (running electrolytes) with high refractive indices were developed, allowing the capillary to work like an optical fiber. The experimental conditions for obtaining stable coupling and guided laser light along the liquid core are discussed. Experimental evidence of band compression is observed, leading to a solitary wave behavior of the analyte band (2-naphthol). These solitary waves result from competition between thermal diffusion (dispersion mechanism) and a nonlinear (band compression) effect due to the combined electrophoresis phenomenon and absorption of guided light by the molecules of the band (which are subjected to a "reversible intermolecular proton transfer reaction" as one of their decay routes). The possibilities of applying this effect to different methods and techniques are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L De Boni
- Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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50
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Del Pino FA, Brandelli A, Termignoni C, Gonzales JC, Henriques JA, Dewes H. Purification and characterization of beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase from bovine tick Boophilus microplus (Ixodide) larvae. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 1999; 123:193-200. [PMID: 10425723 DOI: 10.1016/s0305-0491(99)00057-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
beta-N-Acetylhexosaminidase (HEX, E.C. 3.2.1.52) from larvae of the ixodid tick Boophilus microplus was purified to capillary zone electrophoresis homogeneity, and characterized. Enzyme purification was carried out by sequential liquid chromatography on Sephadex G-200, p-aminobenzyl-N-acetyl-beta-D-thioglucosamine affinity, and Mono-Q FPLC columns. Purification was about 1600-fold, with a yield of 10%, as determined with p-nitrophenyl-N-acetylglucosaminide as substrate. The enzyme presented optimum pH 4.7, and optimum temperature 65 degrees C. The molecular weight of non-denatured enzyme was estimated as 127,000 by gel filtration chromatography, and 60,000 in SDS-PAGE. The tick hexosaminidase presented glycosyl residues, as evidenced by binding to Concanavalin-A. Among several p-nitrophenyl glycosides tested as substrate, HEX was active only on p-nitrophenyl-N-acetylglucosaminide and p-nitrophenyl-N-acetylgalactosaminide. The purified enzyme presented immunogenicity in rabbit, and the correspondent antibodies inhibited about 90% of its original, in vitro activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- F A Del Pino
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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