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Chiumento G, Osinski A, DeVoe K, Houghton A, Joshi A, Ivanof C, Creegan E, Gosciminski M, Newman AP, Madison-Antenucci S, Hlavsa MC, Imada E, Lysen C, Miko S, Schultz J, Harvey E, Vostok J, Brown CM. Notes from the Field: Outbreak of Cryptosporidiosis Among Collegiate Swimmers and Evidence of Secondary Transmission - Massachusetts and Rhode Island, 2023. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023; 72:734-735. [PMID: 37384560 PMCID: PMC10328492 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7226a7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
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2
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Clemons B, Barratt J, Lane M, Qvarnstrom Y, Teal AE, Zayas G, Madison-Antenucci S. Assessing an Adaptation of the Universal Parasite Diagnostic Assay for Bloodborne Parasites in a US State Public Health Laboratory. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 106:671-677. [PMID: 34749306 PMCID: PMC8832931 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-0707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
For complex clinical cases where a parasitic infection is suspected, it can be difficult for clinicians to recommend an appropriate laboratory test. These tests are usually pathogen-specific and require a certain degree of suspicion for the precise etiology. A recently described assay, the universal parasite diagnostic (UPDx) can potentially provide a diagnosis of any parasite present in a specimen. Using primers that amplify DNA from all eukaryotes, UPDx differentiates several parasitic infections in blood by amplicon-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the 18S rDNA locus. As the state's public health reference laboratory, the Parasitology Laboratory at the Wadsworth Center (Albany, NY) receives specimens from patients who have potentially encountered a wide variety of parasites. As such, the ability to differentiate several blood parasites using a single assay is of interest. We assessed UPDx for its ability to confirm parasitic infections for 20 specimens that were previously identified by real-time PCR (RT-PCR). This included specimens positive for Babesia microti, Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania tropica, various Plasmodium species, and specimens comprising mixed Plasmodium sp. infections. Results obtained using UPDx were largely concordant with the RT-PCR assays. A T. cruzi positive specimen was negative by UPDx and for two mixed Plasmodium sp. infections only one species was detected. The results obtained for other specimens were concordant. We conclude that UPDx shows promise for the detection of blood parasites in diagnostic laboratories. As NGS becomes cheaper, assays like UPDx will become increasingly amenable to use in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Clemons
- New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center Parasitology Laboratory, Albany, New York
| | - Joel Barratt
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Parasitic Diseases Branch, Atlanta, Georgia;,Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
| | | | - Yvonne Qvarnstrom
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Parasitic Diseases Branch, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Allen E. Teal
- New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center Parasitology Laboratory, Albany, New York
| | - Greicy Zayas
- SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Susan Madison-Antenucci
- New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center Parasitology Laboratory, Albany, New York;,Address correspondence to Susan Madison-Antenucci, NYSDOH Wadsworth Center, Parasitology Laboratory, 120 New Scotland Avenue, Room 3112, Albany, NY 12201. E-mail:
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3
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Alleyne L, Fitzhenry R, Mergen KA, Espina N, Amoroso E, Cimini D, Balter S, Fireteanu AM, Seeley A, Janus L, Gutelius B, Madison-Antenucci S, Thompson CN. Epidemiology of Cryptosporidiosis, New York City, New York, USA, 1995-2018 1. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26. [PMID: 32096465 PMCID: PMC7045836 DOI: 10.3201/eid2603.190785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is a parasitic diarrheal infection that is transmitted by the fecal-oral route. We assessed trends in incidence and demographic characteristics for the 3,984 cases diagnosed during 1995-2018 in New York City, New York, USA, and reported to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Reported cryptosporidiosis incidence decreased with HIV/AIDS treatment rollout in the mid-1990s, but the introduction of syndromic multiplex diagnostic panels in 2015 led to a major increase in incidence and to a shift in the demographic profile of reported patients. Incidence was highest among men 20-59 years of age, who consistently represented most (54%) reported patients. In addition, 30% of interviewed patients reported recent international travel. The burden of cryptosporidiosis in New York City is probably highest among men who have sex with men. Prevention messaging is warranted for men who have sex with men and their healthcare providers, as well as for international travelers.
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4
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Mergen K, Espina N, Teal A, Madison-Antenucci S. Detecting Cryptosporidium in Stool Samples Submitted to a Reference Laboratory. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:421-427. [PMID: 32458774 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
When considering methods of detecting Cryptosporidium in patient samples, clinical and public health laboratories have historically relied primarily on microscopy. However, microscopy is time intensive and requires trained personnel to accurately identify pathogens that are present. Even with skilled analysts, the parasitemia level has the potential to fall below the level of detection. In addition, public health laboratories do not always receive specimens in fixatives that are compatible with the desired microscopic method. Antigen-based and molecular methods have proven to be effective at identifying Cryptosporidium at low levels and require less training and hands-on time. Here, we have developed and validated a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) laboratory-developed test (LDT) that identifies Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum, and also includes detection at the genus level to identify additional species that occasionally cause disease in humans. Results of the molecular test were compared with those obtained from modified acid-fast microscopy, immunofluorescent microscopy, an antigen-based detection rapid test, and a commercial gastrointestinal panel (GI panel). Of 40 positive samples, microscopy and antigen-based methods were able to detect Cryptosporidium in only 20 and 21 samples, respectively. The GI panel detected 33 of the 40 positive samples, even though not all specimens were received in the recommended preservative. The LDT detected Cryptosporidium in all 40 positive samples. When comparing each method for the detection of Cryptosporidium, our results indicate the LDT is an accurate, reliable, and cost-effective method for a clinical public health reference laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Mergen
- Parasitology Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, NYSDOH, Albany, New York
| | - Noel Espina
- Parasitology Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, NYSDOH, Albany, New York
| | - Allen Teal
- Parasitology Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, NYSDOH, Albany, New York
| | - Susan Madison-Antenucci
- School of Public Health, Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, New York.,Parasitology Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, NYSDOH, Albany, New York
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5
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Aphasizheva I, Alfonzo J, Carnes J, Cestari I, Cruz-Reyes J, Göringer HU, Hajduk S, Lukeš J, Madison-Antenucci S, Maslov DA, McDermott SM, Ochsenreiter T, Read LK, Salavati R, Schnaufer A, Schneider A, Simpson L, Stuart K, Yurchenko V, Zhou ZH, Zíková A, Zhang L, Zimmer S, Aphasizhev R. Lexis and Grammar of Mitochondrial RNA Processing in Trypanosomes. Trends Parasitol 2020; 36:337-355. [PMID: 32191849 PMCID: PMC7083771 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [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: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma brucei spp. cause African human and animal trypanosomiasis, a burden on health and economy in Africa. These hemoflagellates are distinguished by a kinetoplast nucleoid containing mitochondrial DNAs of two kinds: maxicircles encoding ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) and proteins and minicircles bearing guide RNAs (gRNAs) for mRNA editing. All RNAs are produced by a phage-type RNA polymerase as 3' extended precursors, which undergo exonucleolytic trimming. Most pre-mRNAs proceed through 3' adenylation, uridine insertion/deletion editing, and 3' A/U-tailing. The rRNAs and gRNAs are 3' uridylated. Historically, RNA editing has attracted major research effort, and recently essential pre- and postediting processing events have been discovered. Here, we classify the key players that transform primary transcripts into mature molecules and regulate their function and turnover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inna Aphasizheva
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Boston University Medical Campus, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Juan Alfonzo
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jason Carnes
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Igor Cestari
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, H9X3V9, Québec, Canada
| | - Jorge Cruz-Reyes
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - H Ulrich Göringer
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Darmstadt University of Technology, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Stephen Hajduk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Julius Lukeš
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences and Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic
| | - Susan Madison-Antenucci
- Parasitology Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12201, USA
| | - Dmitri A Maslov
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California - Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Suzanne M McDermott
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Torsten Ochsenreiter
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 4, Bern CH-3012, Switzerland
| | - Laurie K Read
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Reza Salavati
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, H9X3V9, Québec, Canada
| | - Achim Schnaufer
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - André Schneider
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern CH-3012, Switzerland
| | - Larry Simpson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095, USA
| | - Kenneth Stuart
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Vyacheslav Yurchenko
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic; Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Z Hong Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095, USA
| | - Alena Zíková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences and Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic
| | - Liye Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Sara Zimmer
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth campus, Duluth, MN 55812, USA
| | - Ruslan Aphasizhev
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Boston University Medical Campus, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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6
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Madison-Antenucci S, Wormser GP, Levin AE, Wong SJ. Frequency and magnitude of seroreactivity to Babesia microti in 245 patients diagnosed by PCR in New York State. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 97:115008. [PMID: 32113703 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2020.115008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Multiple methodologies have been used to detect antibodies to Babesia microti. Use of an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) has been the most widely used approach, but IFAs have varied as to which antibody class or classes are being detected and in regard to cutoff titers. In this study, 245 different patients with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-confirmed B. microti infection were tested by a polyvalent IFA using serum collected within 3 days of the date the blood sample for PCR testing was obtained. Of the 245 patients, 243 (99.2%) had a positive serologic test result (i.e., ≥1:64). Of the 243 patients who were seropositive, 242 (99.6%) had a titer of ≥1:256, 236 (97.1%) had a titer of ≥1:512, and 210 (86.4%) had a titer of ≥1:1024. In conclusion, high titer seropositivity based on a polyvalent IFA is to be expected at the time of PCR confirmation of active babesiosis in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Madison-Antenucci
- Parasitology Laboratory Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12208
| | - Gary P Wormser
- Division of Infectious Diseases, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595.
| | | | - Susan J Wong
- Diagnostic Immunology Laboratory Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12208
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7
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Anand A, Mace KE, Townsend RL, Madison-Antenucci S, Grimm KE, Espina N, Losco P, Lucchi NW, Rivera H, Breen K, Tan KR, Arguin PM, White JL, Stramer SL. Investigation of a case of suspected transfusion-transmitted malaria. Transfusion 2018; 58:2115-2121. [PMID: 30178476 PMCID: PMC6334839 DOI: 10.1111/trf.14778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transfusion-transmitted malaria (TTM) is a rare occurrence with serious consequences for the recipient. A case study is presented as an example of best practices for conducting a TTM investigation. CASE REPORT A 15-year-old male with a history of sickle cell disease developed fever after a blood transfusion. He was diagnosed with Plasmodium falciparum malaria and was successfully treated. The American Red Cross, New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigated the eight donors who provided components to the transfusion. The investigation to identify a malaria-positive donor included trace back of donors, serologic methods to identify donor(s) with a history of malaria exposure, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, microsatellite analysis to identify the parasite in a donor and match its genotype to the parasite in the recipient, and reinterview of all donors to clarify malaria risk factors. RESULTS One donor had evidence of infection with P. falciparum by PCR, elevated antibody titers, and previously undisclosed malaria risk factors. Reinterview revealed that the donor immigrated to the United States from Togo just short of 3 years before the blood donation. The donor was treated for asymptomatic low parasitemia infection. CONCLUSION This investigation used standard procedures for investigating TTM but also demonstrated the importance of applying sensitive laboratory techniques to identify the infected donor, especially a donor with asymptomatic infection with low parasitemia. Repeat interview of all donors identified as having contributed to the transfused component provides complementary epidemiologic information to confirm the infected donor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjoli Anand
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, CDC
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, CDC
| | - Kimberly E. Mace
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, CDC
| | | | | | | | - Noel Espina
- Parasitology Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health
| | - Paul Losco
- Donor Client and Support Center, American Red Cross
| | - Naomi W. Lucchi
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, CDC
| | - Hilda Rivera
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, CDC
| | - Kathleen Breen
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, CDC
| | - Kathrine R. Tan
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, CDC
| | - Paul M. Arguin
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, CDC
| | - Jennifer L. White
- Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, New York State Department of Health
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8
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Figgatt M, Mergen K, Kimelstein D, Mahoney DM, Newman A, Nicholas D, Ricupero K, Cafiero T, Corry D, Ade J, Kurpiel P, Madison-Antenucci S, Anand M. Giardiasis Outbreak Associated with Asymptomatic Food Handlers in New York State, 2015. J Food Prot 2017; 80:837-841. [PMID: 28402185 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-16-415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is a protozoan that causes a gastrointestinal illness called giardiasis. Giardiasis outbreaks in the United States are most commonly associated with waterborne transmission and are less commonly associated with food, person-to-person, and zoonotic transmission. During June to September 2015, an outbreak of 20 giardiasis cases occurred and were epidemiologically linked to a local grocery store chain on Long Island, New York. Further investigation revealed three asymptomatic food handlers were infected with G. duodenalis, and one food handler and one case were coinfected with Cryptosporidium spp. Although G. duodenalis was not detected in food samples, Cryptosporidium was identified in samples of spinach dip and potato salad. The G. duodenalis assemblage and subtype from one of the food handlers matched two outbreak cases for which genotyping could be performed. This outbreak highlights the potential role of asymptomatically infected food handlers in giardiasis outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Figgatt
- New York State Department of Health, Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12237.,Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists Applied Epidemiology Fellowship Program, 2872 Woodcock Boulevard, Suite 250, Atlanta, Georgia 30341
| | - Kimberly Mergen
- Parasitology Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, 120 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, New York 12208
| | - Deborah Kimelstein
- Nassau County Department of Health, 200 County Seat Drive, Mineola, New York 11501, USA
| | - Danielle M Mahoney
- Nassau County Department of Health, 200 County Seat Drive, Mineola, New York 11501, USA
| | - Alexandra Newman
- New York State Department of Health, Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12237
| | - David Nicholas
- New York State Department of Health, Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12237
| | - Kristen Ricupero
- Nassau County Department of Health, 200 County Seat Drive, Mineola, New York 11501, USA
| | - Theresa Cafiero
- Nassau County Department of Health, 200 County Seat Drive, Mineola, New York 11501, USA
| | - Daniel Corry
- Nassau County Department of Health, 200 County Seat Drive, Mineola, New York 11501, USA
| | - Julius Ade
- New York State Department of Health, Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12237
| | - Philip Kurpiel
- New York State Department of Health, Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12237
| | - Susan Madison-Antenucci
- Parasitology Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, 120 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, New York 12208
| | - Madhu Anand
- New York State Department of Health, Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12237
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9
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Roellig DM, Yoder JS, Madison-Antenucci S, Robinson TJ, Van TT, Collier SA, Boxrud D, Monson T, Bates LA, Blackstock AJ, Shea S, Larson K, Xiao L, Beach M. Community Laboratory Testing for Cryptosporidium: Multicenter Study Retesting Public Health Surveillance Stool Samples Positive for Cryptosporidium by Rapid Cartridge Assay with Direct Fluorescent Antibody Testing. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169915. [PMID: 28085927 PMCID: PMC5234809 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a common cause of sporadic diarrheal disease and outbreaks in the United States. Increasingly, immunochromatography-based rapid cartridge assays (RCAs) are providing community laboratories with a quick cryptosporidiosis diagnostic method. In the current study, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL), and four state health departments evaluated RCA-positive samples obtained during routine Cryptosporidium testing. All samples underwent “head to head” re-testing using both RCA and direct fluorescence assay (DFA). Community level results from three sites indicated that 54.4% (166/305) of Meridian ImmunoCard STAT! positives and 87.0% (67/77) of Remel Xpect positives were confirmed by DFA. When samples were retested by RCA at state laboratories and compared with DFA, 83.3% (155/186) of Meridian ImmunoCard STAT! positives and 95.2% (60/63) of Remel Xpect positives were confirmed. The percentage of confirmed community results varied by site: Minnesota, 39.0%; New York, 63.9%; and Wisconsin, 72.1%. The percentage of confirmed community results decreased with patient age; 12.5% of community positive tests could be confirmed by DFA for patients 60 years of age or older. The percentage of confirmed results did not differ significantly by sex, storage temperature, time between sample collection and testing, or season. Findings from this study demonstrate a lower confirmation rate of community RCA positives when compared to RCA positives identified at state laboratories. Elucidating the causes of decreased test performance in order to improve overall community laboratory performance of these tests is critical for understanding the epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis in the United States (US).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn M. Roellig
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jonathan S. Yoder
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Susan Madison-Antenucci
- Parasitology Laboratory, Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Trisha J. Robinson
- Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Tam T. Van
- Communicable Disease Division, Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Sarah A. Collier
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Dave Boxrud
- Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Timothy Monson
- Communicable Disease Division, Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Leigh Ann Bates
- Kentucky Division of Laboratory Services, Frankfort, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Anna J. Blackstock
- Biostatistics and Information Management Office, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Shari Shea
- Association of Public Health Laboratories, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kirsten Larson
- Association of Public Health Laboratories, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Michael Beach
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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10
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Johnston JM, Dyer CD, Madison-Antenucci S, Mergen KA, Veeder CL, Brice AK. Neurocysticercosis in a Rhesus Macaque ( Macaca mulatta). Comp Med 2016; 66:499-502. [PMID: 28304255 PMCID: PMC5157967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Revised: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/12/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
An 8-y-old, intact, male rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) was sedated to undergo MRI in preparation for the implantation of cranial hardware. During imaging, 9 focal lesions were noted in the brain and musculature of the head. The lesions were hyperechoic with hypoechoic rims. The animal was deemed inappropriate for neuroscience research, and euthanasia was elected. Gross examination revealed multiple round, thick-walled, fluid-filled cysts (diameter, approximately 0.5 cm) in multiple tissues: one each in the left caudal lung lobe, left masseter muscle, and the dura overlying the brain and 8 throughout the gray and white matter of the brain parenchyma. Formalin-fixed sections of cyst-containing brain were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Microscopic examination and molecular analysis of the COX1 (COI) gene recognized the causative organism as Taenia solium at 99.04% identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Johnston
- Department of Pathobiology and University Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New York
| | - Cecilia D Dyer
- Department of Pathobiology and University Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New York
| | | | | | - Christin L Veeder
- Department of Pathobiology and University Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New York
| | - Angela K Brice
- Department of Pathobiology and University Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New York;,
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11
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Liu Z, Gutierrez-Vargas C, Wei J, Grassucci RA, Sun M, Espina N, Madison-Antenucci S, Tong L, Frank J. Determination of the ribosome structure to a resolution of 2.5 Å by single-particle cryo-EM. Protein Sci 2016; 26:82-92. [PMID: 27750394 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
With the advance of new instruments and algorithms, and the accumulation of experience over decades, single-particle cryo-EM has become a pivotal part of structural biology. Recently, we determined the structure of a eukaryotic ribosome at 2.5 Å for the large subunit. The ribosome was derived from Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan pathogen of Chagas disease. The high-resolution density map allowed us to discern a large number of unprecedented details including rRNA modifications, water molecules, and ions such as Mg2+ and Zn2+ . In this paper, we focus on the procedures for data collection, image processing, and modeling, with particular emphasis on factors that contributed to the attainment of high resolution. The methods described here are readily applicable to other macromolecules for high-resolution reconstruction by single-particle cryo-EM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, New York, 10032
| | - Cristina Gutierrez-Vargas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, 10032
| | - Jia Wei
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, 10032
| | - Robert A Grassucci
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, New York, 10032
| | - Ming Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, 10032
| | - Noel Espina
- Division of Infectious Diseases, New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center, Albany, New York, 12201
| | - Susan Madison-Antenucci
- Division of Infectious Diseases, New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center, Albany, New York, 12201
| | - Liang Tong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, 10032
| | - Joachim Frank
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, New York, 10032.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, 10032.,Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York, 10027
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12
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Georges AD, Hashem Y, Buss SN, Jossinet F, Zhang Q, Liao HY, Fu J, Jobe A, Grassucci RA, Langlois R, Bajaj C, Westhof E, Madison-Antenucci S, Frank J. High-resolution Cryo-EM Structure of the Trypanosoma brucei Ribosome: A Case Study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-9521-5_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
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13
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Hashem Y, des Georges A, Fu J, Buss SN, Jossinet F, Jobe A, Zhang Q, Liao HY, Grassucci RA, Bajaj C, Westhof E, Madison-Antenucci S, Frank J. High-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structure of the Trypanosoma brucei ribosome. Nature 2013; 494:385-9. [PMID: 23395961 DOI: 10.1038/nature11872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2012] [Accepted: 12/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ribosomes, the protein factories of living cells, translate genetic information carried by messenger RNAs into proteins, and are thus involved in virtually all aspects of cellular development and maintenance. The few available structures of the eukaryotic ribosome reveal that it is more complex than its prokaryotic counterpart, owing mainly to the presence of eukaryote-specific ribosomal proteins and additional ribosomal RNA insertions, called expansion segments. The structures also differ among species, partly in the size and arrangement of these expansion segments. Such differences are extreme in kinetoplastids, unicellular eukaryotic parasites often infectious to humans. Here we present a high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structure of the ribosome of Trypanosoma brucei, the parasite that is transmitted by the tsetse fly and that causes African sleeping sickness. The atomic model reveals the unique features of this ribosome, characterized mainly by the presence of unusually large expansion segments and ribosomal-protein extensions leading to the formation of four additional inter-subunit bridges. We also find additional rRNA insertions, including one large rRNA domain that is not found in other eukaryotes. Furthermore, the structure reveals the five cleavage sites of the kinetoplastid large ribosomal subunit (LSU) rRNA chain, which is known to be cleaved uniquely into six pieces, and suggests that the cleavage is important for the maintenance of the T. brucei ribosome in the observed structure. We discuss several possible implications of the large rRNA expansion segments for the translation-regulation process. The structure could serve as a basis for future experiments aimed at understanding the functional importance of these kinetoplastid-specific ribosomal features in protein-translation regulation, an essential step towards finding effective and safe kinetoplastid-specific drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaser Hashem
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
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14
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Joseph JT, Purtill K, Wong SJ, Munoz J, Teal A, Madison-Antenucci S, Horowitz HW, Aguero-Rosenfeld ME, Moore JM, Abramowsky C, Wormser GP. Vertical transmission of Babesia microti, United States. Emerg Infect Dis 2013; 18:1318-21. [PMID: 22840424 PMCID: PMC3414010 DOI: 10.3201/eid1808.110988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesiosis is usually acquired from a tick bite or through a blood transfusion. We report a case of babesiosis in an infant for whom vertical transmission was suggested by evidence of Babesia spp. antibodies in the heel-stick blood sample and confirmed by detection of Babesia spp. DNA in placenta tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie T Joseph
- New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York 10595, USA.
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15
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Hashem Y, desGeorges A, Fu J, Buss SN, Jossinet F, Jobe A, Zhang Q, Liao HY, Grassucci RA, Bajaj C, Westhof E, Madison-Antenucci S, Frank J. 32 High-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structure of the Trypanosoma bruceiribosome. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2013.786464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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16
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Jobe A, Hashem Y, Georges AD, Fu J, Buss SN, Jossinet F, Zhang Q, Liao HY, Grassucci B, Bajaj C, Madison-Antenucci S, Westhof E, Frank J. 33 High-resolution cryo-EM structure of the Trypanosoma brucei80S: a unique eukaryotic ribosome. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2013.786465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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17
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Abstract
In trypanosomatids, uridylate residues are post-transcriptionally added to or deleted from pre-mRNAs during the complex process of RNA editing. Editing is carried out exclusively in the mitochondrion of these parasites and involves numerous proteins assembled into protein and ribonucleoprotein complexes. Previously we identified RNA-editing-associated protein -1 (REAP-1), an RNA binding protein found in the mitochondrion of Trypanosoma brucei. REAP-1 was shown to specifically recognize and bind to pre-mRNAs that require editing and was proposed to act as a recruitment factor to deliver pre-mRNAs to editing complexes. To help define the role of REAP-1, we have now constructed REAP-1 null mutants. We show that the null mutants, although viable, have a significant growth defect. RNA levels within the mitochondrion were evaluated using reverse transcriptase real-time PCR. Surprisingly, the results show that mitochondrial RNA levels are increased, regardless of the editing status of the RNA. All RNA tested, whether unedited, edited, or never edited were increased in the mutant cell line relative to wild-type levels. This study provides the first evidence for a role of REAP-1 in RNA metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Hans
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York 12201, USA
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18
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Abstract
The assembly and disassembly of ribonucleoprotein complexes containing substrate precursor mRNAs and guide RNAs is crucial to the initiation and propagation of RNA editing. We discuss here the composition of these complexes and how their assembly may regulate RNA editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Madison-Antenucci
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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19
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Abstract
In pairs of adjacent genes co-transcribed on bacterial polycistronic mRNAs, translation of the first coding region frequently functions as a positive factor to couple translation to the distal coding region. Coupling efficiencies vary over a wide range, but synthesis of both gene products at similar levels is common. We report the results of characterizing an unusual gene pair, in which only about 1% of the translational activity from the upstream gene is transmitted to the distal gene. The inefficient coupling was unexpected because the upstream gene is highly translated, the distal initiation site has weak but intrinsic ability to bind ribosomes, and the AUG is only two nucleotides beyond the stop codon for the upstream gene. The genes are those in the filamentous phage IKe genome, which encode the abundant single-stranded DNA binding protein (gene V) and the minor coat protein that caps one tip of the phage (gene VII). Here, we have used chimeras between the related phage IKe and f1 sequences to localize the region responsible for inefficient coupling. It mapped upstream from the intercistronic region containing the gene V stop codon and the gene VII initiation site, indicating that low coupling efficiency is associated with gene V. The basis for inefficient coupling emerged when coupling efficiency was found to increase as gene V translation was decreased below the high wild-type level. This was achieved by lowering the rate of elongation and by decreasing the efficiency of suppression at an amber codon within the gene. Increasing the strength of the Shine-Dalgarno interaction with 16S rRNA at the gene VII start also increased coupling efficiency substantially. In this gene pair, upstream translation thus functions in an unprecedented way as a negative factor to limit downstream expression. We interpret the results as evidence that translation in excess of an optimal level in an upstream gene interferes with coupling in the intercistronic junction.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Yu
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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20
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Abstract
RNA editing in the mitochondria of kinetoplastids involves the addition and deletion of uridines at specific sites as directed by guide RNAs (gRNAs). Ample evidence shows that ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes carry out this posttranscriptional processing. One component of RNA editing complexes is REAP-1, a protein of previously unknown function found primarily in mRNA containing editing complexes. We now show that REAP-1 is an RNA binding protein and map the binding activity to the amino-terminal third of the protein. REAP-1 binds to poly(G) and single-stranded guanosine rich RNAs. Data presented here demonstrates that preedited RNAs are the preferred substrate for REAP-1. The results suggest a model in which the role of REAP-1 is to bring preedited mRNAs into the editing complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Madison-Antenucci
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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21
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Madison-Antenucci S, Sabatini RS, Pollard VW, Hajduk SL. Kinetoplastid RNA-editing-associated protein 1 (REAP-1): a novel editing complex protein with repetitive domains. EMBO J 1998; 17:6368-76. [PMID: 9799244 PMCID: PMC1170961 DOI: 10.1093/emboj/17.21.6368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Kinetoplastid RNA editing consists of the addition or deletion of uridines at specific sites within mitochondrial mRNAs. This unusual RNA processing event is catalyzed by a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex that includes editing site-specific endoribonuclease, RNA ligase and terminal uridylnucleotidyl transferase (Tutase) among its essential enzymatic activities. To identify the components of this RNP, monoclonal antibodies were raised against partially purified editing complexes. One antibody reacts with a mitochondrially located 45 kDa polypeptide (p45) which contains a conserved repetitive amino acid domain. p45 co-purifies with RNA ligase and Tutase in a large ( approximately 700 kDa) RNP, and anti-p45 antibody inhibits in vitro RNA editing. Thus, p45 is the first kinetoplastid RNA-editing-associated protein (REAP-1) that has been cloned and identified as a protein component of a functional editing complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Madison-Antenucci
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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22
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Abstract
RNA editing is a posttranscriptional process involving mRNAs [reviewed by K. Stuart et al. (1997) Microbiol. Mol. Biol. Rev. 61, 105-120; G. J. Arts and R. Benne (1996) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1307, 39-54; and S. L. Hajduk and R. S. Sabatini (1996) in Molecular Biology of Parasitic Protozoa (Smith, D. S., and Parsons, M., Eds.), pp. 134-158, Oxford Univ. Press, Oxford] and tRNAs [K. M. Lonergan and M. Gray (1993) Science 259, 812-816] that has now been described in an increasing number of eukaryotic organisms. In this process sequences differ from their gene sequences by the addition, removal, or conversion of specific ribonucleotides. RNA editing was first described within the mitochondrion of kinetoplastid protozoa. Several of the mitochondrial mRNAs in these flagellates have uridine residues inserted and deleted at specific sites. In some cases, more than 50% of the mRNA is created by RNA editing. In this article, we describe some of the biochemical methods used in analyzing the process of RNA editing in kinetoplastid mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- R S Sabatini
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Medicine 35294, USA
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23
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Abstract
Translation is shown to be downregulated sharply between genes V and VII of IKe, a filamentous bacteriophage classed with the Ff group (phages f1, M13, and fd) but having only 55% DNA sequence identity to it. Genes V and VII encode the following proteins which are used in very different amounts: pV, used to coat the large number of viral DNA molecules prior to assembly, and pVII, used to serve as a cap with pIX in 3 to 5 copies on the end of the phage particle that emerges first from Escherichia coli. The genes are immediately adjacent to each other and are represented in the same amounts on the Ff and IKe mRNAs. Ff gene VII has an initiation site that lacks detectable intrinsic activity yet through coupling is translated at a level 10-fold lower than that of upstream gene V. The experiments reported reveal that by contrast, the IKe gene VII initiation site had detectable activity but was coupled only marginally to upstream translation. The IKe gene V and VII initiation sites both showed higher activities than the Ff sites, but the drop in translation at the IKe V-VII junction was unexpectedly severe, approximately 75-fold. As a result, gene VII is translated at similarly low levels in IKe- and Ff-infected hosts, suggesting that selection to limit its expression has occurred.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Madison-Antenucci
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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24
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Stump MD, Madison-Antenucci S, Kokoska RJ, Steege DA. Filamentous phage IKe mRNAs conserve form and function despite divergence in regulatory elements. J Mol Biol 1997; 266:51-65. [PMID: 9054970 DOI: 10.1006/jmbi.1996.0766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
As a means of determining whether there has been selection to conserve the basic pattern of filamentous phage mRNAs, the major mRNAs representing genes II to VIII have been defined for a phage distantly related to the Ff group specific for Escherichia coli hosts bearing F pili. Phage IKe has a genome with 55% identity with the Ff genome and infects E. coli strains bearing N pili. The results reveal a remarkably similar pattern of overlapping polycistronic mRNAs with a common 3' end and unique 5' ends. The IKe mRNAs, like the Ff phage mRNAs, represent a combination of primary transcripts and processed RNAs. However, examination of the sequences containing the RNA endpoint positions revealed that effectively the only highly conserved regulatory element is the rho-independent terminator that generates the common 3' end. Promoters and processing sites have not been maintained in identical positions, but frequently are placed so as to yield RNAs with similar coding function. By conserving the pattern of transcription and processing despite divergence in the regulatory elements and possibly the requirements for host, endoribonucleases, the results argue that the pattern is not simply fortuitous.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Stump
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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25
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Hajduk SL, Adler B, Madison-Antenucci S, McManus M, Sabatini R. Insertional and deletional RNA editing in trypanosome mitochondria. Nucleic Acids Symp Ser 1997:15-8. [PMID: 9478193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The mitochondrial mRNAs of trypanosomes are often post-transcriptionally modified by an RNA processing event, termed RNA editing, which results in the insertion or deletion of uridylate (U) residues in mRNAs. RNA editing is necessary for the formation of complete coding sequences for several essential mitochondrial proteins. The number and site of U addition and deletion is directed by small guide RNAs (gRNAs). Recent studies indicate that the mechanism of RNA editing in trypanosomes involves a series of enzymatic steps. We show that the initial step in this enzymatic cascade requires the formation of a binary RNA complex between the gRNA and its cognate pre-mRNA. Depletion of specific gRNAs inhibits cleavage of the pre-mRNA by an editing site specific endoribonuclease. Addition of synthetic gRNAs reverses this inhibition. All of the activities needed for RNA editing in vitro are present within a 19S ribonucleo-protein complex (RNP) composed of gRNAs, the editing site specific endonuclease, an RNA ligase, a terminal uridylate transferase (TUTase) and approximately 15 other unidentified proteins. We have recently identified and cloned the gene for a 45kDa protein, the RNA Editing Associated Protein-1 (REAP-1), which is a component of trypanosome editing complexes. REAP-1 co-purifies with RNA ligase and TUTase activities and is part of a > 700 kDa RNP containing gRNAs. Antibodies against REAP-1 inhibit in vitro RNA editing reactions confirming its role in RNA editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Hajduk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham 35294-0005, USA
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