Identification of differentially expressed proteins from Leishmania amazonensis associated with the loss of virulence of the parasites

Background

The present study analyzed whether or not the in vitro cultivation for long periods of time of pre-isolated Leishmania amazonensis from lesions of chronically infected BALB/c mice was able to interfere in the parasites' infectivity using in vivo and in vitro experiments. In addition, the proteins that presented a significant decrease or increase in their protein expression content were identified applying a proteomic approach.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Parasites were cultured in vitro for 150 days. Aliquots were collected on the day 0 of culture (R0), as well as after ten (R10; 50 days of culture), twenty (R20; 100 days of culture), and thirty (R30; 150 days of culture) passages, and were used to analyze the parasites' in vitro and in vivo infectivity, as well as to perform the proteomic approach. Approximately 837, 967, 935, and 872 spots were found in 2-DE gels prepared from R0, R10, R20, and R30 samples, respectively. A total of 37 spots presented a significant decrease in their intensity of expression, whereas a significant increase in protein content during cultivation could be observed for 19 proteins (both cases >2.0 folds). Some of these identified proteins can be described, such as diagnosis and/or vaccine candidates, while others are involved in the infectivity of Leishmania. It is interesting to note that six proteins, considered hypothetical in Leishmania, showed a significant decrease in their expression and were also identified.

Conclusions/Significance

The present study contributes to the understanding that the cultivation of parasites over long periods of time may well be related to the possible loss of infectivity of L. amazonensis. The identified proteins that presented a significant decrease in their expression during cultivation, including the hypothetical, may also be related to this loss of parasites' infectivity, and applied in future studies, including vaccine candidates and/or immunotherapeutic targets against leishmaniasis.

Leishmania amazonensis can induce a diversity of clinical manifestations in mammal hosts, including tegumentary and visceral leishmaniasis. The present study evaluated the variation of infectivity of L. amazonensis, which was pre-isolated from lesions of chronically infected mice and in vitro cultured for 150 days, in turn connecting these results with the profile of parasite protein expression using a proteomic approach. Parasites were recovered after the first passage, as well as after 50, 100, and 150 days of axenic cultures, and were subsequently evaluated. A total of 37 proteins presented a significant decrease, whereas 19 proteins presented a significant increase in their protein expression content in the assays (both cases >2.0 fold). Some of the identified proteins have been reported in prior literature, including diagnosis and/or vaccine candidates for leishmaniasis, while others proved to be involved in the infectivity of Leishmania. It is interesting to note that proteins related to the parasites' metabolism were also the majority of the proteins identified in the old cultures of L. amazonensis, suggesting a possible relation between the metabolic state of parasites and their possible loss of infectivity. In conclusion, the proteins identified in this study represent a contribution to the discovery of new vaccine candidates and/or immunotherapeutic targets against leishmaniasis.

Long-term dry storage of an enzyme-based reagent system for ELISA in point-of-care devices

Lateral flow devices are commonly used for many point-of-care (POC) applications in low-resource settings. However, they lack the sensitivity needed for many analytes relevant in the diagnosis of diseases. One approach to achieve higher sensitivity is signal amplification, which is commonly used in laboratory assays, but uses reagents that require refrigeration and inherently requires multiple assay steps not normally compatible with POC settings. Enzyme-based signal amplification, such as the one used in ELISA, could greatly improve the limit of detection if it were translated to a format compatible with POC requirements. A signal-amplified POC device not only requires the reagents to be stored in a stable form, but also requires automation of the multiple sequential steps of signal amplification protocols. Here, we describe a method for the long-term dry storage of ELISA reagents: horseradish peroxidase (HRP) conjugated antibody label and its colorimetric substrate diaminobenzidine (DAB). The HRP conjugate retained ∼80% enzymatic activity after dry storage at 45 °C for over 5 months. The DAB substrate was also stable at 45 °C and exhibited no detectable loss of activity over 3 months. These reagents were incorporated into a two-dimensional paper network (2DPN) device that automated the steps of ELISA for the detection of a malarial biomarker. These results demonstrate the potential of enzyme-based signal amplification for enhanced sensitivity in POC devices for low resource settings.

Recombinant Leishmania infantum heat shock protein 83 for the serodiagnosis of cutaneous, mucosal, and visceral leishmaniases

Routine serological diagnoses for leishmaniases, except in visceral cases, are performed using whole-parasite antigens. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to evaluate the performance of Leishmania infantum rHsp83 compared with L. major-like total promastigote antigen in the diagnosis of cutaneous (CL), mucosal (ML), and visceral leishmaniases (VL). ELISA-rHsp83 was significantly more sensitive than ELISA–L. major-like when considering either CL/ML (P = 0.041) or all leishmaniasis patients (P = 0.013). When samples from other infectious disease patients were evaluated for cross-reactivity, ELISA-rHsp83 was more specific than ELISA–L. major-like, specifically for Chagas disease samples (P < 0.001). We also evaluated the anti-rHsp83 antibody titers months after treatment and observed no significant difference in ML (P = 0.607) or CL (P = 0.205). We recommend ELISA–L. infantum-rHsp83 as a routine confirmatory serological assay for the diagnosis of Leishmania infection because of the high sensitivity, the specificity, and the insignificant cross-reactivity with other infectious diseases.

The histone code of Toxoplasma gondii comprises conserved and unique posttranslational modifications

Epigenetic gene regulation has emerged as a major mechanism for gene regulation in all eukaryotes. Histones are small, basic proteins that constitute the major protein component of chromatin, and posttranslational modifications (PTM) of histones are essential for epigenetic gene regulation. The different combinations of histone PTM form the histone code for an organism, marking functional units of chromatin that recruit macromolecular complexes that govern chromatin structure and regulate gene expression. To characterize the repertoire of Toxoplasma gondii histone PTM, we enriched histones using standard acid extraction protocols and analyzed them with several complementary middle-down and bottom-up proteomic approaches with the high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometer using collision-induced dissociation (CID), higher-energy collisional dissociation (HCD), and/or electron transfer dissociation (ETD) fragmentation. We identified 249 peptides with unique combinations of PTM that comprise the T. gondii histone code. T. gondii histones share a high degree of sequence conservation with human histones, and many modifications are conserved between these species. In addition, T. gondii histones have unique modifications not previously identified in other species. Finally, T. gondii histones are modified by succinylation, propionylation, and formylation, recently described histone PTM that have not previously been identified in parasitic protozoa. The characterization of the T. gondii histone code will facilitate in-depth analysis of how epigenetic regulation affects gene expression in pathogenic apicomplexan parasites and identify a new model system for elucidating the biological functions of novel histone PTM.

IMPORTANCE

Toxoplasma gondii is among the most common parasitic infections in humans. The transition between the different stages of the T. gondii life cycle are essential for parasite virulence and survival. These differentiation events are accompanied by significant changes in gene expression, and the control mechanisms for these transitions have not been elucidated. Important mechanisms that are involved in the control of gene expression are the epigenetic modifications that have been identified in several eukaryotes. T. gondii has a full complement of histone-modifying enzymes, histones, and variants. In this paper, we identify over a hundred PTM and a full repertoire of PTM combinations for T. gondii histones, providing the first large-scale characterization of the T. gondii histone code and an essential initial step for understanding how epigenetic modifications affect gene expression and other processes in this organism.

Quantitative determination of sporozoites and circumsporozoite antigen in mosquitoes infected withPlasmodium falciparumorP. vivax

It is essential for malariologists and researchers to have simple and accurate means of assessing the threat of Plasmodium parasites. An attempt was therefore made to re-standardize one of the circumsporozoite (CS) ELISA that can be used to detect and quantify the circumsporozoite antigens of P. falciparum and P. vivax. A two-site, 'sandwich' ELISA based on a monoclonal antibody was used to test for the CS antigen and sporozoites of each Plasmodium species simultaneously. Using the resultant optical-density values, standard curves, that permit the number of sporozoites in an infected mosquito to be estimated from the quantification of the CS antigen, were constructed. Using these plots and the CS ELISA, the presence of just 12.5 sporozoites (i.e. 0.8 pg CS antigen) of P. falciparum, four sporozoites (3.2 pg antigen) of P. vivax-210 or 12.5 sporozoites (32.0 pg antigen) of P. vivax-247 could be demonstrated.

Unravelling the Neospora caninum secretome through the secreted fraction (ESA) and quantification of the discharged tachyzoite using high-resolution mass spectrometry-based proteomics

BACKGROUND

The apicomplexan parasite Neospora caninum causes neosporosis, a disease that leads to abortion or stillbirth in cattle, generating an economic impact on the dairy and beef cattle trade. As an obligatory intracellular parasite, N. caninum needs to invade the host cell in an active manner to survive. The increase in parasite cytosolic Ca2+ upon contact with the host cell mediates critical events, including the exocytosis of phylum-specific secretory organelles and the activation of the parasite invasion motor. Because invasion is considered a requirement for pathogen survival and replication within the host, the identification of secreted proteins (secretome) involved in invasion may be useful to reveal interesting targets for therapeutic intervention.

METHODS

To chart the currently missing N. caninum secretome, we employed mass spectrometry-based proteomics to identify proteins present in the N. caninum tachyzoite using two different approaches. The first approach was identifying the proteins present in the tachyzoite-secreted fraction (ESA). The second approach was determining the relative quantification through peptide stable isotope labelling of the tachyzoites submitted to an ethanol secretion stimulus (discharged tachyzoite), expecting to identify the secreted proteins among the down-regulated group.

RESULTS

As a result, 615 proteins were identified at ESA and 2,011 proteins quantified at the discharged tachyzoite. We have analysed the connection between the secreted and the down-regulated proteins and searched for putative regulators of the secretion process among the up-regulated proteins. An interaction network was built by computational prediction involving the up- and down-regulated proteins. The mass spectrometry proteomics data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD000424.

CONCLUSIONS

The comparison between the protein abundances in ESA and their measure in the discharged tachyzoite allowed for a more precise identification of the most likely secreted proteins. Information from the network interaction and up-regulated proteins was important to recognise key proteins potentially involved in the metabolic regulation of secretion. Our results may be helpful to guide the selection of targets to be investigated against Neospora caninum and other Apicomplexan organisms.

High performance of histidine-rich protein 2 based rapid diagnostic tests in French Guiana are explained by the absence of pfhrp2 gene deletion in P. falciparum

Background

Care for malaria patients in endemic areas has been improved through the increasing use of Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs). Most RDTs target the histidine-rich protein-2 antigen (PfHRP₂) to detect P. falciparum, as it is abundant and shows great heat stability. However, their use in South America has been widely questioned following a recent publication that pinpoints the high prevalence of Peruvian field isolates lacking the gene encoding this protein. In the remote rural health centers of French Guiana, RDTs are the main diagnosis tools. Therefore, a study of PfHRP2 RDT performances and pfhrp2 genotyping was conducted to determine whether a replacement of the current pLDH-based kit could be considered.

Methods

The performance study compared the SD Malaria Ag test P.f/Pan® kit with the current gold standard diagnosis by microscopy. The prevalence of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 deletions were evaluated from 221 P. falciparum isolates collected between 2009 and 2011 in French Guiana.

Results

Between January 2010 and August 2011, 960 suspected cases of malaria were analyzed using microscopy and RDTs. The sensitivity of the SD Malaria Ag test P.f/Pan® for detection of P. falciparum was 96.8% (95% CI: 90.9–99.3), and 86.0% (95% CI: 78.9–91.5) for the detection of P. vivax. No isolates (95% CI: 0–4.5) lacking either exon of the pfhrp₂ gene were identified among the 221 P. falciparum isolates analyzed, but 7.4% (95% CI: 2.8–15.4) lacked the exon 2 part of the pfhrp₃ gene.

Conclusions

Field isolates lacking either exon of the pfhrp₂ gene are absent in this western part of South America. Despite its sensibility to detect P. vivax, the SD Malaria Ag test P.f/Pan® kit is a satisfying alternative to microscopy in remote health centers, where it is difficult to provide highly skilled microscopists and to maintain the necessary equipment.

Rapid electrochemical detection on a mobile phone

We present a compact mobile phone platform for rapid, quantitative biomolecular detection. This system consists of an embedded circuit for signal processing and data analysis, and disposable microfluidic chips for fluidic handling and biosensing. Capillary flow is employed for sample loading, processing, and pumping to enhance operational portability and simplicity. Graphical step-by-step instructions displayed on the phone assists the operator through the detection process. After the completion of each measurement, the results are displayed on the screen for immediate assessment and the data is automatically saved to the phone's memory for future analysis and transmission. Validation of this device was carried out by detecting Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (PfHRP2), an important biomarker for malaria, with a lower limit of detection of 16 ng mL(-1) in human serum. The simple detection process can be carried out with two loading steps and takes 15 min to complete each measurement. Due to its compact size and high performance, this device offers immense potential as a widely accessible, point-of-care diagnostic platform, especially in remote and rural areas. In addition to its impact on global healthcare, this technology is relevant to other important applications including food safety, environmental monitoring and biosecurity.

A unique mitochondrial transcription factor B protein in Dictyostelium discoideum

Unlike their bacteriophage homologs, mitochondrial RNA polymerases require the assistance of transcription factors in order to transcribe mitochondrial DNA efficiently. The transcription factor A family has been shown to be important for transcription of the human mitochondrial DNA, with some of its regulatory activity located in its extended C-terminal tail. The mitochondrial transcription factor B family often has functions not only in transcription, but also in mitochondrial rRNA modification, a hallmark of its α-proteobacterial origin. We have identified and characterised a mitochondrial transcription factor B homolog in the soil dwelling cellular slime mould Dictyostelium discoideum, an organism widely established as a model for studying eukaryotic cell biology. Using in bacterio functional assays, we demonstrate that the mitochondrial transcription factor B homolog not only functions as a mitochondrial transcription factor, but that it also has a role in rRNA methylation. Additionally, we show that the transcriptional activation properties of the D. discoideum protein are located in its extended C-terminal tail, a feature not seen before in the mitochondrial transcription factor B family, but reminiscent of the human mitochondrial transcription factor A. This report contributes to our current understanding of the complexities of mitochondrial transcription, and its evolution in eukaryotes.

Role of the prevalentAnophelesspecies in the transmission ofPlasmodium falciparumandP. vivaxin Assam state, north–eastern India

In north-eastern India, Anopheles minimus, An. dirus and An. fluviatilis are considered the three major vectors of the parasites causing human malaria. The role in transmission of the other Anopheles species present in this region is not, however, very clear. To examine the vectorial role of the more common anopheline mosquitoes, the heads and thoraces of 4126 female Anopheles belonging to 16 species (collected using miniature light traps set in human dwellings in a foothill village in the Jorhat district of Assam state) were tested, in ELISA, for the circumsporozoite proteins (CSP) of Plasmodium falciparum or the VK-210 and VK-247 polymorphs of P. vivax. Sixty-five pools of head-thorax homogenates, representing 10 different species of Anopheles, were found reactive, giving an overall minimum prevalence of infection (MPI) of 1.58%, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.21%-2.0%. Among the CSP-reactive pools of mosquitoes, 31% were positive only for P. falciparum, 45% only for P. vivax VK 247, 6% only for P. vivax VK 210, and 18% for both P. falciparum and P. vivax VK 247. The results indicate that not only the proven vector, An. minimus s.l. (MPI = 0.71%), but also several species of Anopheles previously considered unimportant in the epidemiology of malaria, especially An. aconitus (MPI = 3.95%), An. annularis (MPI = 5.8%), the An. hyrcanus group (MPI = 0.48%), An. kochi (MPI = 1.28%), the An. philippinensis-nivipes complex (MPI = 0.94%), and An. vagus (MPI = 3.87%), are important vectors in the foothills of Assam.

False positivity of circumsporozoite protein (CSP)-ELISA in zoophilic anophelines in Bangladesh

Circumsporozoite protein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (CSP-ELISAs) are widely used for malaria vector identification throughout the world. However, several studies have reported false-positive results when using this method. The present study was conducted to estimate the frequency of false positives among anopheline species in malaria endemic areas of Bangladesh. In total, 4724 Anopheles females belonging to 25 species were collected and tested for Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax-210, and P. vivax-247 CSP. Initially, 144 samples tested positive using routine CSP-ELISA, but the number of positive results declined to 85 (59%) when the samples were tested after heating at 100°C for 10min to remove false-positive specimens. Ten species, Anopheles annularis, Anopheles baimaii, Anopheles barbirostris, Anopheles jeyporiensis, Anopheles karwari, Anopheles kochi, Anopheles minimus s.l., Anopheles peditaeniatus, Anopheles philippinensis, and Anopheles vagus were CSP-positive. The highest and lowest infection rates were found in An. baimaii (4/25, 16.0%) and An. jeyporiensis (1/139, 0.67%), respectively. A significant correlation was found (regression analysis, R(2)=0.49, F=8.25, P<0.05) between human blood index results and the true CSP-positive ratios in 15 Anopheles species. We confirmed that false-positive reactions occurred more frequently in zoophilic species. The relatively high proportion of false positives (40%) that was found in this study should warn malaria epidemiologists working in the field to be cautious when interpreting ELISA results.

Naphthoquinone derivatives exert their antitrypanosomal activity via a multi-target mechanism

Background and Methodology

Recently, we reported on a new class of naphthoquinone derivatives showing a promising anti-trypanosomatid profile in cell-based experiments. The lead of this series (B6, 2-phenoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) showed an ED₅₀ of 80 nM against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, and a selectivity index of 74 with respect to mammalian cells. A multitarget profile for this compound is easily conceivable, because quinones, as natural products, serve plants as potent defense chemicals with an intrinsic multifunctional mechanism of action. To disclose such a multitarget profile of B6, we exploited a chemical proteomics approach.

Principal Findings

A functionalized congener of B6 was immobilized on a solid matrix and used to isolate target proteins from Trypanosoma brucei lysates. Mass analysis delivered two enzymes, i.e. glycosomal glycerol kinase and glycosomal glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, as potential molecular targets for B6. Both enzymes were recombinantly expressed and purified, and used for chemical validation. Indeed, B6 was able to inhibit both enzymes with IC₅₀ values in the micromolar range. The multifunctional profile was further characterized in experiments using permeabilized Trypanosoma brucei cells and mitochondrial cell fractions. It turned out that B6 was also able to generate oxygen radicals, a mechanism that may additionally contribute to its observed potent trypanocidal activity.

Conclusions and Significance

Overall, B6 showed a multitarget mechanism of action, which provides a molecular explanation of its promising anti-trypanosomatid activity. Furthermore, the forward chemical genetics approach here applied may be viable in the molecular characterization of novel multitarget ligands.

The multitarget approach can represent a promising strategy for the discovery of innovative drug candidates against neglected tropical diseases. However, multitarget drug discovery can be very demanding, because of the highly time-consuming step related to the fine balancing of the biological activities against selected targets. An innovative workflow for discovering multitarget drugs can be envisioned: i) design and synthesis of natural-like compounds; ii) test them using phenotypic cell-based assays; iii) fishing potential targets by means of chemical proteomics. This workflow might rapidly provide new hit candidates that can be further progressed to the hit-to-lead and lead optimization steps of the drug discovery process. The two latter steps can benefit from information on the molecular target(s), which may be identified by chemical proteomics. Herein, we report on the elucidation of the mode of action of a new series of anti-trypanosomal naphthoquinone compounds, previously tested using cell-based assays, by means of chemical proteomics, classical biochemistry, molecular and system biology.

Genetic deletion of HRP2 and HRP3 in Indian Plasmodium falciparum population and false negative malaria rapid diagnostic test

Genetic polymorphisms in diagnostic antigens are important factors responsible for variable performance of rapid diagnostic tests. Additionally, the failure of antigen expression due to gene deletion may also contribute to variable performance. We report Indian Plasmodium falciparum field isolates lacking both Pfhrp2 and Pfhrp3 genes leading to false negative results of rapid diagnostic tests. The study highlights need to determine the prevalence of P. falciparum isolates lacking these genes in larger field populations in India.

Use of self-assembling GFP to determine protein topology and compartmentalisation in the Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocyte

In recent years, and largely supported by the increasing use of transfection technology, much research attention has been given to protein trafficking in the Plasmodium falciparum infected red blood cell. By expression of fluorescent reporter proteins, much information has been gained on both the signals and mechanisms directing proteins to their correct sub-cellular localisation within the parasite and infected host cell. Generally however, verification of the observed fluorescent phenotype is carried out using more traditional techniques such as co-immunofluorescence, protease protection, and cell fractionation followed by Western blot. Here we apply a self-assembling split GFP (saGFP) system and show that this can be used to determine both membrane topology and compartmentalisation using transfection technology alone. As an example, we verify the topology of an ER membrane protein, hDer1-1, and of an exported parasite Hsp40 co-chaperone, PFE55. Additionally, we can demonstrate that this system has the potential to be applied to analysis of organellar proteins.

Longitudinal follow-up of malaria transmission dynamics in two villages in a Sahelian area of Niger during a nationwide insecticide-treated bednet distribution programme

Malaria transmission was monitored in two villages in the Sahel zone of Niger over 4 years. During this period, a nationwide vector control programme was carried out in which insecticide-treated bednets were distributed free to mothers of children aged <5 years. Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles arabiensis (Diptera: Culicidae) were found to be the major malaria vectors. The dynamics of An. gambiae s.l. did not vary dramatically over the study period although the proportion of female mosquitoes found resting indoors decreased in both villages and, in one village, the parity rate and sporozoite index were significantly reduced after bednet distribution. By contrast with An. gambiae, the dynamics of Anopheles funestus altered greatly after the bednet distribution period, when adult density, endophagous rate and sporozoite rates decreased dramatically. Our observations highlight the importance of quantifying and monitoring the dynamics and infections of malaria vectors during large-scale vector control interventions.

mRNA decay proteins are targeted to poly(A)+ RNA and dsRNA-containing cytoplasmic foci that resemble P-bodies in Entamoeba histolytica

In higher eukaryotes, mRNA degradation and RNA-based gene silencing occur in cytoplasmic foci referred to as processing bodies (P-bodies). In protozoan parasites, the presence of P-bodies and their putative role in mRNA decay have yet to be comprehensively addressed. Identification of P-bodies might provide information on how mRNA degradation machineries evolved in lower eukaryotes. Here, we used immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy assays to investigate the cellular localization of mRNA degradation proteins in the human intestinal parasite Entamoeba histolytica and found evidence of the existence of P-bodies. Two mRNA decay factors, namely the EhXRN2 exoribonuclease and the EhDCP2 decapping enzyme, were localized in cytoplasmic foci in a pattern resembling P-body organization. Given that amoebic foci appear to be smaller and less rounded than those described in higher eukaryotes, we have named them “P-body-like structures”. These foci contain additional mRNA degradation factors, including the EhCAF1 deadenylase and the EhAGO2-2 protein involved in RNA interference. Biochemical analysis revealed that EhCAF1 co-immunoprecipitated with EhXRN2 but not with EhDCP2 or EhAGO2-2, thus linking deadenylation to 5′-to-3′ mRNA decay. The number of EhCAF1-containing foci significantly decreased after inhibition of transcription and translation with actinomycin D and cycloheximide, respectively. Furthermore, results of RNA-FISH assays showed that (i) EhCAF1 colocalized with poly(A)⁺ RNA and (ii) during silencing of the Ehpc4 gene by RNA interference, EhAGO2-2 colocalized with small interfering RNAs in cytoplasmic foci. Our observation of decapping, deadenylation and RNA interference proteins within P-body-like foci suggests that these structures have been conserved after originating in the early evolution of eukaryotic lineages. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report on the localization of mRNA decay proteins within P-body-like structures in E. histolytica. Our findings should open up opportunities for deciphering the mechanisms of mRNA degradation and RNA-based gene silencing in this deep-branching eukaryote.

Functional characterization of CP148, a novel key component for centrosome integrity in Dictyostelium

The Dictyostelium centrosome consists of a layered core structure surrounded by a microtubule-nucleating corona. A tight linkage through the nuclear envelope connects the cytosolic centrosome with the clustered centromeres within the nuclear matrix. At G2/M the corona dissociates, and the core structure duplicates, yielding two spindle poles. CP148 is a novel coiled coil protein of the centrosomal corona. GFP-CP148 exhibited cell cycle-dependent presence and absence at the centrosome, which correlates with dissociation of the corona in prophase and its reformation in late telophase. During telophase, GFP-CP148 formed cytosolic foci, which coalesced and joined the centrosome. This explains the hypertrophic appearance of the corona upon strong overexpression of GFP-CP148. Depletion of CP148 by RNAi caused virtual loss of the corona and disorganization of interphase microtubules. Surprisingly, formation of the mitotic spindle and astral microtubules was unaffected. Thus, microtubule nucleation complexes associate with centrosomal core components through different means during interphase and mitosis. Furthermore, CP148 RNAi caused dispersal of centromeres and altered Sun1 distribution at the nuclear envelope, suggesting a role of CP148 in the linkage between centrosomes and centromeres. Taken together, CP148 is an essential factor for the formation of the centrosomal corona, which in turn is required for centrosome/centromere linkage.

Performance of two malaria rapid diagnostic tests in febrile adult patients with and without human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection in Blantyre, Malawi

The performance of two histidine-rich protein type-2–based malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) was examined in a rural area with a high prevalence of malaria and human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection in 113 and 445 febrile patients ≥ 15 years of age with and without HIV-1 infection, respectively. Patients were tested for HIV-1 infection by using a standard assay and for Plasmodium falciparum by using two mRDTs and microscopy. When microscopy was used as the gold standard, both mRDTs performed similarly in patients with and without HIV-1 infection: Bioline SD Malaria Antigen P.f, sensitivity 94.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 81.3–99.3%) versus 97.1% (95% CI:92.8–99.2%) and specificity 50.6% (95% CI: 39.0–62.2%) versus 47.2% (95% CI: 41.4–53.1%); and ICT diagnostics Malaria Pf, sensitivity 94.4% (95% CI: 81.3–99.3%) versus 97.1% (95% CI: 92.8–99.2%) and specificity 50.6% (95% CI:39.0–62.2%) versus 50.3% (95% CI: 44.4–56.1%). Infection with HIV-1 does not appear to affect the performance of these histidine-rich protein type-2 (HRP-2)-based mRDTs.

Progress toward multiplexed sample-to-result detection in low resource settings using microfluidic immunoassay cards

In many low resource settings multiple diseases are endemic. There is a need for appropriate multi-analyte diagnostics capable of differentiating between diseases that cause similar clinical symptoms. The work presented here was part of a larger effort to develop a microfluidic point-of-care system, the DxBox, for sample-to-result differential diagnosis of infections that present with high rapid-onset fever. Here we describe a platform that detects disease-specific antigens and IgM antibodies. The disposable microfluidic cards are based on a flow-through membrane immunoassay carried out on porous nitrocellulose, which provides rapid diffusion for short assay times and a high surface area for visual detection of colored assay spots. Fluid motion and on-card valves were driven by a pneumatic system and we present designs for using pneumatic control to carry out assay functions. Pneumatic actuation, while having the potential advantage of inexpensive and robust hardware, introduced bubbles that interfered with fluidic control and affected assay results. The cards performed all sample preparation steps including plasma filtration from whole blood, sample and reagent aliquoting for the two parallel assays, sample dilution, and IgG removal for the IgM assays. We demonstrated the system for detection of the malarial pfHRPII antigen (spiked) and IgM antibodies to Salmonella Typhi LPS (patient plasma samples). All reagents were stored on card in dry form; only the sample and buffer were required to run the tests. Here we detail the development of this platform and discuss its strengths and weaknesses.

Development of a histidine-targeted spectrophotometric sensor using Ni(II)NTA-functionalized Au and Ag nanoparticles

An antibody-free diagnostic reagent has been developed based on the aggregation-induced colorimetric change of Ni(II)NTA-functionalized colloidal gold and silver nanoparticles. This diagnostic strategy utilizes the high binding affinity of histidine-rich proteins with Ni(II)NTA to capture and cross-link the histidine-rich protein mimics with the silver and gold nanoparticles. In model studies, the aggregation behavior of the Ni(II)NTA nanoparticles was tested against synthetic targets including charged poly(amino acid)s (histidine, lysine, arginine, and aspartic acid) and mimics of Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (pfHRP-II). Aggregation of the nanoparticle sensor was induced by all of the basic poly(amino acid)s including poly(l-histidine) within the pH range (5.5-9.0) tested, which is likely caused by the coordination between the multivalent polymer target and Ni(II)NTA groups on multiple particles. The peptide mimics induced aggregation of the nanoparticles only near their pK(a)'s with higher limits of detection. In addition, monomeric amino acids do not show any aggregation behavior, suggesting that multiple target binding sites are necessary for aggregation. Long-term stability studies showed that gold but not silver nanoparticles remained stable and exhibited similar aggregation behavior after 1 month of storage at room temperature and 37 °C. These results suggest that Ni(II)NTA gold nanoparticles could be further investigated for use as a sensor to detect histidine-rich proteins in biological samples.

Investigating the macropinocytic proteome of Dictyostelium amoebae by high-resolution mass spectrometry

The cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum is a soil-living eukaryote, which feeds on microorganisms engulfed by phagocytosis. Axenic laboratory strains have been produced that are able to use liquid growth medium internalized by macropinocytosis as the source of food. To better define the macropinocytosis process, we established the inventory of proteins associated with this pathway using mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Using a magnetic purification procedure and high-performance LC-MS/MS proteome analysis, a list of 2108 non-redundant proteins was established, of which 24% featured membrane-spanning domains. Bioinformatics analyses indicated that the most abundant proteins were linked to signaling, vesicular trafficking and the cytoskeleton. The present repertoire validates our purification method and paves the way for a future proteomics approach to study the dynamics of macropinocytosis.

Molecular ecological responses of dinoflagellate, Karenia mikimotoi to environmental nitrate stress

Karenia mikimotoi is one of the most important harmful algal species in the Chinese coastal waters, and which produce hemolytic toxins and ichthyotoxins, resulting in devastating economic losses. Previous studies demonstrated that the increase of nitrate concentration could promote the growth and reproduction of K. mikimotoi. However, the intrinsic mechanisms regarding the effects of nitrate on the K. mikimotoi photosynthesis, nucleic acid replication and differential protein expression remain to be elucidated. Our study demonstrated that nitrate stress inhibited growth of K. mikimotoi (p<0.01). Algal chlorophyll fluorescence intensity varied slightly while algal cell cycle succession was significantly retarded by nitrate stress (p<0.05). Sixteen proteins were detected only in nitrate-limited cultures which related to nitrate transport, signal transduction, amino acid metabolism, DNA repair and hemolysin manufacture. Eleven proteins were detected only in nitrate-replete sample and were related to photorespiration, reproduction and growth, assistance of protein modification, cytoskeleton stability and signal transduction. Based on analysis of differential proteomic functional annotations, we hypothesized a proteomic response mechanism of K. mikimotoi to environmental nitrate stress.

[Preparation of monoclonal antibody against Pfs25 protein and establishment of double antibody sandwich ELISA method]

AIM

To prepare the monoclonal antibody (mAb)against Pfs25 protein of Plasmodium falciparum, and establish the method of sandwich ELISA for detecting the Pfs25 protein.

METHODS

Pfs25 protein the recombinant expressed by Pichia pastoris was purified. The purified Pfs25 protein as the antigen was used to immune the BALB/c mice, The secreting specific mAb positive cell strains, which were prepared by hybridizing the Sp2/0 myeloma cell and the spleen cell from immunized mice, were detected by indirect ELISA method. The ascites of mAb were collected from immunization F1 mice, and their biological properties were identified by indirect ELISA. The anti-Pfs25 antibody was labeled by Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP), the sandwich ELISA method to detect Pfs25 protein was established based on the anti-Pfs25 mAb 4B7 and 1B4 as coating and enzyme antibody, respectively.

RESULTS

Three hybridoma cell lines secreting mAb against Pfs25 protein have been selected from the antibody positive hybridizing cells. The two of them have a better stability and specificity. The sandwich ELISA method detecting Pfs25 protein was established. Its detecte range was 0.07-1 mg/mL , and its sensitivity was 41.6 ng/mL.

CONCLUSION

The anti-Pfs25 mAb are successfully prepared and the double antibody sandwich ELISA method detecting Pfs25 protein is established. Our study lay a foundation of developing transmission-blocking malaria vaccine with Pfs25 protein as antigen.

Bionomics of sympatric chromosomal forms of Anopheles funestus (Diptera: Culicidae)

Anopheles funestus is one of the major vectors of malaria in Africa. Cytogenetic studies conducted on populations from West Africa have shown variable degrees of polymorphism with a genetic structure leading to the description of two chromosomal forms called "Folonzo" and "Kiribina" that exhibit limited gene flow. Because studies on allopatric populations showed bionomical heterogeneities, the present study was undertaken during three consecutive years (2006, 2007, and 2008) in an area of sympatry in Senegal, in order to assess their bionomical characteristics and compare their epidemiologic role in malaria transmission. Overall, the two forms coexisted in the study area; the Kiribina form being more abundant and exhibiting higher biting rates. Based on an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the anthropophilic rates were statistically comparable and were, respectively, 30.7% and 28.6% for Kiribina and Folonzo. Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite rates were also comparable and were 2.7% for Kiribina and 3.1% for Folonzo. Both forms were involved in malaria transmission; Kiribina being responsible for 68% of transmission. Thus, due to the limited gene flow between the two forms, the introduction of transgene for Plasmodium resistance in one of the two forms could be a disadvantage for the implementation of control strategies based on the use of Plasmodium-refractory genetically modified individuals. Nevertheless, it could represent an advantage limiting the insurgence of insecticide resistance gene spread between forms and should be taken into account for the implementation of control strategies.