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Tranfield EM, Fabig G, Kurth T, Müller-Reichert T. How to apply the broad toolbox of correlative light and electron microscopy to address a specific biological question. Methods Cell Biol 2024; 187:1-41. [PMID: 38705621 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2024.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) is an approach that combines the strength of multiple imaging techniques to obtain complementary information about a given specimen. The "toolbox" for CLEM is broad, making it sometimes difficult to choose an appropriate approach for a given biological question. In this chapter, we provide experimental details for three CLEM approaches that can help the interested reader in designing a personalized CLEM strategy for obtaining ultrastructural data by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). First, we describe chemical fixation of cells grown on a solid support (broadest approach). Second, we apply high-pressure freezing/freeze substitution to describe cellular ultrastructure (cryo-immobilization approach). Third, we give a protocol for a ultrastructural labeling by immuno-electron microscopy (immuno-EM approach). In addition, we also describe how to overlay fluorescence and electron microscopy images, an approach that is applicable to each of the reported different CLEM strategies. Here we provide step-by step descriptions prior to discussing possible technical problems and variations of these three general schemes to suit different models or different biological questions. This chapter is written for electron microscopists that are new to CLEM and unsure how to begin. Therefore, our protocols are meant to provide basic information with further references that should help the reader get started with applying a tailored strategy for a specific CLEM experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Tranfield
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Gunar Fabig
- Experimental Center, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Kurth
- Core Facility Electron Microscopy and Histology Facility, Technology Platform, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Müller-Reichert
- Experimental Center, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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Falconnier N, Warshaw M, Wellehan JFX, Childress AL, Howe DK, Taylor H, Langohr IM, Ard MB, Paulsen DB, Sasaki E, Mitchell MS, Carossino M. Systemic Caryospora-like coccidiosis in a clutch of hatchling red-eared slider turtles ( Trachemys scripta elegans). Vet Pathol 2024; 61:95-108. [PMID: 37306029 DOI: 10.1177/03009858231179129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Caryospora-like organisms (CLOs) form a clade of at least 11 genotypes of related coccidia that can cause epizootic mortality in marine turtles. The biology, transmission, host species range, and host cell tropism of these organisms are still largely unknown. The goal of this study was to characterize the host cell tropism, pathologic and ultrastructural features, and phylogeny associated with the first report of a mortality event due to CLO in the freshwater red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans). Sudden mortalities within a clutch of captive-raised red-eared slider hatchlings (n = 8) were recorded, and deceased animals had severe segmental to diffuse, transmural, fibrinonecrotic enterocolitis and multifocal to coalescing hepatic necrosis, among other lesions associated with numerous intracytoplasmic developing stages of intralesional coccidia. Among the different developmental stages, merozoites were ultrastructurally characterized by an apical complex. A pan-apicomplexan polymerase chain reaction (PCR) yielded a 347 bp-amplicon matching the Schellackia/Caryospora-like clade with 99.1% identity to the US3 strain from green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and 99.1% identity to Schellackia sp. Isolate OC116. Surviving hatchlings were treated with toltrazuril sulfone (ponazuril) but were subsequently euthanized due to the risk of spreading the parasite to other chelonids in the collection. The ponazuril-treated hatchlings (n = 4) had mild proliferative anterior enteritis, with few intraepithelial coccidia in one hatchling confirmed as CLO by PCR. This is the first report of Caryospora-like coccidiosis in non-cheloniid turtles, highlighting the relevance of this disease as an emerging highly pathogenic intestinal and extra-intestinal form of coccidiosis of turtles with potential cross-species infectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Warshaw
- Baton Rouge Zoo, Baton Rouge, LA
- Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis, MO
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Emi Sasaki
- Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
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Saeed Z, Alkheraije KA. Botanicals: A promising approach for controlling cecal coccidiosis in poultry. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1157633. [PMID: 37180056 PMCID: PMC10168295 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1157633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Avian species have long struggled with the problem of coccidiosis, a disease that affects various parts of the intestine, including the anterior gut, midgut, and hindgut. Among different types of coccidiosis, cecal coccidiosis is particularly dangerous to avian species. Chickens and turkeys are commercial flocks; thus, their parasites have remained critical due to their economic importance. High rates of mortality and morbidity are observed in both chickens and turkeys due to cecal coccidiosis. Coccidiostats and coccidiocidal chemicals have traditionally been added to feed and water to control coccidiosis. However, after the EU banned their use because of issues of resistance and public health, alternative methods are being explored. Vaccines are also being used, but their efficacy and cost-effectiveness remain as challenges. Researchers are attempting to find alternatives, and among the alternatives, botanicals are a promising choice. Botanicals contain multiple active compounds such as phenolics, saponins, terpenes, sulfur compounds, etc., which can kill sporozoites and oocysts and stop the replication of Eimeria. These botanicals are primarily used as anticoccidials due to their antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities. Because of the medicinal properties of botanicals, some commercial products have also been developed. However, further research is needed to confirm their pharmacological effects, mechanisms of action, and methods of concentrated preparation. In this review, an attempt has been made to summarize the plants that have the potential to act as anticoccidials and to explain the mode of action of different compounds found within them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohaib Saeed
- Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Khalid A. Alkheraije
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
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Wang L, Liu D, Gao Y, Hou Z, Zhu Y, Wang F, Li W, Zhang A, Xu J, Hu J, Tao J. Examination of gametocyte protein 22 localization and oocyst wall formation in Eimeria necatrix using laser confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:124. [PMID: 37046313 PMCID: PMC10091644 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05742-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eimeria parasite infection occurs via ingestion of oocysts. The robust, bilayer oocyst wall is formed from the contents of wall-forming bodies (WFBs), WFB1 and WFB2, located exclusively in macrogametocytes. Eimeria necatrix gametocyte proteins 22 and 59 (EnGAM22 and EnGAM59) have been found to localize to WFBs and the oocyst wall. However, the exact localization of these two proteins is not clear. METHODS WFBs of E. necatrix were extracted from purified gametocytes using a cutoff filter and the extracts of purified WFBs and gametocytes were analyzed using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblotting. Then, the localization of EnGAM22 and EnGAM59 proteins was determined using an indirect immunofluorescence assay. Finally, the development of macrogametocytes and the oocyst wall of E. necatrix was analyzed using laser confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS Purified WFBs had the same shape and size as those observed in macrogametocytes. EnGAM22 protein localized to WFB1, whereas EnGAM59 protein localized to WFB2. Both EnGAM22 and EnGAM59 native proteins were detected in the extracts of WFBs and gametocytes. The outer layer of the oocyst wall was formed by the release of the contents of WFB1 at the surface of the macrogametocyte to form an anti-EnGAM22 positive layer. WFB2 then appeared to give rise to the inner layer, which was anti-EnGAM59 positive. CONCLUSIONS EnGAM22 and EnGAM59 proteins localized to WFB1 and WFB2 and were involved in the formation of the outer and inner layers of the oocyst wall of E. necatrix, respectively. The processes of macrogametogenesis and oocyst wall formation of E. necatrix are similar to other Eimeria parasites. The anti-EnGAM22 antibody could be used as a tool to track the transport and secretion of proteins in WFB1 during oocyst development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lele Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Dandan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yang Gao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaofeng Hou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Feiyan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjing Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Amin Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinjun Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjie Hu
- School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences and Yunnan Key Laboratory for Plateau Mountain Ecology and Restoration of Degraded Environments, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianping Tao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.
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Ramakrishnan C, Smith NC. Recent achievements and doors opened for coccidian parasite research and development through transcriptomics of enteric sexual stages. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2021; 243:111373. [PMID: 33961917 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2021.111373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Coccidia is the largest group of parasites within the Apicomplexa, a phylum of unicellular, obligate parasites characterized by the possession of an apical complex of organelles and structures in the asexual stages of their life cycles, as well as by a sexual reproductive phase that occurs enterically in host animals. Coccidian sexual reproduction involves morphologically distinct microgametes and macrogametes that combine to form a diploid zygote and, ultimately, following meiosis and mitosis, haploid, infectious sporozoites, inside sporocysts within an oocyst. Recent transcriptomic analyses have identified genes involved in coccidian sexual stage development and reproduction, including genes encoding for microgamete- and macrogamete-specific proteins with roles in gamete motility, fusion and fertilization, and in the formation of the resilient oocyst wall that allows coccidians to persist for long periods in the environment. Transcriptomics has also provided important clues about the regulation of gene expression in the transformation of parasites from one developmental stage to the next, a complex sequence of events that may involve transcription factors such as the apicomplexan Apetala2 (ApiAP2) family, alternative splicing, regulatory RNAs and MORC (a microrchida homologue and regulator of sexual stage development in Toxoplasma gondii). The molecular dissection of coccidian sexual development and reproduction by transcriptomic analyses may lead to the development of novel transmission-blocking strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra Ramakrishnan
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicholas C Smith
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.
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