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Jmel MA, Aounallah H, Bensaoud C, Mekki I, Chmelař J, Faria F, M’ghirbi Y, Kotsyfakis M. Insights into the Role of Tick Salivary Protease Inhibitors during Ectoparasite-Host Crosstalk. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:E892. [PMID: 33477394 PMCID: PMC7831016 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Protease inhibitors (PIs) are ubiquitous regulatory proteins present in all kingdoms. They play crucial tasks in controlling biological processes directed by proteases which, if not tightly regulated, can damage the host organism. PIs can be classified according to their targeted proteases or their mechanism of action. The functions of many PIs have now been characterized and are showing clinical relevance for the treatment of human diseases such as arthritis, hepatitis, cancer, AIDS, and cardiovascular diseases, amongst others. Other PIs have potential use in agriculture as insecticides, anti-fungal, and antibacterial agents. PIs from tick salivary glands are special due to their pharmacological properties and their high specificity, selectivity, and affinity to their target proteases at the tick-host interface. In this review, we discuss the structure and function of PIs in general and those PI superfamilies abundant in tick salivary glands to illustrate their possible practical applications. In doing so, we describe tick salivary PIs that are showing promise as drug candidates, highlighting the most promising ones tested in vivo and which are now progressing to preclinical and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Amine Jmel
- Laboratory of Genomics and Proteomics of Disease Vectors, Biology Centre CAS, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 1160/31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (M.A.J.); (C.B.); (I.M.)
| | - Hajer Aounallah
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, LR19IPTX, Service d’Entomologie Médicale, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (H.A.); (Y.M.)
- Innovation and Development Laboratory, Innovation and Development Center, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil;
| | - Chaima Bensaoud
- Laboratory of Genomics and Proteomics of Disease Vectors, Biology Centre CAS, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 1160/31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (M.A.J.); (C.B.); (I.M.)
| | - Imen Mekki
- Laboratory of Genomics and Proteomics of Disease Vectors, Biology Centre CAS, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 1160/31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (M.A.J.); (C.B.); (I.M.)
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic;
| | - Jindřich Chmelař
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic;
| | - Fernanda Faria
- Innovation and Development Laboratory, Innovation and Development Center, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil;
| | - Youmna M’ghirbi
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, LR19IPTX, Service d’Entomologie Médicale, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (H.A.); (Y.M.)
| | - Michalis Kotsyfakis
- Laboratory of Genomics and Proteomics of Disease Vectors, Biology Centre CAS, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 1160/31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (M.A.J.); (C.B.); (I.M.)
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Evaluation of the vaccine efficacy of three digestive protease antigens from Dermanyssus gallinae using an in vivo rearing system. Vaccine 2020; 38:7842-7849. [PMID: 33164806 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The poultry red mite (PRM), Dermanyssus gallinae, is a hematophagous ectoparasite considered as the major pest in the egg-laying industry. Vaccination is feasible strategy for controlling the haematophagous PRMs. Cathepsin D (CatD), cathepsin L (CatL) and legumain (Lgm) are three endopeptidases participating in digestion of hemoglobin in ticks. The in vitro test and the on-hen feeding device have been used to evaluate the efficacy of vaccines against D. gallinae, however they lacked some of the natural feeding cues for mites, resulting in unreliable results. In the present study, a reliable in vivo rearing system which was nearly close to the natural infestation status of mites was applied to evaluate the efficacy of vaccines against D. gallinae. After vaccinations with rDg-CatD-1, rDg-CatL-1 or rDg-Lgm, chicks developed the antigen-specific IgY immune response to each antigen. The survival rates of D. gallinae in three groups decreased significantly after they fed on the immunized birds. And the oviposition rate and fecundity were significantly reduced by 13.18% and 49.90% in the rDg-CatD-1 immunized group, 5.49% and 38.55% in the rDg-CatL-1 immunized group, respectively. Moreover, immunization with rDg-CatD-1 or rDg-CatL-1 significantly decreased the blood digestion rate of D. gallinae. However, no statistically significant effects on reproduction performance and blood digestion rate of mite were observed in group immunized with rDg-Lgm. Our results demonstrated that immunization with rDg-CatD-1 or rDg-CatL-1 could prevent and control D. gallinae by reducing the survival, reproductive capacity and blood digestion of mite. Importantly, the evaluation system based on the in vivo rearing system was reliable and practical, and it can accurately evaluate the effects of immunization on D. gallinae for pre-screening of potential novel antigens.
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Rojo-Arreola L, García-Carreño F, Romero R, Díaz Dominguez L. Proteolytic profile of larval developmental stages of Penaeus vannamei: An activity and mRNA expression approach. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239413. [PMID: 32946520 PMCID: PMC7500676 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In arthropods, the cleavage of specific proteins by peptidases has pivotal roles in multiple physiological processes including oogenesis, immunity, nutrition, and parasitic infection. These enzymes are also key players in the larval development, and well-described triggers of molting and metamorphosis. In this work the peptidase complement throughout the larvae development of Penaeus vannamei was quantified at the transcript and activity level using qPCR and fluorogenic substrates designed to be hydrolyzed by class-specific peptidases respectively, providing a detailed identification of the proteolytic repertoire in P. vannamei larvae. Significant changes in the peptidase activity profile were observed. During the lecithotrophic naupliar instars, the dominant peptidase activity and expression derive from cysteine peptidases, suggesting that enzymes of this class hydrolyze the protein components of yolk as the primary amino acid source. At the first feeding instar, zoea, dominant serine peptidase activity was found where trypsin activity is particularly high, supporting previous observations that during zoea the breakdown of food protein is primarily enzymatic. At decapodid stages the peptidase expression and activity is more diverse indicating that a multienzyme network achieves food digestion. Our results suggest that proteolytic enzymes fulfill specific functions during P. vannamei larval development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rogelio Romero
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, México City, México
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Catalogue of stage-specific transcripts in Ixodes ricinus and their potential functions during the tick life-cycle. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:311. [PMID: 32546252 PMCID: PMC7296661 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04173-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The castor bean tick Ixodes ricinus is an important vector of several clinically important diseases, whose prevalence increases with accelerating global climate changes. Characterization of a tick life-cycle is thus of great importance. However, researchers mainly focus on specific organs of fed life stages, while early development of this tick species is largely neglected. Methods In an attempt to better understand the life-cycle of this widespread arthropod parasite, we sequenced the transcriptomes of four life stages (egg, larva, nymph and adult female), including unfed and partially blood-fed individuals. To enable a more reliable identification of transcripts and their comparison in all five transcriptome libraries, we validated an improved-fit set of five I. ricinus-specific reference genes for internal standard normalization of our transcriptomes. Then, we mapped biological functions to transcripts identified in different life stages (clusters) to elucidate life stage-specific processes. Finally, we drew conclusions from the functional enrichment of these clusters specifically assigned to each transcriptome, also in the context of recently published transcriptomic studies in ticks. Results We found that reproduction-related transcripts are present in both fed nymphs and fed females, underlining the poorly documented importance of ovaries as moulting regulators in ticks. Additionally, we identified transposase transcripts in tick eggs suggesting elevated transposition during embryogenesis, co-activated with factors driving developmental regulation of gene expression. Our findings also highlight the importance of the regulation of energetic metabolism in tick eggs during embryonic development and glutamate metabolism in nymphs. Conclusions Our study presents novel insights into stage-specific transcriptomes of I. ricinus and extends the current knowledge of this medically important pathogen, especially in the early phases of its development.![]()
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Qiu ZX, Li Y, Li MM, Wang WY, Zhang TT, Liu JZ. Investigation of three enzymes and their roles in the embryonic development of parthenogenetic Haemaphysalis longicornis. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:46. [PMID: 32005284 PMCID: PMC6995198 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3916-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tick Haemaphysalis longicornis exhibits two separate reproductive populations: bisexual and parthenogenetic, which have diploid and triploid karyotypes, respectively. The parthenogenetic population can undergo engorgement without copulation and produce viable female-only offspring with a longer incubation period than the bisexual population. Three enzymes, cathepsin B, cathepsin D and acid phosphatase, were found to be involved in vitellin degradation during the embryonic development of bisexual H. longicornis. However, the expression and activity profiles of these enzymes during the embryonic development of parthenogenetic ticks remain unknown. In the present study, the transcriptional expression profile, enzyme activity and roles in embryogenesis of the three enzymes during the embryonic development of parthenogenetic H. longicornis were investigated. METHODS Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and fluorescence detection were used to analyze the dynamic changes in the three enzymes during embryogenesis. The roles of the three enzymes during embryogenesis were also explored using RNA interference (RNAi). RESULTS The three enzymes were all expressed during embryonic development in parthenogenetic H. longicornis. The expression of cathepsin B was highest on day 15, whereas that of cathepsin D was highest on day 3 and the peak of acid phosphatase expression occurred on day 9. The activity of cathepsin B was highest on day 3 and lowest on day 5, then gradually increased and remained stable. Cathepsin D activity was highest on day 1 and showed a gradually decreasing trend, whereas acid phosphatase showed the opposite trend and reached a peak on day 23. RNA interference experiments in engorged female ticks revealed that there was no significant difference in the number of eggs laid, but the hatching rate of the eggs was significantly decreased. CONCLUSION The three enzymes all play important roles in embryonic development of H. longicornis, but the expression patterns and changes in the activity of the enzymes in the bisexual and parthenogenetic populations are different. The results will help a better understanding of the similarities and differences underlying embryonic development in the bisexual and parthenogenetic populations and contribute to the future exploration of the development of the parthenogenetic population of H. longicornis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Xi Qiu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Meng-Meng Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Wen-Ying Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Tian-Tian Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Jing-Ze Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
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Xavier MA, Tirloni L, Torquato R, Tanaka A, Pinto AFM, Diedrich JK, Yates JR, da Silva Vaz I, Seixas A, Termignoni C. Blood anticlotting activity of a Rhipicephalus microplus cathepsin L-like enzyme. Biochimie 2019; 163:12-20. [PMID: 31059753 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2019.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In parasites, cathepsins are implicated in mechanisms related to organism surveillance and host evasion. Some parasite cathepsins have fibrinogenolytic and fibrinolytic activity, suggesting that they may contribute to maintain blood meal fluidity for extended feeding periods. Here, it is shown that BmGTI (Rhipicephalus [Boophilus] microplus Gut Thrombin Inhibitor), a protein previously described as an inhibitor of fibrinogen hydrolysis and platelet aggregation by thrombin, and BmCL1 (Rhipicephalus [Boophilus] microplus Cathepsin-L like 1) are the same protein, hereinafter referred to using the earliest name (BmCL1). To further characterize BmCL1, Rhipicephalus microplus native and recombinant (rBmCL1) proteins were obtained. Native BmCL1 was isolated using thrombin-affinity chromatography, and it displays thrombin inhibition activity. We subsequently investigated rBmCL1 interaction with thrombin. We show that rBmCL1 and thrombin have a dissociation constant (ΚD) of 130.2 ± 11.2 nM, and this interaction likely occurs due to a more electronegative surface of BmCL1 at pH 7.5 than at pH 5.0, which may favor an electrostatic binding to positively charged thrombin exosites. During BmCL1-thrombin interaction, thrombin is not degraded or inhibited. rBmCL1 impairs thrombin-induced fibrinogen clotting via a fibrinogenolytic activity. Fibrinogen degradation by BmCL1 occurs by the hydrolysis of Aα- and Bβ-chains, generating products similar to those produced by fibrinogenolytic cathepsins from other organisms. In conclusion, BmCL1 likely has an additional role in R. microplus blood digestion, besides its role in hemoglobin degradation at acid pH. BmCL1 fibrinogenolytic activity indicates a proteolytic activity in the neutral lumen of tick midgut, contributing to maintain the fluidity of the ingested blood, which remains to be confirmed in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Amaral Xavier
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Lucas Tirloni
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Ricardo Torquato
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Aparecida Tanaka
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Antônio F M Pinto
- Clayton Foundation Peptide Biology Lab, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, USA
| | - Jolene K Diedrich
- Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - John R Yates
- Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Adriana Seixas
- Departamento de Farmacociências, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carlos Termignoni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Parizi LF, Ali A, Tirloni L, Oldiges DP, Sabadin GA, Coutinho ML, Seixas A, Logullo C, Termignoni C, DA Silva Vaz I. Peptidase inhibitors in tick physiology. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 32:129-144. [PMID: 29111611 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Peptidase inhibitors regulate a wide range of physiological processes involved in the interaction between hematophagous parasites and their hosts, including tissue remodeling, the immune response and blood coagulation. In tick physiology, peptidase inhibitors have a crucial role in adaptation to improve parasitism mechanisms, facilitating blood feeding by interfering with defense-related host peptidases. Recently, a larger number of studies on this topic led to the description of several new tick inhibitors displaying interesting novel features, for example a role in pathogen transmission to the host. A comprehensive review discussing these emerging concepts can therefore shed light on peptidase inhibitor functions, their relevance to tick physiology and their potential applications. Here, we summarize and examine the general characteristics, functional diversity and action of tick peptidase inhibitors with known physiological roles in the tick-host-pathogen interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- L F Parizi
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - A Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
- Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - L Tirloni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - D P Oldiges
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - G A Sabadin
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - M L Coutinho
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - A Seixas
- Departamento de Farmacociências, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - C Logullo
- Laboratório de Química e Função de Proteínas e Peptídeos-CBB and Unidade de Experimentação Animal, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - C Termignoni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - I DA Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Xavier MA, Tirloni L, Pinto AFM, Diedrich JK, Yates JR, Mulenga A, Logullo C, da Silva Vaz I, Seixas A, Termignoni C. A proteomic insight into vitellogenesis during tick ovary maturation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:4698. [PMID: 29549327 PMCID: PMC5856802 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23090-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are arthropod ectoparasites of importance for public and veterinary health. The understanding of tick oogenesis and embryogenesis could contribute to the development of novel control methods. However, to date, studies on the temporal dynamics of proteins during ovary development were not reported. In the present study we followed protein profile during ovary maturation. Proteomic analysis of ovary extracts was performed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) using shotgun strategy, in addition to dimethyl labelling-based protein quantification. A total of 3,756 proteins were identified, which were functionally annotated into 30 categories. Circa 80% of the annotated proteins belong to categories related to basal metabolism, such as protein synthesis and modification machineries, nuclear regulation, cytoskeleton, proteasome machinery, transcriptional machinery, energetic metabolism, extracellular matrix/cell adhesion, immunity, oxidation/detoxification metabolism, signal transduction, and storage. The abundance of selected proteins involved in yolk uptake and degradation, as well as vitellin accumulation during ovary maturation, was assessed using dimethyl-labelling quantification. In conclusion, proteins identified in this study provide a framework for future studies to elucidate tick development and validate candidate targets for novel control methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Amaral Xavier
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Lucas Tirloni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Antônio F M Pinto
- Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jolene K Diedrich
- Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - John R Yates
- Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Albert Mulenga
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Carlos Logullo
- Laboratório de Sanidade Animal, Laboratório de Química e Função de Proteínas e Peptídeos and Unidade de Experimentação Animal, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Adriana Seixas
- Departamento de Farmacociências, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carlos Termignoni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Hartmann D, Šíma R, Konvičková J, Perner J, Kopáček P, Sojka D. Multiple legumain isoenzymes in ticks. Int J Parasitol 2017; 48:167-178. [PMID: 29113783 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
By searching nucleotide databases for the North American Lyme disease vector, Ixodes scapularis, we have complemented the previously characterized European Ixodes ricinus legumain IrAE1 with a full set of nine analogous genes (isae1-9). Six of these were PCR confirmed as genes present in all tick genomes tested. The absolute mRNA copy number examined by quantitative (q)PCR enabled expression profiling and an absolute comparison of mRNA levels for individual I. scapularis (Is)AEs in tick tissues. Four IsAEs (1, 2, 4, 9) were expressed solely in the gut and thus are proposed to be involved in host blood digestion. Expression qPCR profiling over developmental stages confirmed IsAE1, the direct analogue of previously characterized I. ricinus IrAE1, as the principle legumain transcript in partially engorged females, and demonstrated its strong regulation by on-host feeding in larvae, nymphs and females. In contrast, IsAE2 was the predominant gut legumain in unfed nymphs, unfed females and males. In-silico, IsAE1 and IsAE2 protein three-dimensional structural models displayed minimal differences in overall proenzyme structures, even in comparison with recently resolved crystal structures of mammalian prolegumain. Three functional studies were performed in I. ricinus with IsAE1/IsAE2 analogues: double IrAE1/IrAE2 RNA interference silencing, feeding of ticks on IrAE1+IrAE2 immunized hosts and in vitro membrane tick feeding on blood containing a legumain-specific inhibitor. The latter experiment led to reduced weights of fully engorged ticks and limited oviposition, and indicated the potential of legumain inhibitors for novel anti-tick interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hartmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice CZ-370 05, Czech Republic; Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice CZ-370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Šíma
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice CZ-370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Konvičková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice CZ-370 05, Czech Republic; Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice CZ-370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Perner
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice CZ-370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Kopáček
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice CZ-370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Sojka
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice CZ-370 05, Czech Republic.
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Shen N, He R, Liang Y, Xu J, He M, Ren Y, Gu X, Lai W, Xie Y, Peng X, Yang G. Expression and characterisation of a Sarcoptes scabiei protein tyrosine kinase as a potential antigen for scabies diagnosis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9639. [PMID: 28852108 PMCID: PMC5575040 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10326-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Scabies is a disease that harms humans and other animals that is caused by the itch mite Sarcoptes scabiei burrowing into the stratum corneum of the skin. In the early stages of scabies, symptoms are often subclinical and there are no effective diagnostic methods. Herein, we cloned, expressed and characterised an S. scabiei protein tyrosine kinase (SsPTK) and evaluated its diagnostic value as a recombinant antigen in rabbit during the early stages of Sarcoptes infestation. The SsPTK protein is ~30 kDa, lacks a signal peptide, and shares high homology with a PTK from the rabbit ear mite Psoroptes ovis cuniculi. The protein was widely distributed at the front end of mites, particularly in the chewing mouthparts and legs. Indirect ELISA using recombinant SsPTK showed good diagnostic value, with 95.2% (40/42) sensitivity and 94.1% (48/51) specificity for detecting anti-PTK antibody in serum samples from naturally-infested rabbits. More importantly, PTK ELISA could diagnose infection in the early stages (infestation for 1 week) with an accuracy of 100% (24/24). SsPTK therefore shows potential as a sensitive antigen for the early diagnosis of parasitic mite infestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nengxing Shen
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, China
| | - Ran He
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, China
| | - Yuqing Liang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, China
| | - Manli He
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, China
| | - Yongjun Ren
- Sichuan Animal Sciences Academy, Sichuan Chengdu, 610066, China
- Animal Breeding and Genetics key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Chengdu, 610066, China
| | - Xiaobin Gu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, China
| | - Weimin Lai
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, China
| | - Yue Xie
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, China
| | - Xuerong Peng
- Department of Chemistry, College of Life and Basic Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, China
| | - Guangyou Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130, China.
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Santiago PB, de Araújo CN, Motta FN, Praça YR, Charneau S, Bastos IMD, Santana JM. Proteases of haematophagous arthropod vectors are involved in blood-feeding, yolk formation and immunity - a review. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:79. [PMID: 28193252 PMCID: PMC5307778 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2005-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks, triatomines, mosquitoes and sand flies comprise a large number of haematophagous arthropods considered vectors of human infectious diseases. While consuming blood to obtain the nutrients necessary to carry on life functions, these insects can transmit pathogenic microorganisms to the vertebrate host. Among the molecules related to the blood-feeding habit, proteases play an essential role. In this review, we provide a panorama of proteases from arthropod vectors involved in haematophagy, in digestion, in egg development and in immunity. As these molecules act in central biological processes, proteases from haematophagous vectors of infectious diseases may influence vector competence to transmit pathogens to their prey, and thus could be valuable targets for vectorial control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Beatriz Santiago
- Laboratório de Interação Patógeno-Hospedeiro, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Carla Nunes de Araújo
- Laboratório de Interação Patógeno-Hospedeiro, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil.,Faculdade de Ceilândia, Universidade de Brasília, Centro Metropolitano, Conjunto A, Lote 01, 72220-275, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Flávia Nader Motta
- Laboratório de Interação Patógeno-Hospedeiro, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil.,Faculdade de Ceilândia, Universidade de Brasília, Centro Metropolitano, Conjunto A, Lote 01, 72220-275, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Yanna Reis Praça
- Laboratório de Interação Patógeno-Hospedeiro, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil.,Programa Pós-Graduação em Ciências Médicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Sébastien Charneau
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Química de Proteínas, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Izabela M Dourado Bastos
- Laboratório de Interação Patógeno-Hospedeiro, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Jaime M Santana
- Laboratório de Interação Patógeno-Hospedeiro, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
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12
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Saidi S, Nabian S, Ebrahimzade E, Najafi A, Moghaddam MM, Sazmand A, Torkzadeh-Mahani M, Tabrizi SS. Identification and characterization of a cathepsin L-like cysteine protease from Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2016; 68:251-265. [PMID: 26597589 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-015-9993-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus is one of the most important ectoparasites of bovines and is responsible for the transmission of different pathogens such as Babesia and Anaplasma. Cysteine proteases are involved in several host-tick interactions including invasion of host tissues, immune evasion, pathogen transmission, embryogenesis and blood digestion. In this study, the gene encoding R. annulatus cathepsin L-like enzyme (RaCL1) was cloned into pTZ57R/T vector, sequenced and analyzed using bioinformatics approaches. The nucleotide length of RaCL1 was 999 bp. Bioinformatics analysis showed 332 amino acids with an approximate molecular weight of 36.3 kDa which contained a signal peptide sequence (18 amino acids), pro-region (97 amino acids) and mature enzyme (217 amino acids). Multiple sequence alignment of the RaCL1 revealed high similarity to cathepsin L-like cysteine proteases from other tick species such as Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and Amblyomma variegatum. Based on bioinformatics analyses, results of this work suggest that RaCL1 can be a suitable candidate for the development of vaccine against R. annulatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahin Saidi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sedighe Nabian
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
- Iranian Research Center for Tick and Tick-borne Diseases, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Elahe Ebrahimzade
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ali Najafi
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Agriculture, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Masoud Torkzadeh-Mahani
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Science, High Technology and Environmental Science, Graduate University of Advanced Technology, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Saeed Sattari Tabrizi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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Parizi LF, Sabadin GA, Alzugaray MF, Seixas A, Logullo C, Konnai S, Ohashi K, Masuda A, da Silva Vaz I. Rhipicephalus microplus and Ixodes ovatus cystatins in tick blood digestion and evasion of host immune response. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:122. [PMID: 25889092 PMCID: PMC4340882 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0743-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cystatins are a group of cysteine protease inhibitors responsible for physiological proteolysis regulation and present in a wide range of organisms. Studies about this class of inhibitors in parasites have contributed to clarify their roles in important physiological processes, like blood digestion and modulation of host immune response during blood feeding. Thus, cystatins are a subject of research on the development of new parasite control methods. Additionally, the characterization of proteins shared by different parasite species represents a valuable strategy to find potential targets in multi-species control methods. However, cystatin functions in ticks remain undetermined, especially in Rhipicephalus microplus and Ixodes ovatus, two species that affect livestock and human health, respectively. METHODS Here we report the inhibitory profile of two R. microplus (BrBmcys2b and BrBmcys2c) and one I. ovatus (JpIocys2a) cystatins to commercial cathepsins B, C, and L. The presence of native cystatins in R. microplus tissues was analyzed using sera against recombinant BrBmcys2b and BrBmcys2c. Also, a peptide from JpIocys2a was synthesized for rabbit immunization, and this serum was used to analyze the cross antigenicity between R. microplus and I. ovatus cystatins. RESULTS Enzymatic inhibition profile of tick cystatins shows a distinct modulation for cathepsins related to tick blood digestion and evasion of host immune response. Furthermore, BrBmcys2b was detected in saliva and different tissues along tick stages, while BrBmcys2c was detected mainly in gut from partially engorged R. microplus females, demonstrating a distinct pattern of cystatin expression, secretion and traffic between tick tissues. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis suggests that JpIocys2a belongs to the group of tick gut secreted cystatins. Finally, cross-antigenicity assays revealed that antibodies against the JpIocys2a peptide recognize native and recombinant R. microplus cystatins. CONCLUSION The presence of these proteins in different tissues and their ability to differentially inhibit cathepsins suggest distinct roles for JpIocys2a, BrBmcys2b, and BrBmcys2c in blood digestion, egg and larvae development, and modulation of host immune response in tick physiology. The cross-antigenicity between native and recombinant cystatins supports further experiments using JpIocys2a, BrBmcys2b, and BrBmcys2c as vaccine antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Fernando Parizi
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43421, Porto Alegre, 91501-970, , RS, Brazil.
| | - Gabriela Alves Sabadin
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43421, Porto Alegre, 91501-970, , RS, Brazil.
| | - María Fernanda Alzugaray
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43421, Porto Alegre, 91501-970, , RS, Brazil.
- Departamento de Ciencias Microbiológicas, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Facultad de Veterinaria, UDELAR, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Adriana Seixas
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43421, Porto Alegre, 91501-970, , RS, Brazil.
- Departamento de Farmacociências, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre, 90050-170, , RS, Brazil.
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Carlos Logullo
- Laboratório de Química e Função de Proteínas e Peptídeos-CBB-UENF and Unidade de Experimentação Animal, Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Horto, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28015-620, , RJ, Brazil.
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Satoru Konnai
- Department of Disease Control, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, 060-0818, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
| | - Kazuhiko Ohashi
- Department of Disease Control, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, 060-0818, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
| | - Aoi Masuda
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43421, Porto Alegre, 91501-970, , RS, Brazil.
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43421, Porto Alegre, 91501-970, , RS, Brazil.
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, 91540-000, , RS, Brazil.
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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14
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Schicht S, Qi W, Poveda L, Strube C. The predicted secretome and transmembranome of the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:259. [PMID: 24020355 PMCID: PMC3846644 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The worldwide distributed hematophagous poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer, 1778) is one of the most important pests of poultry. Even though 35 acaricide compounds are available, control of D. gallinae remains difficult due to acaricide resistances as well as food safety regulations. The current study was carried out to identify putative excretory/secretory (pES) proteins of D. gallinae since these proteins play an important role in the host-parasite interaction and therefore represent potential targets for the development of novel intervention strategies. Additionally, putative transmembrane proteins (pTM) of D. gallinae were analyzed as representatives of this protein group also serve as promising targets for new control strategies. Methods D. gallinae pES and pTM protein prediction was based on putative protein sequences of whole transcriptome data which was parsed to different bioinformatical servers (SignalP, SecretomeP, TMHMM and TargetP). Subsequently, pES and pTM protein sequences were functionally annotated by different computational tools. Results Computational analysis of the D. gallinae proteins identified 3,091 pES (5.6%) and 7,361 pTM proteins (13.4%). A significant proportion of pES proteins are considered to be involved in blood feeding and digestion such as salivary proteins, proteases, lipases and carbohydrases. The cysteine proteases cathepsin D and L as well as legumain, enzymes that cleave hemoglobin during blood digestion of the near related ticks, represented 6 of the top-30 BLASTP matches of the poultry red mite’s secretome. Identified pTM proteins may be involved in many important biological processes including cell signaling, transport of membrane-impermeable molecules and cell recognition. Ninjurin-like proteins, whose functions in mites are still unknown, represent the most frequently occurring pTM. Conclusion The current study is the first providing a mite’s secretome as well as transmembranome and provides valuable insights into D. gallinae pES and pTM proteins operating in different metabolic pathways. Identifying a variety of molecules putatively involved in blood feeding may significantly contribute to the development of new therapeutic targets or vaccines against this poultry pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Schicht
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
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15
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Seixas A, Oliveira P, Termignoni C, Logullo C, Masuda A, da Silva Vaz I. Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus embryo proteins as target for tick vaccine. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2012; 148:149-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2011.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2010] [Revised: 03/24/2011] [Accepted: 05/02/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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16
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Defferrari MS, Demartini DR, Marcelino TB, Pinto PM, Carlini CR. Insecticidal effect of Canavalia ensiformis major urease on nymphs of the milkweed bug Oncopeltus fasciatus and characterization of digestive peptidases. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2011; 41:388-399. [PMID: 21377528 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2011.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2010] [Revised: 01/29/2011] [Accepted: 02/24/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Jackbean (Canavalia ensiformis) ureases are entomotoxic upon the release of internal peptides by insect's digestive enzymes. Here we studied the digestive peptidases of Oncopeltus fasciatus (milkweed bug) and its susceptibility to jackbean urease (JBU). O. fasciatus nymphs fed urease showed a mortality rate higher than 80% after two weeks. Homogenates of midguts dissected from fourth instars were used to perform proteolytic activity assays. The homogenates hydrolyzed JBU in vitro, yielding a fragment similar in size to known entomotoxic peptides. The major proteolytic activity at pH 4.0 upon protein substrates was blocked by specific inhibitors of aspartic and cysteine peptidases, but not significantly affected by inhibitors of metallopeptidases or serine peptidases. The optimal activity upon N-Cbz-Phe-Arg-MCA was at pH 5.0, with complete blockage by E-64 in all pH tested. Optimal activity upon Abz-AIAFFSRQ-EDDnp (a substrate for aspartic peptidases) was detected at pH 5.0, with partial inhibition by Pepstatin A in the pH range 2-8. Fluorogenic substrates corresponding to the N- and C-terminal regions flanking a known entomotoxic peptide within urease sequence were also tested. While the midgut homogenate did not hydrolyze the N-terminal peptide, it cleaved the C-terminal peptide maximally at pH 4.0-5.0, and this activity was inhibited by E-64 (10 μM). The midgut homogenate was submitted to ion-exchange chromatography followed by gel filtration. A 22 kDa active fraction was obtained, resolved in SDS-PAGE (12%), the corresponding band was in-gel digested by trypsin, the peptides were analyzed by mass spectrometry, retrieving a cathepsin L protein. The purified cathepsin L was shown to have at least two possible cleavage sites within the urease sequence, and might be able to release a known insecticidal peptide in a single or cascade event. The results suggest that susceptibility of O. fasciatus nymphs to jackbean urease is, like in other insect models, due mostly to limited proteolysis of ingested protein and subsequent release of entomotoxic peptide(s) by cathepsin-like digestive enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina S Defferrari
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, CEP 91501-970 Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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17
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Boophilus microplus cathepsin L-like (BmCL1) cysteine protease: specificity study using a peptide phage display library. Vet Parasitol 2011; 181:291-300. [PMID: 21536386 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2010] [Revised: 03/24/2011] [Accepted: 04/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is one of the most important bovine ectoparasites, a disease vector responsible for losses in meat and milk productions. A cysteine protease similar to cathepsin L, named BmCL1, was previously identified in R. microplus gut, suggesting a role of the enzyme in meal digestion. In this work, BmCL1 was successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris system, yielding 54.8 mg/L of culture and its activity was analyzed by synthetic substrates and against a R. microplus cysteine protease inhibitor, Bmcystatin. After rBmCl1 biochemical characterization it was used in a selection of a peptide phage library to determine rBmCL1 substrate preference. Obtained sequenced clones showed that rBmCL1 has preference for Leu or Arg at P(1) position. The preference for Leu at position P(1) and the activation of BmCL1 after a Leu amino acid residue suggest possible self activation.
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18
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Sojka D, Francischetti IMB, Calvo E, Kotsyfakis M. Cysteine proteases from bloodfeeding arthropod ectoparasites. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2011; 712:177-91. [PMID: 21660665 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-8414-2_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cysteine proteases have been discovered in various bloodfeeding ectoparasites. Here, we assemble the available information about the function of these peptidases and reveal their role in hematophagy and parasite development. While most of the data shed light on key proteolytic events that play a role in arthropod physiology, we also report on the association of cysteine proteases with arthropod vectorial capacity. With emphasis on ticks, specifically Ixodes ricinus, we finally propose a model about the contribution of cysteine peptidases to blood digestion and how their concerted action with other tick midgut proteases leads to the absorbance of nutrients by the midgut epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sojka
- Laboratory of Vector Immunology, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
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19
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Vitellin- and hemoglobin-digesting enzymes in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus larvae and females. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2010; 157:326-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2010.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2010] [Revised: 08/03/2010] [Accepted: 08/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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20
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Boldbaatar D, Umemiya-Shirafuji R, Liao M, Tanaka T, Xuan X, Fujisaki K. Multiple vitellogenins from the Haemaphysalis longicornis tick are crucial for ovarian development. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2010; 56:1587-1598. [PMID: 20576517 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2010.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2010] [Revised: 05/21/2010] [Accepted: 05/21/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian development and egg maturation are crucial processes for the success of reproduction in ticks. Three full-length cDNAs encoding the precursor of major yolk protein, vitellogenin, were obtained from cDNA libraries of the Haemaphysalis longicornis tick and designated as HlVg-1, HlVg-2 and HlVg-3. The HlVg mRNAs were found in fed females with major expression sites in the midgut, fat body and ovary. Native PAGE and Western blot demonstrated that HlVgs in the hemolymph, fat body and ovary of fed females consisted of four major polypeptides. RNAi results showed that HlVg dsRNA-injected ticks obtained lower body weight, egg weight and showed higher mortality of engorged females after blood sucking than control groups. Our results indicate that all HlVgs are essential for egg development and oviposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damdinsuren Boldbaatar
- Department of Frontier Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
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21
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Cruz CE, Fogaça AC, Nakayasu ES, Angeli CB, Belmonte R, Almeida IC, Miranda A, Miranda MTM, Tanaka AS, Braz GR, Craik CS, Schneider E, Caffrey CR, Daffre S. Characterization of proteinases from the midgut of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus involved in the generation of antimicrobial peptides. Parasit Vectors 2010; 3:63. [PMID: 20663211 PMCID: PMC2921360 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-3-63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2010] [Accepted: 07/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hemoglobin is a rich source of biologically active peptides, some of which are potent antimicrobials (hemocidins). A few hemocidins have been purified from the midgut contents of ticks. Nonetheless, how antimicrobials are generated in the tick midgut and their role in immunity is still poorly understood. Here we report, for the first time, the contribution of two midgut proteinases to the generation of hemocidins. RESULTS An aspartic proteinase, designated BmAP, was isolated from the midgut of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus using three chromatographic steps. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed that BmAP is restricted to the midgut. The other enzyme is a previously characterized midgut cathepsin L-like cysteine proteinase designated BmCL1. Substrate specificities of native BmAP and recombinant BmCL1 were mapped using a synthetic combinatorial peptide library and bovine hemoglobin. BmCL1 preferred substrates containing non-polar residues at P2 subsite and polar residues at P1, whereas BmAP hydrolysed substrates containing non-polar amino acids at P1 and P1'. CONCLUSIONS BmAP and BmCL1 generate hemocidins from hemoglobin alpha and beta chains in vitro. We postulate that hemocidins may be important for the control of tick pathogens and midgut flora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos E Cruz
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil.
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Localization and function of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus vitellin-degrading cysteine endopeptidase. Parasitology 2010; 137:1819-31. [PMID: 20561398 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182010000624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is an important parasite of cattle in many areas of the tropics. Characterization of molecules involved in mechanisms such as vitellogenesis and embryo development may contribute to a better understanding of this parasite's physiology. The vitellin-degrading cysteine endopeptidase (VTDCE) is the most active enzyme involved in vitellin hydrolysis in R. microplus eggs. Here we show an association between VTDCE and vitellin in an additional site, apart from the active site. Our data also demonstrate cysteine endopeptidase activity in different tissues such as ovary, gut, fat body, salivary gland and female haemolymph, where it is controlled by a physiological inhibitor. In R. microplus female gut, VTDCE is localized in areas of protein synthesis and trafficking with the underlying haemolymph. VTDCE is also localized in the ovary basal region, in vesicle membranes of ovary pedicel cells and in oocyte cytosol. These results suggest that VTDCE plays a role in vitellin digestion during tick development.
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Horn M, Nussbaumerová M, Sanda M, Kovárová Z, Srba J, Franta Z, Sojka D, Bogyo M, Caffrey CR, Kopácek P, Mares M. Hemoglobin digestion in blood-feeding ticks: mapping a multipeptidase pathway by functional proteomics. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 16:1053-63. [PMID: 19875079 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2009.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2009] [Revised: 08/20/2009] [Accepted: 09/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Hemoglobin digestion is an essential process for blood-feeding parasites. Using chemical tools, we deconvoluted the intracellular hemoglobinolytic cascade in the tick Ixodes ricinus, a vector of Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. In tick gut tissue, a network of peptidases was demonstrated through imaging with specific activity-based probes and activity profiling with peptidic substrates and inhibitors. This peptidase network is induced upon blood feeding and degrades hemoglobin at acidic pH. Selective inhibitors were applied to dissect the roles of the individual peptidases and to determine the peptidase-specific cleavage map of the hemoglobin molecule. The degradation pathway is initiated by endopeptidases of aspartic and cysteine class (cathepsin D supported by cathepsin L and legumain) and is continued by cysteine amino- and carboxy-dipeptidases (cathepsins C and B). The identified enzymes are potential targets to developing novel anti-tick vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Horn
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 16610 Praha, Czech Republic
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Skern-Mauritzen R, Frost P, Dalvin S, Kvamme BO, Sommerset I, Nilsen F. A trypsin-like protease with apparent dual function in early Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Krøyer) development. BMC Mol Biol 2009; 10:44. [PMID: 19439101 PMCID: PMC2689223 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2199-10-44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2008] [Accepted: 05/13/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypsin-like serine proteases are involved in a large number of processes including digestive degradation, regulation of developmental processes, yolk degradation and yolk degradome activation. Trypsin like peptidases considered to be involved in digestion have been characterized in Lepeophtheirus salmonis. During these studies a trypsin-like peptidase which differed in a number of traits were identified. RESULTS An intronless trypsin-like serine peptidase (LsTryp10) from L., salmonis was identified and characterized. LsTryp10 mRNA is evenly distributed in the ovaries and oocytes, but is located along the ova periphery. LsTryp10 protein is deposited in the oocytes and all embryonic cells. LsTryp10 mRNA translation and concurrent degradation after fertilization was found in the embryos demonstrating that LsTryp10 protein is produced both by the embryo and maternally. The results furthermore indicate that LsTryp10 protein of maternal origin has a distribution pattern different to that of embryonic origin. CONCLUSION Based on present data and previous studies of peptidases in oocytes and embryos, we hypothesize that maternally deposited LsTryp10 protein is involved in regulation of the yolk degradome. The function of LsTryp10 produced by the embryonic cells remains unknown. To our knowledge a similar expression pattern has not previously been reported for any protease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasmus Skern-Mauritzen
- Department of Population Genetics and Ecology, Institute of Marine Research, 5817 Bergen, Norway
| | - Petter Frost
- Department of Population Genetics and Ecology, Institute of Marine Research, 5817 Bergen, Norway
- Intervet Norbio AS, 5008 Bergen, Norway
| | - Sussie Dalvin
- Department of Population Genetics and Ecology, Institute of Marine Research, 5817 Bergen, Norway
| | - Bjørn Olav Kvamme
- Department of Health, Institute of Marine Research, 5817 Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Frank Nilsen
- Department of Population Genetics and Ecology, Institute of Marine Research, 5817 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Biology, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
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Seixas A, Leal AT, Nascimento-Silva MCL, Masuda A, Termignoni C, da Silva Vaz I. Vaccine potential of a tick vitellin-degrading enzyme (VTDCE). Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2008; 124:332-40. [PMID: 18490061 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2008.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2007] [Revised: 04/07/2008] [Accepted: 04/09/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
VTDCE (Vitelin-Degrading Cysteine Endopeptidase) is a peptidase with an active role in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus embryogenesis. VTDCE is found in the tick's eggs and was shown to be the most active protein in vitellin (VT) hydrolysis of the three peptidases already characterized in R. microplus eggs (Boophilus Yolk pro-cathepsin (BYC), Tick Heme Binding Aspartic Proteinase (THAP) and VTDCE). VTDCE activity was assessed in vitro using the natural substrate and a synthetic substrate (N-Cbz-Phe-Arg-MCA). The activity was inhibited by anti-VTDCE antibodies. In the present study, it was shown that VTDCE acts differently from BYC and THAP in VT hydrolysis and that the vaccination of bovines with VTDCE induces a partial protective immune response against R. microplus infestation. Immunized bovines challenged with R. microplus larvae presented an overall protection of 21%, and a reduction in the weight of fertile eggs of 17.6% was observed. The data obtained indicate that VTDCE seems to be important for tick physiology, and that it induces partial protective immune response when inoculated in bovines. This suggests that VTDCE can be useful to improve the protective capacity observed for other antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Seixas
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500 Prédio 43421, Porto Alegre, RS 91501-970, Brazil
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