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Ouali R, Bousbata S. Unveiling the Peptidase Network Orchestrating Hemoglobin Catabolism in Rhodnius prolixus. Mol Cell Proteomics 2024; 23:100775. [PMID: 38663568 PMCID: PMC11135036 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2024.100775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is transmitted to humans by obligatory hematophagous insects of Triatominae subfamily, which feeds on various hosts to acquire their nutritional sustenance derived from blood proteins. Hemoglobin (Hb) digestion is a pivotal metabolic feature of triatomines, representing a key juncture in their competence toward Trypanosoma cruzi; however, it remains poorly understood. To explore the Hb digestion pathway in Rhodnius prolixus, a major Chagas disease vector, we employed an array of approaches for activity profiling of various midgut-associated peptidases using specific substrates and inhibitors. Dissecting the individual contribution of each peptidase family in Hb digestion has unveiled a predominant role played by aspartic proteases and cathepsin B-like peptidases. Determination of peptidase-specific cleavage sites of these key hemoglobinases, in conjunction with mass spectrometry-based identification of in vivo Hb-derived fragments, has revealed the intricate network of peptidases involved in the Hb digestion pathway. This network is initiated by aspartic proteases and subsequently sustained by cysteine proteases belonging to the C1 family. The process is continued simultaneously by amino and carboxypeptidases. The comprehensive profiling of midgut-associated aspartic proteases by quantitative proteomics has enabled the accurate revision of gene annotations within the A1 family of the R. prolixus genome. Significantly, this study also serves to illuminate a potentially important role of the anterior midgut in blood digestion. The expanded repertoire of midgut-associated proteases presented in this study holds promise for the identification of novel targets aimed at controlling the transmission of Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radouane Ouali
- Laboratory of Vector-Pathogen Biology, Proteomic Platform, Department of Molecular Biology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium.
| | - Sabrina Bousbata
- Laboratory of Vector-Pathogen Biology, Proteomic Platform, Department of Molecular Biology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium.
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2
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Kapishnikov S, Hempelmann E, Elbaum M, Als-Nielsen J, Leiserowitz L. Malaria Pigment Crystals: The Achilles' Heel of the Malaria Parasite. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:1515-1532. [PMID: 33523575 PMCID: PMC8252759 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The biogenic formation of hemozoin crystals, a crucial process in heme detoxification by the malaria parasite, is reviewed as an antimalarial drug target. We first focus on the in‐vivo formation of hemozoin. A model is presented, based on native‐contrast 3D imaging obtained by X‐ray and electron microscopy, that hemozoin nucleates at the inner membrane leaflet of the parasitic digestive vacuole, and grows in the adjacent aqueous medium. Having observed quantities of hemoglobin and hemozoin in the digestive vacuole, we present a model that heme liberation from hemoglobin and hemozoin formation is an assembly‐line process. The crystallization is preceded by reaction between heme monomers yielding hematin dimers involving fewer types of isomers than in synthetic hemozoin; this is indicative of protein‐induced dimerization. Models of antimalarial drugs binding onto hemozoin surfaces are reviewed. This is followed by a description of bromoquine, a chloroquine drug analogue, capping a significant fraction of hemozoin surfaces within the digestive vacuole and accumulation of the drug, presumably a bromoquine–hematin complex, at the vacuole's membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Kapishnikov
- Dept. of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Ernst Hempelmann
- Center of Cellular and Molecular Biology of Diseases, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), City of Knowledge, 0843 (Republic of, Panama
| | - Michael Elbaum
- Dept. of Chemical and Biological Physics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Jens Als-Nielsen
- Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Leslie Leiserowitz
- Dept. of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
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3
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Rosche KL, Sidak-Loftis LC, Hurtado J, Fisk EA, Shaw DK. Arthropods Under Pressure: Stress Responses and Immunity at the Pathogen-Vector Interface. Front Immunol 2021; 11:629777. [PMID: 33659000 PMCID: PMC7917218 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.629777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding what influences the ability of some arthropods to harbor and transmit pathogens may be key for controlling the spread of vector-borne diseases. Arthropod immunity has a central role in dictating vector competence for pathogen acquisition and transmission. Microbial infection elicits immune responses and imparts stress on the host by causing physical damage and nutrient deprivation, which triggers evolutionarily conserved stress response pathways aimed at restoring cellular homeostasis. Recent studies increasingly recognize that eukaryotic stress responses and innate immunity are closely intertwined. Herein, we describe two well-characterized and evolutionarily conserved mechanisms, the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) and the Integrated Stress Response (ISR), and examine evidence that these stress responses impact immune signaling. We then describe how multiple pathogens, including vector-borne microbes, interface with stress responses in mammals. Owing to the well-conserved nature of the UPR and ISR, we speculate that similar mechanisms may be occurring in arthropod vectors and ultimately impacting vector competence. We conclude this Perspective by positing that novel insights into vector competence will emerge when considering that stress-signaling pathways may be influencing the arthropod immune network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin L Rosche
- Program in Vector-borne Disease, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Lindsay C Sidak-Loftis
- Program in Vector-borne Disease, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Joanna Hurtado
- Program in Vector-borne Disease, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Elizabeth A Fisk
- Program in Vector-borne Disease, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Dana K Shaw
- Program in Vector-borne Disease, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
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4
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Ferreira CM, Stiebler R, Saraiva FM, Lechuga GC, Walter-Nuno AB, Bourguignon SC, Gonzalez MS, Azambuja P, Gandara ACP, Menna-Barreto RFS, Paiva-Silva GO, Paes MC, Oliveira MF. Heme crystallization in a Chagas disease vector acts as a redox-protective mechanism to allow insect reproduction and parasite infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006661. [PMID: 30036366 PMCID: PMC6084092 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Heme crystallization as hemozoin represents the dominant mechanism of heme disposal in blood feeding triatomine insect vectors of the Chagas disease. The absence of drugs or vaccine for the Chagas disease causative agent, the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, makes the control of vector population the best available strategy to limit disease spread. Although heme and redox homeostasis regulation is critical for both triatomine insects and T. cruzi, the physiological relevance of hemozoin for these organisms remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that selective blockage of heme crystallization in vivo by the antimalarial drug quinidine, caused systemic heme overload and redox imbalance in distinct insect tissues, assessed by spectrophotometry and fluorescence microscopy. Quinidine treatment activated compensatory defensive heme-scavenging mechanisms to cope with excessive heme, as revealed by biochemical hemolymph analyses, and fat body gene expression. Importantly, egg production, oviposition, and total T. cruzi parasite counts in R. prolixus were significantly reduced by quinidine treatment. These effects were reverted by oral supplementation with the major insect antioxidant urate. Altogether, these data underscore the importance of heme crystallization as the main redox regulator for triatomine vectors, indicating the dual role of hemozoin as a protective mechanism to allow insect fertility, and T. cruzi life-cycle. Thus, targeting heme crystallization in insect vectors represents an innovative way for Chagas disease control, by reducing simultaneously triatomine reproduction and T. cruzi transmission. Chagas disease is a fatal illness caused by Trypanosoma cruzi parasites, which are transmitted by blood sucking triatomine insect vectors. Although blood is a natural food source for these insects, its digestion releases toxic products, which poses a dietary challenge for both triatomine insects and trypanosomes. To overcome this, triatomines eliminate these toxic blood products by a unique process of heme crystallization into hemozoin that take place in their digestive tract. Here we describe that this detoxification process represents the major mechanism for redox balance control, and is necessary to allow triatomine insect reproduction, and Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Disruption of heme crystallization in triatomine insects thus represents a new venue for Chagas disease control, by targeting at the same time insect reproduction and parasite transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M. Ferreira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Renata Stiebler
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Francis M. Saraiva
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Guilherme C. Lechuga
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Beatriz Walter-Nuno
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Saulo C. Bourguignon
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcelo S. Gonzalez
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Azambuja
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Caroline P. Gandara
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriela O. Paiva-Silva
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcia C. Paes
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcus F. Oliveira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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5
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Whiten SR, Eggleston H, Adelman ZN. Ironing out the Details: Exploring the Role of Iron and Heme in Blood-Sucking Arthropods. Front Physiol 2018; 8:1134. [PMID: 29387018 PMCID: PMC5776124 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.01134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Heme and iron are essential molecules for many physiological processes and yet have the ability to cause oxidative damage such as lipid peroxidation, protein degradation, and ultimately cell death if not controlled. Blood-sucking arthropods have evolved diverse methods to protect themselves against iron/heme-related damage, as the act of bloodfeeding itself is high risk, high reward process. Protective mechanisms in medically important arthropods include the midgut peritrophic matrix in mosquitoes, heme aggregation into the crystalline structure hemozoin in kissing bugs and hemosomes in ticks. Once heme and iron pass these protective mechanisms they are presumed to enter the midgut epithelial cells via membrane-bound transporters, though relatively few iron or heme transporters have been identified in bloodsucking arthropods. Upon iron entry into midgut epithelial cells, ferritin serves as the universal storage protein and transport for dietary iron in many organisms including arthropods. In addition to its role as a nutrient, heme is also an important signaling molecule in the midgut epithelial cells for many physiological processes including vitellogenesis. This review article will summarize recent advancements in heme/iron uptake, detoxification and exportation in bloodfeeding arthropods. While initial strides have been made at ironing out the role of dietary iron and heme in arthropods, much still remains to be discovered as these molecules may serve as novel targets for the control of many arthropod pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shavonn R Whiten
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Heather Eggleston
- Genetics Graduate Program, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Zach N Adelman
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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6
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Profeta GS, Pereira JAS, Costa SG, Azambuja P, Garcia ES, Moraes CDS, Genta FA. Standardization of a Continuous Assay for Glycosidases and Its Use for Screening Insect Gut Samples at Individual and Populational Levels. Front Physiol 2017; 8:308. [PMID: 28553236 PMCID: PMC5427678 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycoside Hydrolases (GHs) are enzymes able to recognize and cleave glycosidic bonds. Insect GHs play decisive roles in digestion, in plant-herbivore, and host-pathogen interactions. GH activity is normally measured by the detection of a release from the substrate of products as sugars units, colored, or fluorescent groups. In most cases, the conditions for product release and detection differ, resulting in discontinuous assays. The current protocols result in using large amounts of reaction mixtures for the obtainment of time points in each experimental replica. These procedures restrain the analysis of biological materials with limited amounts of protein and, in the case of studies regarding small insects, implies in the pooling of samples from several individuals. In this respect, most studies do not assess the variability of GH activities across the population of individuals from the same species. The aim of this work is to approach this technical problem and have a deeper understanding of the variation of GH activities in insect populations, using as models the disease vectors Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Triatominae) and Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Phlebotominae). Here we standardized continuous assays using 4-methylumbelliferyl derived substrates for the detection of α-Glucosidase, β-Glucosidase, α-Mannosidase, N-acetyl-hexosaminidase, β-Galactosidase, and α-Fucosidase in the midgut of R. prolixus and L. longipalpis with results similar to the traditional discontinuous protocol. The continuous assays allowed us to measure GH activities using minimal sample amounts with a higher number of measurements, resulting in data that are more reliable and less time and reagent consumption. The continuous assay also allows the high-throughput screening of GH activities in small insect samples, which would be not applicable to the previous discontinuous protocol. We applied continuous GH measurements to 90 individual samples of R. prolixus anterior midgut homogenates using a high-throughput protocol. α-Glucosidase and α-Mannosidase activities showed the normal distribution in the population. β-Glucosidase, β-Galactosidase, N-acetyl-hexosaminidase, and α-Fucosidase activities showed non-normal distributions. These results indicate that GHs fluorescent-based high-throughput assays apply to insect samples and that the frequency distribution of digestive activities should be considered in data analysis, especially if a small number of samples is used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerson S Profeta
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ)Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jessica A S Pereira
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ)Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Samara G Costa
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ)Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Patricia Azambuja
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ)Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia MolecularRio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eloi S Garcia
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ)Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia MolecularRio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Fernando A Genta
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ)Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia MolecularRio de Janeiro, Brazil
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7
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Gutiérrez-Cabrera AE, Córdoba-Aguilar A, Zenteno E, Lowenberger C, Espinoza B. Origin, evolution and function of the hemipteran perimicrovillar membrane with emphasis on Reduviidae that transmit Chagas disease. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2016; 106:279-291. [PMID: 26639621 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485315000929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The peritrophic matrix is a chitin-protein structure that envelops the food bolus in the midgut of the majority of insects, but is absent in some groups which have, instead, an unusual extra-cellular lipoprotein membrane named the perimicrovillar membrane. The presence of the perimicrovillar membrane (PMM) allows these insects to exploit restricted ecological niches during all life stages. It is found only in some members of the superorder Paraneoptera and many of these species are of medical and economic importance. In this review we present an overview of the midgut and the digestive system of insects with an emphasis on the order Paraneoptera and differences found across phylogenetic groups. We discuss the importance of the PMM in Hemiptera and the apparent conservation of this structure among hemipteran groups, suggesting that the basic mechanism of PMM production is the same for different hemipteran species. We propose that the PMM is intimately involved in the interaction with parasites and as such should be a target for biological and chemical control of hemipteran insects of economic and medical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Gutiérrez-Cabrera
- Departamento de Inmunología,Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas,Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Apdo. 70228,Circuito Exterior,Ciudad Universitaria,04510,Coyoacán,Distrito Federal,México
| | - A Córdoba-Aguilar
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva,Instituto de Ecología,Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Apdo. P. 70-275,Circuito Exterior,Ciudad Universitaria,04510,Coyoacán,Distrito Federal,Mexico
| | - E Zenteno
- Departamento de Bioquímica,Facultad de Medicina,Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Ciudad Universitaria,04510 D.F.,Mexico
| | - C Lowenberger
- Department of Biological Sciences,Simon Fraser University,Burnaby, B.C., V5A 1S6,Canada
| | - B Espinoza
- Departamento de Inmunología,Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas,Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Apdo. 70228,Circuito Exterior,Ciudad Universitaria,04510,Coyoacán,Distrito Federal,México
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8
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Galay RL, Umemiya-Shirafuji R, Mochizuki M, Fujisaki K, Tanaka T. Iron metabolism in hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae): the antidote to their toxic diet. Parasitol Int 2014; 64:182-9. [PMID: 25527065 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2014.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Revised: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are notorious parasitic arthropods, known for their completely host-blood-dependent lifestyle. Hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) feed on their hosts for several days and can ingest blood more than a hundred times their unfed weight. Their blood-feeding habit facilitates the transmission of various pathogens. It is remarkable how hard ticks cope with the toxic nature of their blood meal, which contains several molecules that can promote oxidative stress including iron. While it is required in several physiological processes, high amounts of iron can be dangerous because iron can also participate in the formation of free radicals that may cause cellular damage and death. Here we review the current knowledge on heme and inorganic iron metabolism in hard ticks and compare it with that in vertebrates and other arthropods. We briefly discuss the studies on heme transport, storage and detoxification, and the transport and storage of inorganic iron, with emphasis on the functions of tick ferritins. This review points out other aspects of tick iron metabolism that warrant further investigation, as compared to mammals and other arthropods. Further understanding of this physiological process may help in formulating new control strategies for tick infestation and the spread of tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remil Linggatong Galay
- Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Rika Umemiya-Shirafuji
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Masami Mochizuki
- Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Kozo Fujisaki
- National Agricultural and Food Research Organization, 3-1-5 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0856, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan.
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9
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Bittencourt-Cunha PR, Silva-Cardoso L, Oliveira GAD, Silva JRD, Silveira ABD, Kluck GEG, Souza-Lima M, Gondim KC, Dansa-Petretsky M, Silva CP, Masuda H, Silva Neto MACD, Atella GC. Perimicrovillar membrane assembly: the fate of phospholipids synthesised by the midgut of Rhodnius prolixus. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2014; 108:494-500. [PMID: 23827998 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-0276108042013016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we describe the fate of fatty acids that are incorporated from the lumen by the posterior midgut epithelium of Rhodnius prolixus and the biosynthesis of lipids. We also demonstrate that neutral lipids (NL) are transferred to the haemolymphatic lipophorin (Lp) and that phospholipids remain in the tissue in which they are organised into perimicrovillar membranes (PMMs). 3H-palmitic acid added at the luminal side of isolated midguts of R. prolixus females was readily absorbed and was used to synthesise phospholipids (80%) and NL (20%). The highest incorporation of 3H-palmitic acid was on the first day after a blood meal. The amounts of diacylglycerol (DG) and triacylglycerol synthesised by the tissue decreased in the presence of Lp in the incubation medium. The metabolic fates of 3H-lipids synthesised by the posterior midgut were followed and it was observed that DG was the major lipid released to Lp particles. However, the majority of phospholipids were not transferred to Lp, but remained in the tissue. The phospholipids that were synthesised and accumulated in the posterior midgut were found to be associated with Rhodnius luminal contents as structural components of PMMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Rêgo Bittencourt-Cunha
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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10
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Stiebler R, Majerowicz D, Knudsen J, Gondim KC, Wright DW, Egan TJ, Oliveira MF. Unsaturated glycerophospholipids mediate heme crystallization: biological implications for hemozoin formation in the kissing bug Rhodnius prolixus. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88976. [PMID: 24586467 PMCID: PMC3935856 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2013] [Accepted: 01/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemozoin (Hz) is a heme crystal produced by some blood-feeding organisms, as an efficient way to detoxify heme derived from hemoglobin digestion. In the triatomine insect Rhodnius prolixus, Hz is essentially produced by midgut extracellular phospholipid membranes known as perimicrovillar membranes (PMVM). Here, we investigated the role of commercial glycerophospholipids containing serine, choline and ethanolamine as headgroups and R. prolixus midgut lipids (RML) in heme crystallization. All commercial unsaturated forms of phospholipids, as well as RML, mediated fast and efficient β-hematin formation by means of two kinetically distinct mechanisms: an early and fast component, followed by a late and slow one. The fastest reactions observed were induced by unsaturated forms of phosphatidylethanolamine (uPE) and phosphatidylcholine (uPC), with half-lives of 0.04 and 0.7 minutes, respectively. β-hematin crystal morphologies were strikingly distinct among groups, with uPE producing homogeneous regular brick-shaped crystals. Interestingly, uPC-mediated reactions resulted in two morphologically distinct crystal populations: one less representative group of regular crystals, resembling those induced by uPE, and the other largely represented by crystals with numerous sharp edges and tapered ends. Heme crystallization reactions induced by RML were efficient, with a heme to β-hematin conversion rate higher than 70%, but clearly slower (t1/2 of 9.9-17.7 minutes) than those induced by uPC and uPE. Interestingly, crystals produced by RML were homogeneous in shape and quite similar to those mediated by uPE. Thus, β-hematin formation can be rapidly and efficiently induced by unsaturated glycerophospholipids, particularly uPE and uPC, and may play a role on biological heme crystallization in R. prolixus midgut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Stiebler
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Resposta ao Estresse, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratório de Inflamação e Metabolismo, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - David Majerowicz
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia,Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jens Knudsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Katia C. Gondim
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - David W. Wright
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Timothy J. Egan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Marcus F. Oliveira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Resposta ao Estresse, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratório de Inflamação e Metabolismo, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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11
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Tang X, Zhou B. Iron homeostasis in insects: Insights fromDrosophilastudies. IUBMB Life 2013; 65:863-72. [DOI: 10.1002/iub.1211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology; School of Life Sciences; Tsinghua University; Beijing 100084 China
| | - Bing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology; School of Life Sciences; Tsinghua University; Beijing 100084 China
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12
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Mehrabadi M, Bandani AR. Secretion and formation of perimicrovillar membrane in the digestive system of the Sunn pest, Eurygaster integriceps (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae) in response to feeding. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2011; 78:190-200. [PMID: 22105665 DOI: 10.1002/arch.20452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In this study, development of perimicrovillar membrane (PMM) from midgut cells of starved and fed Eurygaster integriceps (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae) was studied. Three different approaches, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), marker enzymes of the PMMs (α-glucosidase), perimicrovillar space (aminopeptidase), and microvillar membranes (β-glucosidase) were used. Activities of these enzymes were remarkably low in the starved insects. Moreover, microscopic observations revealed that PMM is not present in the starved insect. Activities of enzymatic markers increased at 5 h postfeeding, and TEM and SEM observations showed the formation of PMM as well as migration of double-membrane vesicles from center of the columnar cell to the cell apex. The highest PMM was observed at 20 h postfeeding which at this time marker enzyme activity, such as α-glucosidase activity, was high, too. Thus, at 20 h postfeeding, PMM system was evident and epithelial cells were completely covered by PMM system. After 20 h postfeeding, presence of the fine holes in PMM started to be seen and at 40 h post-feeding, observation showed degradation of PMM system. Thus, it could be concluded that PMM in E. integriceps is secreted by epithelial cell membrane when needed and its secretion and formation is regulated by feeding. This system was not present in the starved insects as its development takes place at 5 h postfeeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mehrabadi
- Department of Plant Protection, University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
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13
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Stiebler R, Soares JBRC, Timm BL, Silva JR, Mury FB, Dansa-Petretski M, Oliveira MF. On the mechanisms involved in biological heme crystallization. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2011; 43:93-9. [PMID: 21301942 DOI: 10.1007/s10863-011-9335-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Blood-feeding organisms digest hemoglobin, releasing large quantities of heme inside their digestive tracts. Free heme is very toxic, and these organisms have evolved several mechanisms to protect against its deleterious effects. One of these adaptations is the crystallization of heme into the dark-brown pigment hemozoin (Hz). Here we review the process of Hz formation, focusing on organisms other than Plasmodium that have contributed to a better understanding of heme crystallization. Hemozoin has been found in several distinct classes of organisms including protozoa, helminths and insects and Hz formation is the predominant form of heme detoxification. The available evidence indicates that amphiphilic structures such as phospholipid membranes and lipid droplets accompanied by specific proteins play a major role in heme crystallization. Because this process is specific to a number of blood-feeding organisms and absent in their hosts, Hz formation is an attractive target for the development of novel drugs to control illnesses associated with these hematophagous organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Stiebler
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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14
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Caiaffa CD, Stiebler R, Oliveira MF, Lara FA, Paiva-Silva GO, Oliveira PL. Sn-protoporphyrin inhibits both heme degradation and hemozoin formation in Rhodnius prolixus midgut. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2010; 40:855-860. [PMID: 20851767 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2010.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2010] [Accepted: 08/18/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Hematophagy is a feeding habit that involves the ingestion of huge amounts of heme. The hematophagous hemipteran Rhodnius prolixus evolved many genetic resources to protect cells against heme toxicity. The primary barrier against the deleterious effects of heme is the aggregation of heme into hemozoin in the midgut lumen. Hemozoin formation is followed by the enzymatic degradation of heme by means of a unique pathway whose end product is dicysteinyl-biliverdin IX-γ (Rhodnius prolixus biliverdin, RpBv). These mechanisms are complemented by a heme-binding protein (RHBP) in the hemolymph that attenuates the pro-oxidant effects of heme. In this work, we show that when insects are fed with blood enriched with a heme analog, Sn-protoporphyrin (SnPP-IX), both hemozoin synthesis and RpBv production are inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. These effects are accompanied by increased oxidative damage to the midgut epithelium and inhibition of oviposition, indicating that hemozoin formation and heme degradation are protective mechanisms that work together and contributed to the adaptation of this insect to successfully feed on vertebrate blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- C D Caiaffa
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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15
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Stiebler R, Timm BL, Oliveira PL, Hearne GR, Egan TJ, Oliveira MF. On the physico-chemical and physiological requirements of hemozoin formation promoted by perimicrovillar membranes in Rhodnius prolixus midgut. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2010; 40:284-292. [PMID: 20060043 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2009.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2009] [Revised: 12/21/2009] [Accepted: 12/22/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Triatomine insects are obligatory blood-feeders that detoxify most of the hemoglobin-derived heme through its crystallization into hemozoin (Hz). Previous evidence demonstrates the key role of midgut perimicrovillar membranes (PMVM) on heme crystallization in triatomines. Here, we investigated some of the physico-chemical and physiological aspects of heme crystallization induced by Rhodnius prolixus PMVM. Hz formation in vitro proceeded optimally at pH 4.8 and 28 degrees C, apparently involving three kinetically distinct mechanisms along this process. Furthermore, the insect feeding status and age affected PMVM-induced heme crystallization whereas pharmacological blockage of PMVM formation by azadirachtin, reduced hemoglobin digestion and Hz formation in vivo. Mössbauer spectrometry analyses of R. prolixus midgut showed that Hz represents the only measurable iron species found four days after a blood meal. Autocatalytic heme crystallization to Hz is revealed to be an inefficient process and this conversion is further reduced as the Hz concentration increases. Also, PMVM-derived lipids were able to induce rapid Hz formation, regardless of the diet composition. These results indicate that PMVM-driven Hz formation in R. prolixus midgut occurs at physiologically relevant physico-chemical conditions and that lipids derived from this structure play an important role in heme crystallization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Stiebler
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Redox, Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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16
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Fonseca FV, Silva JR, Samuels RI, DaMatta RA, Terra WR, Silva CP. Purification and partial characterization of a midgut membrane-bound alpha-glucosidase from Quesada gigas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae). Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2009; 155:20-5. [PMID: 19766731 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2009.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2009] [Revised: 09/09/2009] [Accepted: 09/13/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Adults of Quesada gigas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) have a major alpha-glucosidase bound to the perimicrovillar membranes, which are lipoprotein membranes that surround the midgut cell microvilli in Hemiptera and Thysanoptera. Determination of the spatial distribution of alpha-glucosidases in Q. gigas midgut showed that this activity is not equally distributed between soluble and membrane-bound isoforms. The major membrane-bound enzyme was solubilized in the detergent Triton X-100 and purified to homogeneity by means of gel filtration on Sephacryl S-100, and ion-exchange on High Q and Mono Q columns. The purified alpha-glucosidase is a protein with a pH optimum of 6.0 against the synthetic substrate p-nitrophenyl alpha-D-glucoside and M(r) of 61,000 (SDS-PAGE). Taking into account V(Max)/K(M) ratios, the enzyme is more active on maltose than sucrose and prefers oligomaltodextrins up to maltopentaose, with lower efficiency for longer chain maltodextrins. The Q. gigas alpha-glucosidase was immunolocalized in perimicrovillar membranes by using a monospecific polyclonal antibody raised against the purified enzyme from Dysdercus peruvianus. The role of this enzyme in xylem fluid digestion and its possible involvement in osmoregulation is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio V Fonseca
- Polgenix Inc., 11000 Cedar Avenue, Suite 260, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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17
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Alpha-glucosidase promotes hemozoin formation in a blood-sucking bug: an evolutionary history. PLoS One 2009; 4:e6966. [PMID: 19742319 PMCID: PMC2734994 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0006966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2009] [Accepted: 07/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hematophagous insects digest large amounts of host hemoglobin and release heme inside their guts. In Rhodnius prolixus, hemoglobin-derived heme is detoxified by biomineralization, forming hemozoin (Hz). Recently, the involvement of the R. prolixus perimicrovillar membranes in Hz formation was demonstrated. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Hz formation activity of an alpha-glucosidase was investigated. Hz formation was inhibited by specific alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. Moreover, Hz formation was sensitive to inhibition by Diethypyrocarbonate, suggesting a critical role of histidine residues in enzyme activity. Additionally, a polyclonal antibody raised against a phytophagous insect alpha-glucosidase was able to inhibit Hz formation. The alpha-glucosidase inhibitors have had no effects when used 10 h after the start of reaction, suggesting that alpha-glucosidase should act in the nucleation step of Hz formation. Hz formation was seen to be dependent on the substrate-binding site of enzyme, in a way that maltose, an enzyme substrate, blocks such activity. dsRNA, constructed using the sequence of alpha-glucosidase gene, was injected into R. prolixus females' hemocoel. Gene silencing was accomplished by reduction of both alpha-glucosidase and Hz formation activities. Insects were fed on plasma or hemin-enriched plasma and gene expression and activity of alpha-glucosidase were higher in the plasma plus hemin-fed insects. The deduced amino acid sequence of alpha-glucosidase shows a high similarity to the insect alpha-glucosidases, with critical histidine and aspartic residues conserved among the enzymes. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Herein the Hz formation is shown to be associated to an alpha-glucosidase, the biochemical marker from Hemipteran perimicrovillar membranes. Usually, these enzymes catalyze the hydrolysis of glycosidic bond. The results strongly suggest that alpha-glucosidase is responsible for Hz nucleation in the R. prolixus midgut, indicating that the plasticity of this enzyme may play an important role in conferring fitness to hemipteran hematophagy, for instance.
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18
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Hemozoin: oil versus water. Parasitol Int 2007; 57:89-96. [PMID: 18373972 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2007.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2007] [Revised: 09/26/2007] [Accepted: 09/28/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Because the quinolines inhibit heme crystallization within the malaria parasite much work has focused on mechanism of formation and inhibition of hemozoin. Here we review the recent evidence for heme crystallization within lipids in diverse parasites and the new implications of a lipid site of crystallization for drug targeting. Within leukocytes hemozoin can generate toxic radical lipid metabolites, which may alter immune function or reduce deformability of uninfected erythrocytes.
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