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Lin CJ, Siddique S. Parasitic nematodes: dietary habits and their implications. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:230-240. [PMID: 38262837 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Nematodes, a diverse group of roundworms, exhibit a wide range of dietary habits, including parasitism of animals and plants. These parasites cause substantial economic losses in agriculture and pose significant health challenges to humans and animals. This review explores the unique adaptations of parasitic nematodes, emphasizing their nutritional requirements and metabolic dependencies. Recent research has identified cross-kingdom compartmentalization of vitamin B5 biosynthesis in some parasitic nematodes, shedding light on coevolutionary dynamics and potential targets for control strategies. Several open questions remain regarding the complexity of nematode nutrition, host manipulation, evolutionary adaptations, and the influence of environmental factors on their metabolic processes. Understanding these aspects offers promising avenues for targeted interventions to manage and control these economically and medically important parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Jung Lin
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Shahid Siddique
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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2
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Jasmer DP, Rosa BA, Tyagi R, Mitreva M. Omics Driven Understanding of the Intestines of Parasitic Nematodes. Front Genet 2019; 10:652. [PMID: 31402928 PMCID: PMC6669237 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The biological and molecular complexity of nematodes has impeded research on development of new therapies for treatment and control. We have focused on the versatility of the nematode intestine as a target for new therapies. To that end, it is desirable to establish a broad and deep understanding of the molecular architecture underlying intestinal cell functions at the pan-Nematoda level. Multiomics data were generated to uncover the evolutionary principles underlying both conserved and adaptable features of the nematode intestine. Whole genomes were used to reveal the functional potential of the nematodes, tissue-specific transcriptomes provided a deep assessment of genes that are expressed in the adult nematode intestine, and comparison of selected core species was used to determine a first approximation of the pan-Nematoda intestinal transcriptome. Differentially expressed transcripts were also identified among intestinal regions, with the largest number expressed at significantly higher levels in the anterior region, identifying this region as the most functionally unique compared to middle and posterior regions. Profiling intestinal miRNAs targeting these genes identified the conserved intestinal miRNAs. Proteomics of intestinal cell compartments assigned proteins to several different intestinal cell compartments (intestinal tissue, the integral and peripheral intestinal membranes, and the intestinal lumen). Finally, advanced bioinformatic approaches were used to predict intestinal cell functional categories of seminal importance to parasite survival, which can now be experimentally tested and validated. The data provide the most comprehensive compilation of constitutively and differentially expressed genes, predicted gene regulators, and proteins of the nematode intestine. The information provides knowledge that is essential to understand molecular features of nematode intestinal cells and functions of fundamental importance to the intestine of many, if not all, parasitic nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas P Jasmer
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Bruce A Rosa
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University, St. Louis, St. Louis, MI, United States
| | - Rahul Tyagi
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University, St. Louis, St. Louis, MI, United States
| | - Makedonka Mitreva
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University, St. Louis, St. Louis, MI, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MI, United States
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3
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Caffrey CR, Goupil L, Rebello KM, Dalton JP, Smith D. Cysteine proteases as digestive enzymes in parasitic helminths. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0005840. [PMID: 30138310 PMCID: PMC6107103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We briefly review cysteine proteases (orthologs of mammalian cathepsins B, L, F, and C) that are expressed in flatworm and nematode parasites. Emphasis is placed on enzyme activities that have been functionally characterized, are associated with the parasite gut, and putatively contribute to degrading host proteins to absorbable nutrients [1–4]. Often, gut proteases are expressed as multigene families, as is the case with Fasciola [5] and Haemonchus [6], presumably expanding the range of substrates that can be degraded, not least during parasite migration through host tissues [5]. The application of the free-living planarian and Caenorhabditis elegans as investigative models for parasite cysteine proteases is discussed. Finally, because of their central nutritive contribution, targeting the component gut proteases with small-molecule chemical inhibitors and understanding their utility as vaccine candidates are active areas of research [7].
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor R. Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Louise Goupil
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Department of Biology, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Karina M. Rebello
- Laboratório de Toxinologia and Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - John P. Dalton
- School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, Queen´s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - David Smith
- School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, Queen´s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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4
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Chen H, Lv M, Lv Z, Li C, Xu W, Zhang W, Zhao X, Duan X, Jin C. Molecular cloning and functional characterization of cathepsin B from the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 60:447-457. [PMID: 27847342 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2016.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/12/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Cathepsin B (CTSB), a member of lysosomal cysteine protease, is involved in multiple levels of physiological and biological processes, and also plays crucial roles in host immune defense against pathogen infection in vertebrates. However, the function of CTSB within the innate immune system of invertebrates, particularly in marine echinoderms, has been poorly documented. In this study, the immune function of CTSB in Apostichopus japonicus (designated as AjCTSB), a commercially important and disease vulnerable aquaculture specie, was investigated by integrated molecular and protein approaches. A 2153 bp cDNA representing the full-length of AjCTSB was cloned via overlapping ESTs and RACE fragments. AjCTSB contained an open reading frame of 999 bp encoding a secreted protein of 332 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular mass of 36.8 kDa. The deduced amino acid of AjCTSB shared a typical activity center containing three conserved amino acid residues (Cys108, His277 and Asn297). Phylogenetic tree analysis also supported that AjCTSB was a new member of CTSB family with clustering firstly with invertebrate CTSBs. Quantitative real time PCR analysis revealed that AjCTSB was ubiquitously expressed in all examined tissues with the highest levels in intestine. The Vibrio splendidus challenged sea cucumber and LPS-exposed coelomocytes could both significantly boost the expression of AjCTSB. Moreover, the purified recombinant AjCTSB exhibited dose-dependent CTSB activities at the concentration ranged from 0 to 0.24 μg μL-1. Further functional analysis indicated that coelomocytes apoptosis was significantly inhibited by 0.16-fold in vivo and the apoptosis execution Ajcaspase 3 was extremely reduced in Apostichopus japonicus coelomocytes treated with specific AjCTSB siRNA. Collectively, all these results suggested that AjCTSB was an important immune factor and might be served as apoptosis enhancers in pathogen challenged sea cucumber.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huahui Chen
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, PR China
| | - Miao Lv
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, PR China
| | - Zhimeng Lv
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, PR China
| | - Chenghua Li
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, PR China.
| | - Wei Xu
- Louisiana State University, Agricultural Center, USA
| | - Weiwei Zhang
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, PR China
| | - Xuelin Zhao
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, PR China
| | - Xuemei Duan
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, PR China
| | - Chunhua Jin
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, PR China
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Abstract
Haemonchus contortus is one of the most successful and problematic livestock parasites worldwide. From its apparent evolutionary origins in sub-Saharan Africa, it is now found in small ruminants in almost all regions of the globe, and can infect a range of different domestic and wildlife artiodactyl hosts. It has a remarkably high propensity to develop resistance to anthelmintic drugs, making control increasingly difficult. The success of this parasite is, at least in part, due to its extremely high levels of genetic diversity that, in turn, provide a high adaptive capacity. Understanding this genetic diversity is important for many areas of research including anthelmintic resistance, epidemiology, control, drug/vaccine development and molecular diagnostics. In this article, we review the current knowledge of H. contortus genetic diversity and population structure for both field isolates and laboratory strains. We highlight the practical relevance of this knowledge with a particular emphasis on anthelmintic resistance research.
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6
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Tsai IJ, Tanaka R, Kanzaki N, Akiba M, Yokoi T, Espada M, Jones JT, Kikuchi T. Transcriptional and morphological changes in the transition from mycetophagous to phytophagous phase in the plant-parasitic nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2016; 17:77-83. [PMID: 25831996 PMCID: PMC6638504 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.12261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Drastic physiological and morphological changes in parasites are crucial for the establishment of a successful infection. The nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is the pathogenic agent of pine wilt disease, and little is known about the physiology and morphology in this nematode at the initial stage of infection. In this study, we devised an infection system using pine stem cuttings that allowed us to observe transcriptional and morphological changes in the host-infecting phytophagous phase. We found that 60 genes enriched in xenobiotic detoxification were up-regulated in two independent post-inoculation events, whereas down-regulation was observed in multiple members of collagen gene families. After 48 h of inoculation, the tails in some of the adult females exposed to the host changed in morphology. These results suggest that B. xylophilus may change its physiology and morphology to protect itself and to adapt to the host pine wood environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isheng J Tsai
- Division of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, 889-1692, Japan
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Ryusei Tanaka
- Division of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, 889-1692, Japan
| | - Natsumi Kanzaki
- Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Tsukuba, 305-8689, Japan
| | - Mitsuteru Akiba
- Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Tsukuba, 305-8689, Japan
| | - Toshiro Yokoi
- Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Tsukuba, 305-8689, Japan
| | - Margarida Espada
- Cell and Molecular Sciences Group, James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee, DD2 5DA, UK
- Nemalab-ICAAM, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, 7002-554, Évora, Portugal
| | - John T Jones
- Cell and Molecular Sciences Group, James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee, DD2 5DA, UK
| | - Taisei Kikuchi
- Division of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, 889-1692, Japan
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Li C, Song L, Tan F, Su B, Zhang D, Zhao H, Peatman E. Identification and mucosal expression analysis of cathepsin B in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) following bacterial challenge. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 47:751-757. [PMID: 26497091 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2015.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/17/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The mucosal surfaces of fish (skin, gill and intestine) constitute the primary line of defense against pathogen invasion. Although the importance of fish mucosal surfaces as the first barriers against pathogens cannot be overstated, the knowledge of teleost mucosal immunity are still limited. Cathepsin B, a lysosomal cysteine protease, is involved in multiple levels of physiological and biological processes, and playing crucial roles for host immune defense against pathogen infection. In this regard, we identified the cathepsin B (ctsba) of channel catfish and investigated the expression patterns of the ctsba in mucosal tissues following Edwardsiella ictaluri and Flavobacterium columnare challenge. Here, catfish ctsba gene was widely expressed in all examined tissues with the lowest expression level in muscle, and the highest expression level in trunk kidney, followed by spleen, gill, head kidney, intestine, liver and skin. In addition, the phylogenetic analysis showed the catfish ctsba had the strongest relationship to zebrafish. Moreover, the ctsba showed a general trend of up-regulated in mucosal tissues following both Gram-negative bacterial challenge. Taken together, the increased expression of ctsba in mucosal surfaces indicated the protective function of ctsba against bacterial infection, and the requirement for effective clearance of invading bacteria. Further studies are needed, indeed, to expand functional characterization and examine whether ctsba may play additional physiological and biological roles in catfish mucosal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Li
- Marine Science and Engineering College, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China.
| | - Lin Song
- Marine Science and Engineering College, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Fenghua Tan
- School of International Education and Exchange, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Baofeng Su
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Biotechnology and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Heilongjiang Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Harbin 150070, China
| | - Dongdong Zhang
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Honggang Zhao
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Eric Peatman
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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8
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Wang Q, Rosa BA, Jasmer DP, Mitreva M. Pan-Nematoda Transcriptomic Elucidation of Essential Intestinal Functions and Therapeutic Targets With Broad Potential. EBioMedicine 2015; 2:1079-89. [PMID: 26501106 PMCID: PMC4587998 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2015.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2015] [Revised: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The nematode intestine is continuous with the outside environment, making it easily accessible to anthelmintics for parasite control, but the development of new therapeutics is impeded by limited knowledge of nematode intestinal cell biology. We established the most comprehensive nematode intestinal functional database to date by generating transcriptional data from the dissected intestines of three parasitic nematodes spanning the phylum, and integrating the results with the whole proteomes of 10 nematodes (including 9 pathogens of humans or animals) and 3 host species and 2 outgroup species. We resolved 10,772 predicted nematode intestinal protein families (IntFams), and studied their presence and absence within the different lineages (births and deaths) among nematodes. Conserved intestinal cell functions representing ancestral functions of evolutionary importance were delineated, and molecular features useful for selective therapeutic targeting were identified. Molecular patterns conserved among IntFam proteins demonstrated large potential as therapeutic targets to inhibit intestinal cell functions with broad applications towards treatment and control of parasitic nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Bruce A. Rosa
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Douglas P. Jasmer
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Makedonka Mitreva
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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9
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Tyagi R, Joachim A, Ruttkowski B, Rosa BA, Martin JC, Hallsworth-Pepin K, Zhang X, Ozersky P, Wilson RK, Ranganathan S, Sternberg PW, Gasser RB, Mitreva M. Cracking the nodule worm code advances knowledge of parasite biology and biotechnology to tackle major diseases of livestock. Biotechnol Adv 2015; 33:980-91. [PMID: 26026709 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2015.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Many infectious diseases caused by eukaryotic pathogens have a devastating, long-term impact on animal health and welfare. Hundreds of millions of animals are affected by parasitic nematodes of the order Strongylida. Unlocking the molecular biology of representatives of this order, and understanding nematode-host interactions, drug resistance and disease using advanced technologies could lead to entirely new ways of controlling the diseases that they cause. Oesophagostomum dentatum (nodule worm; superfamily Strongyloidea) is an economically important strongylid nematode parasite of swine worldwide. The present article reports recent advances made in biology and animal biotechnology through the draft genome and developmental transcriptome of O. dentatum, in order to support biological research of this and related parasitic nematodes as well as the search for new and improved interventions. This first genome of any member of the Strongyloidea is 443 Mb in size and predicted to encode 25,291 protein-coding genes. Here, we review the dynamics of transcription throughout the life cycle of O. dentatum, describe double-stranded RNA interference (RNAi) machinery and infer molecules involved in development and reproduction, and in inducing or modulating immune responses or disease. The secretome predicted for O. dentatum is particularly rich in peptidases linked to interactions with host tissues and/or feeding activity, and a diverse array of molecules likely involved in immune responses. This research progress provides an important resource for future comparative genomic and molecular biological investigations as well as for biotechnological research toward new anthelmintics, vaccines and diagnostic tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Tyagi
- The Genome Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Bärbel Ruttkowski
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Bruce A Rosa
- The Genome Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - John C Martin
- The Genome Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | | | - Xu Zhang
- The Genome Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Philip Ozersky
- The Genome Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Richard K Wilson
- The Genome Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Shoba Ranganathan
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul W Sternberg
- HHMI, Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - Makedonka Mitreva
- The Genome Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, MO 63108, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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10
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Rosa BA, Townsend R, Jasmer DP, Mitreva M. Functional and phylogenetic characterization of proteins detected in various nematode intestinal compartments. Mol Cell Proteomics 2015; 14:812-27. [PMID: 25609831 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m114.046227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The parasitic nematode intestine is responsible for nutrient digestion and absorption, and many other processes essential for reproduction and survival, making it a valuable target for anthelmintic drug treatment. However, nematodes display extreme biological diversity (including occupying distinct trophic habitats), resulting in limited knowledge of intestinal cell/protein functions of fundamental or adaptive significance. We developed a perfusion model for isolating intestinal proteins in Ascaris suum (a parasite of humans and swine), allowing for the identification of over 1000 intestinal A. suum proteins (using mass spectrometry), which were assigned to several different intestinal cell compartments (intestinal tissue, the integral and peripheral intestinal membranes, and the intestinal lumen). A multi-omics analysis approach identified a large diversity of biological functions across intestinal compartments, based on both functional enrichment analysis (identifying terms related to detoxification, proteolysis, and host-parasite interactions) and regulatory binding sequence analysis to identify putatively active compartment-specific transcription factors (identifying many related to intestinal sex differentiation or lifespan regulation). Orthologs of A. suum proteins in 15 other nematodes species, five host species, and two outgroups were identified and analyzed. Different cellular compartments demonstrated markedly different levels of protein conservation; e.g. integral intestinal membrane proteins were the most conserved among nematodes (up to 96% conservation), whereas intestinal lumen proteins were the most diverse (only 6% conservation across all nematodes, and 71% with no host orthologs). Finally, this integrated multi-omics analysis identified conserved nematode-specific intestinal proteins likely performing essential functions (including V-type ATPases and ABC transporters), which may serve as promising anthelmintic drug or vaccine targets in future research. Collectively, the findings provide valuable new insights on conserved and adaptive features of nematode intestinal cells, membranes and the intestinal lumen, and potential targets for parasite treatment and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce A Rosa
- From the ‡The Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, Missouri 63108
| | - Reid Townsend
- §Department of Cell Biology & Physiology and Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63108
| | - Douglas P Jasmer
- ¶Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164
| | - Makedonka Mitreva
- From the ‡The Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, Missouri 63108; ‖Department of Medicine and Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63108
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Jasmer DP, Rosa BA, Mitreva M. Peptidases compartmentalized to the Ascaris suum intestinal lumen and apical intestinal membrane. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e3375. [PMID: 25569475 PMCID: PMC4287503 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The nematode intestine is a tissue of interest for developing new methods of therapy and control of parasitic nematodes. However, biological details of intestinal cell functions remain obscure, as do the proteins and molecular functions located on the apical intestinal membrane (AIM), and within the intestinal lumen (IL) of nematodes. Accordingly, methods were developed to gain a comprehensive identification of peptidases that function in the intestinal tract of adult female Ascaris suum. Peptidase activity was detected in multiple fractions of the A. suum intestine under pH conditions ranging from 5.0 to 8.0. Peptidase class inhibitors were used to characterize these activities. The fractions included whole lysates, membrane enriched fractions, and physiological- and 4 molar urea-perfusates of the intestinal lumen. Concanavalin A (ConA) was confirmed to bind to the AIM, and intestinal proteins affinity isolated on ConA-beads were compared to proteins from membrane and perfusate fractions by mass spectrometry. Twenty-nine predicted peptidases were identified including aspartic, cysteine, and serine peptidases, and an unexpectedly high number (16) of metallopeptidases. Many of these proteins co-localized to multiple fractions, providing independent support for localization to specific intestinal compartments, including the IL and AIM. This unique perfusion model produced the most comprehensive view of likely digestive peptidases that function in these intestinal compartments of A. suum, or any nematode. This model offers a means to directly determine functions of these proteins in the A. suum intestine and, more generally, deduce the wide array functions that exist in these cellular compartments of the nematode intestine. Past research has demonstrated that the nematode intestine has value for developing new methods of therapy and control of parasitic nematodes, as related to both vaccines and other anthelmintics. Yet, information related to basic intestinal cell biology is very limited. Research progress reported here moves towards the comprehensive identification of proteins (peptidases and others), and hence functions, that are sited on the apical intestinal membrane and within the intestinal lumen of adult female Ascaris suum. These advances provide an unprecedented research model to determine critical functions sited at these locations and to develop approaches to inhibit those functions. Comparative analysis among diverse parasitic species raises expectations that the results from A. suum can be applied to many parasitic nematodes for which similar research is technically impossible to perform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas P Jasmer
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Bruce A Rosa
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Makedonka Mitreva
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America; Department of Medicine and Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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12
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Allaie IM, Prasad A, Sankar M. Cysteine proteinase genes in Indian strain of Haemonchus contortus. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2014; 196:117-21. [PMID: 25239651 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2014.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2014] [Revised: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The genes of microvillar cysteine proteinases such as hmcp1, hmcp6 and gcp7 of phenotypically distinct morphotypes of female H. contortus having knobbed and linguiform vulvar flaps were cloned and characterized. Complementary DNA (cDNA) was synthesized from total RNA of both the morphotypes. The hmcp1, hmcp6 and gcp7 genes were amplified from cDNA. The amplicons were cloned in pDRIVE T/A cloning vector and sequenced by Sanger's dideoxy method. The nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences were compared with the USA/UK strain H. contortus cysteine proteinase sequences. The cysteine proteinase genes of Indian strain show considerable variations with USA/UK strains. Our results revealed that Indian strain of H. contortus expresses both UK strain (hmcp1 and 6) and USA strain (gcp7) cysteine proteinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- I M Allaie
- Network Programme on GI Parasitism, Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, India.
| | - A Prasad
- Network Programme on GI Parasitism, Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, India
| | - M Sankar
- Network Programme on GI Parasitism, Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, India
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13
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Yu C, Wang Y, Zhang J, Fang W, Luo D. Immunolocalization and developmental expression patterns of two cathepsin B proteases (AC-cathB-1, -2) of Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Exp Parasitol 2014; 144:27-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Revised: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Dicker AJ, Inglis NF, Manson EDT, Subhadra S, Illangopathy M, Muthusamy R, Knox DP. Proteomic analysis of Mecistocirrus digitatus and Haemonchus contortus intestinal protein extracts and subsequent efficacy testing in a vaccine trial. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2909. [PMID: 24901227 PMCID: PMC4046941 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal nematode infections, such as Haemonchus contortus and Mecistocirrus digitatus, are ranked in the top twenty diseases affecting small-holder farmers' livestock, yet research into M. digitatus, which infects cattle and buffalo in Asia is limited. Intestine-derived native protein vaccines are effective against Haemonchus, yet the protective efficacy of intestine-derived M. digitatus proteins has yet to be determined. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A simplified protein extraction protocol (A) is described and compared to an established method (B) for protein extraction from H. contortus. Proteomic analysis of the H. contortus and M. digitatus protein extracts identified putative vaccine antigens including aminopeptidases (H11), zinc metallopeptidases, glutamate dehydrogenase, and apical gut membrane polyproteins. A vaccine trial compared the ability of the M. digitatus extract and two different H. contortus extracts to protect sheep against H. contortus challenge. Both Haemonchus fractions (A and B) were highly effective, reducing cumulative Faecal Egg Counts (FEC) by 99.19% and 99.89% and total worm burdens by 87.28% and 93.64% respectively, compared to the unvaccinated controls. There was no effect on H. contortus worm burdens following vaccination with the M. digitatus extract and the 28.2% reduction in cumulative FEC was not statistically significant. However, FEC were consistently lower in the M. digitatus extract vaccinates compared to the un-vaccinated controls from 25 days post-infection. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Similar, antigenically cross-reactive proteins are found in H. contortus and M. digitatus; this is the first step towards developing a multivalent native vaccine against Haemonchus species and M. digitatus. The simplified protein extraction method could form the basis for a locally produced vaccine against H. contortus and, possibly M. digitatus, in regions where effective cold chains for vaccine distribution are limited. The application of such a vaccine in these regions would reduce the need for anthelmintic treatment and the resultant selection for anthelmintic resistant parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison J. Dicker
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Neil F. Inglis
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | | | - Subhra Subhadra
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, India
| | - Manikkavasagan Illangopathy
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, India
| | - Raman Muthusamy
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, India
| | - David P. Knox
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, Midlothian, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Laing R, Kikuchi T, Martinelli A, Tsai IJ, Beech RN, Redman E, Holroyd N, Bartley DJ, Beasley H, Britton C, Curran D, Devaney E, Gilabert A, Hunt M, Jackson F, Johnston SL, Kryukov I, Li K, Morrison AA, Reid AJ, Sargison N, Saunders GI, Wasmuth JD, Wolstenholme A, Berriman M, Gilleard JS, Cotton JA. The genome and transcriptome of Haemonchus contortus, a key model parasite for drug and vaccine discovery. Genome Biol 2013; 14:R88. [PMID: 23985316 PMCID: PMC4054779 DOI: 10.1186/gb-2013-14-8-r88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Revised: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The small ruminant parasite Haemonchus contortus is the most widely used parasitic nematode in drug discovery, vaccine development and anthelmintic resistance research. Its remarkable propensity to develop resistance threatens the viability of the sheep industry in many regions of the world and provides a cautionary example of the effect of mass drug administration to control parasitic nematodes. Its phylogenetic position makes it particularly well placed for comparison with the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and the most economically important parasites of livestock and humans. RESULTS Here we report the detailed analysis of a draft genome assembly and extensive transcriptomic dataset for H. contortus. This represents the first genome to be published for a strongylid nematode and the most extensive transcriptomic dataset for any parasitic nematode reported to date. We show a general pattern of conservation of genome structure and gene content between H. contortus and C. elegans, but also a dramatic expansion of important parasite gene families. We identify genes involved in parasite-specific pathways such as blood feeding, neurological function, and drug metabolism. In particular, we describe complete gene repertoires for known drug target families, providing the most comprehensive understanding yet of the action of several important anthelmintics. Also, we identify a set of genes enriched in the parasitic stages of the lifecycle and the parasite gut that provide a rich source of vaccine and drug target candidates. CONCLUSIONS The H. contortus genome and transcriptome provide an essential platform for postgenomic research in this and other important strongylid parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roz Laing
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, Scotland, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Taisei Kikuchi
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, 889-1692 Japan
| | - Axel Martinelli
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Isheng J Tsai
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, 889-1692 Japan
| | - Robin N Beech
- Institute of Parasitology, Macdonald Campus, McGill University, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Québec, Canada H9X 3V9
| | - Elizabeth Redman
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
| | - Nancy Holroyd
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - David J Bartley
- Disease Control, Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Helen Beasley
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Collette Britton
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, Scotland, G61 1QH, UK
| | - David Curran
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
| | - Eileen Devaney
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, Scotland, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Aude Gilabert
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
| | - Martin Hunt
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Frank Jackson
- Disease Control, Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Stephanie L Johnston
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, Scotland, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Ivan Kryukov
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
| | - Keyu Li
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
| | - Alison A Morrison
- Disease Control, Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Adam J Reid
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Neil Sargison
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RG, Scotland, UK
| | - Gary I Saunders
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, Scotland, G61 1QH, UK
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - James D Wasmuth
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
| | - Adrian Wolstenholme
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Disease, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
| | - Matthew Berriman
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - John S Gilleard
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
| | - James A Cotton
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
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Shinya R, Morisaka H, Kikuchi T, Takeuchi Y, Ueda M, Futai K. Secretome Analysis of the Pine Wood Nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus Reveals the Tangled Roots of Parasitism and Its Potential for Molecular Mimicry. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67377. [PMID: 23805310 PMCID: PMC3689755 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2012] [Accepted: 05/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Since it was first introduced into Asia from North America in the early 20(th) century, the pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus has caused the devastating forest disease called pine wilt. The emerging pathogen spread to parts of Europe and has since been found as the causal agent of pine wilt disease in Portugal and Spain. In 2011, the entire genome sequence of B. xylophilus was determined, and it allowed us to perform a more detailed analysis of B. xylophilus parasitism. Here, we identified 1,515 proteins secreted by B. xylophilus using a highly sensitive proteomics method combined with the available genomic sequence. The catalogue of secreted proteins contained proteins involved in nutrient uptake, migration, and evasion from host defenses. A comparative functional analysis of the secretome profiles among parasitic nematodes revealed a marked expansion of secreted peptidases and peptidase inhibitors in B. xylophilus via gene duplication and horizontal gene transfer from fungi and bacteria. Furthermore, we showed that B. xylophilus secreted the potential host mimicry proteins that closely resemble the host pine's proteins. These proteins could have been acquired by host-parasite co-evolution and might mimic the host defense systems in susceptible pine trees during infection. This study contributes to an understanding of their unique parasitism and its tangled roots, and provides new perspectives on the evolution of plant parasitism among nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoji Shinya
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chubu University, Kasugai, Japan
| | | | - Taisei Kikuchi
- Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yuko Takeuchi
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mitsuyoshi Ueda
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Futai
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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17
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Sojka D, Franta Z, Horn M, Caffrey CR, Mareš M, Kopáček P. New insights into the machinery of blood digestion by ticks. Trends Parasitol 2013; 29:276-85. [PMID: 23664173 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2013.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Revised: 04/06/2013] [Accepted: 04/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Blood-protein digestion is a key physiological process providing essential nutrients for ticks and is a prerequisite for the transmission of tick-borne pathogens. Recently, substantial progress has been made in determining the proteolytic machinery in tick gut tissue, which is based on a dynamic multienzyme network capable of processing a vast amount of host blood. In this article we summarize our current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of tick hematophagy and their similarities to those of Platyhelminthes, nematodes, and Plasmodium. Future research perspectives, including the potential for rational control of ticks and transmitted diseases, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sojka
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, České Budějovice, CZ 370 05, Czech Republic
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18
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Vermeire JJ, Lantz LD, Caffrey CR. Cure of hookworm infection with a cysteine protease inhibitor. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1680. [PMID: 22802972 PMCID: PMC3389033 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hookworm disease is a major global health problem and principal among a number of soil-transmitted helminthiases (STHs) for the chronic disability inflicted that impacts both personal and societal productivity. Mass drug administration most often employs single-dose therapy with just two drugs of the same chemical class to which resistance is a growing concern. New chemical entities with the appropriate single-dose efficacy are needed. METHODS AND FINDINGS Using various life-cycle stages of the hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum in vitro and a hamster model of infection, we report the potent, dose-dependent cidal activities of the peptidyl cysteine protease inhibitors (CPIs) K11002 (4-mopholino-carbonyl-phenylalanyl-homophenylalanyl- vinyl sulfone phenyl) and K11777 (N-methylpiperazine-phenylalanyl-homophenylalanyl-vinylsulfone phenyl). The latter is in late pre-clinical testing for submission as an Investigational New Drug (IND) with the US Federal Drug Administration as an anti-chagasic. In vitro, K11002 killed hookworm eggs but was without activity against first-stage larvae. The reverse was true for K11777 with a larvicidal potency equal to that of the current anti-hookworm drug, albendazole (ABZ). Both CPIs produced morbidity in ex vivo adult hookworms with the activity of K11777 again being at least the equivalent of ABZ. Combinations of either CPI with ABZ enhanced morbidity compared to single compounds. Strikingly, oral treatment of infected hamsters with 100 mg/kg K11777 b.i.d. (i.e., a total daily dose of 200 mg/kg) for one day cured infection: a single 100 mg/kg treatment removed >90% of worms. Treatment also reversed the otherwise fatal decrease in blood hemoglobin levels and body weights of hosts. Consistent with its mechanism of action, K11777 decreased by >95% the resident CP activity in parasites harvested from hamsters 8 h post-treatment with a single 100 mg/kg oral dose. CONCLUSION A new, oral single-dose anthelmintic that is active in an animal model of hookworm infection and that possesses a distinct mechanism of action from current anthelmintics is discovered. The data highlight both the possibility of repurposing the anti-chagasic K11777 as a treatment for hookworm infection and the opportunity to further develop CPIs as a novel anthelmintic class to target hookworms and, possibly, other helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon J. Vermeire
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Lorine D. Lantz
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Conor R. Caffrey
- Sandler Center for Drug Discovery, California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences and the Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- * E-mail:
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19
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Molina JM, Martín S, Hernández YI, González JF, Ferrer O, Ruiz A. Immunoprotective effect of cysteine proteinase fractions from two Haemonchus contortus strains adapted to sheep and goats. Vet Parasitol 2012; 188:53-9. [PMID: 22487211 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2011] [Revised: 03/03/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A preliminary analysis of the significance of genetic diversity in cysteine proteinase genes has been performed simultaneously in sheep and goats, with regard to the immunological control using these enzymes against haemonchosis. For this purpose, we have studied the cross-immunoprotective effect of cysteine protease-enriched protein fractions (CPFs) in adult worms of two Haemonchus contortus strains from North America and Spain that are adapted to sheep and goats, respectively. Previous genetic analysis of cysteine proteinase genes in both strains has shown that some of loci are polymorphic and these differences are translated into changes in the amino acid sequences. However, our results show that CPFs from H. contortus adult worms have a protective effect against the parasite in both sheep and goats. These results are similar regardless of whether they were obtained from sheep or goat-adapted H. contortus strains, which could be very important in case H. contortus CPFs were commercially used in different countries, as vaccines to prevent the negative effects of this parasite. Interestingly, this experimental inoculation of both species with a heterologous strain of H. contortus contributes to the idea shown in previous studies about how difficult is the interpretation and the comparison of vaccination where strains not adapted to a specific host are used. Therefore, the challenger of using heterologous strains could provide similar results to those observed in immunised animals. This study suggests the possibility of exploring the mechanisms involved in natural protection against non-adapted strains, in order to develop strategies to control haemonchosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Molina
- Unit of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontaña s/n. 35413-Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain.
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20
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Yang Y, Qin W, Wei H, Ying J, Zhen J. Characterization of cathepsin B proteinase (AcCP-2) in eggs and larvae stages of hookworm Ancylostoma caninum. Exp Parasitol 2011; 129:215-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2011.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2010] [Revised: 08/26/2011] [Accepted: 08/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Hewitson JP, Harcus Y, Murray J, van Agtmaal M, Filbey KJ, Grainger JR, Bridgett S, Blaxter ML, Ashton PD, Ashford DA, Curwen RS, Wilson RA, Dowle AA, Maizels RM. Proteomic analysis of secretory products from the model gastrointestinal nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus reveals dominance of venom allergen-like (VAL) proteins. J Proteomics 2011; 74:1573-94. [PMID: 21722761 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2011.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2011] [Revised: 05/20/2011] [Accepted: 06/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The intestinal helminth parasite, Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri offers a tractable experimental model for human hookworm infections such as Ancylostoma duodenale and veterinary parasites such as Haemonchus contortus. Parasite excretory-secretory (ES) products represent the major focus for immunological and biochemical analyses, and contain immunomodulatory molecules responsible for nematode immune evasion. In a proteomic analysis of adult H. polygyrus secretions (termed HES) matched to an extensive transcriptomic dataset, we identified 374 HES proteins by LC-MS/MS, which were distinct from those in somatic extract HEx, comprising 446 identified proteins, confirming selective export of ES proteins. The predominant secreted protein families were proteases (astacins and other metalloproteases, aspartic, cysteine and serine-type proteases), lysozymes, apyrases and acetylcholinesterases. The most abundant products were members of the highly divergent venom allergen-like (VAL) family, related to Ancylostoma secreted protein (ASP); 25 homologues were identified, with VAL-1 and -2 also shown to be associated with the parasite surface. The dominance of VAL proteins is similar to profiles reported for Ancylostoma and Haemonchus ES products. Overall, this study shows that the secretions of H. polygyrus closely parallel those of clinically important GI nematodes, confirming the value of this parasite as a model of helminth infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Hewitson
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JT, UK
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Knox D. Proteases in blood-feeding nematodes and their potential as vaccine candidates. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2011; 712:155-76. [PMID: 21660664 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-8414-2_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes express and secrete a variety of proteases which they use for many purposes including the penetration of host tissues, digestion of host protein for nutrients, evasion of host immune responses and for internal processes such as tissue catabolism and apoptosis. For these broad reasons they have been examined as possible parasite control targets. Blood-feeding nematodes such as the barber-pole worm Haemonchus contortus that infect sheep and goats and the hookworms, Ancylostoma spp. and Necator americanus, affecting man, use an array of endo- and exopeptidases to digest the blood meal. Haemoglobin digestion occurs by an ordered and partly conserved proteolytic cascade. These proteases are accessible to host immune responses which can block enzyme function and lead to parasite expulsion and/or death. Thus they are receiving attention as components of vaccines against several parasitic nematodes of social and economic importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Knox
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland, UK.
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23
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Pearson MS, Ranjit N, Loukas A. Blunting the knife: development of vaccines targeting digestive proteases of blood-feeding helminth parasites. Biol Chem 2010; 391:901-11. [DOI: 10.1515/bc.2010.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AbstractProteases are pivotal to parasitism, mediating biological processes crucial to worm survival including larval migration through tissue, immune evasion/modulation and nutrient acquisition by the adult parasite. In haematophagous parasites, many of these proteolytic enzymes are secreted from the intestine (nematodes) or gastrodermis (trematodes) where they act to degrade host haemoglobin and serum proteins as part of the feeding process. These proteases are exposed to components of the immune system of the host when the worms ingest blood, and therefore present targets for the development of anti-helminth vaccines. The protective effects of current vaccine antigens against nematodes that infect humans (hookworm) and livestock (barber's pole worm) are based on haemoglobin-degrading intestinal proteases and act largely as a result of the neutralisation of these proteases by antibodies that are ingested with the blood-meal. In this review, we survey the current status of helminth proteases that show promise as vaccines and describe their vital contribution to a parasitic existence.
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Cantacessi C, Campbell BE, Young ND, Jex AR, Hall RS, Presidente PJA, Zawadzki JL, Zhong W, Aleman-Meza B, Loukas A, Sternberg PW, Gasser RB. Differences in transcription between free-living and CO2-activated third-stage larvae of Haemonchus contortus. BMC Genomics 2010; 11:266. [PMID: 20420710 PMCID: PMC2880303 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-11-266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2009] [Accepted: 04/27/2010] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The disease caused by Haemonchus contortus, a blood-feeding nematode of small ruminants, is of major economic importance worldwide. The infective third-stage larva (L3) of this gastric nematode is enclosed in a cuticle (sheath) and, once ingested with herbage by the host, undergoes an exsheathment process that marks the transition from the free-living (L3) to the parasitic (xL3) stage. This study explored changes in gene transcription associated with this transition and predicted, based on comparative analysis, functional roles for key transcripts in the metabolic pathways linked to larval development. RESULTS Totals of 101,305 (L3) and 105,553 (xL3) expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were determined using 454 sequencing technology, and then assembled and annotated; the most abundant transcripts encoded transthyretin-like, calcium-binding EF-hand, NAD(P)-binding and nucleotide-binding proteins as well as homologues of Ancylostoma-secreted proteins (ASPs). Using an in silico-subtractive analysis, 560 and 685 sequences were shown to be uniquely represented in the L3 and xL3 stages, respectively; the transcripts encoded ribosomal proteins, collagens and elongation factors (in L3), and mainly peptidases and other enzymes of amino acid catabolism (in xL3). Caenorhabditis elegans orthologues of transcripts that were uniquely transcribed in each L3 and xL3 were predicted to interact with a total of 535 other genes, all of which were involved in embryonic development. CONCLUSION The present study indicated that some key transcriptional alterations taking place during the transition from the L3 to the xL3 stage of H. contortus involve genes predicted to be linked to the development of neuronal tissue (L3 and xL3), formation of the cuticle (L3) and digestion of host haemoglobin (xL3). Future efforts using next-generation sequencing and bioinformatic technologies should provide the efficiency and depth of coverage required for the determination of the complete transcriptomes of different developmental stages and/or tissues of H. contortus as well as the genome of this important parasitic nematode. Such advances should lead to a significantly improved understanding of the molecular biology of H. contortus and, from an applied perspective, to novel methods of intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bronwyn E Campbell
- Department of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - Neil D Young
- Department of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aaron R Jex
- Department of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ross S Hall
- Department of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Jodi L Zawadzki
- Department of Primary Industries, Attwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Weiwei Zhong
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Alex Loukas
- James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Paul W Sternberg
- Biology Division, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
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25
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Muleke CI, Ruofeng Y, Lixin X, Xinwen B, Xiangrui L. Cloning and sequence analysis ofHemonchus ContortusHC58cDNA. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 18:176-83. [PMID: 17454001 DOI: 10.1080/10425170600751496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The complete coding sequence of Hemonchus contortus HC58cDNA was generated by rapid amplification of cDNA ends and polymerase chain reaction using primers based on the 5' and 3' ends of the parasite mRNA, accession no. AF305964. The HC58cDNA gene was 851 bp long, with open reading frame of 717 bp, precursors to 239 amino acids coding for approximately 27 kDa protein. Analysis of amino acid sequence revealed conserved residues of cysteine, histidine, asparagine, occluding loop pattern, hemoglobinase motif and glutamine of the oxyanion hole characteristic of cathepsin B like proteases (CBL). Comparison of the predicted amino acid sequences showed the protein shared 33.5-58.7% identity to cathepsin B homologues in the papain clan CA family (family C1). Phylogenetic analysis revealed close evolutionary proximity of the protein sequence to counterpart sequences in the CBL, suggesting that HC58cDNA was a member of the papain family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles I Muleke
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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De Vries E, Bakker N, Krijgsveld J, Knox DP, Heck AJR, Yatsuda AP. An AC-5 cathepsin B-like protease purified from Haemonchus contortus excretory secretory products shows protective antigen potential for lambs. Vet Res 2009; 40:41. [PMID: 19401141 PMCID: PMC2701184 DOI: 10.1051/vetres/2009025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2008] [Accepted: 04/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunogenic properties of cysteine proteases obtained from excretory/secretory products (ES) of Haemonchus contortus were investigated with a fraction purified with a recombinant H. contortus cystatin affinity column. The enrichment of H. contortus ES for cysteine protease was confirmed with substrate SDS-PAGE gels since the cystatin-binding fraction activity was three times higher than total ES, despite representing only 3% of total ES. This activity was inhibited by a specific cysteine protease inhibitor (E64) and by recombinant cystatin. The one-dimensional profile of the cystatin-binding fraction displayed a single band with a molecular mass of 43 kDa. Mass spectrometry showed this to be AC-5, a cathepsin B-like cysteine protease which had not been identified in ES products of H. contortus before. The cystatin binding fraction was tested as an immunogen in lambs which were vaccinated three times (week 0, 2.5 and 5), challenged with 10 000 L3 H. contortus (week 6) before necropsy and compared to unvaccinated challenge controls and another group given total ES (n = 10 per group). The group vaccinated with cystatin-binding proteins showed 36% and 32% mean worm burden and eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) reductions, respectively, compared to the controls but total ES was almost without effect. After challenge the cystatin-binding proteins induced significantly higher local and systemic ES specific IgA and IgG responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik De Vries
- Division of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Höglund J, Engström A, Morrison DA, Mineur A, Mattsson JG. Limited sequence variation in the major sperm protein 1 (MSP) gene within populations and species of the genus Dictyocaulus (Nematoda). Parasitol Res 2008; 103:11-20. [PMID: 18392853 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-008-0877-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2007] [Accepted: 01/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Populations of the bovine lungworm, Dictyocaulus viviparus, are genetically structured based on variation in mtDNA and AFLP data. Our aim was to investigate if this genetic variability also is reflected in a protein recognized by the host immune system. We focused on the major sperm protein (MSP), a small and abundant protein used in diagnostic immunoassays, which has been shown to be variable in some nematodes but not others. MSP was sequenced using worm DNA from eight adult worms from each of nine populations whose genetic structure previously had been quantified. For comparison, we also analyzed MSP sequences of the closely related Dictyocaulus eckerti and Dictyocaulus capreolus and from nematodes with sequences deposited in GenBank. In contrast to previous results, this study shows that the MSP ofD. viviparus is similar to that of other nematodes. Almost no sequence variation, and thus no antigenic diversity, was detected in MSP between worms from different sub-populations or in the other Dictyocaulus species investigated. A functional test of a recombinant variant of the MSP showed that the expressed protein was recognized by antibodies in sera from infected cattle. This has practical implications for the development of species-specific markers, recombinant vaccines, and immunodiagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Höglund
- Department of Parasitology (SWEPAR), National Veterinary Institute, 751 89 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Advances in the sequencing of the genome of the adenophorean nematode Trichinella spiralis. Parasitology 2008; 135:869-80. [PMID: 18598573 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182008004472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The adenophorean nematodes are evolutionarily distant from other species in the phylum Nematoda. Interspecific comparisons of predicted proteins have supported such an ancient divergence. Accordingly, Trichinella spiralis represents a basal nematode representative for genome sequencing focused on gaining a deeper insight into the evolutionary biology of nematodes. In addition, molecular characteristics that are conserved across the phylum could be of great value for control strategies with broad application. In this review, we describe and summarize progress that has been made on the sequencing and analysis of the T. spiralis genome. The genome sequence was used in preliminary analyses for the investigation of specific questions relating to the biology of T. spiralis and, more generally, to parasitic nematodes. For instance, we evaluated an unusually large DNase II-like protein family, predicted proteins of prospective interest in the parasite-host muscle cell interaction, anthelmintic targets and prospective intestinal genes, the encoded proteins (potentially) linked to immunological control against other nematodes. The results are discussed in relation to characteristics that are broadly conserved among evolutionary distant nematodes. The results lead to expectations that this genome sequence will contribute to advances in research on T. spiralis and other parasitic nematodes.
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Yin Y, Martin J, Abubucker S, Scott AL, McCarter JP, Wilson RK, Jasmer DP, Mitreva M. Intestinal transcriptomes of nematodes: comparison of the parasites Ascaris suum and Haemonchus contortus with the free-living Caenorhabditis elegans. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2008; 2:e269. [PMID: 18682827 PMCID: PMC2483350 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2008] [Accepted: 07/02/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The nematode intestine is a major organ responsible for nutrient digestion and absorption; it is also involved in many other processes, such as reproduction, innate immunity, stress responses, and aging. The importance of the intestine as a target for the control of parasitic nematodes has been demonstrated. However, the lack of detailed knowledge on the molecular and cellular functions of the intestine and the level of its conservation across nematodes has impeded breakthroughs in this application. Methods and Findings As part of an extensive effort to investigate various transcribed genomes from Ascaris suum and Haemonchus contortus, we generated a large collection of intestinal sequences from parasitic nematodes by identifying 3,121 A. suum and 1,755 H. contortus genes expressed in the adult intestine through the generation of expressed sequence tags. Cross-species comparisons to the intestine of the free-living C. elegans revealed substantial diversification in the adult intestinal transcriptomes among these species, suggesting lineage- or species-specific adaptations during nematode evolution. In contrast, significant conservation of the intestinal gene repertories was also evident, despite the evolutionary distance of ∼350 million years separating them. A group of 241 intestinal protein families (IntFam-241), each containing members from all three species, was identified based on sequence similarities. These conserved proteins accounted for ∼20% of the sampled intestinal transcriptomes from the three nematodes and are proposed to represent conserved core functions in the nematode intestine. Functional characterizations of the IntFam-241 suggested important roles in molecular functions such as protein kinases and proteases, and biological pathways of carbohydrate metabolism, energy metabolism, and translation. Conservation in the core protein families was further explored by extrapolating observable RNA interference phenotypes in C. elegans to their parasitic counterparts. Conclusions Our study has provided novel insights into the nematode intestine and lays foundations for further comparative studies on biology, parasitism, and evolution within the phylum Nematoda. Biological properties of the nematode intestine warrant in-depth investigation, the results of which can be utilized in the control of parasitic nematodes that infect humans, livestock, and plants. Both the importance of intestinal antigens from Haemonchus contortus in immunity and the damage to H. contortus intestine by anthelmintic fenbendazole have highlighted the versatility of the intestine as an emerging target. However, biological information regarding fundamental intestinal cell functions and mechanisms is currently limited. Conserved intestinal genes across nematode pathogens could offer molecular targets for broad parasite control. Furthermore, qualitative and quantitative comparisons on intestinal gene expression among species and lineages can identify basic adaptations relative to a critical selective force, the nutrient acquisition. This study begins to identify intestinal cell characteristics that are conserved across representatives of two clades of nematodes (V and III) and further clarifies diversities that likely reflect species- or lineage-specific adaptations. Results consistent with functional data on digestive enzymes from H. contortus and RNAi in Caenorhabditis elegans, as examples, support the potential for the comparative genomics approach to produce practical applications. This study provides a platform on which extensive investigation of intestinal genes and a more comprehensive understanding of the Nematoda can be gained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Yin
- Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America.
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Ranjit N, Zhan B, Stenzel DJ, Mulvenna J, Fujiwara R, Hotez PJ, Loukas A. A family of cathepsin B cysteine proteases expressed in the gut of the human hookworm, Necator americanus. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2008; 160:90-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2008.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2008] [Revised: 04/10/2008] [Accepted: 04/11/2008] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Wasmuth J, Schmid R, Hedley A, Blaxter M. On the extent and origins of genic novelty in the phylum Nematoda. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2008; 2:e258. [PMID: 18596977 PMCID: PMC2432500 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2008] [Accepted: 06/09/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The phylum Nematoda is biologically diverse, including parasites of plants and animals as well as free-living taxa. Underpinning this diversity will be commensurate diversity in expressed genes, including gene sets associated specifically with evolution of parasitism. METHODS AND FINDINGS Here we have analyzed the extensive expressed sequence tag data (available for 37 nematode species, most of which are parasites) and define over 120,000 distinct putative genes from which we have derived robust protein translations. Combined with the complete proteomes of Caenorhabditis elegans and Caenorhabditis briggsae, these proteins have been grouped into 65,000 protein families that in turn contain 40,000 distinct protein domains. We have mapped the occurrence of domains and families across the Nematoda and compared the nematode data to that available for other phyla. Gene loss is common, and in particular we identify nearly 5,000 genes that may have been lost from the lineage leading to the model nematode C. elegans. We find a preponderance of novelty, including 56,000 nematode-restricted protein families and 26,000 nematode-restricted domains. Mapping of the latest time-of-origin of these new families and domains across the nematode phylogeny revealed ongoing evolution of novelty. A number of genes from parasitic species had signatures of horizontal transfer from their host organisms, and parasitic species had a greater proportion of novel, secreted proteins than did free-living ones. CONCLUSIONS These classes of genes may underpin parasitic phenotypes, and thus may be targets for development of effective control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Wasmuth
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Program for Molecular Structure and Function, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ralf Schmid
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Ann Hedley
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Blaxter
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
The diseases caused by parasitic nematodes in domestic and companion animals are major factors that decrease production and quality of the agricultural products. Methods available for the control of the parasitic nematode infections are mainly based on chemical treatment, non-chemical management practices, immune modulation and biological control. However, even with integrated pest management that frequently combines these approaches, the effective and long-lasting control strategies are hampered by the persistent exposure of host animals to environmental stages of parasites, the incomplete protective response of the host and acquisition of anthelmintic resistance by an increasing number of parasitic nematodes. Therefore, the challenges to improve control of parasitic nematode infections are multi-fold and no single category of information will meet them all. However, new information, such as nematode genomics, functional genomics and proteomics, can strengthen basic and applied biological research aimed to develop improvements. In this review we will, summarize existing control strategies of nematode infections and discuss ongoing developments in nematode genomics. Genomics approaches offer a growing and fundamental base of information, which when coupled with downstream functional genomics and proteomics can accelerate progress towards developing more efficient and sustainable control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makedonka Mitreva
- Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, 4444 Forest Park Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA.
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Xiao S, Zhan B, Xue J, Goud GN, Loukas A, Liu Y, Williamson A, Liu S, Deumic V, Hotez P. The evaluation of recombinant hookworm antigens as vaccines in hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) challenged with human hookworm, Necator americanus. Exp Parasitol 2007; 118:32-40. [PMID: 17645877 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2007.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2007] [Revised: 05/25/2007] [Accepted: 05/29/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
We have previously reported the successful adaptation of human hookworm Necator americanus in the golden hamster, Mesocricetus auratus. This animal model was used to test a battery of hookworm (N. americanus and Ancylostoma caninum) recombinant antigens as potential vaccine antigens. Hamsters immunized a leading vaccine candidate N. americanus-Ancylostoma secreted protein 2 (Na-ASP-2) and challenged with N. americanus infective larvae (L3), resulted in 30-46.2% worm reduction over the course of three vaccine trials, relative to adjuvant controls. In addition, significant reduction of worm burdens was also observed in the hamsters immunized with adult hookworm antigens A. caninum aspartic protease 1 (Ac-APR-1); A. caninum-glutathione-S transferase 1 (Ac-GST-1) and Necator cysteine proteases 2 (Na-CP-2) (44.4%, 50.6%, and 29.3%, respectively). Our data on the worm burden reductions afforded by these hookworm antigens approximate the level of protection reported previously from dogs challenged with A. caninum L3, and provide additional evidence to support these hookworm antigens as vaccine candidates for human hookworm infection. The hamster model of N. americanus provides useful information for the selection of antigens to be tested in downstream vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhua Xiao
- Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200025, China
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Jasmer DP, Lahmers KK, Brown WC. Haemonchus contortus intestine: a prominent source of mucosal antigens. Parasite Immunol 2007; 29:139-51. [PMID: 17266741 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.2006.00928.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We sought to identify antigens from Haemonchus contortus, an abomasal nematode of small ruminants, that stimulate local (abomasal lymph node, ALN) CD4+ T lymphocyte responses during a primary infection. Results led to a focus on antigens from the parasite intestine. The H. contortus intestine proved to be a major source of antigens that stimulated ALN CD4+, CD25+ T lymphocyte responses during infections in lambs. When stimulated by intestinal antigens, ALN lymphocytes from these lambs expressed IL-4 and IL-13 transcripts, and, more variably, IFN-gamma. An immunoaffinity-purified fraction, enriched for H. contortus apical intestinal membrane proteins, stimulated similar ALN responses. On further fractionation, antigens from six size classes (ranging from 30 to 200 kDa) also stimulated proliferation of ALN lymphocytes. Mass spectrometry analysis of these size classes identified several known apical intestinal membrane proteins from H. contortus. The results show that H. contortus intestinal antigens warrant investigation in strategies to induce mucosal immunity against this parasite. The specific proteins identified have value for this purpose. The results are in contrast with the now generalized idea that H. contortus intestinal antigens are 'hidden' from the host immune system, and this issue is discussed. The approach also has potential application to other gastrointestinal nematode parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P Jasmer
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-7040, USA.
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35
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Muleke CI, Ruofeng Y, Lixin X, Yanming S, Xiangrui L. Characterization of HC58cDNA, a putative cysteine protease from the parasite Haemonchus contortus. J Vet Sci 2006; 7:249-55. [PMID: 16871019 PMCID: PMC3242124 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2006.7.3.249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Because of the complexity of the cathepsin B-like (CBL) family, an information on the biological and biochemical characteristics of individual CBL genes is lacking. In this study, we investigated the degradative effects of the recombinant HC58 protein isolated from Haemonchus contortus parasites on protein substrates over a broad pH range in vitro. This protein, which hydrolyzed the synthetic peptide substrates Z-FR-AMC and Z-RR-AMC, had characteristics of the cysteine protease class of proteins. In the acidic pH range, the isolated protein actively degraded hemoglobin (Hb), the heavy chain of goat immunoglobulin G, and azocasein. By contrast, it degraded fibrinogen in the alkaline pH range. These activities were strongly inhibited in the presence of the cysteine protease inhibitor E-64. While the protein digested Hb, it did not induce the agglutination of erythrocytes from its natural host. These results suggest that the HC58 protein may play a role in the nutrition of this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles I Muleke
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu 210095, P R China.
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36
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McGhee JD, Sleumer MC, Bilenky M, Wong K, McKay SJ, Goszczynski B, Tian H, Krich ND, Khattra J, Holt RA, Baillie DL, Kohara Y, Marra MA, Jones SJM, Moerman DG, Robertson AG. The ELT-2 GATA-factor and the global regulation of transcription in the C. elegans intestine. Dev Biol 2006; 302:627-45. [PMID: 17113066 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2006.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2006] [Revised: 10/08/2006] [Accepted: 10/14/2006] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A SAGE library was prepared from hand-dissected intestines from adult Caenorhabditis elegans, allowing the identification of >4000 intestinally-expressed genes; this gene inventory provides fundamental information for understanding intestine function, structure and development. Intestinally-expressed genes fall into two broad classes: widely-expressed "housekeeping" genes and genes that are either intestine-specific or significantly intestine-enriched. Within this latter class of genes, we identified a subset of highly-expressed highly-validated genes that are expressed either exclusively or primarily in the intestine. Over half of the encoded proteins are candidates for secretion into the intestinal lumen to hydrolyze the bacterial food (e.g. lysozymes, amoebapores, lipases and especially proteases). The promoters of this subset of intestine-specific/intestine-enriched genes were analyzed computationally, using both a word-counting method (RSAT oligo-analysis) and a method based on Gibbs sampling (MotifSampler). Both methods returned the same over-represented site, namely an extended GATA-related sequence of the general form AHTGATAARR, which agrees with experimentally determined cis-acting control sequences found in intestine genes over the past 20 years. All promoters in the subset contain such a site, compared to <5% for control promoters; moreover, our analysis suggests that the majority (perhaps all) of genes expressed exclusively or primarily in the worm intestine are likely to contain such a site in their promoters. There are three zinc-finger GATA-type factors that are candidates to bind this extended GATA site in the differentiating C. elegans intestine: ELT-2, ELT-4 and ELT-7. All evidence points to ELT-2 being the most important of the three. We show that worms in which both the elt-4 and the elt-7 genes have been deleted from the genome are essentially wildtype, demonstrating that ELT-2 provides all essential GATA-factor functions in the intestine. The SAGE analysis also identifies more than a hundred other transcription factors in the adult intestine but few show an RNAi-induced loss-of-function phenotype and none (other than ELT-2) show a phenotype primarily in the intestine. We thus propose a simple model in which the ELT-2 GATA factor directly participates in the transcription of all intestine-specific/intestine-enriched genes, from the early embryo through to the dying adult. Other intestinal transcription factors would thus modulate the action of ELT-2, depending on the worm's nutritional and physiological needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D McGhee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive N.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 4N1.
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Yatsuda AP, Bakker N, Krijgsveld J, Knox DP, Heck AJR, de Vries E. Identification of secreted cysteine proteases from the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus detected by biotinylated inhibitors. Infect Immun 2006; 74:1989-93. [PMID: 16495580 PMCID: PMC1418636 DOI: 10.1128/iai.74.3.1989-1993.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Seven cathepsin B-like cysteine proteases (CBLs) were identified from the immunoprotective excretory-secretory products of Haemonchus contortus. Two-dimensional (2-D) zymography and biotinylated inhibitors were employed to localize active CBLs in 2-D protein gels. Mass spectrometry provided the identification of AC-4, HMCP1, HMCP2, and GCP7 as well as three novel CBLs encoded by clustered expressed sequence tags.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana P Yatsuda
- Division of Infection Biology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Utrecht University, Yalelaan, 1, 3584CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Nikolaou S, Hu M, Chilton NB, Hartman D, Nisbet AJ, Presidente PJA, Gasser RB. Class II myosins in nematodes — genetic relationships, fundamental and applied implications. Biotechnol Adv 2006; 24:338-50. [PMID: 16490342 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2005.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2005] [Revised: 12/02/2005] [Accepted: 12/25/2005] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Myosins are represented by a wide range of different classes of molecule, of which the most extensively studied are the class II myosins which drive muscle contraction and cell organization; the functional unit of class II myosins comprises two myosin heavy chains (MHCs). This minireview gives an update on class II MHCs of nematodes and describes a comparative analysis of MHC genes from nematodes and other organismal groups. Genetic analyses of sequence data for the four functional domains of MHCs (i.e., the SH3-like N-terminal, head, neck and tail domains) reveal a delineation between both the nematode and non-nematode myosins and between muscle and non-muscle myosins. The distinctiveness of the MHCs of nematodes suggests functional and tissue specialization. The elucidation of the functional roles of myosins and other molecules in specific signaling pathways in nematodes has the potential to lead to new intervention strategies for parasites via the specific disruption or interruption of key developmental processes, having biotechnological implications in the longer term.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Nikolaou
- Department of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia
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Ranjit N, Jones MK, Stenzel DJ, Gasser RB, Loukas A. A survey of the intestinal transcriptomes of the hookworms, Necator americanus and Ancylostoma caninum, using tissues isolated by laser microdissection microscopy. Int J Parasitol 2006; 36:701-10. [PMID: 16545815 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2006.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2005] [Revised: 01/27/2006] [Accepted: 01/31/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tracts of multi-cellular blood-feeding parasites are targets for vaccines and drugs. Recently, recombinant vaccines that interrupt the digestion of blood in the hookworm gut have shown efficacy, so we explored the intestinal transcriptomes of the human and canine hookworms, Necator americanus and Ancylostoma caninum, respectively. We used Laser Microdissection Microscopy to dissect gut tissue from the parasites, extracted the RNA and generated cDNA libraries. A total of 480 expressed sequence tags were sequenced from each library and assembled into contigs, accounting for 268 N. americanus genes and 276 A. caninum genes. Only 17% of N. americanus and 36% of A. caninum contigs were assigned Gene Ontology classifications. Twenty-six (9.8%) N. americanus and 18 (6.5%) A. caninum contigs did not have homologues in any databases including dbEST-of these novel clones, seven N. americanus and three A. caninum contigs had Open Reading Frames with predicted secretory signal peptides. The most abundant transcripts corresponded to mRNAs encoding cholesterol-and fatty acid-binding proteins, C-type lectins, Activation-Associated Secretory Proteins, and proteases of different mechanistic classes, particularly astacin-like metallopeptidases. Expressed sequence tags corresponding to known and potential recombinant vaccines were identified and these included homologues of proteases, anti-clotting factors, defensins and integral membrane proteins involved in cell adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Ranjit
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, 300 Herston Road, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
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40
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Geldhof P, Molloy C, Knox DP. Combinatorial RNAi on intestinal cathepsin B-like proteinases in Caenorhabditis elegans questions the perception of their role in nematode biology. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2006; 145:128-32. [PMID: 16289355 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2005.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2005] [Revised: 09/22/2005] [Accepted: 09/23/2005] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P Geldhof
- Moredun Research Institute, Bush Loan, Penicuik EH26 0PZ, UK
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Rosenzvit MC, Camicia F, Kamenetzky L, Muzulin PM, Gutierrez AM. Identification and intra-specific variability analysis of secreted and membrane-bound proteins from Echinococcus granulosus. Parasitol Int 2005; 55 Suppl:S63-7. [PMID: 16368261 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2005.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Echinococcus granulosus, the etiological agent of cystic hydatid disease, exists as a series of strains or genotypes, differing in biological features. Many of the secreted and membrane-bound proteins (S/M) from helminth parasites are involved in the host-parasite interplay and constitute potential targets for diagnosis, anti-parasitic drugs and vaccines. A number of E. granulosus S/M proteins were identified using the signal sequence trap technique. Six out of seven cDNA fragments of these newly identified proteins showed nucleotide and amino acid sequence variation. Inter-strain variation was reported for other characterized S/M proteins as the vaccine target EG95 and the major hydatid cyst fluid antigen, Antigen B (AgB). AgB is highly polymorphic, 101 different sequences related to AgB were reported so far and were grouped in 5 genes (EgB1-EgB5) and one pseudogene (EgB2p) exclusive of G5, G6/G7 genotypes. The significance of AgB polymorphism and possible consequences in diagnostic performance are discussed. The diagnostic value of the new protein variants detected in E. granulosus strains could be determined through standardized inter-laboratory studies as the recently done by the South American Network for Hydatid Serology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara C Rosenzvit
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas ANLIS Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán Av. Velez Sarsfield 563, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Mitreva M, McCarter JP, Arasu P, Hawdon J, Martin J, Dante M, Wylie T, Xu J, Stajich JE, Kapulkin W, Clifton SW, Waterston RH, Wilson RK. Investigating hookworm genomes by comparative analysis of two Ancylostoma species. BMC Genomics 2005; 6:58. [PMID: 15854223 PMCID: PMC1112591 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-6-58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2004] [Accepted: 04/26/2005] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hookworms, infecting over one billion people, are the mostly closely related major human parasites to the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Applying genomics techniques to these species, we analyzed 3,840 and 3,149 genes from Ancylostoma caninum and A. ceylanicum. Results Transcripts originated from libraries representing infective L3 larva, stimulated L3, arrested L3, and adults. Most genes are represented in single stages including abundant transcripts like hsp-20 in infective L3 and vit-3 in adults. Over 80% of the genes have homologs in C. elegans, and nearly 30% of these were with observable RNA interference phenotypes. Homologies were identified to nematode-specific and clade V specific gene families. To study the evolution of hookworm genes, 574 A. caninum / A. ceylanicum orthologs were identified, all of which were found to be under purifying selection with distribution ratios of nonsynonymous to synonymous amino acid substitutions similar to that reported for C. elegans / C. briggsae orthologs. The phylogenetic distance between A. caninum and A. ceylanicum is almost identical to that for C. elegans / C. briggsae. Conclusion The genes discovered should substantially accelerate research toward better understanding of the parasites' basic biology as well as new therapies including vaccines and novel anthelmintics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makedonka Mitreva
- Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - James P McCarter
- Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
- Divergence Inc., St. Louis, MO 63141, USA
| | - Prema Arasu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - John Hawdon
- Department of Microbiology and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - John Martin
- Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Mike Dante
- Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Todd Wylie
- Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Jian Xu
- Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Jason E Stajich
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Wadim Kapulkin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw Agricultural University, Warszawa, Poland
- School of Biology, University of Leeds, LEEDS LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Sandra W Clifton
- Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Robert H Waterston
- Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Richard K Wilson
- Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
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