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Chen Y, Hu Y, Zhou H, Jiang N, Wang Y, Zhang J, Shen Y, Yu G, Cao J. Induction of hepatic fibrosis in mice with schistosomiasis by extracellular microRNA-30 derived from Schistosoma japonicum eggs. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1425384. [PMID: 39139565 PMCID: PMC11319242 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1425384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis is a zoonotic parasitic disorder induced by the infestation of schistosomes, a genus of trematodes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in egg-derived exosomes are crucial for modulating the host's immune responses and orchestrating the pathophysiological mechanisms. Although the exosomes secreted by S. japonicum contain abundant miRNAs, the specific roles of these miRNAs in the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis-induced hepatic fibrosis are yet to be comprehensively elucidated. The egg exosomes of S. japonicum secrete miRNA-30, a novel miRNA. Methods In vitro, the effect of miRNA-30 was evaluated by transfecting HSCs with miRNA mimics. The target gene biosignature for miRNA-30 was predicted using the miRDB software. The effect of miRNA-30 in hepatic fibrosis was evaluated by either elevating its expression in healthy mice or by inhibiting its activity in infected mice by administration of recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype eight vectors expressing miRNA-30 or miRNA sponges. Results This novel miRNA can activate hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the prinary effector cells of hepatic fibrosis, in vitro, i.e., it significantly increases the fibrogenic factors Col1(α1), Col3(α1), and α-SMA at both mRNA and protein levels. In addition, miRNA-30 may activate HSCs by targeting the host RORA gene. In addition, in vivo experiments were conducted by administering a recombinant adeno-associated viral vector to modulate the expression levels of miRNA-30. The overexpression of miRNA-30 in healthy mice significantly elevated the expression of Col1(α1), Col3(α1), and α-SMA at both the transcriptomic and proteomic scales. This overexpression was coupled with a pronounced augmentation in the hepatic hydroxyproline content. Conversely, the in vivo silencing of miRNA-30 in infected mice induced a considerable reduction in the size of hepatic granulomas and areas of collagen deposition. Hence, in vivo, modulation of miRNA-30 expression may play a pivotal role in ameliorating the severity of hepatic fibrosis in mice afflicted with S. japonica. Conclusions The study results suggest that miRNA-30 may augment schistosomiasis-induced hepatic fibrosis through a probable interaction with the host RORA. Our study may improve the current theoretical framework regarding cross-species regulation by miRNAs of hepatic fibrosis in schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, College of Life Science, Pingyuan Laboratory, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Shanghai, China
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Hu
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Shanghai, China
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, College of Life Science, Pingyuan Laboratory, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Shanghai, China
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Shanghai, China
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiluo Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Shanghai, China
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Shanghai, China
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujuan Shen
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Shanghai, China
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoying Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, College of Life Science, Pingyuan Laboratory, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Jianping Cao
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Shanghai, China
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
- The School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Shakib P, Kalani H, Ali ASM, Zebardastpour M, Moradpour K, Ho J, Nazarabad VH, Cheraghipour K. In Vivo and In Vitro Anti-schistosomiasis Effect of Garlic: A Systematic Review. Curr Drug Discov Technol 2022; 19:e280222201511. [PMID: 35227185 DOI: 10.2174/1570163819666220228154752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Garlic (Allium sativum) is used as a natural supplement for the treatment of various diseases and disorders because it has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This systematic review aimed to evaluate in vitro and in vivo effects of garlic against Schistosoma spp. METHODS The current study was carried out according to the PRISMA guidelines and registered in the CAMARADES-NC3Rs Preclinical Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Facility [SyRF] database. The literature search was conducted using five databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar, from January 2008 to January 2021. The search was restricted to articles published in the English language. Syntax was performed based on each database tag. RESULTS Out of 2,600 studies, 10 met the eligibility criteria for review. The examined parasite in all studies was Schistosoma mansoni. Ten studies (90%) were performed in vivo and one study in vitro. Studies have shown that garlic compounds can activate immune system factors, thereby damaging the parasite structure or its eggs. CONCLUSION Given the increase in using plants in the treatment of many diseases and the fact that plants can be a good alternative to chemical drugs in many cases, more comprehensive research is needed to introduce effective medicinal plants to treat diseases such as schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pegah Shakib
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Hamed Kalani
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | | | | | - Kobra Moradpour
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Jeffery Ho
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Kourosh Cheraghipour
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
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Pinto-Almeida A, Mendes TMF, Ferreira P, Abecasis AB, Belo S, Anibal FF, Allegretti SM, Galinaro CA, Carrilho E, Afonso A. A Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Praziquantel-Susceptible and Praziquantel-Resistant Schistosoma mansoni Reveals Distinct Response Between Male and Female Animals. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2021.664642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a chronic neglected tropical disease saddling millions of people in the world, mainly children living in poor rural areas. Praziquantel (PZQ) is currently the only drug used for the treatment and control of this disease. However, the extensive use of this drug has brought concern about the emergence of PZQ-resistance/tolerance by Schistosoma mansoni. Studies of Schistosoma spp. genome, transcriptome, and proteome are crucial to better understand this situation. In this in vitro study, we compare the proteomes of a S. mansoni variant strain stably resistant to PZQ and isogenic to its fully susceptible parental counterpart, identifying proteins from male and female adult parasites of PZQ-resistant and PZQ-susceptible strains, exposed and not exposed to PZQ. A total of 60 Schistosoma spp. proteins were identified, some of which present or absent in either strain, which may putatively be involved in the PZQ-resistance phenomenon. These proteins were present in adult parasites not exposed to PZQ, but some of them disappeared when these adult parasites were exposed to the drug. Understanding the development of PZQ-resistance in S. mansoni is crucial to prolong the efficacy of the current drug and develop markers for monitoring the potential emergence of drug resistance.
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Santos LL, Santos J, Gouveia MJ, Bernardo C, Lopes C, Rinaldi G, Brindley PJ, da Costa JMC. Urogenital Schistosomiasis-History, Pathogenesis, and Bladder Cancer. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10020205. [PMID: 33429985 PMCID: PMC7826813 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10020205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is the most important helminthiasis worldwide in terms of morbidity and mortality. Most of the infections occurs in Africa, which about two thirds are caused by Schistosoma haematobium. The infection with S. haematobium is considered carcinogenic leading to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder. Additionally, it is responsible for female genital schistosomiasis leading to infertility and higher risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. Remarkably, a recent outbreak in Corsica (France) drew attention to its potential re-mergence in Southern Europe. Thus far, little is known related to host-parasite interactions that trigger carcinogenesis. However, recent studies have opened new avenues to understand mechanisms on how the parasite infection can lead cancer and other associated pathologies. Here, we present a historical perspective of schistosomiasis, and review the infection-associated pathologies and studies on host-parasite interactions that unveil tentative mechanisms underlying schistosomiasis-associated carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lúcio Lara Santos
- Experimental Pathology and Therapeutics, Research Centre, Portuguese Oncology Institute—Porto (IPO-Porto), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (L.L.S.); (C.L.)
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Portuguese Oncology Institute—Porto (IPO-Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Urology Department, Hospital Américo Boavida, Luanda 00200, Angola;
| | - Júlio Santos
- Urology Department, Hospital Américo Boavida, Luanda 00200, Angola;
| | - Maria João Gouveia
- Center for the Study in Animal Science (CECA/ICETA), University of Porto, Rua de D. Manuel II, Apt 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal;
- Centre for Parasite Biology and Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Rua Alexandre Herculano 321, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carina Bernardo
- Hormones and Cancer Lab, Institute of Biomedicine, iBiMED, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
| | - Carlos Lopes
- Experimental Pathology and Therapeutics, Research Centre, Portuguese Oncology Institute—Porto (IPO-Porto), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (L.L.S.); (C.L.)
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Portuguese Oncology Institute—Porto (IPO-Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Gabriel Rinaldi
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SA, UK;
| | - Paul J. Brindley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA;
- Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - José M. Correia da Costa
- Center for the Study in Animal Science (CECA/ICETA), University of Porto, Rua de D. Manuel II, Apt 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal;
- Centre for Parasite Biology and Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Rua Alexandre Herculano 321, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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Cao CL, Zhang LJ, Deng WP, Li YL, Lv C, Dai SM, Feng T, Qin ZQ, Duan LP, Zhang HB, Hu W, Feng Z, Xu J, Lv S, Guo JG, Li SZ, Cao JP, Zhou XN. Contributions and achievements on schistosomiasis control and elimination in China by NIPD-CTDR. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 110:1-62. [PMID: 32563322 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Being a zoonotic parasitic disease, schistosomiasis was widely spread in 12 provinces of Southern China in the 1950s, severly harming human health and hindering economic development. The National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at the Chinese Center for Diseases Control and Prevention, and Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research (NIPD-CTDR), as the only professional institution focussing on parasitic diseases at the national level, has played an important role in schistosomiasis control in the country. In this article, we look back at the changes of schistosomiasis endemicity and the contribution of NIPD-CTDR to the national schistosomiasis control programme. We review NIPD-CTDR's activities, including field investigations, design of control strategies and measures, development of diagnostics and drugs, surveillance-response of endemic situation, and monitoring & evaluation of the programme. The NIPD-CTDR has mastered the transmission status of schistosomiasis, mapped the snail distribution, and explored strategies and measures suitable for different types of endemic areas in China. With a good understanding of the life cycle of Schistosoma japonicum and transmission patterns of the disease, advanced research carried out in the NIPD-CTDR based on genomics and modern technology has made it possible to explore highly efficient and soft therapeutic drugs and molluscicides, making it possible to develop new diagnostic tools and produce vaccine candidates. In the field, epidemiological studies, updated strategies and targeted intervention measures developed by scientists from the NIPD-CTDR have contributed significantly to the national schistosomiasis control programme. This all adds up to a strong foundation for eliminating schistosomiasis in China in the near future, and recommendations have been put forward how to reach this goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Li Cao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Juan Zhang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wang-Ping Deng
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yin-Long Li
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Lv
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Si-Min Dai
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Feng
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Qin
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Ping Duan
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao-Bing Zhang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Hu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Feng
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Xu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Lv
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Gang Guo
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Zhu Li
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Ping Cao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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Liu R, Cheng WJ, Ye F, Zhang YD, Zhong QP, Dong HF, Tang HB, Jiang H. Comparative Transcriptome Analyses of Schistosoma japonicum Derived From SCID Mice and BALB/c Mice: Clues to the Abnormality in Parasite Growth and Development. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:274. [PMID: 32218772 PMCID: PMC7078119 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, caused by the parasitic flatworms called schistosomes, remains one of the most prevailing parasitic diseases in the world. The prodigious oviposition of female worms after maturity is the main driver of pathology due to infection, yet our understanding about the regulation of development and reproduction of schistosomes is limited. Here, we comparatively profiled the transcriptome of Schistosoma japonicum recovered from SCID and BALB/c mice, which were collected 35 days post-infection, when prominent morphological abnormalities could be observed in schistosomes from SCID mice, by performing RNA-seq analysis. Of the 11,183 identified genes, 62 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with 39 upregulated and 23 downregulated messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were found in male worms from SCID mice (S_M) vs. male worms from BALB/c mice (B_M), and 240 DEGs with 152 upregulated and 88 downregulated mRNAs were found in female worms from SCID mice (S_F) vs. female worms from BALB/c mice (B_F). We also tested nine DEGs with a relatively higher expression abundance in the gonads of the worms (ovary, vitellaria, or testis), suggesting their potential biological significance in the development and reproduction of the parasites. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed that GO terms such as “microtubule-based process,” “multicellular organismal development,” and “Rho protein signal transduction” were significantly enriched in the DEGs in S_F vs. B_F, whereas GO terms such as “oxidation–reduction process,” “response to stress,” and “response to DNA damage stimulus” were significantly enriched in the DEGs in S_M vs. B_M. These results revealed that the differential expression of some important genes might contribute to the morphological abnormalities of worms in SCID mice. Furthermore, we selected one DEG, the mitochondrial prohibitin complex protein 1 (Phb1), to perform double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) in vivo targeting the worms in BALB/c mice, and we found that it was essential for the growth and reproductive development of both male and female S. japonicum worms. Taken together, these results provided a wealth of information on the differential gene expression profiles of schistosomes from SCID mice when compared with those from BALB/c mice, which were potentially involved in regulating the growth and development of schistosomes. These findings contributed to an understanding of parasite biology and provided a rich resource for the exploitation of antischistosomal intervention targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wen-Jun Cheng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Ye
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yao-Dan Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qin-Ping Zhong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui-Fen Dong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong-Bin Tang
- Laboratory Animal Center, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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7
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Abstract
Over the past 20 years, RNAS+ has been generating research results from highly collaborative projects meant to promote and advance understanding in various aspects of schistosomiasis. Epidemiological studies in endemic countries like the Philippines, the People's Republic of China (PR China), the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) and Cambodia clarified the role of reservoir hosts in transmission and the use of spatio-temporal methods such as remote sensing and geographical information systems (GIS) in surveillance of schistosomiasis. Morbidity studies proposed factors that might influence development of fibrosis, anaemia and malnutrition in schistosomiasis. Immune responses in schistosomiasis continue to be an interesting focus in research to explain possible development of resistance with age. Results of evaluation of candidate vaccine molecules are also presented. New diagnostics are continually being developed in response to the call for more sensitive and field applicable techniques that will be used for surveillance in areas nearing elimination of the disease. Several studies presented here show the insufficiency of mass drug administration (MDA) with praziquantel in eliminating the disease. Emphasis is given to an integrated control approach that can be accomplished through intensive and extensive intersectoral collaboration.
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8
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Mao Y, He C, Li H, Lu K, Fu Z, Hong Y, Jin Y, Lin J, Zhang X, Liu J. Comparative analysis of transcriptional profiles of Schistosoma japonicum adult worms derived from primary-infected and re-infected water buffaloes. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:340. [PMID: 31296252 PMCID: PMC6625002 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3600-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) is an important zoonotic parasite that is prevalent in China and parts of Southeast Asia. Water buffaloes are an important reservoir and the main transmission sources of S. japonicum. However, self-curing and resistance to re-infection have been observed in water buffaloes. RESULTS In this study, we compared the morphometry and differences in transcriptional expression of adult S. japonicum worms recovered from primary-infected and re-infected water buffaloes using Illumina RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology. Results of morphometry analysis revealed that adult S. japonicum worms recovered from re-infected water buffaloes were runtish with smaller organs. The ventral length of male worms was shorter in re-infected buffaloes (328 ± 13 vs 273 ± 8 µm, P < 0.05), and in female worms the oral sucker length (44 ± 3 vs 33 ± 5 µm, P < 0.05), ovary length (578 ± 23 vs 297 ± 27 µm, P < 0.05) and width (150 ± 8 vs 104 ± 9 µm, P < 0.05) were shorter, with fewer eggs in the uteri (41 ± 2 vs 12 ± 1, P < 0.05). Of 13,605 identified genes, 112 were differentially expressed, including 51 upregulated and 61 downregulated genes, in worms from re-infected compared with primary-infected water buffaloes. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed that GO terms such as "oxidation-reduction process", "calcium-dependent phospholipid binding", "lipid binding" and "calcium ion binding" were significantly enriched in downregulated genes, whereas GO terms related to metabolism and biosynthesis were significantly enriched in upregulated genes. The results revealed that the downregulation of some important genes might contribute to a reduction in worm numbers and maldevelopment of surviving worms in re-infected water buffaloes. Furthermore, upregulation of genes related to metabolic processes and biosynthesis might be a compensatory mechanism of worms in disadvantageous environments. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, our results present the first large-scale transcriptional expression study identifying the differences between adult S. japonicum worms from primary-infected and re-infected water buffaloes, and particularly emphasize differential expression that may affect the survival and growth of worms in re-infected water buffalo. This will provide new insight into screening for anti-schistosome targets and vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudan Mao
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuanchuan He
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Li
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Lu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Fu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Hong
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Yamei Jin
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaojiao Lin
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinming Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China.
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9
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Praziquantel for Schistosomiasis: Single-Drug Metabolism Revisited, Mode of Action, and Resistance. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017; 61:AAC.02582-16. [PMID: 28264841 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02582-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a major neglected tropical disease, affects more than 250 million people worldwide. Treatment of schistosomiasis has relied on the anthelmintic drug praziquantel (PZQ) for more than a generation. PZQ is the drug of choice for the treatment of schistosomiasis; it is effective against all major forms of schistosomiasis, although it is less active against juvenile than mature parasites. A pyrazino-isoquinoline derivative, PZQ is not considered to be toxic and generally causes few or transient, mild side effects. Increasingly, mass drug administration targeting populations in sub-Saharan Africa where schistosomiasis is endemic has led to the appearance of reduced efficacy of PZQ, which portends the selection of drug-resistant forms of these pathogens. The synthesis of improved derivatives of PZQ is attracting attention, e.g., in the (i) synthesis of drug analogues, (ii) rational design of pharmacophores, and (iii) discovery of new compounds from large-scale screening programs. This article reviews reports from the 1970s to the present on the metabolism and mechanism of action of PZQ and its derivatives against schistosomes.
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10
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Vale N, Gouveia MJ, Rinaldi G, Santos J, Santos LL, Brindley PJ, da Costa JMC. The role of estradiol metabolism in urogenital schistosomiasis-induced bladder cancer. Tumour Biol 2017; 39:1010428317692247. [PMID: 28345469 DOI: 10.1177/1010428317692247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Urogenital schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that can lead to bladder cancer. How urogenital schistosomiasis induces carcinogenesis remains unclear, although there is evidence that the human blood fluke Schistosoma haematobium, the infectious agent of urogenital schistosomiasis, releases estradiol-like metabolites. These kind of compounds have been implicated in other cancers. Aiming for enhanced understanding of the pathogenesis of the urogenital schistosomiasis-induced bladder cancer, here we review, interpret, and discuss findings of estradiol-like metabolites detected in both the parasite and in the human urine during urogenital schistosomiasis. Moreover, we predict pathways and enzymes that are involved in the production of these metabolites emphasizing their potential effects on the dysregulation of the tumor suppressor gene p53 expression during urogenital schistosomiasis. Enhanced understanding of these potential carcinogens may not only shed light on urogenital schistosomiasis-induced neoplasia of the bladder, but would also facilitate development of interventions and biomarkers for this and other infection-associated cancers at large.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Vale
- 1 UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria J Gouveia
- 1 UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,2 Center for the Study of Animal Science, ICETA, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Gabriel Rinaldi
- 3 Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine and Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.,4 The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Júlio Santos
- 5 Clínica da Sagrada Esperança, Luanda, Angola.,6 Experimental Pathology and Therapeutics Group, Research Center of Instituto Português de Oncologia, Porto, Portugal
| | - Lúcio Lara Santos
- 6 Experimental Pathology and Therapeutics Group, Research Center of Instituto Português de Oncologia, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paul J Brindley
- 3 Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine and Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - José M Correia da Costa
- 2 Center for the Study of Animal Science, ICETA, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,7 Department of Infectious Diseases, R&D Unit, National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Porto, Portugal
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11
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Liu S, Zhou X, Piao X, Wu C, Hou N, Chen Q. Comparative Analysis of Transcriptional Profiles of Adult Schistosoma japonicum from Different Laboratory Animals and the Natural Host, Water Buffalo. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003993. [PMID: 26285138 PMCID: PMC4540470 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis is one of the most widely distributed parasitic diseases in the world. Schistosoma japonicum, a zoonotic parasite with a wide range of mammalian hosts, is one of the major pathogens of this disease. Although numerous studies on schistosomiasis japonica have been performed using laboratory animal models, systematic comparative analysis of whole-genome expression profiles in parasites from different laboratory animals and nature mammalian hosts is lacking to date. Methodology/Principal Findings Adult schistosomes were obtained from laboratory animals BALB/c mice, C57BL/6 mice, New Zealand white rabbits and the natural host, water buffaloes. The gene expression profiles of schistosomes from these animals were obtained and compared by genome-wide oligonucleotide microarray analysis. The results revealed that the gene expression profiles of schistosomes from different laboratory animals and buffaloes were highly consistent (r>0.98) genome-wide. Meanwhile, a total of 450 genes were identified to be differentially expressed in schistosomes which can be clustered into six groups. Pathway analysis revealed that these genes were mainly involved in multiple signal transduction pathways, amino acid, energy, nucleotide and lipid metabolism. We also identified a group of 1,540 abundantly and stably expressed gene products in adult worms, including a panel of 179 Schistosoma- or Platyhelminthes-specific genes that may be essential for parasitism and may be regarded as novel potential anti-parasite intervention targets for future research. Conclusions/Significance This study provides a comprehensive database of gene expression profiles of schistosomes derived from different laboratory animals and water buffaloes. An expanded number of genes potentially affecting the development of schistosomes in different animals were identified. These findings lay the foundation for schistosomiasis research in different laboratory animals and natural hosts at the transcriptional level and provide a valuable resource for screening anti-schistosomal intervention targets. The zoonotic parasite Schistosoma japonicum is one of the major pathogens of schistosomiasis and can parasitize a wide range of mammals. Although numerous schistosome transcriptional profiling studies have been performed using laboratory animal models, the differences in the global gene expression profiles of worms from different laboratory animals and natural mammalian hosts have not been characterized. Therefore, we studied the gene expression profiles of adult worms from BALB/c mice, C57BL/6 mice, rabbits and buffaloes using a transcriptomics approach. Our results indicate that, although the expression profiles of adult worms from different mammals are generally similar, hundreds of genes are differentially expressed, which were mainly involved in various signal transduction pathways, amino acid, energy, nucleotide and lipid metabolism. Numerous abundantly and stably expressed genes in adults were identified, including some genes that are only found in blood flukes or expanded within the phylum Platyhelminthes and may be important for parasitism. Our data provide a basis for schistosomiasis research in different mammalian hosts at the transcriptional level as well as a valuable resource for the screening of anti-schistosomal intervention targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Liu
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaosu Zhou
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xianyu Piao
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chuang Wu
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Hou
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qijun Chen
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- * E-mail:
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12
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Ferreira MS, de Oliveira RN, de Oliveira DN, Esteves CZ, Allegretti SM, Catharino RR. Revealing praziquantel molecular targets using mass spectrometry imaging: an expeditious approach applied to Schistosoma mansoni. Int J Parasitol 2015; 45:385-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2014.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Revised: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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13
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Wang S, Hu W. Development of "-omics" research in Schistosoma spp. and -omics-based new diagnostic tools for schistosomiasis. Front Microbiol 2014; 5:313. [PMID: 25018752 PMCID: PMC4072072 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2014.00313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, caused by dioecious flatworms in the genus Schistosoma, is torturing people from many developing countries nowadays and frequently leads to severe morbidity and mortality of the patients. Praziquantel based chemotherapy and morbidity control for this disease adopted currently necessitate viable and efficient diagnostic technologies. Fortunately, those “-omics” researches, which rely on high-throughput experimental technologies to produce massive amounts of informative data, have substantially contributed to the exploitation and innovation of diagnostic tools of schistosomiasis. In its first section, this review provides a concise conclusion on the progresses pertaining to schistosomal “-omics” researches to date, followed by a comprehensive section on the diagnostic methods of schistosomiasis, especially those innovative ones based on the detection of antibodies, antigens, nucleic acids, and metabolites with a focus on those achievements inspired by “-omics” researches. Finally, suggestions about the design of future diagnostic tools of schistosomiasis are proposed, in order to better harness those data produced by “-omics” studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqi Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Microbial Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Microbial Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai, China ; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of Ministry of Health, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Diseases Control and Prevention Shanghai, China
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14
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Immunological and parasitological parameters in Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice treated with crude extract from the leaves of Mentha x piperita L. Immunobiology 2014; 219:627-32. [PMID: 24767421 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2014.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Revised: 03/16/2014] [Accepted: 03/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a chronic disease caused by an intravascular trematode of the genus Schistosoma. Praziquantel is the drug used for treatment of schistosomiasis; nevertheless failure of treatment has been reported. Consequently, the identification of new effective schistosomicidal compounds is essential to ensure the effective control of schistosomiasis in the future. In this work we investigated the immunomodulatory and antiparasitic effects of the crude leaves extract of Mentha x piperita L. (peppermint) on murine Schistosomiasis mansoni. Female Balb/c mice were infected each with 50 S. mansoni cercariae and divided into three experimental groups: (I) untreated; (II) treated daily with M. x piperita L. (100mg/kg) and III) treated on 1/42/43 days post-infection with Praziquantel (500mg/kg). Another group with uninfected and untreated mice was used as a control. Subsequently, seven weeks post-infection, S. mansoni eggs were counted in the feces, liver and intestine. Worms were recovered by perfusion of the hepatic portal system and counted. Sera levels of IL-10, IL-5, IL-13, IFN-γ, IgG1, IgE and IgG2a were assayed by ELISA. Animals treated with a daily dose of M. x piperita L. showed increased sera levels of IL-10, IFN-γ, IgG2a and IgE. Besides, M. x piperita L. treatment promoted reduction in parasite burden by 35.2% and significant decrease in egg counts in the feces and intestine.
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15
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Diagnosis of schistosomiasis japonica with interfacial co-assembly-based multi-channel electrochemical immunosensor arrays. Sci Rep 2014; 3:1789. [PMID: 23648995 PMCID: PMC3646279 DOI: 10.1038/srep01789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis control remains to be an important and challenging task in the world. However, lack of quick, simple, sensitive and specific sero-diagnostic test is still a hurdle in the control practice. The commonly employed enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) relies on the native soluble egg antigen (SEA) that is limited in supply. Here we developed an electrochemical immunosensor array (ECISA) assay with an interfacial co-assembly strategy. A recombinant Schistosoma japonicum (Sj) calcium-binding protein (SjE16) was used as a principal antigen, while the SEA as a minor, co-assembling agent, with a ratio of 8:1 (SjE16: SEA, Sj16EA), which was co-immobilized on a disposable 16-channel screen-printed carbon electrode array. A portable electrochemical detector was employed to detect antibodies in serum samples. The sensitivity of ECISA reached 100% with minimal cross-reactions. Therefore, we have demonstrated that this rapid, sensitive and specific ECISA technique has the potential to perform large-scale on-site screening of Sj infection.
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16
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Guo P, Dai W, Liu S, Yang P, Cheng J, Liang L, Chen Z, Gao H. Construction and expression of bivalent membrane-anchored DNA vaccine encoding Sjl4FABP and Sj26GST genes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 26:493-6. [PMID: 17219949 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-006-0501-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In order to construct a eukaryotic co-expression plasmid containing membrane-anchored Sjcl4FABP and Sjc26GST genes and identify their expression in vitro, Sj14 and Sj26 genes were obtained by RT-PCR with total RNA of Schistosoma japonicum adult worms as the template and cloned into eukaryotic expression plasmid pVAC to construct recombinant plasmids pVAC-Sj14 and pVAC-Sj26. Then a 23 amino-acid signal peptide of human interleukin-2 (IL-2) upstream Sj14 or Sj26 gene and a membrane-anchored sequence containing 32 amino-acids of carboxyl-terminal of human placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) downstream were amplified by PCR as the template of plasmid pVAC-Sj14 or pVAC-Sj26 only to get two gene fragments including Sj14 gene and Sj26 gene. The two modified genes were altogether cloned into a eukaryotic co-expression plasmid pIRES, resulting in another new recombinant plasmid pIRES-Sj26-Sj14. The expression of Sj14 and Sj26 genes was detected by RT-PCR and indirect immunofluorescent assays (IFA) when the plasmid pIRES-Sj26-Sj14 was transfected into eukaryotic Hela cells. Restriction enzyme analysis, PCR and sequencing results revealed that the recombinant plasmids pVAC-Sj14, pVAC-Sj26 and plRES-Sj26-Sj14 were successfully constructed and the expression of modified Sj14 and Sj26 genes could be detected by RT-PCR and IFA. A bivalent membrane-anchored DNA vaccine encoding Sj14 and Sj26 genes was acquired and expressed proteins were proved to be mostly anchored in cellular membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Guo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tongii Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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Hahnel S, Lu Z, Wilson RA, Grevelding CG, Quack T. Whole-organ isolation approach as a basis for tissue-specific analyses in Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2336. [PMID: 23936567 PMCID: PMC3723596 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis is one of the most important parasitic diseases worldwide, second only to malaria. Schistosomes exhibit an exceptional reproductive biology since the sexual maturation of the female, which includes the differentiation of the reproductive organs, is controlled by pairing. Pathogenicity originates from eggs, which cause severe inflammation in their hosts. Elucidation of processes contributing to female maturation is not only of interest to basic science but also considering novel concepts combating schistosomiasis. Methodology/Principal Findings To get direct access to the reproductive organs, we established a novel protocol using a combined detergent/protease-treatment removing the tegument and the musculature of adult Schistosoma mansoni. All steps were monitored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and bright-field microscopy (BF). We focused on the gonads of adult schistosomes and demonstrated that isolated and purified testes and ovaries can be used for morphological and structural studies as well as sources for RNA and protein of sufficient amounts for subsequent analyses such as RT-PCR and immunoblotting. To this end, first exemplary evidence was obtained for tissue-specific transcription within the gonads (axonemal dynein intermediate chain gene SmAxDynIC; aquaporin gene SmAQP) as well as for post-transcriptional regulation (SmAQP). Conclusions/Significance The presented method provides a new way of getting access to tissue-specific material of S. mansoni. With regard to many still unanswered questions of schistosome biology, such as elucidating the molecular processes involved in schistosome reproduction, this protocol provides opportunities for, e.g., sub-transcriptomics and sub-proteomics at the organ level. This will promote the characterisation of gene-expression profiles, or more specifically to complete knowledge of signalling pathways contributing to differentiation processes, so discovering involved molecules that may represent potential targets for novel intervention strategies. Furthermore, gonads and other tissues are a basis for cell isolation, opening new perspectives for establishing cell lines, one of the tools desperately needed in the post-genomic era. As a neglected disease, schistosomiasis is still an enormous problem in the tropics and subtropics. Since the 1980s, Praziquantel (PZQ) has been the drug of choice but can be anticipated to lose efficacy in the future due to emerging resistance. Alternative drugs or efficient vaccines are still lacking, strengthening the need for the discovery of novel strategies and targets for combating schistosomiasis. One avenue is to understand the unique reproductive biology of this trematode in more detail. Sexual maturation of the adult female depends on a constant pairing with the male. This is a crucial prerequisite for the differentiation of the female reproductive organs such as the vitellarium and ovary, and consequently for the production of mature eggs. These are needed for life-cycle maintenance, but they also cause pathogenesis. With respect to adult males, the production of mature sperm is essential for fertilisation and life-cycle progression. In our study we present a convenient and inexpensive method to isolate reproductive tissues from adult schistosomes in high amounts and purity, representing a source for gonad-specific RNA and protein, which will serve for future sub-transcriptome and -proteome studies helping to characterise genes, or to unravel differentiation programs in schistosome gonads. Beyond that, isolated organs may be useful for approaches to establish cell cultures, desperately needed in the post-genomic era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Hahnel
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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18
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Gobert GN, You H, Jones MK, McInnes R, McManus DP. Differences in genomic architecture between two distinct geographical strains of the blood fluke Schistosoma japonicum reveal potential phenotype basis. Mol Cell Probes 2012; 27:19-27. [PMID: 22940009 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2012.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Revised: 08/10/2012] [Accepted: 08/11/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The Chinese (SjC) and Philippine (SjP) strains of the blood fluke Schistosoma japonicum have been shown to present clearly different phenotypes in fecundity, pathology, drug sensitivity and immunology. We used microarray based comparative genomic hybridisation (aCGH) to investigate structural differences in the genomes of the two strains and identified seven distinct regions of the S. japonicum genome that present differential aCGH representing either deletion or duplication regions in SjP. Within these regions, genes predicted to be associated with the recognised phenotypic differences were identified and that may provide new insights into the biology and evolution of the two strains, with implications for the epidemiology and control of schistosomiasis japonica in China and the Philippines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey N Gobert
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research-QIMR, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Qld 4006, Australia.
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19
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Mbanefo EC, Chuanxin Y, Kikuchi M, Shuaibu MN, Boamah D, Kirinoki M, Hayashi N, Chigusa Y, Osada Y, Hamano S, Hirayama K. Origin of a novel protein-coding gene family with similar signal sequence in Schistosoma japonicum. BMC Genomics 2012; 13:260. [PMID: 22716200 PMCID: PMC3434034 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-13-260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2012] [Accepted: 06/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evolution of novel protein-coding genes is the bedrock of adaptive evolution. Recently, we identified six protein-coding genes with similar signal sequence from Schistosoma japonicum egg stage mRNA using signal sequence trap (SST). To find the mechanism underlying the origination of these genes with similar core promoter regions and signal sequence, we adopted an integrated approach utilizing whole genome, transcriptome and proteome database BLAST queries, other bioinformatics tools, and molecular analyses. RESULTS Our data, in combination with database analyses showed evidences of expression of these genes both at the mRNA and protein levels exclusively in all developmental stages of S. japonicum. The signal sequence motif was identified in 27 distinct S. japonicum UniGene entries with multiple mRNA transcripts, and in 34 genome contigs distributed within 18 scaffolds with evidence of genome-wide dispersion. No homolog of these genes or similar domain was found in deposited data from any other organism. We observed preponderance of flanking repetitive elements (REs), albeit partial copies, especially of the RTE-like and Perere class at either side of the duplication source locus. The role of REs as major mediators of DNA-level recombination leading to dispersive duplication is discussed with evidence from our analyses. We also identified a stepwise pathway towards functional selection in evolving genes by alternative splicing. Equally, the possible transcription models of some protein-coding representatives of the duplicons are presented with evidence of expression in vitro. CONCLUSION Our findings contribute to the accumulating evidence of the role of REs in the generation of evolutionary novelties in organisms' genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evaristus Chibunna Mbanefo
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), and Global COE Program, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, 852-8523, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Bioscience, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Yu Chuanxin
- Laboratory on Technology for Parasitic Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, 117 Yangxiang, Meiyuan, Wuxi, 214064, People's Republic of China
| | - Mihoko Kikuchi
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), and Global COE Program, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, 852-8523, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), and Global COE Program, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, 852-8523, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Daniel Boamah
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), and Global COE Program, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, 852-8523, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Masashi Kirinoki
- Laboratory of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Naoko Hayashi
- Laboratory of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yuichi Chigusa
- Laboratory of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yoshio Osada
- Department of Immunology and Parasitology, The University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Shinjiro Hamano
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), and Global COE Program, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, 852-8523, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kenji Hirayama
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), and Global COE Program, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, 852-8523, Nagasaki, Japan
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Wu X, Zhao B, Hong Y, Li X, Peng J, Zhang J, Wang F, Shi Y, Fu Z, Lin J. Characterization of Schistosoma japonicum estrogen-related receptor beta like 1 and immunogenicity analysis of the recombinant protein. Exp Parasitol 2012; 131:383-92. [PMID: 22626519 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2012.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Revised: 04/06/2012] [Accepted: 05/02/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The estrogen-related receptor beta like 1 (EsRRBL1) is a sex hormone receptor. Here, we describe the cloning and expression of the EsRRBL1 gene from Schistosoma japonicum (SjEsRRBL1). Quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) and Western blot analysis revealed that SjEsRRBL1 was highly expressed in 14-, 18-, 23- and 28-days-old schistosomes at the transcriptional and protein levels, when the schistosomes were undergoing early development of reproductive organs, male and female coupling, and egg-laying. qPCR also showed that schistosomula isolated from a S. japonicum-susceptible mouse host had 3- to 4-fold higher expression of SjEsRRBL1 than that from the S. japonicum non-permissive Microtus fortis host or the non-susceptible rat host. Moreover, SjEsRRBL1 expression was 2-fold higher in schistosomula from female mice than that from male mice. Western blot analysis revealed that rSjEsRRBL1 had good antigenicity. After immunization of BALB/c mice with recombinant (r)SjEsRRBL1, partial and significantly protective efficacy was observed in two independent trials (30.84% and 30.70% worm reduction; 35.39% and 35.61% liver eggs reduction), as compared with the blank control group. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed that mice vaccinated with rSjEsRRBL1 produced increased levels of specific IgG, IFN-γ and IL-4, but a reduced IgG1/IgG2a ratio, as compared to the adjuvant control group and the blank control group, suggesting that rSjEsRRBL1 vaccination could induce a mixed Th1/Th2 response. The results suggested that SjEsRRBL1 might be a critical regulator of schistosome development and represent a promising vaccine target for schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujuan Wu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, China
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Yang Z, Ma R, Huang L, Zhu X, Sheng J, Cai J, Hu W, Xu Z. High-level production of soluble adenine nucleotide translocator from Schistosoma japonicum in E. coli cell-free system. Process Biochem 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2011.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Andrade LF, Nahum LA, Avelar LGA, Silva LL, Zerlotini A, Ruiz JC, Oliveira G. Eukaryotic protein kinases (ePKs) of the helminth parasite Schistosoma mansoni. BMC Genomics 2011; 12:215. [PMID: 21548963 PMCID: PMC3117856 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-12-215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2010] [Accepted: 05/06/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis remains an important parasitic disease and a major economic problem in many countries. The Schistosoma mansoni genome and predicted proteome sequences were recently published providing the opportunity to identify new drug candidates. Eukaryotic protein kinases (ePKs) play a central role in mediating signal transduction through complex networks and are considered druggable targets from the medical and chemical viewpoints. Our work aimed at analyzing the S. mansoni predicted proteome in order to identify and classify all ePKs of this parasite through combined computational approaches. Functional annotation was performed mainly to yield insights into the parasite signaling processes relevant to its complex lifestyle and to select some ePKs as potential drug targets. RESULTS We have identified 252 ePKs, which corresponds to 1.9% of the S. mansoni predicted proteome, through sequence similarity searches using HMMs (Hidden Markov Models). Amino acid sequences corresponding to the conserved catalytic domain of ePKs were aligned by MAFFT and further used in distance-based phylogenetic analysis as implemented in PHYLIP. Our analysis also included the ePK homologs from six other eukaryotes. The results show that S. mansoni has proteins in all ePK groups. Most of them are clearly clustered with known ePKs in other eukaryotes according to the phylogenetic analysis. None of the ePKs are exclusively found in S. mansoni or belong to an expanded family in this parasite. Only 16 S. mansoni ePKs were experimentally studied, 12 proteins are predicted to be catalytically inactive and approximately 2% of the parasite ePKs remain unclassified. Some proteins were mentioned as good target for drug development since they have a predicted essential function for the parasite. CONCLUSIONS Our approach has improved the functional annotation of 40% of S. mansoni ePKs through combined similarity and phylogenetic-based approaches. As we continue this work, we will highlight the biochemical and physiological adaptations of S. mansoni in response to diverse environments during the parasite development, vector interaction, and host infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza F Andrade
- Genomics and Computational Biology Group, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, MG- 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Laila A Nahum
- Genomics and Computational Biology Group, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, MG- 30190-002, Brazil
- Centro de Excelência em Bioinformática, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, MG- 30190-110, Brazil
| | - Lívia GA Avelar
- Genomics and Computational Biology Group, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, MG- 30190-002, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG- 31270-910, Brazil
| | - Larissa L Silva
- Genomics and Computational Biology Group, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, MG- 30190-002, Brazil
- Centro de Excelência em Bioinformática, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, MG- 30190-110, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG- 31270-910, Brazil
| | - Adhemar Zerlotini
- Centro de Excelência em Bioinformática, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, MG- 30190-110, Brazil
| | - Jerônimo C Ruiz
- Genomics and Computational Biology Group, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, MG- 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Oliveira
- Genomics and Computational Biology Group, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, MG- 30190-002, Brazil
- Centro de Excelência em Bioinformática, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, MG- 30190-110, Brazil
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You H, Gobert GN, Jones MK, Zhang W, McManus DP. Signalling pathways and the host-parasite relationship: putative targets for control interventions against schistosomiasis: signalling pathways and future anti-schistosome therapies. Bioessays 2011; 33:203-14. [PMID: 21290396 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201000077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A better understanding of how schistosomes exploit host nutrients, neuro-endocrine hormones and signalling pathways for growth, development and maturation may provide new insights for improved interventions in the control of schistosomiasis. This paper describes recent advances in the identification and characterisation of schistosome tyrosine kinase and signalling pathways. It discusses the potential intervention value of insulin signalling, which may play an important role in glucose uptake and carbohydrate metabolism in schistosomes, providing the nutrients essential for parasite growth, development and, notably, female fecundity. Significant progress has also been made in the characterisation of other schistosome growth factor receptors, such as transforming growth factor beta receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor, and in our understanding of their roles in the host-parasite molecular dialogue and parasite development. The use of parasite signal transduction components as novel vaccine or drug targets may prove invaluable in prevention, treatment and control strategies to combat schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong You
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Australian Centre for International and Tropical Health, Brisbane, Australia
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Interleukin-4-inducing principle from Schistosoma mansoni eggs contains a functional C-terminal nuclear localization signal necessary for nuclear translocation in mammalian cells but not for its uptake. Infect Immun 2011; 79:1779-88. [PMID: 21220486 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01048-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-4-inducing principle from schistosome eggs (IPSE/alpha-1) is a protein produced exclusively by the eggs of the trematode Schistosoma mansoni. IPSE/alpha-1 is a secretory glycoprotein which activates human basophils via an IgE-dependent but non-antigen-specific mechanism. Sequence analyses revealed a potential nuclear localization signal (NLS) at the C terminus of IPSE/alpha-1. Here we show that this sequence (125-PKRRRTY-131) is both necessary and sufficient for nuclear localization of IPSE or IPSE-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fusions. While transiently expressed EGFP-IPSE/alpha-1 was exclusively nuclear in the Huh7 and U-2 OS cell lines, a mutant lacking amino acids 125 to 134 showed both nuclear and cytoplasmic staining. Moreover, insertion of the IPSE/alpha-1 NLS into a tetra-EGFP construct rendered the protein nuclear. Alanine scanning mutagenesis revealed a requirement for the KRRR residues. Fluorescence microscopy depicted, and Western blotting further confirmed, that recombinant IPSE/alpha-1 protein added exogenously is rapidly internalized by CHO cells and accumulates in nuclei in an NLS-dependent manner. A mutant protein in which the NLS motif was disrupted by triple mutation (RRR to AAA) was able to penetrate CHO cells but did not translocate to the nucleus. Furthermore, the uptake of native glycosylated IPSE/alpha-1 was confirmed in human primary monocyte-derived dendritic cells and was found to be a calcium- and temperature-dependent process. Live-cell imaging showed that IPSE/alpha-1 is not targeted to lysosomes. In contrast, peripheral blood basophils do not take up IPSE/alpha-1 and do not require the presence of an intact NLS for activation. Taken together, our results suggest that IPSE/alpha-1 may have additional nuclear functions in host cells.
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Habib FA, Zaki MM, El-Aal AAA, Safwat MDE, Domiaty MAE. Immunohistochemical expression of oestrogen and progesterone receptors during experimental acute and chronic murine Schistosomiasis mansoni. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2010; 43:531-5. [DOI: 10.1590/s0037-86822010000500012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2010] [Accepted: 05/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The responsibility of Schistosoma mansoni in female infertility is still controversial. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of acute and chronic schistosomiasis mansoni infection on the endometrium using immunohistochemical analysis of uterine hormone receptor expression. METHODS: Twenty-four nonpregnant swiss albino mice were divided into three groups: control, noninfected; acute; and chronic Schistosoma mansoni infection. Histological sections of uterine specimens were examined by light microscope with an image analyzing system to detect structural histological, estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression in the endometrium. RESULTS: No secretory phase was detected in the endometrium in acute and chronic Schistosoma infection. Hormone receptor expression (ER and PR) showed statistically significant differences among the groups (p< 0.05), with significant low ER hormone expression in chronic infection, compared to control proliferative, control secretory and acute infection cases, and statistically significant high PR expression in both acute and chronic infection cases compared to the control secretory cases (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Schistosomiasis mansoni seems to have an important impact on the hormone expression of affected women. Further studies to explore the mechanism of such changes are recommended.
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You H, Zhang W, Jones MK, Gobert GN, Mulvenna J, Rees G, Spanevello M, Blair D, Duke M, Brehm K, McManus DP. Cloning and characterisation of Schistosoma japonicum insulin receptors. PLoS One 2010; 5:e9868. [PMID: 20352052 PMCID: PMC2844434 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2010] [Accepted: 03/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomes depend for growth and development on host hormonal signals, which may include the insulin signalling pathway. We cloned and assessed the function of two insulin receptors from Schistosoma japonicum in order to shed light on their role in schistosome biology. Methodology/Principal Findings We isolated, from S. japonicum, insulin receptors 1 (SjIR-1) and 2 (SjIR-2) sharing close sequence identity to their S. mansoni homologues (SmIR-1 and SmIR-2). SjIR-1 is located on the tegument basal membrane and the internal epithelium of adult worms, whereas SjIR-2 is located in the parenchyma of males and the vitelline tissue of females. Phylogenetic analysis showed that SjIR-2 and SmIR-2 are close to Echinococcus multilocularis insulin receptor (EmIR), suggesting that SjIR-2, SmIR-2 and EmIR share similar roles in growth and development in the three taxa. Structure homology modelling recovered the conserved structure between the SjIRs and Homo sapiens IR (HIR) implying a common predicted binding mechanism in the ligand domain and the same downstream signal transduction processing in the tyrosine kinase domain as in HIR. Two-hybrid analysis was used to confirm that the ligand domains of SjIR-1 and SjIR-2 contain the insulin binding site. Incubation of adult worms in vitro, both with a specific insulin receptor inhibitor and anti-SjIRs antibodies, resulted in a significant decrease in worm glucose levels, suggesting again the same function for SjIRs in regulating glucose uptake as described for mammalian cells. Conclusions Adult worms of S. japonicum possess insulin receptors that can specifically bind to insulin, indicating that the parasite can utilize host insulin for development and growth by sharing the same pathway as mammalian cells in regulating glucose uptake. A complete understanding of the role of SjIRs in the biology of S. japonicum may result in their use as new targets for drug and vaccine development against schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong You
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Wenbao Zhang
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Malcolm K. Jones
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N. Gobert
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jason Mulvenna
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Glynn Rees
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark Spanevello
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David Blair
- School of Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mary Duke
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Klaus Brehm
- Institute für Hygiene und Mikrobiologie, Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Mann VH, Morales ME, Rinaldi G, Brindley PJ. Culture for genetic manipulation of developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni. Parasitology 2010; 137:451-62. [PMID: 19765348 PMCID: PMC3042131 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182009991211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Genomes of the major human helminth parasites, and indeed many others of agricultural significance, are now the research focus of intensive genome sequencing and annotation. A draft genome sequence of the filarial parasite Brugia malayi was reported in 2007 and draft genomes of two of the human schistosomes, Schistosoma japonicum and S. mansoni reported in 2009. These genome data provide the basis for a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in schistosome nutrition and metabolism, host-dependent development and maturation, immune evasion and invertebrate evolution. In addition, new potential vaccine candidates and drug targets will likely be predicted. However, testing these predictions is often not straightforward with schistosomes because of the difficulty and expense in maintenance of the developmental cycle. To facilitate this goal, several developmental stages can be maintained in vitro for shorter or longer intervals of time, and these are amenable to manipulation. Our research interests focus on experimental studies of schistosome gene functions, and more recently have focused on development of transgenesis and RNA interference with the longer term aim of heritable gene manipulation. Here we review methods to isolate and culture developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni, including eggs, sporocysts, schistosomules and adults, in particular as these procedures relate to approaches for gene manipulation. We also discuss recent advances in genetic manipulation of schistosomes including the deployment of square wave electroporation to introduce reporter genes into cultured schistosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria H Mann
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20037, USA.
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28
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Schistosoma mansoni: signal transduction processes during the development of the reproductive organs. Parasitology 2010; 137:497-520. [PMID: 20163751 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182010000053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Among the topics of considerable interest concerning our understanding of the unusual biology of schistosomes is the sexual maturation of the female. The identification of genes coding for signal transduction proteins controlling essential steps of the pairing-dependent differentiation of the reproductive organs, vitellarium and ovary will help to substantiate our knowledge about this unique parasite. Furthermore, such signalling proteins could be potential targets to interfere with the development of this parasite to combat schistosomiasis since its pathology is caused by the eggs. This review summarises first post-genomic steps to elucidate the function of gonad-specific signalling molecules which were identified by homology-based cloning strategies, by in silico identification or by yeast two-hybrid interaction analyses, using a combination of novel techniques. These include the in vitro culture of adult schistosomes, their treatment with chemical inhibitors to block enzyme activity, the use of RNAi to silence gene function post-transcriptionally, and confocal laser scanning microscopy to study the morphological consequences of these experimental approaches. Finally, we propose a first model of protein networks that are active in the ovary regulating mitogenic activity and differentiation. Some of these molecules are also active in the testes of males, probably fulfilling similar roles as in the ovary.
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Bos DH, Mayfield C, Minchella DJ. Analysis of regulatory protease sequences identified through bioinformatic data mining of the Schistosoma mansoni genome. BMC Genomics 2009; 10:488. [PMID: 19845954 PMCID: PMC2772863 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-10-488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2009] [Accepted: 10/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background New chemotherapeutic agents against Schistosoma mansoni, an etiological agent of human schistosomiasis, are a priority due to the emerging drug resistance and the inability of current drug treatments to prevent reinfection. Proteases have been under scrutiny as targets of immunological or chemotherapeutic anti-Schistosoma agents because of their vital role in many stages of the parasitic life cycle. Function has been established for only a handful of identified S. mansoni proteases, and the vast majority of these are the digestive proteases; very few of the conserved classes of regulatory proteases have been identified from Schistosoma species, despite their vital role in numerous cellular processes. To that end, we identified protease protein coding genes from the S. mansoni genome project and EST library. Results We identified 255 protease sequences from five catalytic classes using predicted proteins of the S. mansoni genome. The vast majority of these show significant similarity to proteins in KEGG and the Conserved Domain Database. Proteases include calpains, caspases, cytosolic and mitochondrial signal peptidases, proteases that interact with ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like molecules, and proteases that perform regulated intramembrane proteolysis. Comparative analysis of classes of important regulatory proteases find conserved active site domains, and where appropriate, signal peptides and transmembrane helices. Phylogenetic analysis provides support for inferring functional divergence among regulatory aspartic, cysteine, and serine proteases. Conclusion Numerous proteases are identified for the first time in S. mansoni. We characterized important regulatory proteases and focus analysis on these proteases to complement the growing knowledge base of digestive proteases. This work provides a foundation for expanding knowledge of proteases in Schistosoma species and examining their diverse function and potential as targets for new chemotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Bos
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, 915 W State St, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
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30
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Han ZG, Brindley PJ, Wang SY, Chen Z. Schistosoma genomics: new perspectives on schistosome biology and host-parasite interaction. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 2009; 10:211-40. [PMID: 19630560 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genom-082908-150036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, caused mainly by Schistosoma japonicum, S. mansoni, and S. hematobium, remains one of the most prevalent and serious parasitic diseases worldwide. The blood flukes have a complex life cycle requiring adaptation for survival in fresh water as free-living forms and as parasites in snail intermediate and vertebrate definitive hosts. Functional genomics analyses, including transcriptomic and proteomic approaches, have been performed on schistosomes, in particular S. mansoni and S. japonicum, using powerful high-throughput methodologies. These investigations have not only chartered gene expression profiles across genders and developmental stages within mammalian and snail hosts, but have also characterized the features of the surface tegument, the eggshell and excretory-secretory proteomes of schistosomes. The integration of the genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic information, together with genetic manipulation on individual genes, will provide a global insight into the molecular architecture of the biology, pathogenesis, and host-parasite interactions of the human blood flukes. Importantly, these functional genomics analyses lay a foundation on which to develop new antischistosome vaccines as well as drug targets and diagnostic markers for treatment and control of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Guang Han
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory for Disease and Health Genomics, Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai, Shanghai 201203, China.
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31
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The Schistosoma japonicum genome reveals features of host-parasite interplay. Nature 2009; 460:345-51. [PMID: 19606140 DOI: 10.1038/nature08140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 534] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2009] [Accepted: 05/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Schistosoma japonicum is a parasitic flatworm that causes human schistosomiasis, which is a significant cause of morbidity in China and the Philippines. Here we present a draft genomic sequence for the worm. The genome provides a global insight into the molecular architecture and host interaction of this complex metazoan pathogen, revealing that it can exploit host nutrients, neuroendocrine hormones and signalling pathways for growth, development and maturation. Having a complex nervous system and a well-developed sensory system, S. japonicum can accept stimulation of the corresponding ligands as a physiological response to different environments, such as fresh water or the tissues of its intermediate and mammalian hosts. Numerous proteases, including cercarial elastase, are implicated in mammalian skin penetration and haemoglobin degradation. The genomic information will serve as a valuable platform to facilitate development of new interventions for schistosomiasis control.
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McManus DP, Li Y, Gray DJ, Ross AG. Conquering 'snail fever': schistosomiasis and its control in China. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2009; 7:473-85. [PMID: 19400766 DOI: 10.1586/eri.09.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis japonica is a serious parasitic disease and a major health risk for more than 60 million people living in the tropical and subtropical zones of south China. The disease is a zoonosis and its cause, the parasitic trematode Schistosoma japonicum, has a range of mammalian reservoirs, making control efforts difficult. Current control programs are heavily based on community chemotherapy with a single dose of the highly effective drug praziquantel. However, vaccines (for use in bovines and in humans) in combination with other control strategies are needed to eliminate the disease. In this review, we provide an overview of the transmission, clinical features, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, genetics and susceptibility, epidemiology, and prospects for control of schistosomiasis japonica in China. The threat posed by the Three Gorges Dam may undermine control efforts because it will change the local ecology and associated schistosomiasis transmission risks over the next decade and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, The Queensland Institute of Medical Research, PO Royal Brisbane Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia.
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Immunomodulatory effects of curcumin treatment on murine schistosomiasis mansoni. Immunobiology 2009; 214:712-27. [PMID: 19249123 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2008.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2008] [Revised: 11/28/2008] [Accepted: 11/29/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Curcumin is a polyphenol derived from the dietary spice turmeric. It has been shown to regulate numerous transcription factors, cytokines, adhesion molecules, and enzymes that have been linked to inflammation. In addition to inhibiting the growth of a variety of pathogens, curcumin has been shown to have nematocidal activity. The present study was designed to evaluate the schistosomicidal activity of curcumin in vivo as well as immunomodulation of granulomatous inflammation and liver pathology in acute schistosomiasis mansoni. Mice were infected each with 80 Schistosoma (S.) mansoni cercariae and injected intraperitoneally with curcumin at a total dose of 400mg/kg body weight. Curcumin was effective in reducing worm and tissue-egg burdens, hepatic granuloma volume and liver collagen content by 44.4%, 30.9%, 79%, and 38.6%, respectively. Curcumin treatment restored hepatic enzymes activities to the normal levels and enhanced catalase activity in the liver tissue of infected mice. Moreover, hepato-spleenomegaly and eosinophilia induced by S. mansoni infection were largely improved with curcumin treatment. Infected mice treated with curcumin showed low serum level of both interleukin (IL)-12 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), but IL-10 level was not significantly altered. Specific IgG and IgG1 responses against both soluble worm antigen (SWAP) and soluble egg antigen (SEA) were augmented with curcumin treatment, but IgM and IgG2a responses were not significantly changed. In conclusion, curcumin treatment modulates cellular and humoral immune responses of infected mice and lead to a significant reduction of parasite burden and liver pathology in acute murine schistosomiasis mansoni.
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Oliveira SC, Fonseca CT, Cardoso FC, Farias LP, Leite LC. Recent advances in vaccine research against schistosomiasis in Brazil. Acta Trop 2008; 108:256-62. [PMID: 18577363 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2008.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2007] [Revised: 04/09/2008] [Accepted: 05/29/2008] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis continues to be a significant public health problem in tropical countries such as Brazil. Even though drug treatment in endemic areas has been shown to be efficient for controlling morbidity, it does not reduce prevalence due to constant reinfections. Therefore, a long-term disease control strategy is needed combining mass chemotherapy with a protective vaccine. Although the field of vaccine development has experienced more failures than successes, encouraging results have been obtained in recent years using defined recombinant derived Schistosoma mansoni antigens. This article primarily reviews the progress in the development of a vaccine against S. mansoni in Brazil. We discuss here different forms of vaccine tested in Brazil in pre-clinical trials and immunologic studies performed with patients in endemic areas of schistosomiasis. Lastly, we reviewed the S. mansoni genomic projects developed in the country and the recent advances in the identification of new molecules with potential as vaccine targets.
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Kines KJ, Morales ME, Mann VH, Gobert GN, Brindley PJ. Integration of reporter transgenes into Schistosoma mansoni chromosomes mediated by pseudotyped murine leukemia virus. FASEB J 2008; 22:2936-48. [PMID: 18403630 DOI: 10.1096/fj.08-108308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The recent release of draft genome sequences of two of the major human schistosomes has underscored the pressing need to develop functional genomics approaches for these significant pathogens. The sequence information also makes feasible genome-scale investigation of transgene integration into schistosome chromosomes. Retrovirus-mediated transduction offers a means to establish transgenic lines of schistosomes, to elucidate schistosome gene function and expression, and to advance functional genomics approaches for these parasites. We investigated the utility of the Moloney murine leukemia retrovirus (MLV) pseudotyped with vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSVG) for the transduction of Schistosoma mansoni and delivery of reporter transgenes into schistosome chromosomes. Schistosomula were exposed to virions of VSVG-pseudotyped MLV, after which genomic DNA was extracted from the transduced schistosomes. Southern hybridization analysis indicated the presence of proviral MLV retrovirus in the transduced schistosomes. Fragments of the MLV transgene and flanking schistosome sequences recovered using an anchored PCR-based approach demonstrated definitively that somatic transgenesis of schistosome chromosomes had taken place and, moreover, revealed widespread retrovirus integration into schistosome chromosomes. More specifically, MLV transgenes had inserted in the vicinity of genes encoding immunophilin, zinc finger protein Sma-Zic, and others, as well as near the endogenous schistosome retrotransposons, the fugitive and SR1. Proviral integration of the MLV transgene appeared to exhibit primary sequence site specificity, targeting a gGATcc-like motif. Reporter luciferase transgene activity driven by the schistosome actin gene promoter was expressed in the tissues of transduced schistosomula and adult schistosomes. Luciferase activity appeared to be developmentally expressed in schistosomula with increased activity observed after 1 to 2 wk in culture. These findings indicate the utility of VSVG-pseudotyped MLV for transgenesis of S. mansoni, herald a tractable pathway forward toward germline transgenesis and functional genomics of parasitic helminths, and provide the basis for comparative molecular pathogenesis studies of chromosomal lesions arising from retroviral integration into human compared with schistosome chromosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine J Kines
- Department of Tropical Medicine, and Biomedical Sciences Program, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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Abstract
Schistosomiasis, caused by trematode blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma, is recognized as the most important human helminth infection in terms of morbidity and mortality. Infection follows direct contact with freshwater harboring free-swimming larval (cercaria) forms of the parasite. Despite the existence of the highly effective antischistosome drug praziquantel (PZQ), schistosomiasis is spreading into new areas, and although it is the cornerstone of current control programs, PZQ chemotherapy does have limitations. In particular, mass treatment does not prevent reinfection. Furthermore, there is increasing concern about the development of parasite resistance to PZQ. Consequently, vaccine strategies represent an essential component for the future control of schistosomiasis as an adjunct to chemotherapy. An improved understanding of the immune response to schistosome infection, both in animal models and in humans, suggests that development of a vaccine may be possible. This review considers aspects of antischistosome protective immunity that are important in the context of vaccine development. The current status in the development of vaccines against the African (Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium) and Asian (S. japonicum) schistosomes is then discussed, as are new approaches that may improve the efficacy of available vaccines and aid in the identification of new targets for immune attack.
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Greenberg RM. Ca2+ signalling, voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and praziquantel in flatworm neuromusculature. Parasitology 2007; 131 Suppl:S97-108. [PMID: 16569296 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182005008346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Transient changes in calcium (Ca2+) levels regulate a wide variety of cellular processes, and cells employ both intracellular and extracellular sources of Ca2+ for signalling. Praziquantel, the drug of choice against schistosomiasis, disrupts Ca2+ homeostasis in adult worms. This review will focus on voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, which regulate levels of intracellular Ca2+ by coupling membrane depolarization to entry of extracellular Ca2+. Ca2+ channels are members of the ion channel superfamily and represent essential components of neurons, muscles and other excitable cells. Ca2+ channels are membrane protein complexes in which the pore-forming alpha1 subunit is modulated by auxiliary subunits such as beta and alpha2delta. Schistosomes express two Ca2+ channel beta subunit subtypes: a conventional subtype similar to beta subunits found in other vertebrates and invertebrates and a novel variant subtype with unusual structural and functional properties. The variant schistosome beta subunit confers praziquantel sensitivity to an otherwise praziquantel-insensitive mammalian Ca2+ channel, implicating it as a mediator of praziquantel action.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Greenberg
- Marine Biological Laboratory, 7 MBL Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA.
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Gene discovery for the carcinogenic human liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini. BMC Genomics 2007; 8:189. [PMID: 17587442 PMCID: PMC1913519 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-8-189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2007] [Accepted: 06/22/2007] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) – cancer of the bile ducts – is associated with chronic infection with the liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini. Despite being the only eukaryote that is designated as a 'class I carcinogen' by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, little is known about its genome. Results Approximately 5,000 randomly selected cDNAs from the adult stage of O. viverrini were characterized and accounted for 1,932 contigs, representing ~14% of the entire transcriptome, and, presently, the largest sequence dataset for any species of liver fluke. Twenty percent of contigs were assigned GO classifications. Abundantly represented protein families included those involved in physiological functions that are essential to parasitism, such as anaerobic respiration, reproduction, detoxification, surface maintenance and feeding. GO assignments were well conserved in relation to other parasitic flukes, however, some categories were over-represented in O. viverrini, such as structural and motor proteins. An assessment of evolutionary relationships showed that O. viverrini was more similar to other parasitic (Clonorchis sinensis and Schistosoma japonicum) than to free-living (Schmidtea mediterranea) flatworms, and 105 sequences had close homologues in both parasitic species but not in S. mediterranea. A total of 164 O. viverrini contigs contained ORFs with signal sequences, many of which were platyhelminth-specific. Examples of convergent evolution between host and parasite secreted/membrane proteins were identified as were homologues of vaccine antigens from other helminths. Finally, ORFs representing secreted proteins with known roles in tumorigenesis were identified, and these might play roles in the pathogenesis of O. viverrini-induced CCA. Conclusion This gene discovery effort for O. viverrini should expedite molecular studies of cholangiocarcinogenesis and accelerate research focused on developing new interventions, drugs and vaccines, to control O. viverrini and related flukes.
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Kusel JR, Al-Adhami BH, Doenhoff MJ. The schistosome in the mammalian host: understanding the mechanisms of adaptation. Parasitology 2007; 134:1477-526. [PMID: 17572930 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182007002971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYIn this review, we envisage the host environment, not as a hostile one, since the schistosome thrives there, but as one in which the relationship between the two organisms consists of constant communication, through signalling mechanisms involving sense organs, surface glycocalyx, surface membrane and internal organs of the parasite, with host fluids and cells. The surface and secretions of the schistosome egg have very different properties from those of other parasite stages, but adapted for the dispersal of the eggs and for the preservation of host liver function. We draw from studies of mammalian cells and other organisms to indicate how further work might be carried out on the signalling function of the surface glycocalyx, the raft structure of the surface and existence of pores in the surface membrane, the repair of the surface membrane, the role of the membrane structure in ion channel function (including recent work on the actin cytoskeleton and calcium channels) and the possible role of P-glycoproteins in the adaptation of the parasite to its environment. We are speculative in some areas, such as the suggestions that variability in surface properties of schistosomes may relate to the existence of membrane rafts and that parasite communities may exhibit quorum sensing. This speculative approach is adopted with the hope that future work on the whole organisms and their interactions will be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Kusel
- Glasgow Biomedical Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK.
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40
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Brindley PJ, Pearce EJ. Genetic manipulation of schistosomes. Int J Parasitol 2007; 37:465-73. [PMID: 17280677 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2006.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2006] [Revised: 12/10/2006] [Accepted: 12/11/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to the situations with model organisms and parasitic protozoa, progress with gene manipulation with schistosomes has been delayed by impediments that include our inability to maintain the life cycle in vitro, absence of immortalized cell lines, large genome sizes, unavailability of drug resistance markers and other difficulties. However, in the past few years, tangible progress has been reported towards development of tools for gene manipulation and transgenesis of schistosomes, and there is reason to believe that the field is on the verge of transformation into an era where genetic manipulation is routine. Recent reports dealing with approaches and tools to manipulate the genome and gene expression in schistosomes are reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Brindley
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA.
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41
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Liu F, Lu J, Hu W, Wang SY, Cui SJ, Chi M, Yan Q, Wang XR, Song HD, Xu XN, Wang JJ, Zhang XL, Zhang X, Wang ZQ, Xue CL, Brindley PJ, McManus DP, Yang PY, Feng Z, Chen Z, Han ZG. New perspectives on host-parasite interplay by comparative transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of Schistosoma japonicum. PLoS Pathog 2006; 2:e29. [PMID: 16617374 PMCID: PMC1435792 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.0020029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2005] [Accepted: 03/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis remains a serious public health problem with an estimated 200 million people infected in 76 countries. Here we isolated ~ 8,400 potential protein-encoding cDNA contigs from Schistosoma japonicum after sequencing circa 84,000 expressed sequence tags. In tandem, we undertook a high-throughput proteomics approach to characterize the protein expression profiles of a number of developmental stages (cercariae, hepatic schistosomula, female and male adults, eggs, and miracidia) and tissues at the host-parasite interface (eggshell and tegument) by interrogating the protein database deduced from the contigs. Comparative analysis of these transcriptomic and proteomic data, the latter including 3,260 proteins with putative identities, revealed differential expression of genes among the various developmental stages and sexes of S. japonicum and localization of putative secretory and membrane antigens, enzymes, and other gene products on the adult tegument and eggshell, many of which displayed genetic polymorphisms. Numerous S. japonicum genes exhibited high levels of identity with those of their mammalian hosts, whereas many others appeared to be conserved only across the genus Schistosoma or Phylum Platyhelminthes. These findings are expected to provide new insights into the pathophysiology of schistosomiasis and for the development of improved interventions for disease control and will facilitate a more fundamental understanding of schistosome biology, evolution, and the host-parasite interplay. Schistosomiasis remains a major public health problem in the developing world. Schistosoma japonicum, the Oriental blood fluke, causes intestinal schistosomiasis in China and the Philippines. Knowledge of the genome and proteome of this worm should improve understanding of biomedical aspects of schistosomiasis. This study represents the first major attempt to characterize the majority of the expressed genes and proteins of a human blood fluke through rigorous, high-throughput genomic and proteomic methodologies. The findings of this study provide a unique resource of numerous schistosome genes and information on protein profiles of the different developmental stages of S. japonicum. Many of the newly discovered proteins are localized on the surface of the worm and its eggs, and they are likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis. Furthermore, genetic variants found in many of these new genes likely reflect the ability of this important human pathogen to adapt and respond to environmental pressures and the capacity of the parasite to respond to anti-schistosomal therapies. Comparison of these S. japonicum genes with those from mammals and other organisms will facilitate advances in the understanding of blood fluke biology and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Liu
- Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- Proteomic Center and Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiong Lu
- Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Hu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng-Yue Wang
- Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Jian Cui
- Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Chi
- Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Yan
- Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin-Rong Wang
- Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Huai-Dong Song
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Nian Xu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Ju-Jun Wang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang-Lin Zhang
- Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Qin Wang
- Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Chun-Liang Xue
- Department of Parasitology, Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Paul J Brindley
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Donald P McManus
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research and Australian Center for International Health and Nutrition, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peng-Yuan Yang
- Proteomic Center and Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Feng
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhu Chen
- Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ze-Guang Han
- Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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42
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Kines KJ, Mann VH, Morales ME, Shelby BD, Kalinna BH, Gobert GN, Chirgwin SR, Brindley PJ. Transduction of Schistosoma mansoni by vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein-pseudotyped Moloney murine leukemia retrovirus. Exp Parasitol 2006; 112:209-20. [PMID: 16530185 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2006.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2006] [Revised: 01/30/2006] [Accepted: 02/01/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Retroviral transduction of cultured schistosomes offers a potential means to establish transgenic lines of schistosomes and thereby to facilitate the elucidation of schistosome gene function and expression. The Moloney murine leukemia retroviral (MMLV) vector pLNHX was modified to incorporate EGFP or luciferase reporter genes under control of schistosome endogenous gene promoters from the spliced leader RNA and HSP70 genes. These constructs and a plasmid encoding vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSVG) were utilized along with GP2-293 cells to produce replication incompetent retrovirus particles pseudotyped with the VSVG envelope. Exposure of several developmental stages, including sporocysts, of Schistosoma mansoni to these virions was facilitated by incubation with polybrene and/or by centrifugation. The early stages of binding and uptake of virus to the parasite tegument were demonstrated by the immunofluorescence colocalization of VSVG envelope and retroviral capsid proteins. Southern hybridization analysis indicated the integration of proviral forms of the MMLV constructs in genomic DNA isolated from the virus exposed schistosomes. Furthermore, analysis of RNA isolated from virus treated parasites demonstrated the presence of transcripts encoding reporter transgenes. Together these results indicated productive transduction by VSVG pseudotyped MMLV of cultured schistosomes, and suggest a tractable route forward towards heritable schistosome transgenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine J Kines
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Center for Infectious Diseases, Tulane University, Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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43
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Laha T, Kewgrai N, Loukas A, Brindley PJ. Characterization of SR3 reveals abundance of non-LTR retrotransposons of the RTE clade in the genome of the human blood fluke, Schistosoma mansoni. BMC Genomics 2005; 6:154. [PMID: 16271150 PMCID: PMC1291365 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-6-154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2005] [Accepted: 11/04/2005] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is becoming apparent that perhaps as much as half of the genome of the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni is constituted of mobile genetic element-related sequences. Non-long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons, related to the LINE elements of mammals, comprise much of this repetitive component of the schistosome genome. Of more than 12 recognized clades of non-LTR retrotransposons, only members of the CR1, RTE, and R2 clades have been reported from the schistosome genome. RESULTS Inspection of the nucleotide sequence of bacterial artificial chromosome number 49_J_14 from chromosome 1 of the genome of Schistosoma mansoni (GenBank AC093105) revealed the likely presence of several RTE-like retrotransposons. Among these, a new non-LTR retrotransposon designated SR3 was identified and is characterized here. Analysis of gene structure and phylogenetic analysis of both the reverse transcriptase and endonuclease domains of the mobile element indicated that SR3 represented a new family of RTE-like non-LTR retrotransposons. Remarkably, two full-length copies of SR3-like elements were present in BAC 49-J-14, and one of 3,211 bp in length appeared to be intact, indicating SR3 to be an active non-LTR retrotransposon. Both were flanked by target site duplications of 10-12 bp. Southern hybridization and bioinformatics analyses indicated the presence of numerous copies (probably >1,000) of SR3 interspersed throughout the genome of S. mansoni. Bioinformatics analyses also revealed SR3 to be transcribed in both larval and adult developmental stages of S. mansoni and to be also present in the genomes of the other major schistosome parasites of humans, Schistosoma haematobium and S. japonicum. CONCLUSION Numerous copies of SR3, a novel non-LTR retrotransposon of the RTE clade are present in the genome of S. mansoni. Non-LTR retrotransposons of the RTE clade including SR3 appear to have been remarkably successful in colonizing, and proliferation within the schistosome genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thewarach Laha
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Nonglack Kewgrai
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Alex Loukas
- Division of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, 4029, Australia
| | - Paul J Brindley
- Department of Tropical Medicine, and Center for Infectious Diseases, Tulane University, Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112, USA
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44
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Correnti JM, Brindley PJ, Pearce EJ. Long-term suppression of cathepsin B levels by RNA interference retards schistosome growth. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2005; 143:209-15. [PMID: 16076506 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2005.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2005] [Revised: 06/22/2005] [Accepted: 06/22/2005] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni is an important flatworm parasite of man that has remained intractable to experimental analyses of gene function. We have developed an approach for using dsRNA to target schistosome transcripts for RNA interference, and used it to address the role of cathepsin B (SmCB1), a cysteine protease that has been proposed to play a central role in hemoglobin digestion in the schistosome gut. Electroporation of 3 h old larval schistosomes with SmCB1-specific dsRNA (SmCB1-dsRNA) resulted in a greater than 10-fold reduction in SmCB1 transcript levels that persisted for >20 days. RNAi mediated reductions in transcript levels led to associated reductions in SmCB1 enzyme activity. Schistosomes treated with SmCB1-dsRNA were viable and developed intestinal heme pigmentation indicative of hemoglobin digestion, but showed significant growth retardation when compared to control parasites, indicating that SmCB1 function is not essential for hemoglobin digestion but is necessary for normal parasite growth. This effect on growth was apparent when parasites were maintained in culture or introduced into mammalian hosts. The report sheds new light on the role of SmCB1 and provides a template for using RNAi to examine gene function in the mammal-parasitic stages of schistosomes during early development in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M Correnti
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6008, USA
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45
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Bentley GN, Jones AK, Agnew A. Expression and comparative functional characterisation of recombinant acetylcholinesterase from three species of Schistosoma. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2005; 141:119-23. [PMID: 15811534 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2005.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2004] [Accepted: 01/21/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey N Bentley
- The School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 9JT, UK.
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46
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Huang HQ, Li SC, Qin ZH, Cao SL, Yao Y, Liu YS, Li HY, Cai MS, Li ZJ, Shi YE. Synthesis and bioactivities of two multiple antigen peptides as potential vaccine against schistosoma. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2005; 15:2415-9. [PMID: 15837336 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2005.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2004] [Accepted: 01/14/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Based on the two antigenic peptides, 26-43 (P26) and 116-131 (P116), derived from 28 kDa glutathione S-transferase of Schistosoma mansoni (Sm28GST), two multiple antigenic peptides (MAPs), (P26)4-MAP and (P116)4-MAP with the same oligomeric lysine core, were synthesized by stepwise solid-phase peptide synthesis method. The antigenicities and protective effects of these two MAPs were examined on experimental animals. As shown in the dot-ELISA result, the synthetic MAPs could be recognized and bound by immunoglobins in both patient's and infected-rabbit's sera. After Kunming mice were immunized with (P26)4-MAP, the worm burden reduction rate and the liver egg reduction rate were 59.9% and 61.1%. In (P26)4-MAP or (P116)4-MAP immunized BALB/c mice, the worm burden reduction rates were 37.5% and 62.5%, respectively, and the liver egg reduction rates were 35.1% and 54.0%, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- He-Qing Huang
- Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100083, PR China
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47
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Rufer AC, Thiebach L, Baer K, Klein HW, Hennig M. X-ray structure of glutathione S-transferase from Schistosoma japonicum in a new crystal form reveals flexibility of the substrate-binding site. Acta Crystallogr Sect F Struct Biol Cryst Commun 2005; 61:263-5. [PMID: 16511012 PMCID: PMC1952283 DOI: 10.1107/s1744309105004823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2004] [Accepted: 02/11/2005] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The crystal structure of the 26 kDa glutathione S-transferase from Schistosoma japonicum (SjGST) was determined at 3 A resolution in the new space group P2(1)2(1)2(1). The structure of orthorhombic SjGST reveals unique features of the ligand-binding site and dimer interface when compared with previously reported structures. SjGST is recognized as the major detoxification enzyme of S. japonicum, a pathogenic helminth causing schistosomiasis. As resistance against the established inhibitor of SjGST, praziquantel, has been reported these results might prove to be valuable for the development of novel drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Christian Rufer
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Pharma Research Discovery Chemistry, 4070 Basel, Switzerland.
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48
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Greenberg RM. Are Ca2+ channels targets of praziquantel action? Int J Parasitol 2005; 35:1-9. [PMID: 15619510 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2004.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2004] [Revised: 09/15/2004] [Accepted: 09/16/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Praziquantel is the current drug of choice for the control of schistosomiasis. It is highly effective against all species of schistosomes and shows minimal adverse effects. Though introduced for the treatment of schistosomiasis more than 20 years ago, the mode of action of praziquantel remains to be elucidated. This review will focus on advances in defining the molecular target of praziquantel action, with particular emphasis on recent work indicating an important role for voltage-gated calcium channels.
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49
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Neal PM. Schistosomiasis--an unusual cause of ureteral obstruction: a case history and perspective. Clin Med Res 2004; 2:216-27. [PMID: 15931361 PMCID: PMC1069097 DOI: 10.3121/cmr.2.4.216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2004] [Revised: 09/14/2004] [Accepted: 09/30/2004] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A male, 32 years of age, presented with dysuria and abdominal pain, but no gross hematuria. He emigrated three years earlier from Somalia, East Africa, and was currently employed as a poultry processor in a rural Wisconsin community. The patient denied any trauma, sexual activity, or family history of significant illness. Abdominal and genitourinary exams were normal with negative tests for gonococcus and chlamydia. Urinalysis demonstrated microhematuria. A urogram and retrograde pyelogram revealed a mildly dilated right ureter down to the ureterovesical junction. Cystoscopy showed punctate white lesions on the bladder urothelium. Ureteroscopy was used to biopsy abnormal tissue in the distal ureter and bladder. Biopsy tissue demonstrated deposits of Schistosoma haematobium eggs. No ova were seen in collected urine specimens. The patient was successfully treated with praziquantel and will be monitored for sequelae of the disease. Schistosomiasis (Bilharziasis) can be expected to be seen with increasing frequency in the United States with the continuing influx of immigrants and refugees, as well as the return of travelers and soldiers from endemic areas. While no intermediate snail host exists for the transmission of Schistosoma sp. in the United States, the continued importation of exotic animals including snails from Africa, as well as the ability of schistosomes to shift host species warrants concern. Additionally, increasing disease associated with non-human bird schistosomes of the same genus seen in the midwestern United States is occurring throughout Europe. One should be aware that praziquantel may not always be available or effective in the treatment of schistosomiasis. It behooves the practicing clinician to remain updated on the status of this widespread zoonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Neal
- Department of Urology, Marshfield Clinic-Indianhead Center, Rice Lake, Wisconsin 54868, USA.
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Current Awareness on Comparative and Functional Genomics. Comp Funct Genomics 2004. [PMCID: PMC2447475 DOI: 10.1002/cfg.357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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