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A Novel Cysteine Protease Inhibitor of Naegleria fowleri That Is Specifically Expressed during Encystation and at Mature Cysts. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10040388. [PMID: 33804993 PMCID: PMC8063937 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba that is ubiquitous in diverse natural environments. It causes a fatal brain infection in humans known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. Despite the medical importance of the parasitic disease, there is a great lack of knowledge about the biology and pathogenicity of N. fowleri. In this study, we identified and characterized a novel cysteine protease inhibitor of N. fowleri (NfCPI). NfCPI is a typical cysteine protease inhibitor belonging to the cystatin family with a Gln-Val-Val-Ala-Gly (QVVAG) motif, a characteristic motif conserved in the cystatin family of proteins. Bacterially expressed recombinant NfCPI has a dimeric structure and exhibits inhibitory activity against several cysteine proteases including cathespin Bs of N. fowleri at a broad range of pH values. Expression profiles of nfcpi revealed that the gene was highly expressed during encystation and cyst of the amoeba. Western blot and immunofluorescence assays also support its high level of expression in cysts. These findings collectively suggest that NfCPI may play a critical role in encystation or cyst formation of N. fowleri by regulating cysteine proteases that may mediate encystation or mature cyst formation of the amoeba. More comprehensive studies to investigate the roles of NfCPI in encystation and its target proteases are necessary to elucidate the regulatory mechanism and the biological significance of NfCPI.
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Shrivastav MT, Malik Z, Somlata. Revisiting Drug Development Against the Neglected Tropical Disease, Amebiasis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 10:628257. [PMID: 33718258 PMCID: PMC7943716 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.628257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Amebiasis is a neglected tropical disease which is caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica. This disease is one of the leading causes of diarrhea globally, affecting largely impoverished residents in developing countries. Amebiasis also remains one of the top causes of gastrointestinal diseases in returning international travellers. Despite having many side effects, metronidazole remains the drug of choice as an amebicidal tissue-active agent. However, emergence of metronidazole resistance in pathogens having similar anaerobic metabolism and also in laboratory strains of E. histolytica has necessitated the identification and development of new drug targets and therapeutic strategies against the parasite. Recent research in the field of amebiasis has led to a better understanding of the parasite’s metabolic and cellular pathways and hence has been useful in identifying new drug targets. On the other hand, new molecules effective against amebiasis have been mined by modifying available compounds, thereby increasing their potency and efficacy and also by repurposing existing approved drugs. This review aims at compiling and examining up to date information on promising drug targets and drug molecules for the treatment of amebiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish T Shrivastav
- Multidisciplinary Centre for Advanced Research and Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Zainab Malik
- Multidisciplinary Centre for Advanced Research and Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Somlata
- Multidisciplinary Centre for Advanced Research and Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
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Nagaraja S, Ankri S. Target identification and intervention strategies against amebiasis. Drug Resist Updat 2019; 44:1-14. [PMID: 31112766 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica is the etiological agent of amebiasis, which is an endemic parasitic disease in developing countries and is the cause of approximately 70,000 deaths annually. E. histolytica trophozoites usually reside in the colon as a non-pathogenic commensal in most infected individuals (90% of infected individuals are asymptomatic). For unknown reasons, these trophozoites can become virulent and invasive, cause amebic dysentery, and migrate to the liver where they cause hepatocellular damage. Amebiasis is usually treated either by amebicides which are classified as (a) luminal and are active against the luminal forms of the parasite, (b) tissue and are effective against those parasites that have invaded tissues, and (c) mixed and are effective against the luminal forms of the parasite and those forms which invaded the host's tissues. Of the amebicides, the luminal amebicide, metronidazole (MTZ), is the most widely used drug to treat amebiasis. Although well tolerated, concerns about its adverse effects and the possible emergence of MTZ-resistant strains of E. histolytica have led to the development of new therapeutic strategies against amebiasis. These strategies include improving the potency of existing amebicides, discovering new uses for approved drugs (repurposing of existing drugs), drug rediscovery, vaccination, drug targeting of essential E. histolytica components, and the use of probiotics and bioactive natural products. This review examines each of these strategies in the light of the current knowledge on the gut microbiota of patients with amebiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Nagaraja
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Serge Ankri
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
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Hong Y, Kang JM, Joo SY, Song SM, Lê HG, Thái TL, Lee J, Goo YK, Chung DI, Sohn WM, Na BK. Molecular and Biochemical Properties of a Cysteine Protease of Acanthamoeba castellanii. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2018; 56:409-418. [PMID: 30419726 PMCID: PMC6243185 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2018.56.5.409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. are free-living protozoa that are opportunistic pathogens for humans. Cysteine proteases of Acanthamoeba have been partially characterized, but their biochemical and functional properties are not clearly understood yet. In this study, we isolated a gene encoding cysteine protease of A. castellanii (AcCP) and its biochemical and functional properties were analyzed. Sequence analysis of AcCP suggests that this enzyme is a typical cathepsin L family cysteine protease, which shares similar structural characteristics with other cathepsin L-like enzymes. The recombinant AcCP showed enzymatic activity in acidic conditions with an optimum at pH 4.0. The recombinant enzyme effectively hydrolyzed human proteins including hemoglobin, albumin, immunoglobuins A and G, and fibronectin at acidic pH. AcCP mainly localized in lysosomal compartment and its expression was observed in both trophozoites and cysts. AcCP was also identified in cultured medium of A. castellanii. Considering to lysosomal localization, secretion or release by trophozoites and continuous expression in trophozoites and cysts, the enzyme could be a multifunctional enzyme that plays important biological functions for nutrition, development and pathogenicity of A. castellanii. These results also imply that AcCP can be a promising target for development of chemotherapeutic drug for Acanthamoeba infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeonchul Hong
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu 41944, Korea
| | - Jung-Mi Kang
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Korea.,BK21Plus Team for Anti-aging Biotechnology and Industry, Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea
| | - So-Young Joo
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu 41944, Korea
| | - Su-Min Song
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu 41944, Korea
| | - Hương Giang Lê
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Korea.,BK21Plus Team for Anti-aging Biotechnology and Industry, Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea
| | - Thị Lam Thái
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Korea.,BK21Plus Team for Anti-aging Biotechnology and Industry, Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea
| | - Jinyoung Lee
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Korea
| | - Youn-Kyoung Goo
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu 41944, Korea
| | - Dong-Il Chung
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu 41944, Korea
| | - Woon-Mok Sohn
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Korea
| | - Byoung-Kuk Na
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Korea.,BK21Plus Team for Anti-aging Biotechnology and Industry, Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea
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Siqueira-Neto JL, Debnath A, McCall LI, Bernatchez JA, Ndao M, Reed SL, Rosenthal PJ. Cysteine proteases in protozoan parasites. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006512. [PMID: 30138453 PMCID: PMC6107107 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cysteine proteases (CPs) play key roles in the pathogenesis of protozoan parasites, including cell/tissue penetration, hydrolysis of host or parasite proteins, autophagy, and evasion or modulation of the host immune response, making them attractive chemotherapeutic and vaccine targets. This review highlights current knowledge on clan CA cysteine proteases, the best-characterized group of cysteine proteases, from 7 protozoan organisms causing human diseases with significant impact: Entamoeba histolytica, Leishmania species (sp.), Trypanosoma brucei, T. cruzi, Cryptosporidium sp., Plasmodium sp., and Toxoplasma gondii. Clan CA proteases from three organisms (T. brucei, T. cruzi, and Plasmodium sp.) are well characterized as druggable targets based on in vitro and in vivo models. A number of candidate inhibitors are under development. CPs from these organisms and from other protozoan parasites should be further characterized to improve our understanding of their biological functions and identify novel targets for chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jair L. Siqueira-Neto
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Anjan Debnath
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Laura-Isobel McCall
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Jean A. Bernatchez
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Momar Ndao
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
- Program in Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sharon L. Reed
- Departments of Pathology and Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Philip J. Rosenthal
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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Lee YR, Na BK, Moon EK, Song SM, Joo SY, Kong HH, Goo YK, Chung DI, Hong Y. Essential Role for an M17 Leucine Aminopeptidase in Encystation of Acanthamoeba castellanii. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129884. [PMID: 26075721 PMCID: PMC4468156 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Encystation of Acanthamoeba leads to the formation of resilient cysts from vegetative trophozoites. This process is essential for parasite survival under unfavorable conditions such as starvation, low temperatures, and exposure to biocides. During encystation, a massive turnover of intracellular components occurs, and a large number of organelles and proteins are degraded by proteases. Previous studies with specific protease inhibitors have shown that cysteine and serine proteases are involved in encystation of Acanthamoeba, but little is known about the role of metalloproteases in this process. Here, we have biochemically characterized an M17 leucine aminopeptidase of Acanthamoeba castellanii (AcLAP) and analyzed its functional involvement in encystation of the parasite. Recombinant AcLAP shared biochemical properties such as optimal pH, requirement of divalent metal ions for activity, substrate specificity for Leu, and inhibition profile by aminopeptidase inhibitors and metal chelators with other characterized M17 family LAPs. AcLAP was highly expressed at a late stage of encystation and mainly localized in the cytoplasm of A. castellanii. Knockdown of AcLAP using small interfering RNA induced a decrease of LAP activity during encystation, a reduction of mature cyst formation, and the formation of abnormal cyst walls. In summary, these results indicate that AcLAP is a typical M17 family enzyme that plays an essential role during encystation of Acanthamoeba.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ran Lee
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu 700–422, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung-Kuk Na
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju 660–751, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Kyung Moon
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu 700–422, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Min Song
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu 700–422, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Young Joo
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu 700–422, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Hee Kong
- Department of Parasitology, Dong-A University, College of Medicine, Busan 602–714, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn-Kyoung Goo
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu 700–422, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Il Chung
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu 700–422, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonchul Hong
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu 700–422, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
SUMMARYTo determine the involvement of the actin cytoskeleton in macrogametocyte growth and oocyst wall formation, freshly purified macrogametocytes and oocysts were stained with Oregon Green 514 conjugated phalloidin to visualize F-actin microfilaments, while Evans blue staining was used to detect type 1 wall forming bodies (WFB1s) and the outer oocyst wall. The double-labelled parasites were then analysed at various stages of sexual development using three-dimensional confocal microscopy. The results showed F-actin filaments were distributed throughout the entire cytoplasm of mature Eimeria maxima macrogametocytes forming a web-like meshwork of actin filaments linking the type 1 WFBs together into structures resembling ‘beads on a string’. At the early stages of oocyst wall formation, F-actin localization changed in alignment with the egg-shaped morphology of the forming oocysts with F-actin microfilaments making direct contact with the WFB1s. In tissue oocysts, the labelled actin cytoskeleton was situated underneath the forming outer layer of the oocyst wall. Treatment of macrogametocytes in vitro with the actin depolymerizing agents, Cytochalasin D and Latrunculin, led to a reduction in the numbers of mature WFB1s in the cytoplasm of the developing macrogametocytes, indicating that the actin plays an important role in WFB1 transport and oocyst wall formation in E. maxima.
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Sogame Y, Kojima K, Takeshita T, Kinoshita E, Matsuoka T. Identification of Differentially Expressed Water-insoluble Proteins in the Encystment Process of Colpoda cucullus
by Two-dimensional Electrophoresis and LC-MS/MS Analysis. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2013; 61:51-60. [DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2013] [Revised: 09/01/2013] [Accepted: 09/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yoichiro Sogame
- Department of Biological Science; Faculty of Science; Kochi University; Kochi 780-8520 Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Kojima
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology; Shinshu University School of Medicine; 3-1-1 Asahi Matsumoto Nagano 390-8621 Japan
| | - Toshikazu Takeshita
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology; Shinshu University School of Medicine; 3-1-1 Asahi Matsumoto Nagano 390-8621 Japan
| | - Eiji Kinoshita
- Department of Functional Molecular Science; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Hiroshima University; Kasumi 1-2-3 Hiroshima 734-8553 Japan
| | - Tatsuomi Matsuoka
- Department of Biological Science; Faculty of Science; Kochi University; Kochi 780-8520 Japan
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De Cádiz AE, Jeelani G, Nakada-Tsukui K, Caler E, Nozaki T. Transcriptome analysis of encystation in Entamoeba invadens. PLoS One 2013; 8:e74840. [PMID: 24040350 PMCID: PMC3770568 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2012] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Encystation is an essential differentiation process for the completion of the life cycle of a group of intestinal protozoa including Entamoeba histolytica, the causative agent of intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. However, regulation of gene expression during encystation is poorly understood. To comprehensively understand the process at the molecular level, the transcriptomic profiles of E. invadens, which is a related reptilian species that causes an invasive disease similar to that of E. histolytica, was investigated during encystation. Using a custom-generated Affymetrix platform microarray, we performed time course (0.5, 2, 8, 24, 48, and 120 h) gene expression analysis of encysting E. invadens. ANOVA analysis revealed that a total of 1,528 genes showed ≥3 fold up-regulation at one or more time points, relative to the trophozoite stage. Of these modulated genes, 8% (116 genes) were up-regulated at the early time points (0.5, 2 and 8h), while 63% (962 genes) were up-regulated at the later time points (24, 48, and 120 h). Twenty nine percent (450 genes) are either up-regulated at 2 to 5 time points or constitutively up-regulated in both early and late stages. Among the up-regulated genes are the genes encoding transporters, cytoskeletal proteins, proteins involved in vesicular trafficking (small GTPases), Myb transcription factors, cysteine proteases, components of the proteasome, and enzymes for chitin biosynthesis. This study represents the first kinetic analysis of gene expression during differentiation from the invasive trophozoite to the dormant, infective cyst stage in Entamoeba. Functional analysis on individual genes and their encoded products that are modulated during encystation may lead to the discovery of targets for the development of new chemotherapeutics that interfere with stage conversion of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleyla Escueta De Cádiz
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Biological Science and Environmental Studies, College of Science and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Davao, Philippines
| | - Ghulam Jeelani
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kumiko Nakada-Tsukui
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Elisabet Caler
- J. Craig Venter Institute, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- * E-mail:
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Ocádiz-Ruiz R, Fonseca W, Martínez MB, Ocádiz-Quintanar R, Orozco E, Rodríguez MA. Effect of the silencing of the Ehcp112 gene on the in vitro virulence of Entamoeba histolytica. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:248. [PMID: 23981435 PMCID: PMC3765809 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2013] [Accepted: 08/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Entamoeba histolytica is an intestinal protozoan parasite that causes amoebiasis in humans, affecting up to 50 million people worldwide each year and causing 40,000 to 100,000 deaths annually. EhCP112 is a cysteine proteinase of E. histolytica able to disrupt cell monolayers and digest extracellular matrix proteins, it is secreted by trophozoites and it can be active in a wide range of temperature and pH. These characteristics have encouraged the use of EhCP112 in the design and production of possible vaccines against amoebiasis, obtaining promising results. Nevertheless, we have no conclusive information about the role of EhCP112 in the E. histolytica pathogenesis. Methods A set of three specific siRNA sequences were used to silence the Ehcp112 gene via the soaking system. Silencing was evaluated by Western blot using an antibody against the EhCP112 recombinant protein. Finally, we analyzed the protease activity, the phagocytosis rate and the ability to destroy MDCK cells of the EhCP112-silenced trophozoites. Results The highest silencing effect on EhCP112 was detected at 16 h of treatment; time enough to perform the in vitro virulence assays, which showed that EhCP112 silencing produces a significant reduction in cytolysis and phagocytosis of target cells, indicating the participation of this proteinase in these events. Conclusions EhCP112 is involved in the in vitro virulence of E. histolytica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramón Ocádiz-Ruiz
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, CINVESTAV-IPN, A,P, 14-740, México, D,F,, México.
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Cysteine protease inhibitor (AcStefin) is required for complete cyst formation of Acanthamoeba. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2013; 12:567-74. [PMID: 23397569 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00308-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The encystation of Acanthamoeba leads to the formation of resilient cysts from vegetative trophozoites. This process is essential for parasite survival under unfavorable conditions, such as those associated with starvation, low temperatures, and biocides. Furthermore, cysteine proteases have been implicated in the massive turnover of intracellular components required for encystation. Thus, strict modulation of the activities of cysteine proteases is required to protect Acanthamoeba from intracellular damage. However, mechanisms underlying the control of protease activity during encystation have not been established in Acanthamoeba. In the present study, we identified and characterized Acanthamoeba cysteine protease inhibitor (AcStefin), which was found to be highly expressed during encystation and to be associated with lysosomes by fluorescence microscopy. Recombinant AcStefin inhibited various cysteine proteases, including human cathepsin B, human cathepsin L, and papain. Transfection with small interfering RNA against AcStefin increased cysteine protease activity during encystation and resulted in incomplete cyst formation, reduced excystation efficiency, and a significant reduction in cytoplasmic area. Taken together, these results indicate that AcStefin is involved in the modulation of cysteine proteases and that it plays an essential role during the encystation of Acanthamoeba.
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Proteases from Entamoeba spp. and Pathogenic Free-Living Amoebae as Virulence Factors. J Trop Med 2013; 2013:890603. [PMID: 23476670 PMCID: PMC3582061 DOI: 10.1155/2013/890603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2012] [Accepted: 11/28/2012] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The standard reference for pathogenic and nonpathogenic amoebae is the human parasite Entamoeba histolytica; a direct correlation between virulence and protease expression has been demonstrated for this amoeba. Traditionally, proteases are considered virulence factors, including those that produce cytopathic effects in the host or that have been implicated in manipulating the immune response. Here, we expand the scope to other amoebae, including less-pathogenic Entamoeba species and highly pathogenic free-living amoebae. In this paper, proteases that affect mucin, extracellular matrix, immune system components, and diverse tissues and cells are included, based on studies in amoebic cultures and animal models. We also include proteases used by amoebae to degrade iron-containing proteins because iron scavenger capacity is currently considered a virulence factor for pathogens. In addition, proteases that have a role in adhesion and encystation, which are essential for establishing and transmitting infection, are discussed. The study of proteases and their specific inhibitors is relevant to the search for new therapeutic targets and to increase the power of drugs used to treat the diseases caused by these complex microorganisms.
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Moon EK, Hong Y, Chung DI, Kong HH. Cysteine protease involving in autophagosomal degradation of mitochondria during encystation of Acanthamoeba. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2012; 185:121-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2012.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2012] [Revised: 07/24/2012] [Accepted: 07/30/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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14
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Sogame Y, Kojima K, Takeshita T, Kinoshita E, Matsuoka T. EF-1α and Mitochondrial ATP Synthase β Chain: Alteration of their Expression in Encystment-Induced Colpoda cucullus. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2012; 59:401-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.2012.00628.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 03/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yoichiro Sogame
- Department of Biological Science; Faculty of Science; Kochi University; Kochi; 780-8520; Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Kojima
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology; Shinshu University School of Medicine; 3-1-1 Asahi; Matsumoto; Nagano; 390-8621; Japan
| | - Toshikazu Takeshita
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology; Shinshu University School of Medicine; 3-1-1 Asahi; Matsumoto; Nagano; 390-8621; Japan
| | - Eiji Kinoshita
- Department of Functional Molecular Science; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Hiroshima University; Kasumi 1-2-3; Hiroshima; 734-8553; Japan
| | - Tatsuomi Matsuoka
- Department of Biological Science; Faculty of Science; Kochi University; Kochi; 780-8520; Japan
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Ali IKM, Haque R, Siddique A, Kabir M, Sherman NE, Gray SA, Cangelosi GA, Petri WA. Proteomic analysis of the cyst stage of Entamoeba histolytica. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1643. [PMID: 22590659 PMCID: PMC3348168 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 03/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The category B agent of bioterrorism, Entamoeba histolytica has a two-stage life cycle: an infective cyst stage, and an invasive trophozoite stage. Due to our inability to effectively induce encystation in vitro, our knowledge about the cyst form remains limited. This also hampers our ability to develop cyst-specific diagnostic tools. Aims Three main aims were (i) to identify E. histolytica proteins in cyst samples, (ii) to enrich our knowledge about the cyst stage, and (iii) to identify candidate proteins to develop cyst-specific diagnostic tools. Methods Cysts were purified from the stool of infected individuals using Percoll (gradient) purification. A highly sensitive LC-MS/MS mass spectrometer (Orbitrap) was used to identify cyst proteins. Results A total of 417 non-redundant E. histolytica proteins were identified including 195 proteins that were never detected in trophozoite-derived proteomes or expressed sequence tag (EST) datasets, consistent with cyst specificity. Cyst-wall specific glycoproteins Jacob, Jessie and chitinase were positively identified. Antibodies produced against Jacob identified cysts in fecal specimens and have potential utility as a diagnostic reagent. Several protein kinases, small GTPase signaling molecules, DNA repair proteins, epigenetic regulators, and surface associated proteins were also identified. Proteins we identified are likely to be among the most abundant in excreted cysts, and therefore show promise as diagnostic targets. Major Conclusions The proteome data generated here are a first for naturally-occurring E. histolytica cysts, and they provide important insights into the infectious cyst form. Additionally, numerous unique candidate proteins were identified which will aid the development of new diagnostic tools for identification of E. histolytica cysts. We used tandem mass spectrometry to identify E. histolytica cyst proteins in 5 cyst positive stool samples. We report the identification of 417 non-redundant E. histolytica proteins including 195 proteins that were not identified in existing trophozoite derived proteome or EST datasets, consistent with cyst specificity. Because the cysts were derived directly from patient samples with incomplete purification, a limited number of proteins were identified (N = 417) that probably represent only a partial proteome. Nevertheless, the study succeeded in identifying proteins that are likely to be abundant in the cyst stage of the parasite. Several of these proteins may play roles in E. histolytica stage conversion or cyst function. Proteins identified in this study may be useful markers for diagnostic detection of E. histolytica cysts. Overall, the data generated in this study promises to aid the understanding of the cyst stage of the parasite which is vital for disease transmission and pathogenesis in E. histolytica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibne Karim M. Ali
- Division of Infectious Disease and International Health, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail: (IKMA); (WAP)
| | - Rashidul Haque
- International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abdullah Siddique
- International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mamun Kabir
- International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Nicholas E. Sherman
- W. M. Keck Biomedical Mass Spectrometry Core, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Sean A. Gray
- Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Gerard A. Cangelosi
- Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - William A. Petri
- Division of Infectious Disease and International Health, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail: (IKMA); (WAP)
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Sogame Y, Kojima K, Takeshita T, Fujiwara S, Miyata S, Kinoshita E, Matsuoka T. Protein phosphorylation in encystment-induced Colpoda cucullus: localization and identification of phosphoproteins. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2012; 331:128-35. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2012.02560.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2012] [Revised: 03/23/2012] [Accepted: 03/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yoichiro Sogame
- Institute of Biological Science; Faculty of Science; Kochi University; Kochi; Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Kojima
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology; Shinshu University School of Medicine; Nagano; Japan
| | - Toshikazu Takeshita
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology; Shinshu University School of Medicine; Nagano; Japan
| | - Shigeki Fujiwara
- Department of Applied Science; Faculty of Science; Kochi University; Kochi; Japan
| | - Seiji Miyata
- Department of Applied Biology; Kyoto Institute of Technology; Kyoto; Japan
| | - Eiji Kinoshita
- Department of Functional Molecular Science; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Hiroshima University; Hiroshima; Japan
| | - Tatsuomi Matsuoka
- Institute of Biological Science; Faculty of Science; Kochi University; Kochi; Japan
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Cellular, biochemical, and molecular changes during encystment of free-living amoebae. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2012; 11:382-7. [PMID: 22366126 DOI: 10.1128/ec.05301-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae are protozoa found in soil and water. Among them, some are pathogenic and many have been described as potential reservoirs of pathogenic bacteria. Their cell cycle is divided into at least two forms, the trophozoite and the cyst, and the differentiation process is named encystment. As cysts are more resistant to disinfection treatments than trophozoites, many studies focused on encystment, but until recently, little was known about cellular, biochemical, and molecular modifications operating during this process. Important signals and signaling pathways at play during encystment, as well as cell responses at the molecular level, have been described. This review summarizes our knowledge and focuses on new findings.
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Šarić M, Irmer H, Eckert D, Bär AK, Bruchhaus I, Scholze H. The cysteine protease inhibitors EhICP1 and EhICP2 perform different tasks in the regulation of endogenous protease activity in trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica. Protist 2011; 163:116-28. [PMID: 21440496 DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2011.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2010] [Accepted: 01/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Trophozoites of E. histolytica are equipped with two chagasin-like cysteine protease inhibitors, EhICP1 and EhICP2, also known as amoebiasin 1 and 2. Expression studies using E. invadens as model organism showed that corresponding mRNAs were detectable in both life stages of the parasite, cyst and trophozoite state. Unlike EhICP1 known to act in the cytosol, EhICP2 co-localized with cysteine protease EhCP-A1 in lysosome-like vesicles, as demonstrated by immunofluorescence microscopy. Silencing or overexpressing of the two inhibitors did not show any effect on morphology and viability of the trophozoites. Overexpression of the EhICPs, however, although dramatically dampening the proteolytic activity of cell extracts from the corresponding cell lines, did not influence expression rate or localization of the major amoebic cysteine proteases as well as phagocytosis and digestion of erythrocytes. Activity gels of cell extracts from strains overexpressing ehicp1 showed a drastically reduced activity of EhCP-A1 suggesting a high affinity of EhICP1 towards this protease. From these data, we propose that EhCP-A1 accidentally released into the cytosol is the main target of EhICP1, whereas EhICP2, beside its role in house-keeping processes, may control the proteolytic processing of other hydrolases or fulfils other tasks different from protease inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirela Šarić
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Osnabrueck, Barbarastr. 13, D-49069 Osnabrueck, Germany
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Kissoon-Singh V, Mortimer L, Chadee K. Entamoeba histolytica Cathepsin-Like Enzymes. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2011; 712:62-83. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-8414-2_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Evidence for a "wattle and daub" model of the cyst wall of entamoeba. PLoS Pathog 2009; 5:e1000498. [PMID: 19578434 PMCID: PMC2698119 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1000498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2008] [Accepted: 06/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The cyst wall of Entamoeba invadens (Ei), a model for the human pathogen Entamoeba histolytica, is composed of fibrils of chitin and three chitin-binding lectins called Jacob, Jessie3, and chitinase. Here we show chitin, which was detected with wheat germ agglutinin, is made in secretory vesicles prior to its deposition on the surface of encysting Ei. Jacob lectins, which have tandemly arrayed chitin-binding domains (CBDs), and chitinase, which has an N-terminal CBD, were each made early during encystation. These results are consistent with their hypothesized roles in cross-linking chitin fibrils (Jacob lectins) and remodeling the cyst wall (chitinase). Jessie3 lectins likely form the mortar or daub of the cyst wall, because 1) Jessie lectins were made late during encystation; 2) the addition to Jessie lectins to the cyst wall correlated with a marked decrease in the permeability of cysts to nucleic acid stains (DAPI) and actin-binding heptapeptide (phalloidin); and 3) recombinant Jessie lectins, expressed as a maltose-binding proteins in the periplasm of Escherichia coli, caused transformed bacteria to agglutinate in suspension and form a hard pellet that did not dissociate after centrifugation. Jessie3 appeared as linear forms and rosettes by negative staining of secreted recombinant proteins. These findings provide evidence for a “wattle and daub” model of the Entamoeba cyst wall, where the wattle or sticks (chitin fibrils likely cross-linked by Jacob lectins) is constructed prior to the addition of the mortar or daub (Jessie3 lectins). Parasitic protists, which are spread by the fecal-oral route, have cyst walls that resist environmental insults (e.g. desiccation, stomach acids, bile, etc.). Entamoeba histolytica, the cause of amebic dysentery and liver abscess, is the only protist characterized to date that has chitin in its cyst wall. We have previously characterized Entamoeba chitin synthases, chitinases, and multivalent chitin-binding lectins called Jacob. Here we present evidence that the Entamoeba Jessie3 lectin contributes to the mortar or daub, which makes the cyst wall impenetrable to small molecules. First, the Jessie3 lectin was made after chitin and Jacob lectins had already been deposited onto the surface of encysting Entamoeba. Second, cysts became impenetrable to small molecules at the same time that Jessie3 was deposited into the wall. Third, recombinant Jessie3 lectins self-aggregated and caused transfected bacteria to agglutinate. These results suggest a “wattle and daub” model of the Ei cyst wall, where the wattle or sticks (chitin fibrils likely cross-linked by Jacob lectins) is constructed prior to the addition of the mortar or daub (Jessie3 lectins).
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Gilchrist CA, Petri WA. Using differential gene expression to study Entamoeba histolytica pathogenesis. Trends Parasitol 2009; 25:124-31. [PMID: 19217826 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2008.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2008] [Revised: 11/26/2008] [Accepted: 12/04/2008] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The release of the Entamoeba histolytica genome has facilitated the development of techniques to survey rapidly and to relate gene expression with biology. The association and potential contribution of differential gene expression to the life cycle and the virulence of this protozoan parasite of humans are reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol A Gilchrist
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Departments of Medicine, Microbiology and Pathology, University of Virginia, PO Box 801340, Charlottesville, VA 22908-1340, USA
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