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Zhou A, Zhang W, Ge X, Liu Q, Luo F, Xu S, Hu W, Lu Y. Characterizing genetic variation on the Z chromosome in Schistosoma japonicum reveals host-parasite co-evolution. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:207. [PMID: 38720339 PMCID: PMC11080191 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06250-4] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that afflicts millions of people worldwide; it is caused by Schistosoma, the only dioecious flukes with ZW systems. Schistosoma japonicum is endemic to Asia; the Z chromosome of S. japonicum comprises one-quarter of the entire genome. Detection of positive selection using resequencing data to understand adaptive evolution has been applied to a variety of pathogens, including S. japonicum. However, the contribution of the Z chromosome to evolution and adaptation is often neglected. METHODS We obtained 1,077,526 high-quality SNPs on the Z chromosome in 72 S. japonicum using re-sequencing data publicly. To examine the faster Z effect, we compared the sequence divergence of S. japonicum with two closely related species, Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni. Genetic diversity was compared between the Z chromosome and autosomes in S. japonicum by calculating the nucleotide diversity (π) and Dxy values. Population structure was also assessed based on PCA and structure analysis. Besides, we employed multiple methods including Tajima's D, FST, iHS, XP-EHH, and CMS to detect positive selection signals on the Z chromosome. Further RNAi knockdown experiments were performed to investigate the potential biological functions of the candidate genes. RESULTS Our study found that the Z chromosome of S. japonicum showed faster evolution and more pronounced genetic divergence than autosomes, although the effect may be smaller than the variation among genes. Compared with autosomes, the Z chromosome in S. japonicum had a more pronounced genetic divergence of sub-populations. Notably, we identified a set of candidate genes associated with host-parasite co-evolution. In particular, LCAT exhibited significant selection signals within the Taiwan population. Further RNA interference experiments suggested that LCAT is necessary for S. japonicum survival and propagation in the definitive host. In addition, we identified several genes related to the specificity of the intermediate host in the C-M population, including Rab6 and VCP, which are involved in adaptive immune evasion to the host. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides valuable insights into the adaptive evolution of the Z chromosome in S. japonicum and further advances our understanding of the co-evolution of this medically important parasite and its hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Center for Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Center for Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Xueling Ge
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Fang Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Center for Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Shuhua Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Center for Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Wei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Center for Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Yan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Center for Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Zhu P, Wu K, Zhang C, Batool SS, Li A, Yu Z, Huang J. Advances in new target molecules against schistosomiasis: A comprehensive discussion of physiological structure and nutrient intake. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011498. [PMID: 37498810 PMCID: PMC10374103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a severe parasitic disease, is primarily caused by Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma japonicum, or Schistosoma haematobium. Currently, praziquantel is the only recommended drug for human schistosome infection. However, the lack of efficacy of praziquantel against juvenile worms and concerns about the emergence of drug resistance are driving forces behind the research for an alternative medication. Schistosomes are obligatory parasites that survive on nutrients obtained from their host. The ability of nutrient uptake depends on their physiological structure. In short, the formation and maintenance of the structure and nutrient supply are mutually reinforcing and interdependent. In this review, we focus on the structural features of the tegument, esophagus, and intestine of schistosomes and their roles in nutrient acquisition. Moreover, we introduce the significance and modes of glucose, lipids, proteins, and amino acids intake in schistosomes. We linked the schistosome structure and nutrient supply, introduced the currently emerging targets, and analyzed the current bottlenecks in the research and development of drugs and vaccines, in the hope of providing new strategies for the prevention and control of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kaijuan Wu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chaobin Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Syeda Sundas Batool
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Anqiao Li
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zheng Yu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Wangchuk P, Yeshi K, Loukas A. Metabolomics and lipidomics studies of parasitic helminths: molecular diversity and identification levels achieved by using different characterisation tools. Metabolomics 2023; 19:63. [PMID: 37356029 PMCID: PMC10290966 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-023-02019-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Helminths are parasitic worms that infect millions of people worldwide and secrete a variety of excretory-secretory products (ESPs), including proteins, peptides, and small molecules. Despite this, there is currently no comprehensive review article on cataloging small molecules from helminths, particularly focusing on the different classes of metabolites (polar and lipid molecules) identified from the ESP and somatic tissue extracts of helminths that were studied in isolation from their hosts. OBJECTIVE This review aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the metabolomics and lipidomics studies of parasitic helminths using all available analytical platforms. METHOD To achieve this objective, we conducted a meta-analysis of the identification and characterization tools, metabolomics approaches, metabolomics standard initiative (MSI) levels, software, and databases commonly applied in helminth metabolomics studies published until November 2021. RESULT This review analyzed 29 studies reporting the metabolomic assessment of ESPs and somatic tissue extracts of 17 helminth species grown under ex vivo/in vitro culture conditions. Of these 29 studies, 19 achieved the highest level of metabolite identification (MSI level-1), while the remaining studies reported MSI level-2 identification. Only 155 small molecule metabolites, including polar and lipids, were identified using MSI level-1 characterization protocols from various helminth species. Despite the significant advances made possible by the 'omics' technology, standardized software and helminth-specific metabolomics databases remain significant challenges in this field. Overall, this review highlights the potential for future studies to better understand the diverse range of small molecules that helminths produce and leverage their unique metabolomic features to develop novel treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phurpa Wangchuk
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878 Australia
| | - Karma Yeshi
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878 Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878 Australia
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Pham K, Mertelsmann A, Mages K, Kingery JR, Mazigo HD, Jaka H, Kalokola F, Changalucha JM, Kapiga S, Peck RN, Downs JA. Effects of helminths and anthelmintic treatment on cardiometabolic diseases and risk factors: A systematic review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011022. [PMID: 36827239 PMCID: PMC9956023 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, helminth infections and cardiometabolic diseases often overlap in populations and individuals. Neither the causal relationship between helminth infections and cardiometabolic diseases nor the effect of helminth eradication on cardiometabolic risk have been reviewed systematically in a large number of human and animal studies. METHODS We conducted a systematic review assessing the reported effects of helminth infections and anthelmintic treatment on the development and/or severity of cardiometabolic diseases and risk factors. The search was limited to the most prevalent human helminths worldwide. This study followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered prospectively in PROSPERO (CRD42021228610). Searches were performed on December 10, 2020 and rerun on March 2, 2022 using Ovid MEDLINE ALL (1946 to March 2, 2022), Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Global Index Medicus, and Ovid Embase (1974 to March 2, 2022). Randomized clinical trials, cohort, cross-sectional, case-control, and animal studies were included. Two reviewers performed screening independently. RESULTS Eighty-four animal and human studies were included in the final analysis. Most studies reported on lipids (45), metabolic syndrome (38), and diabetes (30), with fewer on blood pressure (18), atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (11), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP, 5), and non-atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (4). Fifteen different helminth infections were represented. On average, helminth-infected participants had less dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Eleven studies examined anthelmintic treatment, of which 9 (82%) reported post-treatment increases in dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes or glucose levels. Results from animal and human studies were generally consistent. No consistent effects of helminth infections on blood pressure, hsCRP, or cardiac function were reported except some trends towards association of schistosome infection with lower blood pressure. The vast majority of evidence linking helminth infections to lower cardiometabolic diseases was reported in those with schistosome infections. CONCLUSIONS Helminth infections may offer protection against dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This protection may lessen after anthelmintic treatment. Our findings highlight the need for mechanistic trials to determine the pathways linking helminth infections with cardiometabolic diseases. Such studies could have implications for helminth eradication campaigns and could generate new strategies to address the global challenge of cardiometabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khanh Pham
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Anna Mertelsmann
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Keith Mages
- Samuel J. Wood Library, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Justin R. Kingery
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Humphrey D. Mazigo
- Department of Parasitology, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Hyasinta Jaka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mwanza College of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Fredrick Kalokola
- Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
- Department of Medicine, Weill Bugando School of Medicine, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | | | - Saidi Kapiga
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Robert N. Peck
- Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Weill Bugando School of Medicine, Mwanza, Tanzania
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Jennifer A. Downs
- Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Weill Bugando School of Medicine, Mwanza, Tanzania
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Rennar GA, Gallinger TL, Mäder P, Lange-Grünweller K, Haeberlein S, Grünweller A, Grevelding CG, Schlitzer M. Disulfiram and dithiocarbamate analogues demonstrate promising antischistosomal effects. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 242:114641. [PMID: 36027862 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease with more than 200 million new infections per year. It is caused by parasites of the genus Schistosoma and can lead to death if left untreated. Currently, only two drugs are available to combat schistosomiasis: praziquantel and, to a limited extent, oxamniquine. However, the intensive use of these two drugs leads to an increased probability of the emergence of resistance. Thus, the search for new active substances and their targeted development are mandatory. In this study the substance class of "dithiocarbamates" and their potential as antischistosomal agents is highlighted. These compounds are derived from the basic structure of the human aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor disulfiram (tetraethylthiuram disulfide, DSF) and its metabolites. Our compounds revealed promising activity (in vitro) against adults of Schistosoma mansoni, such as the reduction of egg production, pairing stability, vitality, and motility. Moreover, tegument damage as well as gut dilatations or even the death of the parasite were observed. We performed detailed structure-activity relationship studies on both sides of the dithiocarbamate core leading to a library of approximately 300 derivatives (116 derivatives shown here). Starting with 100 μm we improved antischistosomal activity down to 25 μm by substitution of the single bonded sulfur atom for example with different benzyl moieties and integration of the two residues on the nitrogen atom into a cyclic structure like piperazine. Its derivatization at the 4-nitrogen with a sulfonyl group or an acyl group led to the most active derivatives of this study which were active at 10 μm. In light of this SAR study, we identified 17 derivatives that significantly reduced motility and induced several other phenotypes at 25 μm, and importantly five of them have antischistosomal activity also at 10 μm. These derivatives were found to be non-cytotoxic in two human cell lines at 100 μm. Therefore, dithiocarbamates seem to be interesting new candidates for further antischistosomal drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg A Rennar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marbacher, Weg 6, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Tom L Gallinger
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marbacher, Weg 6, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Mäder
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marbacher, Weg 6, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Lange-Grünweller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marbacher, Weg 6, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Simone Haeberlein
- BFS, Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Schubertstraße 81, 35392, Gießen, Germany
| | - Arnold Grünweller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marbacher, Weg 6, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Christoph G Grevelding
- BFS, Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Schubertstraße 81, 35392, Gießen, Germany.
| | - Martin Schlitzer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marbacher, Weg 6, 35032, Marburg, Germany.
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Yokoyama S. HDL Receptor in Schistosoma japonicum Mediating Egg Embryonation: Potential Molecular Basis for High Prevalence of Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein Deficiency in East Asia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:807289. [PMID: 35372338 PMCID: PMC8968628 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.807289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a life-threatening parasitic disease caused by blood flukes, Schistosomes. In its intestinal type, the parasites reside in visceral/portal veins of the human hosts and lay eggs to excrete in feces via intestinal tracts, and some of the aberrant eggs plug into the liver via the portal blood flow. Ectopic growth of these eggs causes fatal granulomatosis and cirrhosis of the liver. The parasites ingest nutrients from the host blood plasma by using nonspecific and specific transport via their body surface and alimentary tracts. It is especially important for the female adults to obtain lipid molecules because they synthesize neither fatty acids nor sterols and yet produce egg yolk. Low-density lipoprotein receptors have been identified in the body of the Schistosomes but their functions in the parasite life cycle have not clearly been characterized. On the other hand, CD36-related protein was identified in the body and the eggs of Asian blood fluke, Schistosoma japonicum, and characterized as a molecule that mediates selective uptake of cholesteryl ester from the host plasma high-density lipoproteins (HDLs). This reaction was shown crucial for their eggs to grow to miracidia. Interestingly, abnormal large HDL generated in lack of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is a poor substrate for this reaction, and, therefore, CETP deficiency resists pathogenic ectopic growth of the aberrant parasite eggs in the liver. This genetic mutation is exclusively found in East Asia, overlapping with the current and historic regions of Schistosoma japonicum epidemic, so that this infection could be related to high prevalence of CETP deficiency in East Asia.
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Wang T, Nie S, Reid GE, Gasser RB. Helminth lipidomics: Technical aspects and future prospects. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2022; 1:100018. [PMID: 35284853 PMCID: PMC8906070 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Lipidomics is a relatively recent molecular research field, and explores lipids (fats) and their biology using advanced mass spectrometry technologies. Although this field has expanded significantly in biomedical and biotechnological disciplines, it is still in its infancy in molecular parasitology. Our goal here is to review and discuss technical aspects of MS-based lipidomics and its recent applications to parasitic worms, as well as challenges and future directions for worm lipid research. In a multi-omic paradigm, we expect that the exploration of lipidomic data for parasitic worms will yield important insights into lipid-associated biological pathways and processes, including the regulation of essential signalling pathways, parasite invasion, establishment, adaptation and development. Lipids are involved in critical biological functions in parasitic worms. Lipidomics is an emerging research field in molecular helminthology. This article covers technological advances and applications to parasitic worms. It also discusses challenges and future directions for lipidomic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Shuai Nie
- Bio21 Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Gavin E Reid
- School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010 Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.,Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
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Maciel PS, Gonçalves R, Antonelli LRDV, Fonseca CT. Schistosoma mansoni Infection Is Impacted by Malnutrition. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:635843. [PMID: 33815321 PMCID: PMC8017134 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.635843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis remains one of the most important neglected tropical diseases in the world. It mainly affects developing countries, where it often coexists with malnutrition. Despite this, few studies have investigated the relationship between schistosomiasis and malnutrition. Herein, we evaluate the impact of malnutrition on experimental S. mansoni infection. Mice were divided into 5 groups: Control (Ctrl) diet (14% protein and 10% lipids), low-protein 3% (LP 3%), low-protein 8% (LP 8%), low-fat 2.5% (LF 2.5%), and low-fat 5% (LF 5%). Mice were fed with their respective diets and were infected when a difference of approximately 20% in the body weight between mice from any experimental group and mice from the control group was achieved. Nutritional, parasitological, and immunological parameters were assessed either just before infection and/or approximately 50 days later before mice were perfused. Our results showed that the 3% low-protein diet was the only one capable of establishing malnutrition in mice. Mice fed with this diet showed: (i) significant reduction in body weight and serum albumin levels before infection, (ii) decreased levels of all biochemical parameters evaluated before perfusion, (iii) decreased numbers of schistosome eggs trapped in intestines and impaired parasite fecundity, (iv) a delay in the granuloma development with a smaller granuloma area, and (v) reduced levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ in the liver. Our findings demonstrate that low protein supply leads to malnutrition in mice and impacts the cytokine milieu in the liver and granuloma formation. Additionally, the establishment of our murine malnutrition model will enable future studies aiming to better understand the complex relationships between nutrition, immune responses, and infection outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poliane Silva Maciel
- Laboratório de Biologia e Imunologia de Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Biologia de Monócitos e Macrófagos, Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Lis Ribeiro do Valle Antonelli
- Laboratório de Biologia e Imunologia de Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Cristina Toscano Fonseca
- Laboratório de Biologia e Imunologia de Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Isotopic discrimination in helminths infecting coral reef fishes depends on parasite group, habitat within host, and host stable isotope value. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4638. [PMID: 33633261 PMCID: PMC7907083 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84255-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen characterize trophic relationships in predator–prey relationships, with clear differences between consumer and diet (discrimination factor Δ13C and Δ15N). However, parasite–host isotopic relationships remain unclear, with Δ13C and Δ15N remaining incompletely characterized, especially for helminths. In this study, we used stable isotopes to determine discrimination factors for 13 parasite–host pairings of helminths in coral reef fish. Differences in Δ15N values grouped according to parasite groups and habitat within the host with positive Δ15N values observed for trematodes and nematodes from the digestive tract and variable Δ15N values observed for cestodes and nematodes from the general cavity. Furthermore, Δ13C values showed more complex patterns with no effect of parasite group or habitat within host. A negative relationship was observed between Δ15N and host δ15N values among different host-parasite pairings as well as within 7 out of the 13 pairings, indicating that host metabolic processing affects host-parasite discrimination values. In contrast, no relationships were observed for Δ13C values. Our results indicate that parasite group, habitat within host, and host stable isotope value drive Δ15N of helminths in coral reef fish while their effect on Δ13C is more idiosyncratic. These results call for use of taxon- or species-specific and scaled framework for bulk stable isotopes in the trophic ecology of parasites.
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Osakunor DNM, Mduluza T, Osei-Hyiaman D, Burgess K, Woolhouse MEJ, Mutapi F. Schistosoma haematobium infection is associated with alterations in energy and purine-related metabolism in preschool-aged children. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008866. [PMID: 33315875 PMCID: PMC7735607 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminths are parasitic worms that infect over a billion people worldwide. The pathological consequences from infection are due in part, to parasite-induced changes in host metabolic pathways. Here, we analyse the changes in host metabolic profiles, in response to the first Schistosoma haematobium infection and treatment in Zimbabwean children. A cohort of 83 schistosome-negative children (2-5 years old) as determined by parasitological examination, guardian interviews and examination of medical records, was recruited at baseline. Children were followed up after three months for parasitological diagnosis of their first S. haematobium infection, by detection of parasite eggs excreted in urine. Children positive for infection were treated with the antihelminthic drug praziquantel, and treatment efficacy checked three months after treatment. Blood samples were taken at each time point, and capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry in conjunction with multivariate analysis were used to compare the change in serum metabolite profiles in schistosome-infected versus uninfected children. Following baseline at the three-month follow up, 11 children had become infected with S. haematobium (incidence = 13.3%). Our results showed that infection with S. haematobium was associated with significant increases (>2-fold) in discriminatory metabolites, linked primarily with energy (G6P, 3-PG, AMP, ADP) and purine (AMP, ADP) metabolism. These observed changes were commensurate with schistosome infection intensity, and levels of the affected metabolites were reduced following treatment, albeit not significantly. This study demonstrates that early infection with S. haematobium is associated with alterations in host energy and purine metabolism. Taken together, these changes are consistent with parasite-related clinical manifestations of malnutrition, poor growth and poor physical and cognitive performance observed in schistosome-infected children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derick N. M. Osakunor
- Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Takafira Mduluza
- Biochemistry Department, University of Zimbabwe, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Douglas Osei-Hyiaman
- Laboratory of Physiologic Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Metabolomics Research Division, Human Metabolome Technologies Inc., Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan
- Department of Systems Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medical & Dental Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo City, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Karl Burgess
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, University of Edinburgh, CH Waddington Building, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Mark E. J. Woolhouse
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- NIHR Global Health Research Unit Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa (TIBA), University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Francisca Mutapi
- Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- NIHR Global Health Research Unit Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa (TIBA), University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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11
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Guan F, Zhang C, Jiang C, Jacques ML, Bai Y, Lu S, Liu W, Lei J. ApoE deficiency promotes hepatic pathology by aggravating Th17/Treg imbalance in murine schistosomiasis japonica. Parasite Immunol 2020; 42:e12785. [PMID: 32786078 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The Schistosoma japonicum (S japonicum)-infected ApoE gene deficiency (ApoE-/- ) mice were used to determine effect of ApoE on hepatic immunopathology. METHODS Murine activities and appetite, body weight, and ratio of liver weight to its body weight (Hepatic mass index, HMI) were observed. Worm load and liver egg burden were evaluated as the infection intensity. Number and size of liver egg granulomas and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were investigated. We analysed hepatic fibrosis by markers of fibrosis in tissue, detected hepatic Th17 and Treg frequency by flow cytometry, and measured hepatic expressions of RORγt, Foxp3, IL-17A and TGF-β1 via qPCR. Lipid metabolism was determined by serum levels of cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) as well as hepatic Oil red O staining. RESULTS In the infected ApoE-/- mice, the increased infection intensity aggravated the hepatic immunopathology (evidenced by increased HMI, elevated egg granulomas and increased ALT levels) and fibrosis (increased hepatic collagen deposition). ApoE deficiency resulted in significantly elevated ratio of hepatic Th17/Treg and higher serum levels of TC and TG, along with higher level of hepatic Oil red O staining. CONCLUSIONS ApoE deficiency promotes hepatic pathology and fibrosis by exacerbating Th17/Treg imbalance and altering lipid metabolism in murine schistosomiasis japonica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Guan
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chongyang Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunjie Jiang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Muziazia Lupemba Jacques
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shengjun Lu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenqi Liu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiahui Lei
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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12
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Bexkens ML, Houweling M, Burgers PC, Luider TM, Tielens AGM, van Hellemond JJ. A mono-acyl phospholipid (20:1 lyso-PS) activates Toll-Like Receptor 2/6 hetero-dimer. Chem Phys Lipids 2020; 232:104951. [PMID: 32795466 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2020.104951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is an important pattern recognition receptor on the surface of host immune cells that binds a variety of ligands that are released by microorganisms as well as by damaged or dying host cells. According to the current concept, TLR2/1 and TLR2/6 heterodimers are activated by tri- or di-acylated ligands, respectively. However, also mono-acyl phospholipid containing lipid fractions derived from parasites, were reported to be able to activate TLR2. In order to provide conclusive evidence for the TLR2 activating capacity of mono-acyl phospholipids derived from pathogens, we developed a biosynthetic method to enzymatically convert commercially available phospholipids into several mono-acyl-phospholipid variants that were examined for their TLR2 activating capacity. These investigations demonstrated that 1-(11Z-eicosenoyl)-glycero-3-phosphoserine 20:1 (20:1 lyso-PS) is a true agonist of the TLR2/6 heterodimer and that its polar headgroup as well as the length of the acyl chain are crucial for TLR2 activation. In silico modelling further confirmed 20:1 mono-acyl PS as a ligand for TLR2/6 heterodimer, as this predicted that multiple hydrogen bonds are formed between the polar headgroup of 20:1 mono-acyl PS and amino acid residues of both TLR2 and TLR6. Future studies can now be performed to further assess the functions of 20:1 lyso-PS as an immunological mediator, because this enzymatic method enables its preparation in larger quantities than is possible by isolation from the parasite that naturally produces this compound, Schistosoma mansoni, the source of the original discovery (Van der Kleij et al., 2002).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiel L Bexkens
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Houweling
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter C Burgers
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Theo M Luider
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aloysius G M Tielens
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap J van Hellemond
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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13
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Boysen AT, Whitehead B, Stensballe A, Carnerup A, Nylander T, Nejsum P. Fluorescent Labeling of Helminth Extracellular Vesicles Using an In Vivo Whole Organism Approach. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8070213. [PMID: 32674418 PMCID: PMC7399896 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8070213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last two decades, extracellular vesicles (EVs) from the three domains of life, Archaea, Bacteria and Eukaryotes, have gained increasing scientific attention. As such, the role of EVs in host-pathogen communication and immune modulation are being intensely investigated. Pivotal to EV research is the determination of how and where EVs are taken up by recipient cells and organs in vivo, which requires suitable tracking strategies including labelling. Labelling of EVs is often performed post-isolation which increases risks of non-specific labelling and the introduction of labelling artefacts. Here we exploited the inability of helminths to de novo synthesise fatty acids to enable labelling of EVs by whole organism uptake of fluorescent lipid analogues and the subsequent incorporation in EVs. We showed uptake of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-(lissamine rhodamine B sulfonyl) (DOPE-Rho) in Anisakis spp. and Trichuris suis larvae. EVs isolated from the supernatant of Anisakis spp. labelled with DOPE-Rho were characterised to assess the effects of labelling on size, structure and fluorescence of EVs. Fluorescent EVs were successfully taken up by the human macrophage cell line THP-1. This study, therefore, presents a novel staining method that can be utilized by the EV field in parasitology and potentially across multiple species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders T. Boysen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8200, Denmark; (A.T.B.); (B.W.)
| | - Bradley Whitehead
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8200, Denmark; (A.T.B.); (B.W.)
| | - Allan Stensballe
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg 9100, Denmark;
| | - Anna Carnerup
- Department of Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Lund University, Lund 210 00, Sweden; (A.C.); (T.N.)
| | - Tommy Nylander
- Department of Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Lund University, Lund 210 00, Sweden; (A.C.); (T.N.)
| | - Peter Nejsum
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8200, Denmark; (A.T.B.); (B.W.)
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-50541392
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14
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Zinsou JF, Janse JJ, Honpkehedji YY, Dejon-Agobé JC, García-Tardón N, Hoekstra PT, Massinga-Loembe M, Corstjens PLAM, van Dam GJ, Giera M, Kremsner PG, Yazdanbakhsh M, Adegnika AA, Guigas B. Schistosoma haematobium infection is associated with lower serum cholesterol levels and improved lipid profile in overweight/obese individuals. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008464. [PMID: 32614822 PMCID: PMC7363109 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with parasitic helminths has been reported to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis, lowering the risk for type 2 diabetes. However, little is known about its impact on whole-body lipid homeostasis, especially in obese individuals. For this purpose, a cross-sectional study was carried out in lean and overweight/obese adults residing in the Lambaréné region of Gabon, an area endemic for Schistosoma haematobium. Helminth infection status, peripheral blood immune cell counts, and serum metabolic and lipid/lipoprotein levels were analyzed. We found that urine S. haematobium egg-positive individuals exhibited lower serum total cholesterol (TC; 4.42 vs 4.01 mmol/L, adjusted mean difference [95%CI] -0.30 [-0.68,-0.06]; P = 0.109), high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-C (1.44 vs 1.12 mmol/L, -0.24 [-0.43,-0.06]; P = 0.009) and triglyceride (TG; 0.93 vs 0.72 mmol/L, -0.20 [-0.39,-0.03]; P = 0.022) levels than egg-negative individuals. However, when stratified according to body mass index, these effects were only observed in overweight/obese infected individuals. Similarly, significant negative correlations between the intensity of infection, assessed by serum circulating anodic antigen (CAA) concentrations, and TC (r = -0.555; P<0.001), HDL-C (r = -0.327; P = 0.068), LDL-C (r = -0.396; P = 0.025) and TG (r = -0.381; P = 0.032) levels were found in overweight/obese individuals but not in lean subjects. Quantitative lipidomic analysis showed that circulating levels of some lipid species associated with cholesterol-rich lipoprotein particles were also significantly reduced in overweight/obese infected individuals in an intensity-dependent manner. In conclusion, we reported that infection with S. haematobium is associated with improved lipid profile in overweight/obese individuals, a feature that might contribute reducing the risk of cardiometabolic diseases in such population. Infection with parasitic helminths has been reported to be beneficial for metabolic homeostasis by improving insulin sensitivity and lowering the risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Elevated circulating cholesterol and triglyceride levels associated with obesity are also risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. In the framework of a cross-sectional study conducted in an endemic rural area, we have investigated the impact of infection with Schistosoma hematobium on serum lipid homeostasis in adult individuals with a broad range of body weight. We found that helminth infection is associated with a lower serum total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-C and triglyceride (TG) levels, especially in overweight/obese individuals. Furthermore, significant negative correlations between the intensity of infection and TC, HDL-C, LDL-C and TG levels were also found in overweight/obese individuals but not in lean subjects. Altogether our study show for the first time that infection with Schistosoma hematobium is associated with an improved serum lipid profile in overweight/obese humans, a feature that may contribute to protection against cardiometabolic diseases in such population. Further investigation is however required to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannot F. Zinsou
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Jacqueline J. Janse
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Yabo Y. Honpkehedji
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | | | - Noemí García-Tardón
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Pytsje T. Hoekstra
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marguerite Massinga-Loembe
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Paul L. A. M. Corstjens
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Govert J. van Dam
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Giera
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter G. Kremsner
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Maria Yazdanbakhsh
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ayola A. Adegnika
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bruno Guigas
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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15
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Whitehead B, Boysen AT, Mardahl M, Nejsum P. Unique glycan and lipid composition of helminth-derived extracellular vesicles may reveal novel roles in host-parasite interactions. Int J Parasitol 2020; 50:647-654. [PMID: 32526222 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Although the study of helminth-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) is in its infancy, proteomic studies of EVs from representatives of nematodes, cestodes and trematodes have identified homologs of mammalian EV proteins including components of the endosomal sorting complexes required for transport and heat-shock proteins, suggesting conservation of pathways of EV biogenesis and cargo loading between helminths and their hosts. However, parasitic helminth biology is unique and this is likely reflected in helminth EV composition and biological activity. This opinion article highlights two exceptional studies that identified EVs released by Heligmosomoides polygyrus and Fasciola hepatica which display differential lipid and glycan composition, respectively, when compared with EVs derived from mammalian cells. Furthermore, we discuss the potential implications of helminth EV lipid and glycan composition upon helminth infection and host pathology. Future studies, focusing on the unique composition and functional properties of helminth EVs, may prove crucial to the understanding of host-parasite communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley Whitehead
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Anders T Boysen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Maibritt Mardahl
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Nejsum
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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16
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Kadesch P, Quack T, Gerbig S, Grevelding CG, Spengler B. Tissue- and sex-specific lipidomic analysis of Schistosoma mansoni using high-resolution atmospheric pressure scanning microprobe matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008145. [PMID: 32401760 PMCID: PMC7250470 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomes are human pathogens causing the neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis, which occurs worldwide in (sub-)tropical regions. This infectious disease is often associated with poverty, and more than 700 million people are at risk of infection. Exploitation of novel habitats and limited therapeutic options brought schistosomes into research focus. Schistosomes are the only trematodes that have evolved separate sexes. They are covered by their metabolically active tegument, a surface area representing the interface between male and female in their permanent mating contact but also between parasite and host. The tegument comprises, besides others, numerous specific lipid compounds. Limited information is available on the exact lipid composition and its spatial distribution. We used atmospheric-pressure scanning microprobe matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (AP-SMALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) to characterize the Schistosoma mansoni tegument surface in comparison to tissue sections of whole worms or couples. We found that phosphatidylcholines (PC) and specific phosphatidylethanolamines (PE) are significantly more abundant inside the worm body compared to the tegument. On the other hand, the latter was found to be enriched in sphingomyelins (SM), phosphatidylserines (PS), lysophosphatidylcholines (LPC), and specific PE species. We further investigated lipid classes concerning number of carbon atoms in fatty acyl chains as well as the degree of unsaturation and found pronounced differences between the tegument and whole-worm body. Furthermore, differences between male and female teguments were found. The lipid composition of S. mansoni tissues has been investigated in an untargeted, spatially resolved manner for the first time. WHO-defined Neglected Tropical Diseases, including schistosomiasis, are a burden for a significant part of the human world population. The fight against the diecious trematode Schistosoma mansoni can be supported by investigations of the specific molecular communication in male/female and in worm/host interactions. Improving the knowledge about S. mansoni is mandatory, since there is justified fear of the possibility of resistance development against the only available drug Praziquantel. We used mass spectrometry imaging as a powerful tool to provide topographic and tissue-specific information on the parasite. We investigated single male and female worms, as well as mating couples, regarding both, their inner tissue, and their intact surfaces, the tegument. We found highly specific lipid species and visualized their local distributions and abundances in high-resolution molecular images. Our findings may help to improve knowledge of the complex life cycles and of molecular communication mechanisms of schistosomes and may help to develop new drugs and strategies for treatment of the infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Kadesch
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Thomas Quack
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Gerbig
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christoph G. Grevelding
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Giessen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Spengler
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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17
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Hirst NL, Nebel JC, Lawton SP, Walker AJ. Deep phosphoproteome analysis of Schistosoma mansoni leads development of a kinomic array that highlights sex-biased differences in adult worm protein phosphorylation. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008115. [PMID: 32203512 PMCID: PMC7089424 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although helminth parasites cause enormous suffering worldwide we know little of how protein phosphorylation, one of the most important post-translational modifications used for molecular signalling, regulates their homeostasis and function. This is particularly the case for schistosomes. Herein, we report a deep phosphoproteome exploration of adult Schistosoma mansoni, providing one of the richest phosphoprotein resources for any parasite so far, and employ the data to build the first parasite-specific kinomic array. Complementary phosphopeptide enrichment strategies were used to detect 15,844 unique phosphopeptides mapping to 3,176 proteins. The phosphoproteins were predicted to be involved in a wide range of biological processes and phosphoprotein interactome analysis revealed 55 highly interconnected clusters including those enriched with ribosome, proteasome, phagosome, spliceosome, glycolysis, and signalling proteins. 93 distinct phosphorylation motifs were identified, with 67 providing a ‘footprint’ of protein kinase activity; CaMKII, PKA and CK1/2 were highly represented supporting their central importance to schistosome function. Within the kinome, 808 phosphorylation sites were matched to 136 protein kinases, and 68 sites within 37 activation loops were discovered. Analysis of putative protein kinase-phosphoprotein interactions revealed canonical networks but also novel interactions between signalling partners. Kinomic array analysis of male and female adult worm extracts revealed high phosphorylation of transformation:transcription domain associated protein by both sexes, and CDK and AMPK peptides by females. Moreover, eight peptides including protein phosphatase 2C gamma, Akt, Rho2 GTPase, SmTK4, and the insulin receptor were more highly phosphorylated by female extracts, highlighting their possible importance to female worm function. We envision that these findings, tools and methodology will help drive new research into the functional biology of schistosomes and other helminth parasites, and support efforts to develop new therapeutics for their control. Schistosomes are formidable parasites that cause the debilitating and life-threatening disease human schistosomiasis. We need to better understand the cellular biology of these parasites to develop novel strategies for their control. Within cells, a process called protein phosphorylation controls many aspects of molecular communication or ‘signalling’ and is central to cellular function and homeostasis. Here, using complementary strategies, we have performed the first in-depth characterisation and functional annotation of protein phosphorylation events in schistosomes, providing one of the richest phosphoprotein resources for any parasite to date. Using this knowledge, we have developed a novel tool to simultaneously evaluate signalling processes in these worms and highlight sex-biased differences in adult worm protein phosphorylation. Several proteins were found to be more greatly phosphorylated by female worm extracts, suggesting their possible importance to female worm function. This work will help drive new research into the fundamental biology of schistosomes, as well as related parasites, and will support efforts to develop new drug or vaccine-based therapeutics for their control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha L. Hirst
- School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
| | - Jean-Christophe Nebel
- School of Computer Science and Mathematics, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
| | - Scott P. Lawton
- School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony J. Walker
- School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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18
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Reamtong O, Simanon N, Thiangtrongjit T, Limpanont Y, Chusongsang P, Chusongsang Y, Anuntakarun S, Payungporn S, Phuphisut O, Adisakwattana P. Proteomic analysis of adult Schistosoma mekongi somatic and excretory-secretory proteins. Acta Trop 2020; 202:105247. [PMID: 31672487 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Schistosoma mekongi is a causative agent of human schistosomiasis. There is limited knowledge of the molecular biology of S. mekongi and very few studies have examined drug targets, vaccine candidates and diagnostic biomarkers for S. mekongi. To explore the biology of S. mekongi, computational as well as experimental approaches were performed on S. mekongi males and females to identify excretory-secretory (ES) proteins and proteins that are differentially expressed between genders. According to bioinformatic prediction, the S. mekongi ES product was approximately 4.7% of total annotated transcriptome sequences. The classical secretory pathway was the main process to secrete proteins. Mass spectrometry-based quantification of male and female adult S. mekongi proteins was performed. We identified 174 and 156 differential expression of proteins in male and female worms, respectively. The dominant male-biased proteins were involved in actin filament-based processes, microtubule-based processes, biosynthetic processes and homeostatic processes. The major female-biased proteins were related to biosynthetic processes, organelle organization and signal transduction. An experimental approach identified 88 proteins in the S. mekongi secretome. The S. mekongi ES proteins mainly contributed to nutrient uptake, essential substance supply and host immune evasion. This research identifies proteins in the S. mekongi secretome and provides information on ES proteins that are differentially expressed between S. mekongi genders. These findings will contribute to S. mekongi drug and vaccine development. In addition, the study enhances our understanding of basic S. mekongi biology.
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Crusco A, Whiteland H, Baptista R, Forde-Thomas JE, Beckmann M, Mur LAJ, Nash RJ, Westwell AD, Hoffmann KF. Antischistosomal Properties of Sclareol and Its Heck-Coupled Derivatives: Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Untargeted Metabolomics. ACS Infect Dis 2019; 5:1188-1199. [PMID: 31083889 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sclareol, a plant-derived diterpenoid widely used as a fragrance and flavoring substance, is well-known for its promising antimicrobial and anticancer properties. However, its activity on helminth parasites has not been previously reported. Here, we show that sclareol is active against larval (IC50 ≈ 13 μM), juvenile (IC50 = 5.0 μM), and adult (IC50 = 19.3 μM) stages of Schistosoma mansoni, a parasitic trematode responsible for the neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis. Microwave-assisted synthesis of Heck-coupled derivatives improved activity, with the substituents choice guided by the Matsy decision tree. The most active derivative 12 showed improved potency and selectivity on larval (IC50 ≈ 2.2 μM, selectivity index (SI) ≈ 22 in comparison to HepG2 cells), juvenile (IC50 = 1.7 μM, SI = 28.8), and adult schistosomes (IC50 = 9.4 μM, SI = 5.2). Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed that compound 12 induced blebbing of the adult worm surface at sublethal concentration (12.5 μM); moreover, the compound inhibited egg production at the lowest concentration tested (3.13 μM). The observed phenotype and data obtained by untargeted metabolomics suggested that compound 12 affects membrane lipid homeostasis by interfering with arachidonic acid metabolism. The same methodology applied to praziquantel (PZQ)-treated worms revealed sugar metabolism alterations that could be ascribed to the previously reported action of PZQ on serotonin signaling and/or effects on glycolysis. Importantly, our data suggest that compound 12 and PZQ exert different antischistosomal activities. More studies will be necessary to confirm the generated hypothesis and to progress the development of more potent antischistosomal sclareol derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Crusco
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Whiteland
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Rafael Baptista
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Josephine E. Forde-Thomas
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Manfred Beckmann
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Luis A. J. Mur
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Robert J. Nash
- PhytoQuest Limited, Plas Gogerddan, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3EB, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew D. Westwell
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Karl F. Hoffmann
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
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Schistosoma mansoni does not and cannot oxidise fatty acids, but these are used for biosynthetic purposes instead. Int J Parasitol 2019; 49:647-656. [PMID: 31170410 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2019.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Adult schistosomes, parasitic flatworms that cause the tropical disease schistosomiasis, have always been considered to be homolactic fermenters and, in their energy metabolism, strictly dependent on carbohydrates. However, more recent studies suggested that fatty acid β-oxidation is essential for egg production by adult female Schistosoma mansoni. To address this conundrum, we performed a comprehensive study on the lipid metabolism of S. mansoni. Incubations with [14C]-labelled fatty acids demonstrated that adults, eggs and miracidia of S. mansoni did not oxidise fatty acids, as no 14CO2 production could be detected. We then re-examined the S. mansoni genome using the genes known to be involved in fatty acid oxidation in six eukaryotic model reference species. This showed that the earlier automatically annotated genes for fatty acid oxidation were in fact incorrectly annotated. In a further analysis we could not detect any genes encoding β-oxidation enzymes, which demonstrates that S. mansoni cannot use this pathway in any of its lifecycle stages. The same was true for Schistosoma japonicum and all other schistosome species that have been sequenced. Absence of β-oxidation, however, does not imply that fatty acids from the host are not metabolised by schistosomes. Adult schistosomes can use and modify fatty acids from their host for biosynthetic purposes and incorporate those in phospholipids and neutral lipids. Female worms deposit large amounts of these lipids in the eggs they produce, which explains why interference with the lipid metabolism in females will disturb egg formation, even though fatty acid β-oxidation does not occur in schistosomes. Our analyses of S. mansoni further revealed that during the development and maturation of the miracidium inside the egg, changes in lipid composition occur which indicate that fatty acids deposited in the egg by the female worm are used for phospholipid biosynthesis required for membrane formation in the developing miracidium.
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Huson KM, Morphew RM, Allen NR, Hegarty MJ, Worgan HJ, Girdwood SE, Jones EL, Phillips HC, Vickers M, Swain M, Smith D, Kingston-Smith AH, Brophy PM. Polyomic tools for an emerging livestock parasite, the rumen fluke Calicophoron daubneyi; identifying shifts in rumen functionality. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:617. [PMID: 30509301 PMCID: PMC6278170 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3225-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diseases caused by parasitic flatworms of rumen tissues (paramphistomosis) are a significant threat to global food security as a cause of morbidity and mortality in ruminant livestock in subtropical and tropical climates. Calicophoron daubneyi is currently the only paramphistome species commonly infecting ruminant livestock in temperate European climates. However, recorded incidences of C. daubneyi infection in European livestock have been increasing over the last decade. Whilst clinical paramphistomosis caused by adult worms has not been confirmed in Europe, fatalities have been attributed to severe haemorrhagic enteritis of the small intestine resulting from the migration of immature paramphistomes. Large numbers of mature adults can reside in the rumen, yet to date, the impact on rumen fermentation, and consequently on productivity and economic management of infected livestock, have not been resolved. Limited publicly available nucleotide and protein sequences for C. daubneyi underpin this lack of biological and economic understanding. Here we present for the first time a de novo assembled transcriptome, with functional annotations, for adult C. daubneyi, which provides a reference database for protein and nucleotide sequence identification to facilitate fundamental biology, anthelmintic, vaccine and diagnostics discoveries. RESULTS This dataset identifies a number of genes potentially unique to C. daubneyi and, by comparison to an existing transcriptome for the related Paramphistomum cervi, identifies novel genes which may be unique to the paramphistome group of platyhelminthes. Additionally, we present the first coverage of the excretory/secretory and soluble somatic proteome profiles for adult C. daubneyi and identify the release of extracellular vesicles from adult C. daubneyi parasites during in vitro, ex-host culture. Finally, we have performed the first analysis of rumen fluke impacting upon rumen fermentation parameters using an in vitro gas production study resulting in a significant increase in propionate production. CONCLUSIONS The resulting data provide a discovery platform (transcriptome, proteomes, EV isolation pipeline and in vitro fermentation system) to further study C. daubneyi-host interaction. In addition, the acetate: propionate ratio has been demonstrated to decrease with rumen fluke infection suggesting that acidotic conditions in the rumen may occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M Huson
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Ceredigion, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Russell M Morphew
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Ceredigion, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK.
| | - Nathan R Allen
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Ceredigion, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Matthew J Hegarty
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Ceredigion, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Hillary J Worgan
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Ceredigion, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Susan E Girdwood
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Ceredigion, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Eleanor L Jones
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Ceredigion, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Helen C Phillips
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Ceredigion, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Martin Vickers
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Ceredigion, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Martin Swain
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Ceredigion, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Daniel Smith
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Ceredigion, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Alison H Kingston-Smith
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Ceredigion, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Peter M Brophy
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Ceredigion, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
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The Schistosoma mansoni lipidome: Leads for immunomodulation. Anal Chim Acta 2018; 1037:107-118. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2017.11.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Visser B, Willett DS, Harvey JA, Alborn HT. Concurrence in the ability for lipid synthesis between life stages in insects. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2017; 4:160815. [PMID: 28405368 PMCID: PMC5383825 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.160815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The ability to synthesize lipids is critical for an organism's fitness; hence, metabolic pathways, underlying lipid synthesis, tend to be highly conserved. Surprisingly, the majority of parasitoids deviate from this general metabolic model by lacking the ability to convert sugars and other carbohydrates into lipids. These insects spend the first part of their life feeding and developing in or on an arthropod host, during which they can carry over a substantial amount of lipid reserves. While many parasitoid species have been tested for lipogenic ability at the adult life stage, it has remained unclear whether parasitoid larvae can synthesize lipids. Here we investigate whether or not several insects can synthesize lipids during the larval stage using three ectoparasitic wasps (developing on the outside of the host) and the vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster that differ in lipogenic ability in the adult life stage. Using feeding experiments and stable isotope tracing with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, we first confirm lipogenic abilities in the adult life stage. Using topical application of stable isotopes in developing larvae, we then provide clear evidence of concurrence in lipogenic ability between larval and adult life stages in all species tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertanne Visser
- Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics Group, Biodiversity Research Centre, Earth and Life Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 4-5, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l’Insecte (IRBI), UMR 7261 CNRS/Université François-Rabelais de Tours, Avenue Monge, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Denis S. Willett
- Chemistry Research Unit, Center of Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 1600 SW 23rd Drive, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Jeffrey A. Harvey
- Department of Ecological Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Section Animal Ecology, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology, Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6700 EH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans T. Alborn
- Chemistry Research Unit, Center of Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 1600 SW 23rd Drive, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
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El Ridi R, Tallima H, Migliardo F. Biochemical and biophysical methodologies open the road for effective schistosomiasis therapy and vaccination. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1861:3613-3620. [PMID: 27062905 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2016] [Revised: 03/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis caused by blood-dwelling flukes, namely Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium is a severe debilitating disease, widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and South America. Developing and adult worms are unscathed by the surrounding immune effectors and antibodies because the parasite is protected by a double lipid bilayer armor which allows access of nutrients, while binding of specific antibodies is denied. SCOPE OF REVIEW Fluorescence recovery after bleaching, extraction of surface membrane cholesterol by methyl-β-cyclodextrin, inhibition and activation of sphingomyelin biosynthesis and hydrolysis, and elastic incoherent and quasi-elastic neutron scattering approaches have helped to clarify the basic mechanism of this immune evasion, and showed that sphingomyelin (SM) molecules in the worm apical lipid bilayer form with surrounding water molecules a tight hydrogen bond barrier. Viability of the parasite and permeability of the outer shield are controlled by equilibrium between SM biosynthesis and activity of a tegument-associated neutral sphingomyelinase (nSMase). MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Excessive nSMase activation by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), such as arachidonic acid (ARA) leads to disruption of the SM molecules and associated hydrogen bond network, with subsequent access of host antibodies and immune effectors to the outer membrane and eventual parasite death. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE ARA was predicted and shown to be a potent schistosomicide in vitro and in vivo in experimental animals and in children. Additionally, it was advocated that schistosomiasis vaccine candidates should be selected uniquely among excretory-secretory products of developing worms, as contrary to cytosolic and surface membrane antigens, they are able to activate the effector functions of the host antibodies and toxic molecules. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Science for Life" Guest Editor: Dr. Austen Angell, Dr. Salvatore Magazù and Dr. Federica Migliardo".
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashika El Ridi
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo 12613, Egypt.
| | - Hatem Tallima
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo 12613, Egypt; Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Engineering, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, 11835 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Federica Migliardo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
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Purification of a chymotrypsin-like enzyme present on adult Schistosoma mansoni worms from infected mice and its characterization as a host carboxylesterase. Parasitology 2016; 143:646-57. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182016000184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYA serine protease-like enzyme found in detergent extracts of Schistosoma mansoni adult worms perfused from infected mice has been purified from mouse blood and further characterized. The enzyme is approximately 85 kDa and hydrolyses N-acetyl-DL-phenylalanine β-naphthyl–ester, a chromogenic substrate for chymotrypsin-like enzymes. The enzyme from S. mansoni worms appears to be antigenically and enzymatically similar to a molecule that is present in normal mouse blood and so is seemingly host-derived. The enzyme was partially purified by depleting normal mouse serum of albumin using sodium chloride and cold ethanol, followed by repeated rounds of purification by one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The purified material was subjected to tandem mass spectrometry and its derived peptides found to belong to mouse carboxylesterase 1C. Its ability to hydrolyse α- or β-naphthyl acetates, which are general esterase substrates, has been confirmed. A similar carboxylesterase was purified and characterized from rat blood. Additional evidence to support identification of the enzyme as a carboxylesterase has been provided. Possible roles of the enzyme in the mouse host–parasite relationship could be to ease the passage of worms through the host's blood vessels and/or in immune evasion.
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Helms JB, Kaloyanova DV, Strating JRP, van Hellemond JJ, van der Schaar HM, Tielens AGM, van Kuppeveld FJM, Brouwers JF. Targeting of the hydrophobic metabolome by pathogens. Traffic 2016; 16:439-60. [PMID: 25754025 PMCID: PMC7169838 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The hydrophobic molecules of the metabolome – also named the lipidome – constitute a major part of the entire metabolome. Novel technologies show the existence of a staggering number of individual lipid species, the biological functions of which are, with the exception of only a few lipid species, unknown. Much can be learned from pathogens that have evolved to take advantage of the complexity of the lipidome to escape the immune system of the host organism and to allow their survival and replication. Different types of pathogens target different lipids as shown in interaction maps, allowing visualization of differences between different types of pathogens. Bacterial and viral pathogens target predominantly structural and signaling lipids to alter the cellular phenotype of the host cell. Fungal and parasitic pathogens have complex lipidomes themselves and target predominantly the release of polyunsaturated fatty acids from the host cell lipidome, resulting in the generation of eicosanoids by either the host cell or the pathogen. Thus, whereas viruses and bacteria induce predominantly alterations in lipid metabolites at the host cell level, eukaryotic pathogens focus on interference with lipid metabolites affecting systemic inflammatory reactions that are part of the immune system. A better understanding of the interplay between host–pathogen interactions will not only help elucidate the fundamental role of lipid species in cellular physiology, but will also aid in the generation of novel therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Bernd Helms
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine & Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Mondal M, Kundu JK, Misra KK. Variation in lipid and fatty acid uptake among nematode and cestode parasites and their host, domestic fowl: host-parasite interaction. J Parasit Dis 2016; 40:1494-1518. [PMID: 27876973 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-015-0718-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid synthesis is an important process in most organisms as well as in helminths. The present observation shows the variation of lipid and fatty acid uptake among cestode, Raillietina (Fuhrmannetta) echinobothrida; nematode, Ascaridia galli and their host, Gallus domesticus, the common country fowl. Total lipid (TL), neutral lipid (NL), glycolipid (GL), phospholipid (PL) and their fatty acid of cestode, nematode and liver and intestinal fluid of the host were analyzed by thin layer chromatography and gas liquid chromatography respectively. The result shows that liver take more TL, PL and GL except NL. Utilization of lipid from intestinal fluid when compare between the parasites, it is found that TL and PL content of cestode are higher than nematode, whereas, nematode absorbs more NL and GL than cestode. The percent of cholesterol is more in cestode than nematode. Palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic are the predominant fatty acids among all the samples. The present study reveals that the cestode having large surface area is more opportunistic in the resource utilization over the nematode as well as the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhumita Mondal
- Department of Zoology, Shyampur Siddheswari Mahavidyalaya, Ajodhya, West Bengal 711312 India
| | - J K Kundu
- Department of Zoology, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore, West Bengal 721102 India
| | - K K Misra
- Department of Zoology, R. B. C. College, Naihati, India
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Panic G, Vargas M, Scandale I, Keiser J. Activity Profile of an FDA-Approved Compound Library against Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003962. [PMID: 26230921 PMCID: PMC4521867 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As plans to expand mass drug treatment campaigns to fight schistosomiasis form, worries about reliance on praziquantel as the sole available treatment motivate the investigation for novel antischistosomal compounds. Drug repurposing might be an inexpensive and effective source of novel antischistosomal leads. METHODOLOGY 1600 FDA approved compounds were first assayed against Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula at a concentration of 10 µM. Active compounds identified from this screen were advanced to the adult worm screen at 33.33 µM, followed by hit characterization. Leads with complementary pharmacokinetic and toxicity profiles were then selected for in vivo studies. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The in vitro screen identified 121 and 36 compounds active against the schistosomula and adult stage, respectively. Further, in vitro characterization and comparison with already available pharmacokinetic and toxicity data identified 11 in vivo candidates. Doramectin (10 mg/kg) and clofazimine (400 mg/kg) were found to be active in vivo with worm burden reductions of 60.1% and 82.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The work presented here expands the knowledge of antischistosomal properties of already approved compounds and underscores variations observed between target-based and phenotypic approaches and among laboratories. The two in vivo-active drugs identified in this study, doramectin and clofazimine are widely available and present as novel drug classes as starting points for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordana Panic
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mireille Vargas
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Scandale
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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Tyagi R, Rosa BA, Lewis WG, Mitreva M. Pan-phylum Comparison of Nematode Metabolic Potential. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003788. [PMID: 26000881 PMCID: PMC4441503 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Nematodes are among the most important causative pathogens of neglected tropical diseases. The increased availability of genomic and transcriptomic data for many understudied nematode species provides a great opportunity to investigate different aspects of their biology. Increasingly, metabolic potential of pathogens is recognized as a critical determinant governing their development, growth and pathogenicity. Comparing metabolic potential among species with distinct trophic ecologies can provide insights on overall biology or molecular adaptations. Furthermore, ascertaining gene expression at pathway level can help in understanding metabolic dynamics over development. Comparison of biochemical pathways (or subpathways, i.e. pathway modules) among related species can also retrospectively indicate potential mistakes in gene-calling and functional annotation. We show with numerous illustrative case studies that comparisons at the level of pathway modules have the potential to uncover biological insights while remaining computationally tractable. Here, we reconstruct and compare metabolic modules found in the deduced proteomes of 13 nematodes and 10 non-nematode species (including hosts of the parasitic nematode species). We observed that the metabolic potential is, in general, concomitant with phylogenetic and/or ecological similarity. Varied metabolic strategies are required among the nematodes, with only 8 out of 51 pathway modules being completely conserved. Enzyme comparison based on topology of metabolic modules uncovered diversification between parasite and host that can potentially guide therapeutic intervention. Gene expression data from 4 nematode species were used to study metabolic dynamics over their life cycles. We report unexpected differential metabolism between immature and mature microfilariae of the human filarial parasite Brugia malayi. A set of genes potentially important for parasitism is also reported, based on an analysis of gene expression in C. elegans and the human hookworm Necator americanus. We illustrate how analyzing and comparing metabolism at the level of pathway modules can improve existing knowledge of nematode metabolic potential and can provide parasitism related insights. Our reconstruction and comparison of nematode metabolic pathways at a pan-phylum and inter-phylum level enabled determination of phylogenetic restrictions and differential expression of pathways. A visualization of our results is available at http://nematode.net and the program for identification of module completeness (modDFS) is freely available at SourceForge. The methods reported will help biologists to predict biochemical potential of any organism with available deduced proteome, to direct experiments and test hypotheses. We reconstructed metabolic pathways of 23 organisms including 13 nematode species, using their complete deduced protein coding sequences and compared them to 10 non-nematodes. We observed that metabolic potential availability is concomitant with phylogenetic and/or ecological similarity, with the exceptions providing interesting case studies. We also studied changes in metabolic profiles under different developmental stages of 4 nematode species using stage-specific transcriptomic data. A comparison of the variation patterns in these profiles led to recognition of modules that share metabolic profiles at various life-cycle stages or during development. The undertaken analysis improved genome annotation and the obtained results provided insight into parasitism, resulting in identification of taxonomically-restricted pathways and enzymes that may provide new mechanisms for control of nematode infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Tyagi
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Bruce A. Rosa
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Warren G. Lewis
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Makedonka Mitreva
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Retra K, deWalick S, Schmitz M, Yazdanbakhsh M, Tielens AGM, Brouwers JFHM, van Hellemond JJ. The tegumental surface membranes of Schistosoma mansoni are enriched in parasite-specific phospholipid species. Int J Parasitol 2015; 45:629-36. [PMID: 25975668 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2015.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Revised: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The complex surface structure of adult Schistosoma mansoni, the tegument, is essential for survival of the parasite. This tegument is syncytial and is covered by two closely-apposed lipid bilayers that form the interactive surface with the host. In order to identify parasite-specific phospholipids present in the tegument, the species compositions of the major glycerophospholipid classes, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol, including lysophospholipid species, were analysed in adult S. mansoni worms, isolated tegumental membranes and hamster blood cells. It was shown that there are large differences in species composition in all four phospholipid classes between the membranes of S. mansoni and those of the host blood cells. The species compositions of phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine were strikingly different in the tegument compared with the whole worm. The tegumental membranes are especially enriched in lysophospholipids, predominantly eicosenoic acid (20:1)-containing lyso-phosphatidylserine and lyso-phosphatidylethanolamine species. Furthermore, the tegument was strongly enriched in phosphatidylcholine that contained 5-octadecenoic acid, an unusual fatty acid that is not present in the host. As we have shown previously that lysophospholipids from schistosomes affect the parasite-host interaction, excretion of these tegument-specific phospholipid species was examined in vitro and in vivo. Our experiments demonstrated that these lysophospholipids are not significantly secreted during in vitro incubations and are not detectable in peripheral blood of infected hosts. However, these analyses demonstrated a substantial decrease in PI content of blood plasma from schistosome-infected hamsters, which might indicate that schistosomes influence exosome formation by the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Retra
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia deWalick
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marion Schmitz
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Yazdanbakhsh
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Aloysius G M Tielens
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jos F H M Brouwers
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap J van Hellemond
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Pearce EJ, Huang SCC. The metabolic control of schistosome egg production. Cell Microbiol 2015; 17:796-801. [PMID: 25850569 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Revised: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by infection with trematode parasites of the genus Schistosoma. Despite ongoing treatment programmes, the prevalence of schistosomiasis has failed to decline and the disease remains a cause of severe morbidity in millions of people. Understanding the biology of egg production by schistosomes is critical since eggs allow transmission of the infection, and when trapped in host tissues induce the immune responses that are responsible for the pathologic changes that underlie disease development. Unusually among trematodes, adult schistosomes exhibit sexual dimorphism and display a fascinating codependency in that the female is dependent on the male to grow and sexually mature. Thus, virgin females are developmentally stunted compared with females from mixed-sex infections and are unable to lay eggs. Moreover, fecund female schistosomes rapidly lose the ability to produce eggs when placed in tissue culture. Here we discuss the metabolic regulation of egg production in schistosomes, and in particular the critical role played by fatty acid oxidation in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward J Pearce
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110-1093, USA
| | - Stanley Ching-Cheng Huang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110-1093, USA
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Sotillo J, Pearson M, Becker L, Mulvenna J, Loukas A. A quantitative proteomic analysis of the tegumental proteins from Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula reveals novel potential therapeutic targets. Int J Parasitol 2015; 45:505-16. [PMID: 25910674 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2015.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Revised: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The tegument of Schistosoma mansoni plays an integral role in host-parasite interactions, particularly during the transition from the free-living cercariae to the intra-mammalian schistosomula stages. This developmental period is characterised by the transition from a trilaminate surface to a heptalaminate tegument that plays key roles in immune evasion, nutrition and excretion. Proteins exposed at the surface membranes of newly transformed schistosomula are therefore thought to be prime targets for the development of new vaccines and drugs for schistosomiasis. Using a combination of tegumental labelling and high-throughput quantitative proteomics, more than 450 proteins were identified on the apical membrane of S. mansoni schistosomula, of which 200 had significantly regulated expression profiles at different stages of schistosomula development in vitro, including glucose transporters, sterols, heat shock proteins, antioxidant enzymes and peptidases. Current vaccine antigens were identified on the apical membrane (Sm-TSP-1, calpain) or sub-tegumental (Sm-TSP-2, Sm29) fractions of the schistosomula, displaying localisation patterns that, in some cases, differ from that in the adult stage fluke. This work provides the first known in-depth proteomic analysis of the surface-exposed proteins in the schistosomula tegument, and some of the proteins identified are clear targets for the generation of new vaccines and drugs against schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Sotillo
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia.
| | - Mark Pearson
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Luke Becker
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Jason Mulvenna
- QIMR-Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
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Ferreira MS, de Oliveira DN, de Oliveira RN, Allegretti SM, Catharino RR. Screening the life cycle of Schistosoma mansoni using high-resolution mass spectrometry. Anal Chim Acta 2014; 845:62-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2014.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Revised: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Mickum ML, Prasanphanich NS, Heimburg-Molinaro J, Leon KE, Cummings RD. Deciphering the glycogenome of schistosomes. Front Genet 2014; 5:262. [PMID: 25147556 PMCID: PMC4122909 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni and other Schistosoma sp. are multicellular parasitic helminths (worms) that infect humans and mammals worldwide. Infection by these parasites, which results in developmental maturation and sexual differentiation of the worms over a period of 5–6 weeks, induces antibodies to glycan antigens expressed in surface and secreted glycoproteins and glycolipids. There is growing interest in defining these unusual parasite-synthesized glycan antigens and using them to understand immune responses, their roles in immunomodulation, and in using glycan antigens as potential vaccine targets. A key problem in this area, however, has been the lack of information about the enzymes involved in elaborating the complex repertoire of glycans represented by the schistosome glycome. Recent availability of the nuclear genome sequences for Schistosoma sp. has created the opportunity to define the glycogenome, which represents the specific genes and cognate enzymes that generate the glycome. Here we describe the current state of information in regard to the schistosome glycogenome and glycome and highlight the important classes of glycans and glycogenes that may be important in their generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Mickum
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nina S Prasanphanich
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Kristoffer E Leon
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Richard D Cummings
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta, GA, USA
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Ghosh D, Misra KK. Comparison of fatty acid contents of the neutral and phospholipids of the trematode Paramphistomum cervi and liver of its host, Capra hircus. J Parasit Dis 2014; 38:223-32. [PMID: 24808657 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-012-0229-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2012] [Accepted: 12/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The present observation records the lipid classes and their fatty acid composition of the neutral lipid and phospholipid of the trematode Paramphistomum cervi and liver of its host Capra hircus, the common Indian goat. Thin Layer Chromatography and Gas Liquid Chromatography were used to identify different neutral lipid and phospholipid components. The results show that among the neutral lipid fractions, the amount of combined hydrocarbon, wax ester and steryl ester is more or less equal in parasite and its host, but the percent of triacylglycerol is more in host liver than the parasite and the percent of total sterol is more in parasite than that of its host liver. Among the phospholipid fractions, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylethanolamine in the trematode parasite P. cervi and phosphatidylcholine and cardiolipin in the host's liver are the major components. The predominant fatty acids in the neutral lipid and phospholipid fractions of both the host liver and the trematode P. cervi include C16:0, C18:0, C18:1, and C18:2. The results reveal that the parasite P. cervi take up almost all the lipid and fatty acids from their host, which is required for their life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debasree Ghosh
- Department of Zoology, R.B.C. College, Naihati, 743 165 West Bengal India
| | - K K Misra
- Department of Zoology, R.B.C. College, Naihati, 743 165 West Bengal India
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Ferreira MS, de Oliveira DN, de Oliveira RN, Allegretti SM, Vercesi AE, Catharino RR. Mass spectrometry imaging: a new vision in differentiating Schistosoma mansoni strains. JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2014; 49:86-92. [PMID: 24446267 DOI: 10.1002/jms.3308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Revised: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected disease with large geographic distribution worldwide. Among the several different species of this parasite, S. mansoni is the most common and relevant one; its pathogenesis is also known to vary according to the worms' strain. High parasitical virulence is directly related to granulomatous reactions in the host's liver, and might be influenced by one or more molecules involved in a specific metabolic pathway. Therefore, better understanding the metabolic profile of these organisms is necessary, especially for an increased potential of unraveling strain virulence mechanisms and resistance to existing treatments. In this report, MALDI-MSI and the metabolomic platform were employed to characterize and differentiate two Brazilian S. mansoni strains: males and females from Belo Horizonte (BH) and from Sergipe (SE). By performing direct analysis, it is possible to distinguish the sex of adult worms, as well as identify the spatial distribution of chemical markers. Phospholipids, diacylglycerols and triacylglycerols were located in specific structures of the worms' bodies, such as tegument, suckers, reproductive and digestive systems. Lipid profiles were found to be different both between strains and males or females, giving specific metabolic fingerprints for each group. This indicates that biochemical characterization of adult S. mansoni may help narrowing-down the investigation of new therapeutic targets according to worm composition, molecule distribution and, therefore, aggressiveness of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mônica Siqueira Ferreira
- Innovare Biomarkers Laboratory, Medicine and Experimental Surgery Nucleus, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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Yang J, Feng X, Fu Z, Yuan C, Hong Y, Shi Y, Zhang M, Liu J, Li H, Lu K, Lin J. Ultrastructural observation and gene expression profiling of Schistosoma japonicum derived from two natural reservoir hosts, water buffalo and yellow cattle. PLoS One 2012; 7:e47660. [PMID: 23110087 PMCID: PMC3482235 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0047660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Water buffalo and yellow cattle are the two of the most important natural reservoir hosts for Schistosoma japonicum in endemic areas of China, although their susceptibility differs, with water buffalo being less conducive to the growth and development of S. japonicum. Results from the current study show that the general morphology and ultrastructure of adult schistosomes derived from the two hosts also differed. Using high-throughput microarray technology, we also compared the gene expression profiles of adult schistosomes derived from the two hosts. We identified genes that were differentially expressed in worms from the two natural hosts. Further analysis revealed that genes associated with protein kinase and phosphatase, the stimulus response, and lipid and nucleotide metabolism were overexpressed, whereas genes associated with reproduction, anatomical structure morphogenesis and multifunctional motif were underexpressed in schistosomes from water buffalo. These differentially expressed genes were mainly involved in nucleotide, energy, lipid metabolism, energy metabolism, transcription, transport and signaling pathway. This suggests that they are key molecules affecting the survival and development of schistosomes in different natural host species. The results of this study add to current understanding of the interplay between parasites and their natural hosts, and provide valuable information for the screening of vaccine candidates or new drug targets against schistosomiasis in the natural reservoir hosts in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianmei Yang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xingang Feng
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Fu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunxiu Yuan
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Hong
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yaojun Shi
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Zhang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinming Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao Li
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ke Lu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiaojiao Lin
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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Huang SCC, Freitas TC, Amiel E, Everts B, Pearce EL, Lok JB, Pearce EJ. Fatty acid oxidation is essential for egg production by the parasitic flatworm Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Pathog 2012; 8:e1002996. [PMID: 23133378 PMCID: PMC3486914 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomes, parasitic flatworms that cause the neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis, have been considered to have an entirely carbohydrate based metabolism, with glycolysis playing a dominant role in the adult parasites. However, we have discovered a close link between mitochondrial oxygen consumption by female schistosomes and their ability to produce eggs. We show that oxygen consumption rates (OCR) and egg production are significantly diminished by pharmacologic inhibition of carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (CPT1), which catalyzes a rate limiting step in fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) and by genetic loss of function of acyl CoA synthetase, which complexes with CPT1 and activates long chain FA for use in FAO, and of acyl CoA dehydrogenase, which catalyzes the first step in FAO within mitochondria. Declines in OCR and egg production correlate with changes in a network of lipid droplets within cells in a specialized reproductive organ, the vitellarium. Our data point to the importance of regulated lipid stores and FAO for the compartmentalized process of egg production in schistosomes. Schistosomes are parasitic worms that are the cause of the Neglected Tropical Disease schistosomiasis. Female schistosomes mated with males produce eggs, which either pass out of the host's body for transmission of the infection, or become trapped in host tissues, where they induce inflammation that contributes to disease symptoms. It has been assumed that egg production is a bioenergetically-demanding process fuelled by glucose metabolism. However, we have discovered that egg production is blocked by inhibition of fatty acid oxidation (FAO), the process through which FA are utilized within mitochondria to fuel the tricarboxylic acid cycle and thereby produce substrates for ATP synthesis through oxidative phosphorylation. Consistent with a role for FAO in egg production, fecund females have extensive fat stores, in the form of lipid droplets, whereas virgin adult females have little or no fat reserves. Moreover, fecund females placed into tissue culture exhaust their fat reserves and cease to be able to produce eggs. Since schistosomes cannot produce their own FA, our data point to the acquisition of FA from the host as a key process necessary for egg production. Our findings point to the importance of regulated lipid stores and FAO for egg production by schistosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Ching-Cheng Huang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Trudeau Institute, Saranac Lake, New York, United States of America
| | - Tori C. Freitas
- Trudeau Institute, Saranac Lake, New York, United States of America
| | - Eyal Amiel
- Trudeau Institute, Saranac Lake, New York, United States of America
| | - Bart Everts
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Trudeau Institute, Saranac Lake, New York, United States of America
| | - Erika L. Pearce
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Trudeau Institute, Saranac Lake, New York, United States of America
| | - James B. Lok
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Edward J. Pearce
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Trudeau Institute, Saranac Lake, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Nishimura O, Hirao Y, Tarui H, Agata K. Comparative transcriptome analysis between planarian Dugesia japonica and other platyhelminth species. BMC Genomics 2012; 13:289. [PMID: 22747887 PMCID: PMC3507646 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-13-289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2011] [Accepted: 06/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Planarians are considered to be among the extant animals close to one of the earliest groups of organisms that acquired a central nervous system (CNS) during evolution. Planarians have a bilobed brain with nine lateral branches from which a variety of external signals are projected into different portions of the main lobes. Various interneurons process different signals to regulate behavior and learning/memory. Furthermore, planarians have robust regenerative ability and are attracting attention as a new model organism for the study of regeneration. Here we conducted large-scale EST analysis of the head region of the planarian Dugesia japonica to construct a database of the head-region transcriptome, and then performed comparative analyses among related species. Results A total of 54,752 high-quality EST reads were obtained from a head library of the planarian Dugesia japonica, and 13,167 unigene sequences were produced by de novo assembly. A new method devised here revealed that proteins related to metabolism and defense mechanisms have high flexibility of amino-acid substitutions within the planarian family. Eight-two CNS-development genes were found in the planarian (cf. C. elegans 3; chicken 129). Comparative analysis revealed that 91% of the planarian CNS-development genes could be mapped onto the schistosome genome, but one-third of these shared genes were not expressed in the schistosome. Conclusions We constructed a database that is a useful resource for comparative planarian transcriptome studies. Analysis comparing homologous genes between two planarian species showed that the potential of genes is important for accumulation of amino-acid substitutions. The presence of many CNS-development genes in our database supports the notion that the planarian has a fundamental brain with regard to evolution and development at not only the morphological/functional, but also the genomic, level. In addition, our results indicate that the planarian CNS-development genes already existed before the divergence of planarians and schistosomes from their common ancestor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osamu Nishimura
- Department of Biophysics and Global COE Program, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-Oiwake, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
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Hall SL, Braschi S, Truscott M, Mathieson W, Cesari IM, Wilson RA. Insights into blood feeding by schistosomes from a proteomic analysis of worm vomitus. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2011; 179:18-29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2011.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2011] [Revised: 05/05/2011] [Accepted: 05/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Frank S, Geyer H, Geyer R. Microscale Analysis of Glycosphingolipids fromSchistosoma mansoniCercariae. J Carbohydr Chem 2011. [DOI: 10.1080/07328303.2011.600490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Young ND, Jex AR, Cantacessi C, Hall RS, Campbell BE, Spithill TW, Tangkawattana S, Tangkawattana P, Laha T, Gasser RB. A portrait of the transcriptome of the neglected trematode, Fasciola gigantica--biological and biotechnological implications. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2011; 5:e1004. [PMID: 21408104 PMCID: PMC3051338 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2010] [Accepted: 11/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fasciola gigantica (Digenea) is an important foodborne trematode that causes liver fluke disease (fascioliasis) in mammals, including ungulates and humans, mainly in tropical climatic zones of the world. Despite its socioeconomic impact, almost nothing is known about the molecular biology of this parasite, its interplay with its hosts, and the pathogenesis of fascioliasis. Modern genomic technologies now provide unique opportunities to rapidly tackle these exciting areas. The present study reports the first transcriptome representing the adult stage of F. gigantica (of bovid origin), defined using a massively parallel sequencing-coupled bioinformatic approach. From >20 million raw sequence reads, >30,000 contiguous sequences were assembled, of which most were novel. Relative levels of transcription were determined for individual molecules, which were also characterized (at the inferred amino acid level) based on homology, gene ontology, and/or pathway mapping. Comparisons of the transcriptome of F. gigantica with those of other trematodes, including F. hepatica, revealed similarities in transcription for molecules inferred to have key roles in parasite-host interactions. Overall, the present dataset should provide a solid foundation for future fundamental genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic explorations of F. gigantica, as well as a basis for applied outcomes such as the development of novel methods of intervention against this neglected parasite. Fasciola gigantica (Digenea) is a socioeconomically important liver fluke of humans and other mammals. It is the predominant cause of fascioliasis in the tropics and has a serious impact on the lives of tens of millions of people and other animals; yet, very little is known about this parasite and its relationship with its hosts at the molecular level. Here, advanced sequencing and bioinformatic technologies were employed to explore the genes transcribed in the adult stage of F. gigantica. From >20 million raw reads, >30,000 contiguous sequences were assembled. Relative levels of transcription were estimated; and molecules were characterized based on homology, gene ontology, and/or pathway mapping. Comparisons of the transcriptome of F. gigantica with those of other trematodes, including F. hepatica, showed similarities in transcription for molecules predicted to play roles in parasite-host interactions. The findings of the present study provide a foundation for a wide range of fundamental molecular studies of this neglected parasite, as well as research focused on developing new methods for the treatment, diagnosis, and control of fascioliasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil D. Young
- Department of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Australia
- * E-mail: (RBG); (NDY)
| | - Aaron R. Jex
- Department of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Australia
| | - Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Australia
| | - Ross S. Hall
- Department of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Australia
| | - Bronwyn E. Campbell
- Department of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Australia
| | - Terence W. Spithill
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia
| | - Sirikachorn Tangkawattana
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary, Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Prasarn Tangkawattana
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Thewarach Laha
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Australia
- * E-mail: (RBG); (NDY)
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Major lipids and fatty acids in the liver and rumen fluid of the goat (Capra hircus) infected with the trematodeParamphistomum cervi. J Helminthol 2010; 85:246-54. [DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x10000532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe present study records the occurrence of major lipid fractions and their fatty acids in a digenetic trematode parasiteParamphistomum cervi, and the rumen fluid and liver of the goat (Capra hircus). The amount of neutral lipids (NL), glycolipids (GL) and phospholipids (PL) of goat liver, rumen fluid and of the parasite shows that the rumen fluid is rich in NL, which is also in maximum quantity in the parasite, while the liver is rich in PL followed by NL. The number of fatty acids of total lipids (TL), NL and PL is greater in the parasite than those of the liver and rumen fluid. The number of fatty acids of GL is higher in the liver than in the parasite and the rumen fluid. Comparison of unsaturated fatty acid (UFA), C18total and C18UFA of TL, NL, GL and PL of the liver, rumen fluid and the parasite shows that the amount of C18UFA is higher inP. cerviin all the lipid fractions, except for GL, than in the rumen fluid and the liver. The results reveal thatP. cerviabsorbs a greater number of fatty acids than its host.
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Dimastrogiovanni D, Anselmi M, Miele AE, Boumis G, Petersson L, Angelucci F, Nola AD, Brunori M, Bellelli A. Combining crystallography and molecular dynamics: The case ofSchistosoma mansoniphospholipid glutathione peroxidase. Proteins 2010; 78:259-70. [DOI: 10.1002/prot.22536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Wu JF, Holmes E, Xue J, Xiao SH, Singer BH, Tang HR, Utzinger J, Wang YL. Metabolic alterations in the hamster co-infected with Schistosoma japonicum and Necator americanus. Int J Parasitol 2009; 40:695-703. [PMID: 19951707 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2009.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2009] [Revised: 11/03/2009] [Accepted: 11/04/2009] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Co-infection with hookworm and schistosomes is a common phenomenon in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as in parts of South America and southeast Asia. As a first step towards understanding the metabolic response of a hookworm-schistosome co-infection in humans, we investigated the metabolic consequences of co-infection in an animal model, using a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolic profiling technique, combined with multivariate statistical analysis. Urine and serum samples were obtained from hamsters experimentally infected with 250 Necator americanus infective L(3) and 100 Schistosoma japonicum cercariae simultaneously. In the co-infection model, similar worm burdens were observed as reported for single infection models, whereas metabolic profiles of co-infection represented a combination of the altered metabolite profiles induced by single infections with these two parasites. Consistent differences in metabolic profiles between the co-infected and non-infected control hamsters were observed from 4 weeks p.i. onwards. The predominant metabolic alterations in co-infected hamsters consisted of depletion of amino acids, tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates (e.g. citrate and succinate) and glucose. Moreover, alterations of a series of gut microbial-related metabolites, such as decreased levels of hippurate, 3-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid, 4-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid and trimethylamine-N-oxide, and increased concentrations of 4-cresol glucuronide and phenylacetylglycine were associated with co-infection. Our results provide a first step towards understanding the metabolic response of an animal host to multiple parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Fang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, Wuhan Center for Magnetic Resonance, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, People's Republic of China
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Mathieson W, Wilson RA. A comparative proteomic study of the undeveloped and developed Schistosoma mansoni egg and its contents: the miracidium, hatch fluid and secretions. Int J Parasitol 2009; 40:617-28. [PMID: 19917288 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2009.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2009] [Revised: 10/23/2009] [Accepted: 10/26/2009] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The schistosome egg is the key agent responsible both for transmission of the parasite from human to molluscan host, and is the primary cause of pathogenesis in schistosomiasis. Characterisation of its proteome is a crucial step in understanding the egg's interactions with the mammalian host. We devised a scheme to isolate undeveloped eggs from mature schistosome eggs by Percoll gradient and then fractionate the mature egg into miracidial, hatch fluid and secreted protein preparations. The soluble proteins contained within the five preparations were separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis and their spot patterns compared by image analysis. Large numbers of representative spots were then excised and subjected to tandem mass spectrometry to obtain identities. In this way, the principal components of each sub-proteome were established. Chaperones were the most abundant category, with heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) dominant in the undeveloped egg and Schistosoma mansoni protein 40 (Smp-40) in the miracidium. Cytoskeletal proteins were expressed at similar levels in the undeveloped egg and miracidium, with tubulins the most abundant. The proteins of energy metabolism reflected the change from anaerobic to aerobic metabolism as the miracidium developed. None of the above categories was abundant in the hatch fluid but this peri-miracidial compartment was highly enriched for defence proteins such as thioredoxin. Hatch fluid also contained several host proteins and schistosome proteins of unknown function, highlighting its distinct nature and potentially its role. The egg secretions could not be compared with the other preparations due to their unique composition featuring the previously characterised IL-4-inducing principal of S. mansoni eggs (IPSE), Omega-1, egg secreted protein 15 (ESP15), a micro-exon gene 2 (MEG-2) protein and two members of the recently described MEG-3 family. This last preparation contains the subset of egg proteins that probably enables eggs to escape from host tissues and may also initiate granuloma formation, emphasising the need to establish fully the roles of its components in schistosome biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Mathieson
- Department of Biology, University of York, P.O. Box 373, York YO105YW, UK.
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Berriman M, Haas BJ, LoVerde PT, Wilson RA, Dillon GP, Cerqueira GC, Mashiyama ST, Al-Lazikani B, Andrade LF, Ashton PD, Aslett MA, Bartholomeu DC, Blandin G, Caffrey CR, Coghlan A, Coulson R, Day TA, Delcher A, DeMarco R, Djikeng A, Eyre T, Gamble JA, Ghedin E, Gu Y, Hertz-Fowler C, Hirai H, Hirai Y, Houston R, Ivens A, Johnston DA, Lacerda D, Macedo CD, McVeigh P, Ning Z, Oliveira G, Overington JP, Parkhill J, Pertea M, Pierce RJ, Protasio AV, Quail MA, Rajandream MA, Rogers J, Sajid M, Salzberg SL, Stanke M, Tivey AR, White O, Williams DL, Wortman J, Wu W, Zamanian M, Zerlotini A, Fraser-Liggett CM, Barrell BG, El-Sayed NM. The genome of the blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni. Nature 2009; 460:352-8. [PMID: 19606141 PMCID: PMC2756445 DOI: 10.1038/nature08160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 801] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2009] [Accepted: 05/22/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni is responsible for the neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis that affects 210 million people in 76 countries. We report here analysis of the 363 megabase nuclear genome of the blood fluke. It encodes at least 11,809 genes, with an unusual intron size distribution, and novel families of micro-exon genes that undergo frequent alternate splicing. As the first sequenced flatworm, and a representative of the lophotrochozoa, it offers insights into early events in the evolution of the animals, including the development of a body pattern with bilateral symmetry, and the development of tissues into organs. Our analysis has been informed by the need to find new drug targets. The deficits in lipid metabolism that make schistosomes dependent on the host are revealed, while the identification of membrane receptors, ion channels and more than 300 proteases, provide new insights into the biology of the life cycle and novel targets. Bioinformatics approaches have identified metabolic chokepoints while a chemogenomic screen has pinpointed schistosome proteins for which existing drugs may be active. The information generated provides an invaluable resource for the research community to develop much needed new control tools for the treatment and eradication of this important and neglected disease.
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Abstract
The storage of fatty acids and fatty alcohols in the form of neutral lipids such as triacylglycerol (TAG), cholesteryl ester (CE), and wax ester (WE) serves to provide reservoirs for membrane formation and maintenance, lipoprotein trafficking, lipid detoxification, evaporation barriers, and fuel in times of stress or nutrient deprivation. This ancient process likely originated in actinomycetes and has persisted in eukaryotes, albeit by different molecular mechanisms. A surfeit of neutral lipids is strongly, perhaps causally, related to several human diseases such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, atherosclerosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Therefore, understanding the metabolic pathways of neutral lipid synthesis and the roles of the enzymes involved may facilitate the development of new therapeutic interventions for these syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron R Turkish
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 W. 168th St., New York, NY, USA.
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Retra K, Bleijerveld OB, van Gestel RA, Tielens AGM, van Hellemond JJ, Brouwers JF. A simple and universal method for the separation and identification of phospholipid molecular species. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2008; 22:1853-62. [PMID: 18470873 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.3562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
One of the major challenges in lipidomics is to obtain as much information about the lipidome as possible. Here, we present a simple yet universal high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS) method to separate molecular species of all phospholipid classes in one single run. The method is sensitive, robust and allows lipid profiling using full scan mass spectrometry, as well as lipid class specific scanning in positive and negative ionisation mode. This allows high-throughput processing of samples for lipidomics, even if different types of MS analysis are required. Excellent separation of isobaric and even isomeric species is achieved, and original levels of lyso-lipids can be determined without interference from lyso-lipids formed from diacyl species by source fragmentation. As examples of application of this method, more than 400 phospholipid species were identified and quantified in crude phospholipid extracts from rat liver and the parasitic helminth Schistosoma mansoni.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Retra
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Waisberg M, Lobo FP, Cerqueira GC, Passos LKJ, Carvalho OS, Franco GR, El-Sayed NM. Microarray analysis of gene expression induced by sexual contact in Schistosoma mansoni. BMC Genomics 2007; 8:181. [PMID: 17578584 PMCID: PMC1929073 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-8-181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2007] [Accepted: 06/20/2007] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The parasitic trematode Schistosoma mansoni is one of the major causative agents of Schistosomiasis, a disease that affects approximately 200 million people, mostly in developing countries. Since much of the pathology is associated with eggs laid by the female worm, understanding the mechanisms involved in oogenesis and sexual maturation is an important step towards the discovery of new targets for effective drug therapy. It is known that the adult female worm only develops fully in the presence of a male worm and that the rates of oviposition and maturation of eggs are significantly increased by mating. In order to study gene transcripts associated with sexual maturation and oviposition, we compared the gene expression profiles of sexually mature and immature parasites using DNA microarrays. Results For each experiment, three amplified RNA microarray hybridizations and their dye swaps were analyzed. Our results show that 265 transcripts are differentially expressed in adult females and 53 in adult males when mature and immature worms are compared. Of the genes differentially expressed, 55% are expressed at higher levels in paired females while the remaining 45% are more expressed in unpaired ones and 56.6% are expressed at higher levels in paired male worms while the remaining 43.4% are more expressed in immature parasites. Real-time RT-PCR analysis validated the microarray results. Several new maturation associated transcripts were identified. Genes that were up-regulated in single-sex females were mostly related to energy generation (i.e. carbohydrate and protein metabolism, generation of precursor metabolites and energy, cellular catabolism, and organelle organization and biogenesis) while genes that were down-regulated related to RNA metabolism, reactive oxygen species metabolism, electron transport, organelle organization and biogenesis and protein biosynthesis. Conclusion Our results confirm previous observations related to gene expression induced by sexual maturation in female schistosome worms. They also increase the list of S. mansoni maturation associated transcripts considerably, therefore opening new and exciting avenues for the study of the conjugal biology and development of new drugs against schistosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Waisberg
- Laboratório de Genética Bioquímica, Departmento de Imunologia e Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
- Department of Parasite Genomics, The Institute for Genomic Research, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Francisco P Lobo
- Laboratório de Genética Bioquímica, Departmento de Imunologia e Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Gustavo C Cerqueira
- Department of Parasite Genomics, The Institute for Genomic Research, Rockville, MD, USA
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular de Tripanosomatídeos, Departamento de Imunologia e Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Liana KJ Passos
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Osvaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Omar S Carvalho
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Osvaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Glória R Franco
- Laboratório de Genética Bioquímica, Departmento de Imunologia e Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Najib M El-Sayed
- Department of Parasite Genomics, The Institute for Genomic Research, Rockville, MD, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics and Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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