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Walzer KA, Tandel J, Byerly JH, Daniels AM, Gullicksrud JA, Whelan EC, Carro SD, Krespan E, Beiting DP, Striepen B. Transcriptional control of the Cryptosporidium life cycle. Nature 2024; 630:174-180. [PMID: 38811723 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07466-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
The parasite Cryptosporidium is a leading agent of diarrhoeal disease in young children, and a cause and consequence of chronic malnutrition1,2. There are no vaccines and only limited treatment options3. The parasite infects enterocytes, in which it engages in asexual and sexual replication4, both of which are essential to continued infection and transmission. However, their molecular mechanisms remain largely unclear5. Here we use single-cell RNA sequencing to reveal the gene expression programme of the entire Cryptosporidium parvum life cycle in culture and in infected animals. Diverging from the prevailing model6, we find support for only three intracellular stages: asexual type-I meronts, male gamonts and female gametes. We reveal a highly organized program for the assembly of components at each stage. Dissecting the underlying regulatory network, we identify the transcription factor Myb-M as the earliest determinant of male fate, in an organism that lacks genetic sex determination. Conditional expression of this factor overrides the developmental program and induces widespread maleness, while conditional deletion ablates male development. Both have a profound impact on the infection. A large set of stage-specific genes now provides the opportunity to understand, engineer and disrupt parasite sex and life cycle progression to advance the development of vaccines and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn A Walzer
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jayesh Tandel
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jessica H Byerly
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Abigail M Daniels
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jodi A Gullicksrud
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Eoin C Whelan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stephen D Carro
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elise Krespan
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel P Beiting
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Boris Striepen
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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2
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Wang L, Liu D, Zhu Y, Wang F, Cai W, Feng Q, Su S, Hou Z, Xu J, Hu J, Tao J. Comparative proteomic analysis of wall-forming bodies and oocyst wall reveals the molecular basis underlying oocyst wall formation in Eimeria necatrix. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:460. [PMID: 38111000 PMCID: PMC10729351 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06076-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The durable oocyst wall formed from the contents of wall-forming bodies (WFBs) protects Eimeria parasites from harsh conditions and enhances parasite transmission. Comprehending the contents of WFBs and proteins involved in oocyst wall formation is pivotal to understanding the mechanism of the oocyst wall formation and the search for novel targets to disrupt parasite transmission. METHODS Total proteins extracted from WFBs and the oocyst wall of Eimeria necatrix were subjected to comparative proteomic analysis using tandem mass tag in conjunction with liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry techniques. After functional clustering analysis of the identified proteins, three proteins, including E. necatrix disulfide isomerase (EnPDI), thioredoxin (EnTrx) and phosphoglycerate kinase (EnPGK), were selected for further study to confirm their potential roles in oocyst wall formation. RESULTS A total of 3009 and 2973 proteins were identified from WFBs and the oocyst wall of E. necatrix, respectively. Among these proteins, 1102 were identified as differentially expressed proteins, of which 506 were upregulated and 596 downregulated in the oocyst wall compared to the WFBs. A total of 108 proteins, including compositional proteins of the oocyst wall, proteases, oxidoreductases, proteins involved in glycosylation, proteins involved in synthesis of the acid-fast lipid layer and proteins related to transport, were proposed to be involved in oocyst wall formation. The approximate molecular sizes of native EnPDI, EnTrx and EnPGK proteins were 55, 50 and 45 kDa, respectively. EnPDI was present in both type 1 and type 2 WFBs, EnTrx was present only in type 2 WFB2 and EnPGK was present only in type 1 WFBs, whereas all of them were localized to the outer layer of the oocyst wall, indicating that all of them participate in the formation of the oocyst wall. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the proteomes of WFBs and the oocyst wall of E. necatrix. The data obtained from this study form a basis for deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying oocyst wall formation of Eimeria parasites. They also provide valuable resources for future studies on the development of novel therapeutic agents and vaccines aimed at combating coccidian transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lele Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Dandan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Feiyan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Weimin Cai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianqian Feng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Shijie Su
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaofeng Hou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinjun Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjie Hu
- School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences and Yunnan Key Laboratory for Plateau Mountain Ecology and Restoration of Degraded Environments, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianping Tao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Jia L, Zhao Q, Zhu S, Han H, Zhao H, Yu Y, Yang J, Dong H. Proteomic Analysis of Fractionated Eimeria tenella Sporulated Oocysts Reveals Involvement in Oocyst Wall Formation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17051. [PMID: 38069374 PMCID: PMC10707475 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317051] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Eimeria tenella is the most pathogenic intracellular protozoan parasite of the Eimeria species. Eimeria oocyst wall biogenesis appears to play a central role in oocyst transmission. Proteome profiling offers insights into the mechanisms governing the molecular basis of oocyst wall formation and identifies targets for blocking parasite transmission. Tandem mass tags (TMT)-labeled quantitative proteomics was used to analyze the oocyst wall and sporocysts of E. tenella. A combined total of 2865 E. tenella proteins were identified in the oocyst wall and sporocyst fractions; among these, 401 DEPs were identified, of which 211 were upregulated and 190 were downregulated. The 211 up-regulated DEPs were involved in various biological processes, including DNA replication, fatty acid metabolism and biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, and propanoate metabolism. Among these proteins, several are of interest for their likely role in oocyst wall formation, including two tyrosine-rich gametocyte proteins (EtGAM56, EtSWP1) and two cysteine-rich proteins (EtOWP2, EtOWP6). Concurrently, 96 uncharacterized proteins may also participate in oocyst wall formation. The present study significantly expands our knowledge of the proteome of the oocyst wall of E. tenella, thereby providing a theoretical basis for further understanding of the biosynthesis and resilience of the E. tenella oocyst wall.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hui Dong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Minhang, Shanghai 200241, China; (L.J.); (Q.Z.); (S.Z.); (H.H.); (H.Z.); (Y.Y.); (J.Y.)
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4
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Guérin A, Strelau KM, Barylyuk K, Wallbank BA, Berry L, Crook OM, Lilley KS, Waller RF, Striepen B. Cryptosporidium uses multiple distinct secretory organelles to interact with and modify its host cell. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:650-664.e6. [PMID: 36958336 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a leading cause of diarrheal disease in children and an important contributor to early childhood mortality. The parasite invades and extensively remodels intestinal epithelial cells, building an elaborate interface structure. How this occurs at the molecular level and the contributing parasite factors are largely unknown. Here, we generated a whole-cell spatial proteome of the Cryptosporidium sporozoite and used genetic and cell biological experimentation to discover the Cryptosporidium-secreted effector proteome. These findings reveal multiple organelles, including an original secretory organelle, and generate numerous compartment markers by tagging native gene loci. We show that secreted proteins are delivered to the parasite-host interface, where they assemble into different structures including a ring that anchors the parasite into its unique epicellular niche. Cryptosporidium thus uses a complex set of secretion systems during and following invasion that act in concert to subjugate its host cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandine Guérin
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Katherine M Strelau
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Bethan A Wallbank
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Laurence Berry
- LPHI, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier 34095, France
| | - Oliver M Crook
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3LB, UK
| | - Kathryn S Lilley
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QW, UK
| | - Ross F Waller
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QW, UK
| | - Boris Striepen
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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5
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Wang L, Wang Y, Cui Z, Li D, Li X, Zhang S, Zhang L. Enrichment and proteomic identification of Cryptosporidium parvum oocyst wall. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:335. [PMID: 36151578 PMCID: PMC9508764 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05448-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptosporidium parvum is a zoonotic parasitic protozoan that can infect a variety of animals and humans and is transmitted between hosts via oocysts. The oocyst wall provides strong protection against hostile environmental factors; however, research is limited concerning the oocyst wall at the proteomic level. Methods A comprehensive analysis of the proteome of oocyst wall of C. parvum was performed using label-free qualitative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fractionation and mass spectrometry-based qualitative proteomics technologies. Among the identified proteins, a surface protein (CpSP1) encoded by the C. parvum cgd7_5140 (Cpcgd7_5140) gene was predicted to be located on the surface of the oocyst wall. We preliminarily characterized the sequence and subcellular localization of CpSP1. Results A total of 798 proteins were identified, accounting for about 20% of the CryptoDB proteome. By using bioinformatic analysis, functional annotation and subcellular localization of the identified proteins were examined for better understanding of the characteristics of the oocyst wall. To verify the localization of CpSP1, an indirect immunofluorescent antibody assay demonstrated that the protein was localized on the surface of the oocyst wall, illustrating the potential usage as a marker for C. parvum detection in vitro. Conclusion The results provide a global framework about the proteomic composition of the Cryptosporidium oocyst wall, thereby providing a theoretical basis for further study of Cryptosporidium oocyst wall formation as well as the selection of targets for Cryptosporidium detection. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05448-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.,International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuexin Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.,International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaohui Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.,International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongfang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.,International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.,International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Sumei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China. .,International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, Zhengzhou, 450046, China. .,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China. .,International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, Zhengzhou, 450046, China. .,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.
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El-Wakil ES, El-Shazly MA, El-Ashkar AM, Aboushousha T, Ghareeb MA. Chemical profiling of Verbena officinalis and assessment of its anti- cryptosporidial activity in experimentally infected immunocompromised mice. ARAB J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2022.103945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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7
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The transcriptome from asexual to sexual in vitro development of Cystoisospora suis (Apicomplexa: Coccidia). Sci Rep 2022; 12:5972. [PMID: 35396557 PMCID: PMC8993856 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09714-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The apicomplexan parasite Cystoisospora suis is an enteropathogen of suckling piglets with woldwide distribution. As with all coccidian parasites, its lifecycle is characterized by asexual multiplication followed by sexual development with two morphologically distinct cell types that presumably fuse to form a zygote from which the oocyst arises. However, knowledge of the sexual development of C. suis is still limited. To complement previous in vitro studies, we analysed transcriptional profiles at three different time points of development (corresponding to asexual, immature and mature sexual stages) in vitro via RNASeq. Overall, transcription of genes encoding proteins with important roles in gametes biology, oocyst wall biosynthesis, DNA replication and axonema formation as well as proteins with important roles in merozoite biology was identified. A homologue of an oocyst wall tyrosine rich protein of Toxoplasma gondii was expressed in macrogametes and oocysts of C. suis. We evaluated inhibition of sexual development in a host-free culture for C. suis by antiserum specific to this protein to evaluate whether it could be exploited as a candidate for control strategies against C. suis. Based on these data, targets can be defined for future strategies to interrupt parasite transmission during sexual development.
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8
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Identification of Oocyst-Driven Toxoplasma gondii Infections in Humans and Animals through Stage-Specific Serology-Current Status and Future Perspectives. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9112346. [PMID: 34835471 PMCID: PMC8618849 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The apicomplexan zoonotic parasite Toxoplasma gondii has three infective stages: sporozoites in sporulated oocysts, which are shed in unsporulated form into the environment by infected felids; tissue cysts containing bradyzoites, and fast replicating tachyzoites that are responsible for acute toxoplasmosis. The contribution of oocysts to infections in both humans and animals is understudied despite being highly relevant. Only a few diagnostic antigens have been described to be capable of discriminating which parasite stage has caused an infection. Here we provide an extensive overview of the antigens and serological assays used to detect oocyst-driven infections in humans and animals according to the literature. In addition, we critically discuss the possibility to exploit the increasing knowledge of the T. gondii genome and the various 'omics datasets available, by applying predictive algorithms, for the identification of new oocyst-specific proteins for diagnostic purposes. Finally, we propose a workflow for how such antigens and assays based on them should be evaluated to ensure reproducible and robust results.
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Prediger J, Ježková J, Holubová N, Sak B, Konečný R, Rost M, McEvoy J, Rajský D, Kváč M. Cryptosporidium sciurinum n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiidae) in Eurasian Red Squirrels ( Sciurus vulgaris). Microorganisms 2021; 9:2050. [PMID: 34683369 PMCID: PMC8537388 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9102050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. are common protozoan pathogens in mammals. The diversity and biology of Cryptosporidium in tree squirrels are not well studied. A total of 258 Eurasian red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) from 25 and 15 locations in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, respectively, were examined for Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts and specific DNA at the SSU, actin, HSP70, TRAP-C1, COWP, and gp60 loci. Out of 26 positive animals, only juveniles (9/12) were microscopically positive (18,000 to 72,000 OPG), and molecular analyses revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium sp. ferret genotype in all specimens. Oocysts obtained from naturally-infected squirrels measured 5.54-5.22 μm and were not infectious for laboratory mice (BALB/c and SCID), Mongolian gerbils, Guinea pigs, Southern multimammate mice, chickens, or budgerigars. None of naturally infected squirrels showed clinical signs of disease. The frequency of occurrence of the ferret genotype in squirrels did not vary statistically based on host age, gender or country of capture. Phylogenetic analysis of sequences from six loci revealed that Cryptosporidium sp. ferret genotype is genetically distinct from the currently accepted Cryptosporidium species. Morphological and biological data from this and previous studies support the establishment of Cryptosporidium sp. ferret genotype as a new species, Cryptosporidium sciurinum n. sp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitka Prediger
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (J.P.); (J.J.); (N.H.); (R.K.); (M.R.)
| | - Jana Ježková
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (J.P.); (J.J.); (N.H.); (R.K.); (M.R.)
| | - Nikola Holubová
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (J.P.); (J.J.); (N.H.); (R.K.); (M.R.)
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic;
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic;
| | - Roman Konečný
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (J.P.); (J.J.); (N.H.); (R.K.); (M.R.)
| | - Michael Rost
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (J.P.); (J.J.); (N.H.); (R.K.); (M.R.)
| | - John McEvoy
- Microbiological Sciences Department, North Dakota State University, 1523 Centennial Blvd, Van Es Hall, Fargo, ND 58102, USA;
| | - Dušan Rajský
- Faculty of Forestry, Technical University in Zvolen, T.G. Masaryka 24, 960 01 Zvolen, Slovakia;
| | - Martin Kváč
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (J.P.); (J.J.); (N.H.); (R.K.); (M.R.)
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic;
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10
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Farid A, Tawfik A, Elsioufy B, Safwat G. In vitro and in vivo anti-Cryptosporidium and anti-inflammatory effects of Aloe vera gel in dexamethasone immunosuppressed mice. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2021; 17:156-167. [PMID: 34637982 PMCID: PMC8503859 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2021.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis has been considered as a serious diarrheal disease, especially in immunodeficient patients, where they failed to clear the infection leading to several consequences of infection (i.e death). The role of cell mediated immunity in clearing the infection was demonstrated by the increased susceptibility of HIV/AIDS patients to infection. To date, no specific treatment has been proven for cryptosporidiosis in immunodeficient patients. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Aloe vera gel for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis in immunocompetent and dexamethasone immunosuppressed mice in comparison to that of nitazoxanide. Mice were orally administrated with Aloe vera gel, in a daily dose of 250 mg/L in drinking water, for 14 consecutive days post infection. Parasitological, molecular and immunological measurements were recorded on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 32nd days post infection. Our in vitro results showed that 250 mg/L of prepared gel achieved the highest parasitic reduction. The body weights of Aloe vera treated mice on the 21st and 32nd day post infection, either in immunocompetent or immunosuppressed groups, were nearly the same as those of their corresponding control groups. Aloe vera gel succeeded in clearing cryptosporidiosis with a percent reduction of 100% in immunocompetent mice and 99.67% in immunosuppressed mice. The anti-inflammatory effect of Aloe vera reduced the levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, -6 and -17. The success of Aloe vera gel, in clearing cryptosporidiosis in immunosuppressed mice, was obvious either from the reduction of Cryptosporidium DNA or the oocysts in stool samples; and from the improvement of histopathological sections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyaa Farid
- Zoology Dep., Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Aya Tawfik
- Faculty of Biotechnology, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), Giza, Egypt
| | - Basil Elsioufy
- Faculty of Biotechnology, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), Giza, Egypt
| | - Gehan Safwat
- Faculty of Biotechnology, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), Giza, Egypt
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Xu R, Feng Y, Xiao L, Sibley LD. Insulinase-like Protease 1 Contributes to Macrogamont Formation in Cryptosporidium parvum. mBio 2021; 12:e03405-20. [PMID: 33688009 PMCID: PMC8092296 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03405-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The apicomplexan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum contains an expanded family of 22 insulinase-like proteases (INS), a feature that contrasts with their otherwise streamlined genome. Here, we examined the function of INS1, which is most similar to the human insulinase protease that cleaves a variety of small peptide substrates. INS1 is an M16A clan member and contains a signal peptide, an N-terminal domain with the HXXEH active site, followed by three inactive domains. Unlike previously studied C. parvum INS proteins that are expressed in sporozoites and during merogony, INS1 was expressed exclusively in macrogamonts, where it was localized in small cytoplasmic vesicles. Although INS1 did not colocalize with the oocyst wall protein recognized by the antibody OW50, immune-electron microscopy indicated that INS1 resides in small vesicles in the secretory system. Notably, these small INS1-positive vesicles were often in close proximity to large OW50-positive vacuoles resembling wall-forming bodies, which contain precursors for oocyst wall formation. Genetic deletion of INS1, or replacement with an active-site mutant, resulted in lower formation of macrogamonts in vitro and reduced oocyst shedding in vivo Our findings reveal that INS1 functions in the formation or maturation of macrogamonts and that its loss results in attenuated virulence in immunocompromised mice.IMPORTANCE Cryptosporidiosis is a debilitating diarrheal disease in young children in developing countries. The absence of effective treatments or vaccines makes this infection very difficult to manage in susceptible populations. Although the oral dose of oocysts needed to cause infection is low, infected individuals shed very high numbers of oocysts, readily contaminating the environment. Our studies demonstrate that the protease INS1 is important for formation of female sexual stages and that in its absence, parasites produce fewer oocysts and are attenuated in immunocompromised mice. These findings suggest that mutants lacking INS1, or related proteases, are useful for further characterizing the pathway that leads to macrogamont maturation and oocyst wall formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Xu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agriculture University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agriculture University, Guangzhou, China
| | - L David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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12
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Polyphyletic origin, intracellular invasion, and meiotic genes in the putatively asexual agamococcidians (Apicomplexa incertae sedis). Sci Rep 2020; 10:15847. [PMID: 32985520 PMCID: PMC7522995 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72287-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Agamococcidians are enigmatic and poorly studied parasites of marine invertebrates with unexplored diversity and unclear relationships to other sporozoans such as the human pathogens Plasmodium and Toxoplasma. It is believed that agamococcidians are not capable of sexual reproduction, which is essential for life cycle completion in all well studied parasitic apicomplexans. Here, we describe three new species of agamococcidians belonging to the genus Rhytidocystis. We examined their cell morphology and ultrastructure, resolved their phylogenetic position by using near-complete rRNA operon sequences, and searched for genes associated with meiosis and oocyst wall formation in two rhytidocystid transcriptomes. Phylogenetic analyses consistently recovered rhytidocystids as basal coccidiomorphs and away from the corallicolids, demonstrating that the order Agamococcidiorida Levine, 1979 is polyphyletic. Light and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the development of rhytidocystids begins inside the gut epithelial cells, a characteristic which links them specifically with other coccidiomorphs to the exclusion of gregarines and suggests that intracellular invasion evolved early in the coccidiomorphs. We propose a new superorder Eococcidia for early coccidiomorphs. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated that both the meiotic machinery and oocyst wall proteins are preserved in rhytidocystids. The conservation of meiotic genes and ultrastructural similarity of rhytidocystid trophozoites to macrogamonts of true coccidians point to an undescribed, cryptic sexual process in the group.
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13
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Feix AS, Cruz-Bustos T, Ruttkowski B, Joachim A. Characterization of Cystoisospora suis sexual stages in vitro. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:143. [PMID: 32188507 PMCID: PMC7079422 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04014-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The porcine coccidium Cystoisospora suis is characterized by a complex life-cycle during which asexual multiplication is followed by sexual development with two morphologically distinct cell types, the micro- and macrogametes. Genes related to the sexual stages and cell cycle progression were previously identified in related Apicomplexa. Dynein light chain type 1 and male gamete fusion factor HAP2 are restricted to microgametes. Tyrosine-rich proteins and oocyst wall proteins are a part of the oocyst wall. The Rad51/Dmc1-like protein and Nima-related protein kinases are associated with the cell cycle and fertilization process. Here, the sexual stages of C. suis were characterized in vitro morphologically and for temporal expression changes of the mentioned genes to gain insight into this poorly known phase of coccidian development. METHODS Sexual stages of C. suis developing in vitro in porcine intestinal epithelial cells were examined by light and electron microscopy. The transcriptional levels of genes related to merozoite multiplication and sexual development were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR at different time points of cultivation. Transcription levels were compared for parasites in culture supernatants at 6-9 days of cultivation (doc) and intracellular parasites at 6-15 doc. RESULTS Sexual stage of C. suis was detected during 8-11 doc in vitro. Microgamonts (16.8 ± 0.9 µm) and macrogamonts (16.6 ± 1.1 µm) are very similar in shape and size. Microgametes had a round body (3.5 ± 0.5 µm) and two flagella (11.2 ± 0.5 µm). Macrogametes were spherical with a diameter of 12.1 ± 0.5 µm. Merozoite gene transcription peaked on 10 doc and then declined. Genes related to the sexual stages and cell cycle showed an upregulation with a peak on 13 doc, after which they declined. CONCLUSIONS The present study linked gene expression changes to the detailed morphological description of C. suis sexual development in vitro, including fertilization, meiosis and oocyst formation in this unique model for coccidian parasites. Following this process at the cellular and molecular level will elucidate details on potential bottlenecks of C. suis development (applicable for coccidian parasites in general) which could be exploited as a novel target for control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Sophia Feix
- Institute for Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, Vienna, 1210 Austria
| | - Teresa Cruz-Bustos
- Institute for Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, Vienna, 1210 Austria
| | - Bärbel Ruttkowski
- Institute for Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, Vienna, 1210 Austria
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute for Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, Vienna, 1210 Austria
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14
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Freppel W, Ferguson DJ, Shapiro K, Dubey JP, Puech PH, Dumètre A. Structure, composition, and roles of the Toxoplasma gondii oocyst and sporocyst walls. Cell Surf 2019; 5:100016. [PMID: 32743133 PMCID: PMC7389338 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcsw.2018.100016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a coccidian parasite with the cat as its definitive host but any warm-blooded animal, including humans, may act as intermediate hosts. It has a worldwide distribution where it may cause acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. Infection can result from ingestion either of tissue cysts in infected meat of intermediate hosts or oocysts found in cat faeces via contaminated water or food. In this review, we highlight how the oocyst and sporocyst walls sustain the persistence and transmission of infective T. gondii parasites from terrestrial and aquatic environments to the host. We further discuss why targeting the oocyst wall structure and molecules may reduce the burden of foodborne and waterborne T. gondii infections.
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15
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Tandel J, English ED, Sateriale A, Gullicksrud JA, Beiting DP, Sullivan MC, Pinkston B, Striepen B. Life cycle progression and sexual development of the apicomplexan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum. Nat Microbiol 2019; 4:2226-2236. [PMID: 31477896 PMCID: PMC6877471 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-019-0539-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The apicomplexan parasite Cryptosporidium is a leading global cause of severe diarrhoeal disease and an important contributor to early childhood mortality. Currently, there are no fully effective treatments or vaccines available. Parasite transmission occurs through ingestion of oocysts, through either direct contact or consumption of contaminated water or food. Oocysts are meiotic spores and the product of parasite sex. Cryptosporidium has a single-host life cycle in which both asexual and sexual processes occur in the intestine of infected hosts. Here, we genetically engineered strains of Cryptosporidium to make life cycle progression and parasite sex tractable. We derive reporter strains to follow parasite development in culture and in infected mice and define the genes that orchestrate sex and oocyst formation through mRNA sequencing of sorted cells. After 2 d, parasites in cell culture show pronounced sexualization, but productive fertilization does not occur and infection falters. By contrast, in infected mice, male gametes successfully fertilize female parasites, which leads to meiotic division and sporulation. To rigorously test for fertilization, we devised a two-component genetic-crossing assay using a reporter that is activated by Cre recombinase. Our findings suggest obligate developmental progression towards sex in Cryptosporidium, which has important implications for the treatment and prevention of the infection. Infection with Cryptosporidium parvum is a leading cause of severe diarrhoeal disease and childhood mortality worldwide. Using tools they recently developed to genetically engineer Cryptosporidium, the authors define life cycle stage-specific markers and generate reporter parasites, making life cycle progression and parasite sex tractable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayesh Tandel
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth D English
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Adam Sateriale
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jodi A Gullicksrud
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel P Beiting
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Megan C Sullivan
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brittain Pinkston
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Franklin College of Arts and Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Boris Striepen
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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16
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A Stem-Cell-Derived Platform Enables Complete Cryptosporidium Development In Vitro and Genetic Tractability. Cell Host Microbe 2019; 26:123-134.e8. [PMID: 31231046 PMCID: PMC6617391 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2019.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite being a frequent cause of severe diarrheal disease in infants and an opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients, Cryptosporidium research has lagged due to a lack of facile experimental methods. Here, we describe a platform for complete life cycle development and long-term growth of C. parvum in vitro using “air-liquid interface” (ALI) cultures derived from intestinal epithelial stem cells. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that differentiating epithelial cells grown under ALI conditions undergo profound changes in metabolism and development that enable completion of the parasite life cycle in vitro. ALI cultures support parasite expansion > 100-fold and generate viable oocysts that are transmissible in vitro and to mice, causing infection and animal death. Transgenic parasite lines created using CRISPR/Cas9 were used to complete a genetic cross in vitro, demonstrating Mendelian segregation of chromosomes during meiosis. ALI culture provides an accessible model that will enable innovative studies into Cryptosporidium biology and host interactions. Air-liquid interface (ALI) cultivation of Cryptosporidium supports robust parasite growth Both asexual and sexual phases of the parasite complete development in ALI cultures ALI culture supports the production of de novo oocysts that can trigger an infection in mice In vitro crossing in ALI cultures opens up forward genetics for Cryptosporidium
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17
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Lippuner C, Ramakrishnan C, Basso WU, Schmid MW, Okoniewski M, Smith NC, Hässig M, Deplazes P, Hehl AB. RNA-Seq analysis during the life cycle of Cryptosporidium parvum reveals significant differential gene expression between proliferating stages in the intestine and infectious sporozoites. Int J Parasitol 2018; 48:413-422. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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18
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Wiedmer S, Buder U, Bleischwitz S, Kurth M. Distribution and Processing of Eimeria nieschulzi
OWP13, a New Protein of the COWP Family. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2018; 65:518-530. [DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Wiedmer
- Faculty of Biology; Institute of Zoology; Technische Universität Dresden; Zellescher Weg 20 B Dresden 01217 Germany
| | - Ulrike Buder
- Faculty of Biology; Institute of Zoology; Technische Universität Dresden; Zellescher Weg 20 B Dresden 01217 Germany
| | - Sinja Bleischwitz
- Faculty of Biology; Institute of Zoology; Technische Universität Dresden; Zellescher Weg 20 B Dresden 01217 Germany
| | - Michael Kurth
- Faculty of Biology; Institute of Zoology; Technische Universität Dresden; Zellescher Weg 20 B Dresden 01217 Germany
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19
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Evaluation of novel oocyst wall protein candidates of Toxoplasma gondii. Parasitol Int 2017; 66:643-651. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2017.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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20
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Molecular characterization of bovine Cryptosporidium isolated from diarrheic calves in the Sudan. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:2971-2979. [PMID: 28900722 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5606-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is a common protozoan infection causing morbidity and mortality in young cattle and may be zoonotically transmitted to humans. So far, there is no data available on the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in the Sudan. The aim of this study was to isolate, identify, and genotype Cryptosporidium oocysts sampled from diarrheic calves housed at different farms in three different municipalities in Khartoum State (Khartoum, Khartoum North, Omdurman). A total of 149 fecal samples were evaluated microscopically for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method and 87 (58.3%) samples tested positive. Positive and negative samples were further analyzed by nested PCR targeting the SSU rRNA region. Positive samples were subjected to restriction enzyme analysis of PCR amplicons (PCR-RFLP). Nested PCR identified Cryptosporidium DNA in 53 samples (35.5%); restriction digestion of the PCR products revealed the presence of C. parvum (73.5%), C. ryanae (13.2%), C. andersoni (7.5%), and C. bovis (1.8%). Species distribution was clearly related to age with C. parvum being the predominant species in dysenteric pre-weaned calves. Sequencing of three genes (SSU rRNA, COWP, and GP60) for three C. parvum isolates originating from the three different municipalities showed that all belong to C. parvum subtype family IId. Based on data obtained by GP60, sequencing the two C. parvum isolates from Khartoum and Omdurman represent subtype IIdA18G1, whereas oocysts isolated in Khartoum North belong to subtype IIdA19G1. The observed genotypes are zoonotic and thus C. parvum in calves is potentially a health risk to humans in Khartoum State, Sudan. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported attempt to characterize Cryptosporidium isolated from cattle in the Sudan.
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Wang Y, Gong AY, Ma S, Chen X, Li Y, Su CJ, Norall D, Chen J, Strauss-Soukup JK, Chen XM. Delivery of Parasite RNA Transcripts Into Infected Epithelial Cells During Cryptosporidium Infection and Its Potential Impact on Host Gene Transcription. J Infect Dis 2017; 215:636-643. [PMID: 28007919 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiw607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium parvum is an important opportunistic parasite pathogen for immunocompromised individuals and a common cause of diarrhea in young children. Previous studies have identified a panel of RNA transcripts of very low protein-coding potential in C. parvum. Using an in vitro model of human intestinal cryptosporidiosis, we report here that some of these C. parvum RNA transcripts were selectively delivered into the nuclei of host epithelial cells during C. parvum infection. Nuclear delivery of several such parasitic RNAs, including Cdg7_FLc_0990, involved heat-shock protein 70-mediated nuclear importing mechanism. Overexpression of Cdg7_FLc_0990 in intestinal epithelial cells resulted in significant changes in expression levels of specific genes, with significant overlapping with alterations in gene expression profile detected in host cells after C. parvum infection. Our data demonstrate that C. parvum transcripts of low protein-coding potential are selectively delivered into epithelial cells during infection and may modulate gene transcription in infected host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Ai-Yu Gong
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Shibin Ma
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Xiqiang Chen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Chun-Jen Su
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Dana Norall
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Juliane K Strauss-Soukup
- Department of Chemistry, Creighton University College of Arts and Sciences, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Xian-Ming Chen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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Haserick JR, Leon DR, Samuelson J, Costello CE. Asparagine-Linked Glycans of Cryptosporidium parvum Contain a Single Long Arm, Are Barely Processed in the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) or Golgi, and Show a Strong Bias for Sites with Threonine. Mol Cell Proteomics 2017; 16:S42-S53. [PMID: 28179475 PMCID: PMC5393390 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m116.066035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 02/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium parvum causes severe diarrhea in infants in developing countries and in immunosuppressed persons, including those with AIDS. We are interested in the Asn-linked glycans (N-glycans) of C. parvum, because (1) the N-glycan precursor is predicted to contain five mannose and two glucose residues on a single long arm versus nine mannose and three glucose residues on the three-armed structure common in host N-glycans, (2) C. parvum is a rare eukaryote that lacks the machinery for N-glycan-dependent quality control of protein folding in the lumen of the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER), and (3) ER and Golgi mannosidases, as well as glycosyltransferases that build complex N-glycans, are absent from the predicted proteome. The C. parvum N-glycans reported here, which were determined using a combination of collision-induced dissociation and electronic excitation dissociation, contain a single, unprocessed mannose arm ± terminal glucose on the trimannosyl chitobiose core. Upon nanoUPLC-MS/MS separation and analysis of the C. parvum tryptic peptides, the total ion and extracted oxonium ion chromatograms delineated 32 peptides with occupied N-glycan sites; these were derived from 16 glycoproteins. Although the number of potential N-glycan sites with Thr (NxT) is only about twice that with Ser (NxS), almost 90% of the occupied N-glycan sites contain NxT. The two most abundant C. parvum proteins modified with N-glycans were an immunodominant antigen on the surface of sporozoites (gp900) and the possible oocyst wall protein 1 (POWP1). Seven other glycoproteins with N-glycans were unique to C. parvum; five shared common ancestry with other apicomplexans; two glycoproteins shared common ancestry with many organisms. In summary, C. parvum N-glycans are remarkable for the absence of ER and Golgi modification and for the strong bias toward occupancy of N-glycan motifs containing Thr.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Haserick
- From the ‡Center for Biomedical Mass Spectrometry, Department of Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Genomics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118 and
- §Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118
| | - Deborah R Leon
- From the ‡Center for Biomedical Mass Spectrometry, Department of Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Genomics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118 and
| | - John Samuelson
- §Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118
| | - Catherine E Costello
- From the ‡Center for Biomedical Mass Spectrometry, Department of Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Genomics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118 and
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23
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Rao PN, Santos JM, Pain A, Templeton TJ, Mair GR. Translational repression of the cpw-wpc gene family in the malaria parasite Plasmodium. Parasitol Int 2016; 65:463-71. [PMID: 27312996 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2016.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The technical challenges of working with the sexual stages of the malaria parasite Plasmodium have hindered the characterization of sexual stage antigens in the quest for a successful malaria transmission-blocking vaccine. One such predicted and largely uncharacterized group of sexual stage candidate antigens is the CPW-WPC family of proteins. CPW-WPC proteins are named for a characteristic domain that contains two conserved motifs, CPxxW and WPC. Conserved across Apicomplexa, this family is also present earlier in the Alveolata in the free-living, non-parasitophorous, photosynthetic chromerids, Chromera and Vitrella. In Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium berghei blood stage parasites, the transcripts of all nine cpw-wpc genes have been detected in gametocytes. RNA immunoprecipitation followed by reverse transcriptase-PCR reveals all P. berghei cpw-wpc transcripts to be bound by the translational repressors DOZI and CITH, and thus are likely under translational control prior to transmission from the rodent host to the mosquito vector in P. berghei. The GFP tagging of two endogenous P. berghei genes confirmed translational silencing in the gametocyte and translation in ookinetes. By establishing a luciferase transgene assay, we show that the 3' untranslated region of PF3D7_1331400 controls protein expression of this reporter in P. falciparum gametocytes. Our analyses suggest that cpw-wpc genes are translationally silenced in gametocytes across Plasmodium spp. and activated during ookinete formation and thus may have a role in transmission to the mosquito.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavitra N Rao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA; Programs in Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jorge M Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Arnab Pain
- Pathogen Genomics Laboratory, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Jeddah 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Global Station for Zoonosis Control, Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education (GI-CoRE), Hokkaido University, N20 W10 Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
| | - Thomas J Templeton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA; Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan.
| | - Gunnar R Mair
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Heidelberg Medical School, Im Neuenheimer Feld 345, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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The fine structure of sexual stage development and sporogony of Cryptosporidium parvum in cell-free culture. Parasitology 2016; 143:749-61. [PMID: 26935529 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182016000275] [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] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The sexual stages and new oocysts development of Cryptosporidium parvum were investigated in a cell-free culture system using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Sexual development was extremely rapid after inoculation of oocysts into the medium. The process began within 1/2-12 h and was completed with new oocyst formation 120 h post-inoculation. The macrogamonts were bounded by two membranes and had amylopectin granules and two distinct types of wall-forming bodies. The microgamonts had a large nucleus showing lobe projections and condensation of chromatin, giving rise to peripherally budding microgametes. The microgametes contained a large area of granular substance containing groups of microtubules surrounding the electron-dense nucleus. In some instances, the dividing microgamy was observed in cell-free cultures with no preceding merogonic process. Fertilization was observed with the bullet-shaped microgamete penetrating an immature macrogamont at 24 and 216 h. The new thin- and thick-walled oocysts had a large residuum with polysaccharide granules and sporogony noted inside these oocysts. Novel immature four-layer walled thick oocysts with irregular knob-like protrusions on the outer layer resembling the immature Eimeria oocysts were also observed. The present study confirms the gametogony and sporogony of C. parvum in cell-free culture and describes their ultra-structure for the first time.
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Headd B, Bradford SA. Use of aerobic spores as a surrogate for cryptosporidium oocysts in drinking water supplies. WATER RESEARCH 2016; 90:185-202. [PMID: 26734779 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2015.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Waterborne illnesses are a growing concern among health and regulatory agencies worldwide. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has established several rules to combat the contamination of water supplies by cryptosporidium oocysts, however, the detection and study of cryptosporidium oocysts is hampered by methodological and financial constraints. As a result, numerous surrogates for cryptosporidium oocysts have been proposed by the scientific community and efforts are underway to evaluate many of the proposed surrogates. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the suitability of aerobic bacterial spores to serve as a surrogate for cryptosporidium oocysts in identifying contaminated drinking waters. To accomplish this we present a comparison of the biology and life cycles of aerobic spores and oocysts and compare their physical properties. An analysis of their surface properties is presented along with a review of the literature in regards to the transport, survival, and prevalence of aerobic spores and oocysts in the saturated subsurface environment. Aerobic spores and oocysts share many commonalities with regard to biology and survivability, and the environmental prevalence and ease of detection make aerobic spores a promising surrogate for cryptosporidium oocysts in surface and groundwater. However, the long-term transport and release of aerobic spores still needs to be further studied, and compared with available oocyst information. In addition, the surface properties and environmental interactions of spores are known to be highly dependent on the spore taxa and purification procedures, and additional research is needed to address these issues in the context of transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Headd
- U.S. Salinity Lab USDA, ARS, 450 W. Big Springs Road, Riverside, CA 92507-4617, USA
| | - Scott A Bradford
- U.S. Salinity Lab USDA, ARS, 450 W. Big Springs Road, Riverside, CA 92507-4617, USA.
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Diversity of extracellular proteins during the transition from the ‘proto-apicomplexan’ alveolates to the apicomplexan obligate parasites. Parasitology 2015; 143:1-17. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182015001213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
SUMMARYThe recent completion of high-coverage draft genome sequences for several alveolate protozoans – namely, the chromerids, Chromera velia and Vitrella brassicaformis; the perkinsid Perkinsus marinus; the apicomplexan, Gregarina niphandrodes, as well as high coverage transcriptome sequence information for several colpodellids, allows for new genome-scale comparisons across a rich landscape of apicomplexans and other alveolates. Genome annotations can now be used to help interpret fine ultrastructure and cell biology, and guide new studies to describe a variety of alveolate life strategies, such as symbiosis or free living, predation, and obligate intracellular parasitism, as well to provide foundations to dissect the evolutionary transitions between these niches. This review focuses on the attempt to identify extracellular proteins which might mediate the physical interface of cell–cell interactions within the above life strategies, aided by annotation of the repertoires of predicted surface and secreted proteins encoded within alveolate genomes. In particular, we discuss what descriptions of the predicted extracellular proteomes reveal regarding a hypothetical last common ancestor of a pre-apicomplexan alveolate – guided by ultrastructure, life strategies and phylogenetic relationships – in an attempt to understand the evolution of obligate parasitism in apicomplexans.
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Jonscher E, Erdbeer A, Günther M, Kurth M. Two COWP-like cysteine rich proteins from Eimeria nieschulzi (coccidia, apicomplexa) are expressed during sporulation and involved in the sporocyst wall formation. Parasit Vectors 2015. [PMID: 26209229 PMCID: PMC4514997 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0982-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The family of cysteine rich proteins of the oocyst wall (COWPs) originally described in Cryptosporidium can also be found in Toxoplasma gondii (TgOWPs) localised to the oocyst wall as well. Genome sequence analysis of Eimeria suggests that these proteins may also exist in this genus and led us to the assumption that these proteins may also play a role in oocyst wall formation. Methods In this study, COWP-like encoding sequences had been identified in Eimeria nieschulzi. The predicted gene sequences were subsequently utilized in reporter gene assays to observe time of expression and localisation of the reporter protein in vivo. Results Both investigated proteins, EnOWP2 and EnOWP6, were expressed during sporulation. The EnOWP2-promoter driven mCherry was found in the cytoplasm and the EnOWP2, respectively EnOWP6, fused to mCherry was initially observed in the extracytoplasmatic space between sporoblast and oocyst wall. This, so far unnamed compartment was designated as circumplasm. Later, the mCherry reporter co-localised with the sporocyst wall of the sporulated oocysts. This observation had been confirmed by confocal microscopy, excystation experiments and IFA. Transcript analysis revealed the intron-exon structure of these genes and confirmed the expression of EnOWP2 and EnOWP6 during sporogony. Conclusions Our results allow us to assume a role, of both investigated EnOWP proteins, in the sporocyst wall formation of E. nieschulzi. Data mining and sequence comparisons to T. gondii and other Eimeria species allow us to hypothesise a conserved process within the coccidia. A role in oocyst wall formation had not been observed in E. nieschulzi. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-015-0982-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Yang R, Elankumaran Y, Hijjawi N, Ryan U. Validation of cell-free culture using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and gene expression studies. Exp Parasitol 2015; 153:55-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Revised: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Walker RA, Sharman PA, Miller CM, Lippuner C, Okoniewski M, Eichenberger RM, Ramakrishnan C, Brossier F, Deplazes P, Hehl AB, Smith NC. RNA Seq analysis of the Eimeria tenella gametocyte transcriptome reveals clues about the molecular basis for sexual reproduction and oocyst biogenesis. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:94. [PMID: 25765081 PMCID: PMC4345034 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1298-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The protozoan Eimeria tenella is a common parasite of chickens, causing avian coccidiosis, a disease of on-going concern to agricultural industries. The high prevalence of E. tenella can be attributed to the resilient oocyst stage, which is transmitted between hosts in the environment. As in related Coccidia, development of the eimerian oocyst appears to be dependent on completion of the parasite’s sexual cycle. RNA Seq transcriptome profiling offers insights into the mechanisms governing the biology of E. tenella sexual stages (gametocytes) and the potential to identify targets for blocking parasite transmission. Results Comparisons between the sequenced transcriptomes of E. tenella gametocytes and two asexual developmental stages, merozoites and sporozoites, revealed upregulated gametocyte transcription of 863 genes. Many of these genes code for proteins involved in coccidian sexual biology, such as oocyst wall biosynthesis and fertilisation, and some of these were characterised in more depth. Thus, macrogametocyte-specific expression and localisation was confirmed for two proteins destined for incorporation into the oocyst wall, as well as for a subtilisin protease and an oxidoreductase. Homologues of an oocyst wall protein and oxidoreductase were found in the related coccidian, Toxoplasma gondii, and shown to be macrogametocyte-specific. In addition, a microgametocyte gamete fusion protein, EtHAP2, was discovered. Conclusions The need for novel vaccine candidates capable of controlling coccidiosis is rising and this panel of gametocyte targets represents an invaluable resource for development of future strategies to interrupt parasite transmission, not just in Eimeria but in other Coccidia, including Toxoplasma, where transmission blocking is a relatively unexplored strategy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1298-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Walker
- Queensland Tropical Health Alliance Research Laboratory, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns Campus, McGregor Road, Smithfield, QLD, 4878, Australia. .,Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Philippa A Sharman
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns Campus, McGregor Road, Smithfield, QLD, 4878, Australia.
| | - Catherine M Miller
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns Campus, McGregor Road, Smithfield, QLD, 4878, Australia.
| | - Christoph Lippuner
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland. .,Department of Farm Animal, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Michal Okoniewski
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Ramon M Eichenberger
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Chandra Ramakrishnan
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Fabien Brossier
- Apicomplexes et Immunité Mucosale, INRA, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37380, Nouzilly, France. .,Université François Rabelais de Tours, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37000, Tours, France.
| | - Peter Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Adrian B Hehl
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Nicholas C Smith
- Queensland Tropical Health Alliance Research Laboratory, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns Campus, McGregor Road, Smithfield, QLD, 4878, Australia.
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Abstract
SUMMARYCryptosporidiumhost cell interaction remains fairly obscure compared with other apicomplexans such asPlasmodiumorToxoplasma. The reason for this is probably the inability of this parasite to complete its life cyclein vitroand the lack of a system to genetically modifyCryptosporidium. However, there is a substantial set of data about the molecules involved in attachment and invasion and about the host cell pathways involved in actin arrangement that are altered by the parasite. Here we summarize the recent advances in research on host cell infection regarding the excystation process, attachment and invasion, survival in the cell, egress and the available data on omics.
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Chapman HD, Barta JR, Blake D, Gruber A, Jenkins M, Smith NC, Suo X, Tomley FM. A selective review of advances in coccidiosis research. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2014; 83:93-171. [PMID: 23876872 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407705-8.00002-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Coccidiosis is a widespread and economically significant disease of livestock caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria. This disease is worldwide in occurrence and costs the animal agricultural industry many millions of dollars to control. In recent years, the modern tools of molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology and immunology have been used to expand greatly our knowledge of these parasites and the disease they cause. Such studies are essential if we are to develop new means for the control of coccidiosis. In this chapter, selective aspects of the biology of these organisms, with emphasis on recent research in poultry, are reviewed. Topics considered include taxonomy, systematics, genetics, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, transfection, oocyst biogenesis, host cell invasion, immunobiology, diagnostics and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- H David Chapman
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA.
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Strategies to discover the structural components of cyst and oocyst walls. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2013; 12:1578-87. [PMID: 24096907 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00213-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Cysts of Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica and oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium parvum are the infectious and sometimes diagnostic forms of these parasites. To discover the structural components of cyst and oocyst walls, we have developed strategies based upon a few simple assumptions. Briefly, the most abundant wall proteins are identified by monoclonal antibodies or mass spectrometry. Structural components include a sugar polysaccharide (chitin for Entamoeba, β-1,3-linked glucose for Toxoplasma, and β-1,3-linked GalNAc for Giardia) and/or acid-fast lipids (Toxoplasma and Cryptosporidium). Because Entamoeba cysts and Toxoplasma oocysts are difficult to obtain, studies of walls of nonhuman pathogens (E. invadens and Eimeria, respectively) accelerate discovery. Biochemical methods to dissect fungal walls work well for cyst and oocyst walls, although the results are often unexpected. For example, echinocandins, which inhibit glucan synthases and kill fungi, arrest the development of oocyst walls and block their release into the intestinal lumen. Candida walls are coated with mannans, while Entamoeba cysts are coated in a dextran-like glucose polymer. Models for cyst and oocyst walls derive from their structural components and organization within the wall. Cyst walls are composed of chitin fibrils and lectins that bind chitin (Entamoeba) or fibrils of the β-1,3-GalNAc polymer and lectins that bind the polymer (Giardia). Oocyst walls of Toxoplasma have two distinct layers that resemble those of fungi (β-1,3-glucan in the inner layer) or mycobacteria (acid-fast lipids in the outer layer). Oocyst walls of Cryptosporidium have a rigid bilayer of acid-fast lipids and inner layer of oocyst wall proteins.
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Abstract
SUMMARYEimeriais a common genus of apicomplexan parasites that infect diverse vertebrates, most notably poultry, causing serious disease and economic loss. Like all apicomplexans, eimerians have a complex life cycle characterized by asexual divisions that amplify the parasite population in preparation for sexual reproduction. This can be divided into three events: gametocytogenesis, producing gametocytes from merozoites; gametogenesis, producing microgametes and macrogametes from gametocytes; and fertilization of macrogametes by microgametes, producing diploid zygotes with ensuing meiosis completing the sexual phase. Sexual development inEimeriadepends on the differential expression of stage-specific genes, rather than presence or absence of sex chromosomes. Thus, it involves the generation of specific structures and, implicitly, storage of proteins and regulation of protein expression in macrogametes, in preparation for fertilization. InEimeria, the formation of a unique, resilient structure, the oocyst wall, is essential for completion of the sexual phase and parasite transmission. In this review, we piece together the molecular events that underpin sexual reproduction inEimeriaand use additional details from analogous events inPlasmodiumto fill current knowledge gaps. The mechanisms governing sexual stage formation and subsequent fertilization may represent targets for counteracting parasite transmission.
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Oberstaller J, Joseph SJ, Kissinger JC. Genome-wide upstream motif analysis of Cryptosporidium parvum genes clustered by expression profile. BMC Genomics 2013; 14:516. [PMID: 23895416 PMCID: PMC3734150 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-14-516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There are very few molecular genetic tools available to study the apicomplexan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum. The organism is not amenable to continuous in vitro cultivation or transfection, and purification of intracellular developmental stages in sufficient numbers for most downstream molecular applications is difficult and expensive since animal hosts are required. As such, very little is known about gene regulation in C. parvum. Results We have clustered whole-genome gene expression profiles generated from a previous study of seven post-infection time points of 3,281 genes to identify genes that show similar expression patterns throughout the first 72 hours of in vitro epithelial cell culture. We used the algorithms MEME, AlignACE and FIRE to identify conserved, overrepresented DNA motifs in the upstream promoter region of genes with similar expression profiles. The most overrepresented motifs were E2F (5′-TGGCGCCA-3′); G-box (5′-G.GGGG-3′); a well-documented ApiAP2 binding motif (5′-TGCAT-3′), and an unknown motif (5′-[A/C] AACTA-3′). We generated a recombinant C. parvum DNA-binding protein domain from a putative ApiAP2 transcription factor [CryptoDB: cgd8_810] and determined its binding specificity using protein-binding microarrays. We demonstrate that cgd8_810 can putatively bind the overrepresented G-box motif, implicating this ApiAP2 in the regulation of many gene clusters. Conclusion Several DNA motifs were identified in the upstream sequences of gene clusters that might serve as potential cis-regulatory elements. These motifs, in concert with protein DNA binding site data, establish for the first time the beginnings of a global C. parvum gene regulatory map that will contribute to our understanding of the development of this zoonotic parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Oberstaller
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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Interaction forces drive the environmental transmission of pathogenic protozoa. Appl Environ Microbiol 2011; 78:905-12. [PMID: 22156429 DOI: 10.1128/aem.06488-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The protozoan parasites Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and Toxoplasma gondii are pathogens that are resistant to a number of environmental factors and pose significant risks to public health worldwide. Their environmental transmission is closely governed by the physicochemical properties of their cysts (Giardia) and oocysts (Cryptosporidium and Toxoplasma), allowing their transport, retention, and survival for months in water, soil, vegetables, and mollusks, which are the main reservoirs for human infection. Importantly, the cyst/oocyst wall plays a key role in that regard by exhibiting a complex polymeric coverage that determines the charge and hydrophobic characteristics of parasites' surfaces. Interaction forces between parasites and other environmental particles may be, in a first approximation, evaluated following the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory of colloidal stability. However, due to the molecular topography and nano- to microstructure of the cyst/oocyst surface, non-DVLO hydrophobic forces together with additional steric attractive and/or repulsive forces may play a pivotal role in controlling the parasite behavior when the organism is subjected to various external conditions. Here, we review several parameters that enhance or hinder the adhesion of parasites to other particles and surfaces and address the role of fast-emerging techniques for mapping the cyst/oocyst surface, e.g., by measuring its topology and the generated interaction forces at the nano- to microscale. We discuss why characterizing these interactions could be a crucial step for managing the environmental matrices at risk of microbial pollution.
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Possenti A, Cherchi S, Bertuccini L, Pozio E, Dubey J, Spano F. Molecular characterisation of a novel family of cysteine-rich proteins of Toxoplasma gondii and ultrastructural evidence of oocyst wall localisation. Int J Parasitol 2010; 40:1639-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2010.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2010] [Revised: 06/22/2010] [Accepted: 06/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Chiu PW, Huang YC, Pan YJ, Wang CH, Sun CH. A novel family of cyst proteins with epidermal growth factor repeats in Giardia lamblia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2010; 4:e677. [PMID: 20485485 PMCID: PMC2867935 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2009] [Accepted: 03/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Giardia lamblia parasitizes the human small intestine to cause diarrhea and malabsorption. It undergoes differentiation from a pathogenic trophozoite form into a resistant walled cyst form. Few cyst proteins have been identified to date, including three cyst wall proteins (CWPs) and one High Cysteine Non-variant Cyst protein (HCNCp). They are highly expressed during encystation and are mainly targeted to the cyst wall. Methodology and Principal Findings To identify new cyst wall proteins, we searched the G. lamblia genome data base with the sequence of the Cryptosporidium parvum oocyst wall protein as a query and found an Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)-like Cyst Protein (EGFCP1). Sequence analysis revealed that the EGF-like repeats of the EGFCP1 are similar to those of the tenascin family of extracellular matrix glycoproteins. EGFCP1 and HCNCp have a higher percentage of cysteine than CWPs, but EGFCP1 has no C-terminal transmembrane region found in HCNCp. Like CWPs and HCNCp, the EGFCP1 protein (but not transcript) was expressed at higher levels during encystation and it was localized to encystation-specific vesicles in encysting trophozoites. Like HCNCp, EGFCP1 was localized to the encystation-specific vesicles, cyst wall and cell body of cysts, suggesting that they may share a common trafficking pathway. Interestingly, overexpression of EGFCP1 induced cyst formation and deletion of the signal peptide from EGFCP1 reduced its protein levels and cyst formation, suggesting that EGFCP1 may help mediate cyst wall synthesis. We also found that five other putative EGFCPs have similar expression profiles and similar locations and that the cyst formation was induced upon their overexpression. Conclusions and Significance Our results suggest that EGFCPs may function like cyst wall proteins, involved in differentiation of G. lamblia trophozoites into cysts. The results lead to greater understanding of parasite cyst walls and provide valuable information that helps develop ways to interrupt the G. lamblia life cycle. The biological goal of Giardia lamblia life cycle is differentiation into a cyst form (encystation) that can survive in the environment and infect a new host. Since cystic stages are key to transmission of parasites, this differentiation may be a target for interruption of the life cycle. Synthesis and assembly of the extracellular cyst wall are the major hallmarks of this important differentiation. During encystation, cyst wall structural proteins are coordinately synthesized and are mainly targeted to the cyst wall. However, only a few such proteins have been identified to date. In this study, we used a combination of bioinformatics and molecular approaches to identify new cyst structural proteins from G. lamblia and found a group of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)-like Repeats containing Cyst Proteins (EGFCPs). Interestingly, the levels of EGFCPs proteins increased significantly during encystation, which matches the characteristics of the Giardia cyst wall protein. Further characterization and localization studies suggest that EGFCPs may function like cyst wall proteins, involved in differentiation of G. lamblia trophozoites into cysts. Our results provide valuable information regarding the function of a new group of cyst proteins in parasite differentiation into cysts and help develop ways to interrupt the parasite life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Wei Chiu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yu-Chang Huang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yu-Jiao Pan
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chih-Hung Wang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chin-Hung Sun
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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Mai K, Sharman PA, Walker RA, Katrib M, De Souza D, McConville MJ, Wallach MG, Belli SI, Ferguson DJP, Smith NC. Oocyst wall formation and composition in coccidian parasites. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2010; 104:281-9. [PMID: 19430654 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762009000200022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2008] [Accepted: 12/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The oocyst wall of coccidian parasites is a robust structure that is resistant to a variety of environmental and chemical insults. This resilience allows oocysts to survive for long periods, facilitating transmission from host to host. The wall is bilayered and is formed by the sequential release of the contents of two specialized organelles - wall forming body 1 and wall forming body 2 - found in the macrogametocyte stage of Coccidia. The oocyst wall is over 90% protein but few of these proteins have been studied. One group is cysteine-rich and may be presumed to crosslink via disulphide bridges, though this is yet to be investigated. Another group of wall proteins is rich in tyrosine. These proteins, which range in size from 8-31 kDa, are derived from larger precursors of 56 and 82 kDa found in the wall forming bodies. Proteases may catalyze processing of the precursors into tyrosine-rich peptides, which are then oxidatively crosslinked in a reaction catalyzed by peroxidases. In support of this hypothesis, the oocyst wall has high levels of dityrosine bonds. These dityrosine crosslinked proteins may provide a structural matrix for assembly of the oocyst wall and contribute to its resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Mai
- Institute for Biotechnology of Infectious Diseases, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia
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Significance of wall structure, macromolecular composition, and surface polymers to the survival and transport of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts. Appl Environ Microbiol 2010; 76:1926-34. [PMID: 20097810 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02295-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The structure and composition of the oocyst wall are primary factors determining the survival and hydrologic transport of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts outside the host. Microscopic and biochemical analyses of whole oocysts and purified oocyst walls were undertaken to better understand the inactivation kinetics and hydrologic transport of oocysts in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Results of microscopy showed an outer electron-dense layer, a translucent middle layer, two inner electron-dense layers, and a suture structure embedded in the inner electron-dense layers. Freeze-substitution showed an expanded glycocalyx layer external to the outer bilayer, and Alcian Blue staining confirmed its presence on some but not all oocysts. Biochemical analyses of purified oocyst walls revealed carbohydrate components, medium- and long-chain fatty acids, and aliphatic hydrocarbons. Purified walls contained 7.5% total protein (by the Lowry assay), with five major bands in SDS-PAGE gels. Staining of purified oocyst walls with magnesium anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid indicated the presence of hydrophobic proteins. These structural and biochemical analyses support a model of the oocyst wall that is variably impermeable and resistant to many environmental pressures. The strength and flexibility of oocyst walls appear to depend on an inner layer of glycoprotein. The temperature-dependent permeability of oocyst walls may be associated with waxy hydrocarbons in the electron-translucent layer. The complex chemistry of these layers may explain the known acid-fast staining properties of oocysts, as well as some of the survival characteristics of oocysts in terrestrial and aquatic environments. The outer glycocalyx surface layer provides immunogenicity and attachment possibilities, and its ephemeral nature may explain the variable surface properties noted in oocyst hydrologic transport studies.
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Evidence for mucin-like glycoproteins that tether sporozoites of Cryptosporidium parvum to the inner surface of the oocyst wall. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2009; 9:84-96. [PMID: 19949049 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00288-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, which are spread by the fecal-oral route, have a single, multilayered wall that surrounds four sporozoites, the invasive form. The C. parvum oocyst wall is labeled by the Maclura pomifera agglutinin (MPA), which binds GalNAc, and the C. parvum wall contains at least two unique proteins (Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein 1 [COWP1] and COWP8) identified by monoclonal antibodies. C. parvum sporozoites have on their surface multiple mucin-like glycoproteins with Ser- and Thr-rich repeats (e.g., gp40 and gp900). Here we used ruthenium red staining and electron microscopy to demonstrate fibrils, which appear to attach or tether sporozoites to the inner surface of the C. parvum oocyst wall. When disconnected from the sporozoites, some of these fibrillar tethers appear to collapse into globules on the inner surface of oocyst walls. The most abundant proteins of purified oocyst walls, which are missing the tethers and outer veil, were COWP1, COWP6, and COWP8, while COWP2, COWP3, and COWP4 were present in trace amounts. In contrast, MPA affinity-purified glycoproteins from C. parvum oocysts, which are composed of walls and sporozoites, included previously identified mucin-like glycoproteins, a GalNAc-binding lectin, a Ser protease inhibitor, and several novel glycoproteins (C. parvum MPA affinity-purified glycoprotein 1 [CpMPA1] to CpMPA4). By immunoelectron microscopy (immuno-EM), we localized mucin-like glycoproteins (gp40 and gp900) to the ruthenium red-stained fibrils on the inner surface wall of oocysts, while antibodies to the O-linked GalNAc on glycoproteins were localized to the globules. These results suggest that mucin-like glycoproteins, which are associated with the sporozoite surface, may contribute to fibrils and/or globules that tether sporozoites to the inner surface of oocyst walls.
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Yu JR, Lee SU, Park WY. Comparative sensitivity of PCR primer sets for detection of Cryptosporidium parvum. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2009; 47:293-7. [PMID: 19724705 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2009.47.3.293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2009] [Revised: 04/22/2009] [Accepted: 05/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Improved methods for detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts in environmental and clinical samples are urgently needed to improve detection of cryptosporidiosis. We compared the sensitivity of 7 PCR primer sets for detection of Cryptosporidium parvum. Each target gene was amplified by PCR or nested PCR with serially diluted DNA extracted from purified C. parvum oocysts. The target genes included Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein (COWP), small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA), and random amplified polymorphic DNA. The detection limit of the PCR method ranged from 10(3) to 10(4) oocysts, and the nested PCR method was able to detect 10(0) to 10(2) oocysts. A second-round amplification of target genes showed that the nested primer set specific for the COWP gene proved to be the most sensitive one compared to the other primer sets tested in this study and would therefore be useful for the detection of C. parvum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Ran Yu
- Department of Environmental and Tropical Medicine, Konkuk University, School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Rider SD, Zhu G. Cryptosporidium: genomic and biochemical features. Exp Parasitol 2008; 124:2-9. [PMID: 19187778 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2008.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2008] [Revised: 12/18/2008] [Accepted: 12/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Recent progress in understanding the unique biochemistry of the two closely related human enteric pathogens Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis has been stimulated by the elucidation of the complete genome sequences for both pathogens. Much of the work that has occurred since that time has been focused on understanding the metabolic pathways encoded by the genome in hopes of providing increased understanding of the parasite biology, and in the identification of novel targets for pharmacological interventions. However, despite identifying the genes encoding enzymes that participate in many of the major metabolic pathways, only a hand full of proteins have actually been the subjects of detailed scrutiny. Thus, much of the biochemistry of these parasites remains a true mystery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Dean Rider
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
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Lee SU, Joung M, Ahn MH, Huh S, Song H, Park WY, Yu JR. CP2 gene as a useful viability marker for Cryptosporidium parvum. Parasitol Res 2007; 102:381-7. [PMID: 18060431 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-007-0772-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2007] [Accepted: 10/22/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The validity of the CP2 gene of Cryptosporidium parvum as a viability marker was evaluated using absolute quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays. Total ribonucleic acid (RNA) was isolated from live and heat-killed C. parvum oocysts, and complementary deoxyribonucleic acid was synthesized and used as a template. The most accurate number of viable C. parvum oocysts was predicted when the CP2 gene was used as a target gene. The lower detection limit of the CP2 gene was ten oocysts, which was the most sensitive among examined target genes. With heat shock induction, only hsp70 messenger RNA (mRNA) was induced, and the predicted viable oocyst number was increased by heat shock for this marker. The CP2, hsp70, Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein, and beta-tubulin mRNAs were not detected in heat-killed oocysts, but the 18S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) showed heat stability until 48 h after heat killing. Although the 18S rRNA demonstrated the fastest response in crossing point (CP) value among the examined primer sets in qPCR, overestimation of viable oocysts was noted in the analysis with this gene. In conclusion, the CP2 gene was identified as the most sensitive, reliable, and accurate candidate of a viability marker of C. parvum by qPCR evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Ung Lee
- Department of Environmental and Tropical Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Chungju 380-701, Republic of Korea
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Robertson LJ, Gjerde BK. Cryptosporidium oocysts: challenging adversaries? Trends Parasitol 2007; 23:344-7. [PMID: 17581791 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2007.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2007] [Revised: 04/26/2007] [Accepted: 06/04/2007] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A recent review by Brendon King and Paul Monis once again puts Cryptosporidium oocysts under the spotlight. Why is this tough transmission stage so troublesome now? And are future environments likely to assist or hinder its apparent ubiquity? Here, we explore further the fascination and challenge engendered by this parasite transmission stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy J Robertson
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, PO Box 8146 Dep., 0033 Oslo, Norway.
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Templeton TJ. Whole-genome natural histories of apicomplexan surface proteins. Trends Parasitol 2007; 23:205-12. [PMID: 17350340 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2007.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2006] [Revised: 02/01/2007] [Accepted: 03/02/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The natural histories of free-living and pathogenic protozoans have been described in over a century of studies, spanning a range of disciplines such as microscopic, cellular, taxonomic, pathological, clinical and molecular. Only in the last decade has this landscape of work benefited from the availability of whole-genome nucleotide sequence data. For many pathogens, it is now possible to overlay analyses of protein repertoires onto the current spectrum of knowledge. This article illuminates protozoan natural histories, particularly the rapidly evolving and highly adaptive direct physical interface of apicomplexan parasites and their hosts, by providing a brief introduction to the origin and phylogenetic distribution of parasite-encoded surface proteins and their component domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Templeton
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, 1300 York Avenue, Box 62, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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Belli SI, Smith NC, Ferguson DJP. The coccidian oocyst: a tough nut to crack! Trends Parasitol 2006; 22:416-23. [PMID: 16859995 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2006.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2005] [Revised: 06/06/2006] [Accepted: 07/05/2006] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Coccidian parasites are transmitted between hosts by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with oocysts, followed by the release of infectious sporozoites and invasion of the gastro-intestinal tract. In the external environment, sporozoites are protected from desiccation and chemical disinfection by the oocyst wall. This unique structure guarantees successful disease transmission and is as vital to the coccidian parasite as the exoskeleton is to insects--without it they would die. Here, we revisit the early work and combine it with newer molecular data to describe our present understanding of the coccidian oocyst wall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina I Belli
- Institute for the Biotechnology of Infectious Diseases, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia.
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Boulter-Bitzer JI, Lee H, Trevors JT. Molecular targets for detection and immunotherapy in Cryptosporidium parvum. Biotechnol Adv 2006; 25:13-44. [PMID: 17055210 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2006.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2006] [Revised: 08/14/2006] [Accepted: 08/22/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium parvum is an obligate protozoan parasite responsible for the diarrheal illness cryptosporidiosis in humans and animals. Although C. parvum is particularly pathogenic in immunocompromised hosts, the molecular mechanisms by which C. parvum invades the host epithelial cells are not well understood. Characterization of molecular-based antigenic targets of C. parvum is required to improve the specificity of detection, viability assessments, and immunotherapy (treatment). A number of zoite surface (glyco)proteins are known to be expressed during, and believed to be involved in, invasion and infection of host epithelial cells. In the absence of protective treatments for this illness, antibodies targeted against these zoite surface (glyco)proteins offers a rational approach to therapy. Monoclonal, polyclonal and recombinant antibodies represent useful immunotherapeutic means of combating infection, especially when highly immunogenic C. parvum antigens are utilized as targets. Interruption of life cycle stages of this parasite via antibodies that target critical surface-exposed proteins can potentially decrease the severity of disease symptoms and subsequent re-infection of host tissues. In addition, development of vaccines to this parasite based on the same antigens may be a valuable means of preventing infection. This paper describes many of the zoite surface glycoproteins potentially involved in infection, as well as summarizes many of the immunotherapeutic studies completed to date. The identification and characterization of antibodies that bind to C. parvum-specific cell surface antigens of the oocyst and sporozoite will allow researchers to fully realize the potential of molecular-based immunotherapy to this parasite.
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Jakobi V, Petry F. Differential expression of Cryptosporidium parvum genes encoding sporozoite surface antigens in infected HCT-8 host cells. Microbes Infect 2006; 8:2186-94. [PMID: 16793310 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2006.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2006] [Revised: 03/29/2006] [Accepted: 04/10/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular replication of Cryptosporidium parvum (Apicomplexa) involves the generation of several asexual and sexual forms of the parasite. During the stage conversions, complex mechanisms lead to differential structural and functional properties of the parasite. These require a well tuned gene transcription machinery. For the first time the gene expression of four surface proteins of C. parvum sporozoites, CP15, CP17, P23, and GP900 were analysed in parallel by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. In addition, CP17 and P23 antigens were detected in infected host cells by immunofluorescence using antisera raised against recombinant forms of the proteins. The results show that expression of each gene follows a unique time schedule during intracellular development, suggesting that the functions of these proteins during the life cycle are not restricted to the invasive stages.
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MESH Headings
- Adaptation, Physiological/genetics
- Animals
- Antigens, Protozoan/analysis
- Antigens, Protozoan/genetics
- Antigens, Surface/analysis
- Antigens, Surface/genetics
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cryptosporidium parvum/genetics
- Cryptosporidium parvum/immunology
- Cryptosporidium parvum/physiology
- Cytoplasm/chemistry
- Fluorescent Antibody Technique
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Genes, Protozoan
- Humans
- Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics
- Protozoan Proteins/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/analysis
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Protozoan/analysis
- RNA, Protozoan/genetics
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Time Factors
- Transcription, Genetic
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Jakobi
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Augustusplatz/Hochhaus, D-55101 Mainz, Germany
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Jenkins MC, Murphy C, Trout J, Fayer R. An Improved Electron Microscopic Technique for the Immunolabeling of Cryptosporidium parvum Oocysts. J Parasitol 2006; 92:403-5. [PMID: 16729705 DOI: 10.1645/ge-3539rn.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A technique was developed for immunolabeling Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts for subsequent observation by transmission electron microscopy. This method was developed to maintain architectural integrity of the oocyst wall and improve fixation of internal contents. The improved fixation and embedding method permits efficient immunolabeling of both nonexcysted and excysted C. parvum oocysts and may be applicable to other oocyst- and cyst-forming protozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark C Jenkins
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Animal and Natural Resources Institute, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, USA.
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Smith HV, Nichols RAB, Grimason AM. Cryptosporidium excystation and invasion: getting to the guts of the matter. Trends Parasitol 2005; 21:133-42. [PMID: 15734661 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2005.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium parvum excystation and host cell invasion have been characterized in some detail ultrastructurally. However, until recently, the biochemical and molecular basis of host-parasite interactions and parasite- and host-specific molecules involved in excystation, motility and host cell invasion have been poorly understood. This article describes our understanding of Cryptosporidium excystation and the events leading to host cell invasion, and draws from information available about these processes in other apicomplexans. Many questions remain but, once the specific mechanisms are identified, they could prove to be novel targets for drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huw V Smith
- Scottish Parasite Diagnostic Laboratory, Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow G21 3UW, Scotland, UK.
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