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Wolstenholme AJ, Andersen EC, Choudhary S, Ebner F, Hartmann S, Holden-Dye L, Kashyap SS, Krücken J, Martin RJ, Midha A, Nejsum P, Neveu C, Robertson AP, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Walker R, Wang J, Whitehead BJ, Williams PDE. Getting around the roundworms: Identifying knowledge gaps and research priorities for the ascarids. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2024; 123:51-123. [PMID: 38448148 PMCID: PMC11143470 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The ascarids are a large group of parasitic nematodes that infect a wide range of animal species. In humans, they cause neglected diseases of poverty; many animal parasites also cause zoonotic infections in people. Control measures include hygiene and anthelmintic treatments, but they are not always appropriate or effective and this creates a continuing need to search for better ways to reduce the human, welfare and economic costs of these infections. To this end, Le Studium Institute of Advanced Studies organized a two-day conference to identify major gaps in our understanding of ascarid parasites with a view to setting research priorities that would allow for improved control. The participants identified several key areas for future focus, comprising of advances in genomic analysis and the use of model organisms, especially Caenorhabditis elegans, a more thorough appreciation of the complexity of host-parasite (and parasite-parasite) communications, a search for novel anthelmintic drugs and the development of effective vaccines. The participants agreed to try and maintain informal links in the future that could form the basis for collaborative projects, and to co-operate to organize future meetings and workshops to promote ascarid research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian J Wolstenholme
- Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE), Université de Tours, ISP, Nouzilly, France.
| | - Erik C Andersen
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shivani Choudhary
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Friederike Ebner
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | - Susanne Hartmann
- Institute for Immunology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lindy Holden-Dye
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Sudhanva S Kashyap
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Richard J Martin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Ankur Midha
- Institute for Immunology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Nejsum
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Cedric Neveu
- Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE), Université de Tours, ISP, Nouzilly, France
| | - Alan P Robertson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | | | - Robert Walker
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Jianbin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | | | - Paul D E Williams
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
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Dube F, Delhomme N, Martin F, Hinas A, Åbrink M, Svärd S, Tydén E. Gene co-expression network analysis reveal core responsive genes in Parascaris univalens tissues following ivermectin exposure. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298039. [PMID: 38359071 PMCID: PMC10868809 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Anthelmintic resistance in equine parasite Parascaris univalens, compromises ivermectin (IVM) effectiveness and necessitates an in-depth understanding of its resistance mechanisms. Most research, primarily focused on holistic gene expression analyses, may overlook vital tissue-specific responses and often limit the scope of novel genes. This study leveraged gene co-expression network analysis to elucidate tissue-specific transcriptional responses and to identify core genes implicated in the IVM response in P. univalens. Adult worms (n = 28) were exposed to 10-11 M and 10-9 M IVM in vitro for 24 hours. RNA-sequencing examined transcriptional changes in the anterior end and intestine. Differential expression analysis revealed pronounced tissue differences, with the intestine exhibiting substantially more IVM-induced transcriptional activity. Gene co-expression network analysis identified seven modules significantly associated with the response to IVM. Within these, 219 core genes were detected, largely expressed in the intestinal tissue and spanning diverse biological processes with unspecific patterns. After 10-11 M IVM, intestinal tissue core genes showed transcriptional suppression, cell cycle inhibition, and ribosomal alterations. Interestingly, genes PgR028_g047 (sorb-1), PgB01_g200 (gmap-1) and PgR046_g017 (col-37 & col-102) switched from downregulation at 10-11 M to upregulation at 10-9 M IVM. The 10-9 M concentration induced expression of cuticle and membrane integrity core genes in the intestinal tissue. No clear core gene patterns were visible in the anterior end after 10-11 M IVM. However, after 10-9 M IVM, the anterior end mostly displayed downregulation, indicating disrupted transcriptional regulation. One interesting finding was the non-modular calcium-signaling gene, PgR047_g066 (gegf-1), which uniquely connected 71 genes across four modules. These genes were enriched for transmembrane signaling activity, suggesting that PgR047_g066 (gegf-1) could have a key signaling role. By unveiling tissue-specific expression patterns and highlighting biological processes through unbiased core gene detection, this study reveals intricate IVM responses in P. univalens. These findings suggest alternative drug uptake of IVM and can guide functional validations to further IVM resistance mechanism understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faruk Dube
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nicolas Delhomme
- Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC), Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Frida Martin
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Andrea Hinas
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala Sweden
| | - Magnus Åbrink
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Staffan Svärd
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala Sweden
| | - Eva Tydén
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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Raza A, Williams AR, Abeer MM. Importance of ABC Transporters in the Survival of Parasitic Nematodes and the Prospect for the Development of Novel Control Strategies. Pathogens 2023; 12:755. [PMID: 37375445 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
ABC transporters, a family of ATP-dependent transmembrane proteins, are responsible for the active transport of a wide range of molecules across cell membranes, including drugs, toxins, and nutrients. Nematodes possess a great diversity of ABC transporters; however, only P-glycoproteins have been well-characterized compared to other classes. The ABC transport proteins have been implicated in developing resistance to various classes of anthelmintic drugs in parasitic nematodes; their role in plant and human parasitic nematodes still needs further investigation. Therefore, ABC transport proteins offer a potential opportunity to develop nematode control strategies. Multidrug resistance inhibitors are becoming more attractive for controlling nematodes due to their potential to increase drug efficacy in two ways: (i) by limiting drug efflux from nematodes, thereby increasing the amount of drug that reaches its target site, and (ii) by reducing drug excretion by host animals, thereby enhancing drug bioavailability. This article reviews the role of ABC transporters in the survival of parasitic nematodes, including the genes involved, their regulation and physiological roles, as well as recent developments in their characterization. It also discusses the association of ABC transporters with anthelmintic resistance and the possibility of targeting them with next-generation inhibitors or nutraceuticals (e.g., polyphenols) to control parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Raza
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture & Food Innovation, Centre for Animal Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
| | - Andrew R Williams
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Frederiksberg, Denmark
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Elghandour MMMY, Maggiolino A, Vázquez-Mendoza P, Alvarado-Ramírez ER, Cedillo-Monroy J, De Palo P, Salem AZM. Moringa oleifera as a Natural Alternative for the Control of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Equines: A Review. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:plants12091921. [PMID: 37176979 PMCID: PMC10181162 DOI: 10.3390/plants12091921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Studies have shown a wide variety of parasites that infect horses, causing major gastrointestinal damage that can lead to death, and although the main method of control has been synthetic anthelmintics, there are parasites that have developed resistance to these drugs. For generations, plants have been used throughout the world as a cure or treatment for countless diseases and their symptoms, as is the case of Moringa oleifera, a plant native to the western region. In all its organs, mainly in leaves, M. oleifera presents a diversity of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, saponins, and vitamins, which provide antioxidant power to the plant. The compounds with the greatest antiparasitic activity are tannins and saponins, and they affect both the larvae and the oocytes of various equine gastrointestinal parasites. Therefore, M. oleifera is a promising source for the natural control of gastrointestinal parasites in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aristide Maggiolino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari A. Moro, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Paulina Vázquez-Mendoza
- Facultad Maya de Estudios Agropecuarios, Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, Catazajá 29980, Chiapas, Mexico
| | | | - José Cedillo-Monroy
- Temascaltepec University Center, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, Temascaltepec 51300, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Pasquale De Palo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari A. Moro, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Abdelfattah Zeidan Mohamed Salem
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, Toluca 50295, Estado de México, Mexico
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Jesudoss Chelladurai JRJ, Martin KA, Vardaxis P, Reinemeyer C, Vijayapalani P, Robertson AP, Brewer MT. Repertoire of P-glycoprotein drug transporters in the zoonotic nematode Toxocara canis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4971. [PMID: 36973306 PMCID: PMC10042841 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31556-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxocara canis has a complex lifecycle including larval stages in the somatic tissue of dogs that tolerate macrocyclic lactones. In this study, we investigated T. canis permeability glycoproteins (P-gps, ABCB1) with a putative role in drug tolerance. Motility experiments demonstrated that while ivermectin failed to abrogate larval movement, the combination of ivermectin and the P-gp inhibitor verapamil induced larval paralysis. Whole organism assays revealed functional P-gp activity in larvae which were capable of effluxing the P-gp substrate Hoechst 33342 (H33342). Further investigation of H33342 efflux demonstrated a unique rank order of potency for known mammalian P-gp inhibitors, suggesting that one or more of the T. canis transporters has nematode-specific pharmacological properties. Analysis of the T. canis draft genome resulted in the identification of 13 annotated P-gp genes, enabling revision of predicted gene names and identification of putative paralogs. Quantitative PCR was used to measure P-gp mRNA expression in adult worms, hatched larvae, and somatic larvae. At least 10 of the predicted genes were expressed in adults and hatched larvae, and at least 8 were expressed in somatic larvae. However, treatment of larvae with macrocyclic lactones failed to significantly increase P-gp expression as measured by qPCR. Further studies are needed to understand the role of individual P-gps with possible contributions to macrocyclic lactone tolerance in T. canis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeba R J Jesudoss Chelladurai
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Ave, Manhattan, KS, USA.
| | - Katy A Martin
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Pam Vardaxis
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | | | - Paramasivan Vijayapalani
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Alan P Robertson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Matthew T Brewer
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, 1800 Christensen, Ames, IA, USA.
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Molecular diagnostics for gastrointestinal helminths in equids: Past, present and future. Vet Parasitol 2023; 313:109851. [PMID: 36521296 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This review is aimed to (i) appraise the literature on the use of molecular techniques for the detection, quantification and differentiation of gastrointestinal helminths (GIH) of equids, (ii) identify the knowledge gaps and, (iii) discuss diagnostic prospects in equine parasitology. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic reviews, we retrieved 54 studies (horses: 50/54; donkeys and zebras: 4/54) from four databases. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed in all of the studies whereas PCR amplicons were sequenced in only 18 of them. Other techniques used (including modifications of PCR) were reverse line blot, quantitative (q)PCR, restriction fragment length polymorphism, nested-PCR, PCR-directed next-generation sequencing, Southern blotting, single strand conformation polymorphism, PCR-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation-time of flight and random amplification of polymorphic DNA. Most of the studies (53/54) used nuclear ribosomal RNA (including the internal transcribed spacers, intergenic spacer, 5.8 S, 18 S, 28 S and 12 S) as target loci while cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and random genomic regions were targeted in only three and one studies, respectively. Overall, to date, the majority of molecular studies have focused on the diagnosis and identification of GIHs of equids (i.e. species of Anoplocephala, Craterostomum, cyathostomins, Oesophagodontus, Parascaris, Strongylus, Strongyloides and Triodontophorus), with a recent shift towards investigations on anthelmintic resistance and the use of high-throughput nemabiome metabarcoding. With the increasing reports of anthelmintic resistance in equid GIHs, it is crucial to develop and apply techniques such as advanced metabarcoding for surveillance of parasite populations in order to gain detailed insights into their diversity and sustainable control. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review that evaluates molecular investigations published on the diagnosis and quantification of equid GIHs and provides useful insights into important knowledge gaps and future research directions in equid molecular parasitology.
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The equine ascarids: resuscitating historic model organisms for modern purposes. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2775-2791. [PMID: 35986167 PMCID: PMC9391215 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07627-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The equine ascarids, Parascaris spp., are important nematode parasites of juvenile horses and were historically model organisms in the field of cell biology, leading to many important discoveries, and are used for the study of chromatin diminution. In veterinary parasitology, Parascaris spp. are important not only because they can cause clinical disease in young horses but also because they are the only ascarid parasites to have developed widespread anthelmintic resistance. Despite this, much of the general biology and mechanisms of anthelmintic resistance are poorly understood. This review condenses known basic biological information and knowledge on the mechanisms of anthelmintic resistance in Parascaris spp., highlighting the importance of foundational research programs. Although two variants of this parasite were recognized based on the number of chromosomes in the 1870s and suggested to be two species in 1890, one of these, P. univalens, appears to have been largely forgotten in the veterinary scientific literature over the past 100 years. We describe how this omission has had a century-long effect on nomenclature and data analysis in the field, highlighting the importance of proper specimen identification in public repositories. A summary of important basic biology, including life cycle, in vitro maintenance, and immunology, is given, and areas of future research for the improvement of knowledge and development of new systems are given. Finally, the limited knowledge regarding anthelmintic resistance in Parascaris spp. is summarized, along with caution regarding assumptions that resistance mechanisms can be applied across clades.
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Transgenic Expression of Haemonchus contortus Cytochrome P450 Hco-cyp-13A11 Decreases Susceptibility to Particular but Not All Macrocyclic Lactones in the Model Organism Caenorhabditis elegans. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169155. [PMID: 36012413 PMCID: PMC9409383 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of reported macrocyclic lactones (ML) resistance cases across all livestock hosts is steadily increasing. Different studies in the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus assume the participation of cytochrome P450s (Cyps) enzymes in ML resistance. Still, functional data about their individual contribution to resistance or substrate specificity is missing. Via microinjection, transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans expressing HCON_00141052 (transgene-Hco-cyp-13A11) from extrachromosomal arrays were generated. After 24 h of exposure to different concentrations of ivermectin (IVM), ivermectin aglycone (IVMa), selamectin (SEL), doramectin (DRM), eprinomectin (EPR), and moxidectin (MOX), motility assays were performed to determine the impact of the H. contortus Cyp to the susceptibility of the worms against each ML. While transgene-Hco-cyp-13A11 significantly decreased susceptibility to IVM (four-fold), IVMa (2-fold), and SEL (3-fold), a slight effect for DRM and no effect for MOX, and EPR was observed. This substrate specificity of Hco-cyp-13A11 could not be explained by molecular modeling and docking studies. Hco-Cyp-13A11 molecular models were obtained for alleles from isolates with different resistance statuses. Although 14 amino acid polymorphisms were detected, none was resistance specific. In conclusion, Hco-cyp-13A11 decreased IVM, IVMa, and SEL susceptibility to a different extent, but its potential impact on ML resistance is not driven by polymorphisms.
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Dube F, Hinas A, Roy S, Martin F, Åbrink M, Svärd S, Tydén E. Ivermectin-induced gene expression changes in adult Parascaris univalens and Caenorhabditis elegans: a comparative approach to study anthelminthic metabolism and resistance in vitro. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:158. [PMID: 35513885 PMCID: PMC9074254 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05260-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The nematode Parascaris univalens is one of the most prevalent parasitic pathogens infecting horses but anthelmintic resistance undermines treatment approaches. The molecular mechanisms underlying drug activity and resistance remain poorly understood in this parasite since experimental in vitro models are lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of Caenorhabditis elegans as a model for P. univalens drug metabolism/resistance studies by a comparative gene expression approach after in vitro exposure to the anthelmintic drug ivermectin (IVM). Methods Twelve adult P. univalens worms in groups of three were exposed to ivermectin (IVM, 10–13 M, 10–11 M, 10–9 M) or left unexposed for 24 h at 37 °C, and total RNA, extracted from the anterior end of the worms, was sequenced using Illumina NovaSeq. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in metabolism, transportation, or gene expression with annotated Caernorhabditis elegans orthologues were identified as candidate genes to be involved in IVM metabolism/resistance. Similarly, groups of 300 adult C. elegans worms were exposed to IVM (10–9 M, 10–8 M and 10–7 M) or left unexposed for 4 h at 20 °C. Quantitative RT-PCR of RNA extracted from the C. elegans worm pools was used to compare against the expression of selected P. univalens candidate genes after drug treatment. Results After IVM exposure, 1085 DEGs were found in adult P. univalens worms but the relative gene expression changes were small and large variabilities were found between different worms. Fifteen of the DEGs were chosen for further characterization in C. elegans after comparative bioinformatics analyses. Candidate genes, including the putative drug target lgc-37, responded to IVM in P. univalens, but marginal to no responses were observed in C. elegans despite dose-dependent behavioral effects observed in C. elegans after IVM exposure. Thus, the overlap in IVM-induced gene expression in this small set of genes was minor in adult worms of the two nematode species. Conclusion This is the first time to our knowledge that a comparative gene expression approach has evaluated C. elegans as a model to understand IVM metabolism/resistance in P. univalens. Genes in P. univalens adults that responded to IVM treatment were identified. However, identifying conserved genes in P. univalens and C. elegans involved in IVM metabolism/resistance by comparing gene expression of candidate genes proved challenging. The approach appears promising but was limited by the number of genes studied (n = 15). Future studies comparing a larger number of genes between the two species may result in identification of additional candidate genes involved in drug metabolism and/or resistance. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05260-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faruk Dube
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7036, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Andrea Hinas
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, 751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Shweta Roy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, 751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Frida Martin
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7036, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Magnus Åbrink
- Section of Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7036, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Staffan Svärd
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, 751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Eva Tydén
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7036, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
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Jesudoss Chelladurai JRJ, Jones DE, Brewer MT. Characterization of a P-glycoprotein drug transporter from Toxocara canis with a novel pharmacological profile. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2021; 17:191-203. [PMID: 34753107 PMCID: PMC8586496 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
P-glycoproteins from the ATP-binding cassette transporter family are responsible for drug evasion by bacterial pathogens and neoplastic cells. More recently, these multidrug resistance transporters have been investigated for contributions to drug resistance in nematode parasites. In this study, we cloned and characterized the P-glycoprotein Tca-Pgp-11.1 from Toxocara canis, the canine intestinal ascarid. Large numbers of Tca-Pgp-11 transcripts were observed in the intestine of adult male and female worms. Heterologous expression studies confirmed sensitivity to known P-glycoprotein inhibitors. Interestingly, the competitive inhibitor verapamil had lower IC50 values than newer generation inhibitors that are designed to allosterically modulate mammalian P-glycoprotein. Consistent with other nematode P-glycoproteins, Tca-Pgp-11.1 was sensitive to ivermectin and selamectin but not moxidectin. Taken together, our data suggests that T. canis P-glycoproteins represent nematode-specific drug targets that could be exploited to enhance efficacy of existing anthelmintics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeba R J Jesudoss Chelladurai
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, USA; Department of Diagnostic Medicine/ Pathobiology, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, USA
| | - Douglas E Jones
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, USA
| | - Matthew T Brewer
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, USA.
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Jimenez Castro PD, Venkatesan A, Redman E, Chen R, Malatesta A, Huff H, Zuluaga Salazar DA, Avramenko R, Gilleard JS, Kaplan RM. Multiple drug resistance in hookworms infecting greyhound dogs in the USA. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2021; 17:107-117. [PMID: 34492564 PMCID: PMC8426179 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2021.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Ancylostoma caninum is the most prevalent nematode parasite of dogs. We confirmed multiple-drug resistance (MDR) in several A. caninum isolates to all anthelmintic drug classes approved for the treatment of hookworms in dogs in the USA. Cases of MDR hookworms appear to be highly overrepresented in greyhounds. The aims of this study were to evaluate the drug-resistant phenotypes and genotypes of the A. caninum infecting greyhounds. Fecal samples from greyhounds of the USA were acquired from two greyhound adoption kennels, one active greyhound racing kennel, and three veterinary practices. Fecal egg counts (FECs) were performed on fecal samples from 219 greyhounds, and despite treatment with anthelmintics, the mean FEC was 822.4 eggs per gram (EPG). Resistance to benzimidazoles and macrocyclic lactones were measured using the egg hatch assay (EHA) and the larval development assay (LDA), respectively. We performed 23 EHA and 22 LDA on either individual or pooled feces, representing 54 animals. Mean and median IC50 and IC95 values for the EHA were 5.3 μM, 3.6 μM, and 24.5 μM, 23.4 μM, respectively. For the LDA, the median IC50 value was >1000 nM. These values ranged 62–81 times higher than our susceptible laboratory isolate. Only post-treatment samples were available. For samples collected <10 days post-treatment with albendazole, moxidectin, or a combination of febantel-pyrantel-moxidectin, the mean FEC were 349, 333, and 835 EPG, respectively. We obtained DNA from hookworm eggs isolated from 70 fecal samples, comprised of 60 individual dogs and 10 pools. Deep sequencing of the isotype 1 β-tubulin gene only revealed the presence of the F167Y (TTC>TAC) resistance polymorphism in 99% of these samples. These clinical, in vitro, and genetic data provide strong evidence that greyhound dogs in the USA are infected with MDR A. caninum at very high levels in prevalence and infection intensity. Conclusive evidence that most racing greyhounds in the USA are infected with MDR A. caninum. 79% of the samples from racing or retired greyhounds were positive. IC50 values for BZs and MLs were 62–81 times higher in greyhounds. The F167Y SNP was detected in 99% of samples, and in more than 2/3 the frequency was ≥ 75%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo D Jimenez Castro
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA; Grupo de Parasitología Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Colombia.
| | - Abhinaya Venkatesan
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Host-Parasite Interactions Program, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Redman
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Host-Parasite Interactions Program, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rebecca Chen
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Host-Parasite Interactions Program, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Abigail Malatesta
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Hannah Huff
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Daniel A Zuluaga Salazar
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Veterinaria, Corporación Universitaria Santa Rosa de Cabal-UNISARC, Santa Rosa de Cabal, Risaralda, Colombia
| | - Russell Avramenko
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Host-Parasite Interactions Program, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - John S Gilleard
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Host-Parasite Interactions Program, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ray M Kaplan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
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12
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von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Janssen IJI, Ramünke S, Goday C, Borges FDA, Koudela B, Niedźwiedź A, Tomczuk K, Studzińska MB, Kornas S, Krücken J. Very low intraspecific sequence variation in selected nuclear and mitochondrial Parascaris univalens genes. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 95:105035. [PMID: 34384934 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.105035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Equines were over decades considered to be infected by two morphologically virtually indistinguishable ascarid species, Parascaris univalens and Parascaris equorum. Reliable species discrimination is only possible using enzyme isoelectric focussing and karyotyping with P. univalens having one and P. equorum two chromosome pairs. However, presumably the complexity of both methods prevented their routine use in nearly all previous studies about prevalence and drug resistance of Parascaris spp. These have barely been performed on the species level although most studies stated presence of one or the other species. Recently, only P. univalens has been identified by karyotyping and the last published study identifying P. equorum dates back to 1989. In order to improve species-specific detection, molecular markers are required. Here, partial 12S rRNA, cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and complete internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-1 and - 2 sequences were obtained from 24 karyotyped Parascaris specimens from Poland and 6 German specimens (not karyotyped) and used in phylogenetic analyses with orthologous sequences from GenBank. All karyotyped specimens were identified as P. univalens. In the phylogenetic analysis, they formed very homogenous clusters for all target genes and in a multi-locus analysis. Within this cluster, almost all sequences from GenBank were also included, no matter if they had been assigned to P. univalens or P. equorum. However, a small number of P. univalens ITS and COI sequences originating from donkeys from a single farm in China formed a highly supported sister cluster suggesting that they might represent another Parascaris genotype or species. Our data also strongly suggest that nearly all ITS and COI sequences previously deposited in GenBank and assigned to P. equorum actually represent P. univalens. The fact that significantly different sequences can be found in Parascaris spp. suggests that PCR-based species diagnosis will be possible once molecular markers have been identified for P. equorum from karyotyped specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - I Jana I Janssen
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabrina Ramünke
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - Clara Goday
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando de A Borges
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Bretislav Koudela
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého tř. 1946/1, Brno 612 42, Czech Republic; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Artur Niedźwiedź
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinic for Horses, Dogs and Cats, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Tomczuk
- Sub-Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, Veterinary Faculty, University of Life Sciences, Lublin, Poland
| | - Maria Bernadeta Studzińska
- Sub-Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, Veterinary Faculty, University of Life Sciences, Lublin, Poland
| | - Slawomir Kornas
- Department of Zoology and Animal Welfare, Faculty of Animal Sciences, University of Agriculture, Al. Mickiewicza 24/28, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
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13
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Constitutive and differential expression of transport protein genes in Parascaris univalens larvae and adult tissues after in vitro exposure to anthelmintic drugs. Vet Parasitol 2021; 298:109535. [PMID: 34340009 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The equine roundworm Parascaris univalens has developed resistance to the three anthelmintic substances most commonly used in horses. The mechanisms responsible for resistance are believed to be multi-genic, and transport proteins such as the P-glycoprotein (Pgp) family have been suggested to be involved in resistance in several parasites including P. univlaens. To facilitate further research into the mechanisms behind drug metabolism and resistance development in P. univalens we aimed to develop an in vitro model based on larvae. We developed a fast and easy protocol for hatching P. univalens larvae for in vitro studies, resulting in a hatching rate of 92 %. The expression of transport protein genes pgp-2, pgp-9, pgp-11.1, pgp-16.1 and major facilitator superfamily (MFS) genes PgR006_g137 and PgR015_g078 were studied in hatched larvae exposed to the anthelmintic drugs ivermecin (IVM) 10-9 M, pyrantel citrate (PYR) 10-6 M and thiabendazole (TBZ) 10-5 M for 24 h. In comparison, the expression of these transport protein genes was studied in the anterior end and intestinal tissues of adult worms in vitro exposed to IVM, TBZ and PYR, at the same concentrations as larvae, for 3 h, 10 h and 24 h. Larval exposure to sub-lethal doses of IVM for 24 h did not affect the expression levels of any of the investigated genes, however larvae exposed to PYR and TBZ for 24 h showed significantly increased expression of pgp-9. In vitro drug exposure of adult worms did not result in any significant increases in expression of transport protein genes. Comparisons of constitutive expression between larvae and adult worm tissues showed that pgp-9, pgp-11.1, pgp-16.1 and MFS gene PgR015_g078 were expressed at lower levels in larvae than in adult tissues, while pgp-2 and MFS gene PgR006_g137 had similar expression levels in larvae and adult worms. All investigated transport protein genes were expressed at higher rates in the intestine than in the anterior end of adult worms, except pgp-11.1 where the expression was similar between the two tissues. This high constitutive expression in the intestine suggests that this is an important site for xenobiotic efflux in P. univalens. Despite the fact that the results of this study show differences in expression of transport protein genes between larvae and adult tissues, we believe that the larval assay system described here will be an important tool for further research into the molecular mechanisms behind anthelmintic resistance development and for other in vitro studies.
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14
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Wang J. Genomics of the Parasitic Nematode Ascaris and Its Relatives. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:493. [PMID: 33800545 PMCID: PMC8065839 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nematodes of the genus Ascaris are important parasites of humans and swine, and the phylogenetically related genera (Parascaris, Toxocara, and Baylisascaris) infect mammals of veterinary interest. Over the last decade, considerable genomic resources have been established for Ascaris, including complete germline and somatic genomes, comprehensive mRNA and small RNA transcriptomes, as well as genome-wide histone and chromatin data. These datasets provide a major resource for studies on the basic biology of these parasites and the host-parasite relationship. Ascaris and its relatives undergo programmed DNA elimination, a highly regulated process where chromosomes are fragmented and portions of the genome are lost in embryonic cells destined to adopt a somatic fate, whereas the genome remains intact in germ cells. Unlike many model organisms, Ascaris transcription drives early development beginning prior to pronuclear fusion. Studies on Ascaris demonstrated a complex small RNA network even in the absence of a piRNA pathway. Comparative genomics of these ascarids has provided perspectives on nematode sex chromosome evolution, programmed DNA elimination, and host-parasite coevolution. The genomic resources enable comparison of proteins across diverse species, revealing many new potential drug targets that could be used to control these parasitic nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA;
- UT-Oak Ridge National Laboratory Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
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15
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Gerhard AP, Krücken J, Neveu C, Charvet CL, Harmache A, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G. Pharyngeal Pumping and Tissue-Specific Transgenic P-Glycoprotein Expression Influence Macrocyclic Lactone Susceptibility in Caenorhabditis elegans. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:153. [PMID: 33668460 PMCID: PMC7917992 DOI: 10.3390/ph14020153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrocyclic lactones (MLs) are widely used drugs to treat and prevent parasitic nematode infections. In many nematode species including a major pathogen of foals, Parascaris univalens, resistance against MLs is widespread, but the underlying resistance mechanisms and ML penetration routes into nematodes remain unknown. Here, we examined how the P-glycoprotein efflux pumps, candidate genes for ML resistance, can modulate drug susceptibility and investigated the role of active drug ingestion for ML susceptibility in the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Wildtype or transgenic worms, modified to overexpress P. univalens PGP-9 (Pun-PGP-9) at the intestine or epidermis, were incubated with ivermectin or moxidectin in the presence (bacteria or serotonin) or absence (no specific stimulus) of pharyngeal pumping (PP). Active drug ingestion by PP was identified as an important factor for ivermectin susceptibility, while moxidectin susceptibility was only moderately affected. Intestinal Pun-PGP-9 expression elicited a protective effect against ivermectin and moxidectin only in the presence of PP stimulation. Conversely, epidermal Pun-PGP-9 expression protected against moxidectin regardless of PP and against ivermectin only in the absence of active drug ingestion. Our results demonstrate the role of active drug ingestion by nematodes for susceptibility and provide functional evidence for the contribution of P-glycoproteins to ML resistance in a tissue-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander P. Gerhard
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (A.P.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (A.P.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Cedric Neveu
- INRAE, Université de Tours, ISP, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; (C.N.); (C.L.C.); (A.H.)
| | - Claude L. Charvet
- INRAE, Université de Tours, ISP, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; (C.N.); (C.L.C.); (A.H.)
| | - Abdallah Harmache
- INRAE, Université de Tours, ISP, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; (C.N.); (C.L.C.); (A.H.)
| | - Georg von Samson-Himmelstjerna
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (A.P.G.); (J.K.)
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