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Ewald S, Nasuhidehnavi A, Feng TY, Lesani M, McCall LI. The intersection of host in vivo metabolism and immune responses to infection with kinetoplastid and apicomplexan parasites. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024; 88:e0016422. [PMID: 38299836 PMCID: PMC10966954 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00164-22] [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] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYProtozoan parasite infection dramatically alters host metabolism, driven by immunological demand and parasite manipulation strategies. Immunometabolic checkpoints are often exploited by kinetoplastid and protozoan parasites to establish chronic infection, which can significantly impair host metabolic homeostasis. The recent growth of tools to analyze metabolism is expanding our understanding of these questions. Here, we review and contrast host metabolic alterations that occur in vivo during infection with Leishmania, trypanosomes, Toxoplasma, Plasmodium, and Cryptosporidium. Although genetically divergent, there are commonalities among these pathogens in terms of metabolic needs, induction of the type I immune responses required for clearance, and the potential for sustained host metabolic dysbiosis. Comparing these pathogens provides an opportunity to explore how transmission strategy, nutritional demand, and host cell and tissue tropism drive similarities and unique aspects in host response and infection outcome and to design new strategies to treat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Ewald
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology at the Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Azadeh Nasuhidehnavi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Tzu-Yu Feng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology at the Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Mahbobeh Lesani
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Laura-Isobel McCall
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
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2
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He TY, Li YT, Liu ZD, Cheng H, Bao YF, Zhang JL. Lipid metabolism: the potential targets for toxoplasmosis treatment. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:111. [PMID: 38448975 PMCID: PMC10916224 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06213-9] [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: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). The current treatment for toxoplasmosis remains constrained due to the absence of pharmaceutical interventions. Thus, the pursuit of more efficient targets is of great importance. Lipid metabolism in T. gondii, including fatty acid metabolism, phospholipid metabolism, and neutral lipid metabolism, assumes a crucial function in T. gondii because those pathways are largely involved in the formation of the membranous structure and cellular processes such as division, invasion, egress, replication, and apoptosis. The inhibitors of T. gondii's lipid metabolism can directly lead to the disturbance of various lipid component levels and serious destruction of membrane structure, ultimately leading to the death of the parasites. In this review, the specific lipid metabolism pathways, correlative enzymes, and inhibitors of lipid metabolism of T. gondii are elaborated in detail to generate novel ideas for the development of anti-T. gondii drugs that target the parasites' lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Yi He
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Ye-Tian Li
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Zhen-Di Liu
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Hao Cheng
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yi-Feng Bao
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Ji-Li Zhang
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
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3
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Rodriguez JB, Szajnman SH. An updated review of chemical compounds with anti-Toxoplasma gondii activity. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 262:115885. [PMID: 37871407 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
The opportunistic apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is the etiologic agent for toxoplasmosis, which can infect a widespread range of hosts, particularly humans and warm-blooded animals. The present chemotherapy to treat or prevent toxoplasmosis is deficient and is based on diverse drugs such as atovaquone, trimethoprim, spiramycine, which are effective in acute toxoplasmosis. Therefore, a safe chemotherapy is required for toxoplasmosis considering that its responsible agent, T. gondii, provokes severe illness and death in pregnant women and immunodeficient patients. A certain disadvantage of the available treatments is the lack of effectiveness against the tissue cyst of the parasite. A safe chemotherapy to combat toxoplasmosis should be based on the metabolic differences between the parasite and the mammalian host. This article covers different relevant molecular targets to combat this disease including the isoprenoid pathway (farnesyl diphosphate synthase, squalene synthase), dihydrofolate reductase, calcium-dependent protein kinases, histone deacetylase, mitochondrial electron transport chain, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan B Rodriguez
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón 2, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Unidad de Microanálisis y Métodos Físicos en Química Orgánica (UMYMFOR), C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Sergio H Szajnman
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón 2, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Unidad de Microanálisis y Métodos Físicos en Química Orgánica (UMYMFOR), C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Antao NV, Lam C, Davydov A, Riggi M, Sall J, Petzold C, Liang FX, Iwasa JH, Ekiert DC, Bhabha G. 3D reconstructions of parasite development and the intracellular niche of the microsporidian pathogen Encephalitozoon intestinalis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7662. [PMID: 37996434 PMCID: PMC10667486 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43215-0] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are an early-diverging group of fungal pathogens with a wide host range. Several microsporidian species cause opportunistic infections in humans that can be fatal. As obligate intracellular parasites with highly reduced genomes, microsporidia are dependent on host metabolites for successful replication and development. Our knowledge of microsporidian intracellular development remains rudimentary, and our understanding of the intracellular niche occupied by microsporidia has relied on 2D TEM images and light microscopy. Here, we use serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) to capture 3D snapshots of the human-infecting species, Encephalitozoon intestinalis, within host cells. We track E. intestinalis development through its life cycle, which allows us to propose a model for how its infection organelle, the polar tube, is assembled de novo in developing spores. 3D reconstructions of parasite-infected cells provide insights into the physical interactions between host cell organelles and parasitophorous vacuoles, which contain the developing parasites. The host cell mitochondrial network is substantially remodeled during E. intestinalis infection, leading to mitochondrial fragmentation. SBF-SEM analysis shows changes in mitochondrial morphology in infected cells, and live-cell imaging provides insights into mitochondrial dynamics during infection. Our data provide insights into parasite development, polar tube assembly, and microsporidia-induced host mitochondria remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelle V Antao
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cherry Lam
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ari Davydov
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Margot Riggi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - Joseph Sall
- Office of Science and Research Microscopy Laboratory, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christopher Petzold
- Office of Science and Research Microscopy Laboratory, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Feng-Xia Liang
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Office of Science and Research Microscopy Laboratory, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Janet H Iwasa
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - Damian C Ekiert
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Gira Bhabha
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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He K, Wang Q, Gao X, Tang T, Ding H, Long S. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses reveal the essential nature of Rab1B in Toxoplasma gondii. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:409. [PMID: 37941035 PMCID: PMC10634116 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06030-6] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii encodes a dozen Rab proteins, which are parts of the small GTPase superfamily and regulate intracellular membrane trafficking. Our previous study showed that depletion of Rab1B caused severe defects regarding parasite growth and morphological structure, yet early defects of endocytic trafficking and vesicle sorting to the rhoptry in T. gondii are not expected to have a strong effect. To understand this discrepancy, we performed an integrated analysis at the level of transcriptomics and metabolomics. METHODS In the study, tetracycline-inducible TATi/Ty-Rab1B parasite line treated with ATc at three different time points (0, 18 and 24 h) was used. We first observed the morphological changes caused by Rab1B depletion via transmission electron technology. Then, high-throughput transcriptome along with non-targeted metabolomics were performed to analyze the RNA expression and metabolite changes in the Rab1B-depleted parasite. The essential nature of Rab1B in the parasite was revealed by the integrated omics approach. RESULTS Transmission electron micrographs showed a strong disorganization of endo-membranes in the Rab1B-depleted parasites. Our deep analysis of transcriptome and metabolome identified 2181 and 2374 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 30 and 83 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) at 18 and 24 h of induction in the tetracycline-inducible parasite line, respectively. These DEGs included key genes associated with crucial organelles that contain the rhoptry, microneme, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. The analysis of qRT-PCR verified some of the key DEGs identified by RNA-Seq, supporting that the key vesicular regulator Rab1B was involved in biogenesis of multiple parasite organelles. Functional enrichment analyses revealed pathways related to central carbon metabolisms and lipid metabolisms, such as the TCA cycle, glycerophospholipid metabolism and fatty acid biosynthesis and elongation. Further correlation analysis of the major DEMs and DEGs supported the role of Rab1B in biogenesis of fatty acids (e.g. myrisoleic acid and oleic acid) (R > 0.95 and P < 0.05), which was consistent with the scavenging role in biotin via the endocytic process. CONCLUSIONS Rab1B played an important role in parasite growth and morphology, which was supported by the replication assay and transmission electron microscopy observation. Our multi-omics analyses provided detailed insights into the overall impact on the parasite upon depletion of the protein. These analyses reinforced the role of Rab1B in the endocytic process, which has an impact on fatty acid biogenesis and the TCA cycle. Taken together, these findings contribute to our understanding of a key vesicular regulator, Rab1B, on parasite metabolism and morphological formation in T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai He
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- National KeyLaboratory of Veterinary Public Health Safety, School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qiangqiang Wang
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- National KeyLaboratory of Veterinary Public Health Safety, School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xuwen Gao
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- National KeyLaboratory of Veterinary Public Health Safety, School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Tao Tang
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- National KeyLaboratory of Veterinary Public Health Safety, School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Huiyong Ding
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- National KeyLaboratory of Veterinary Public Health Safety, School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Shaojun Long
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
- National KeyLaboratory of Veterinary Public Health Safety, School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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Arabiotorre A, Bankaitis VA, Grabon A. Regulation of phosphoinositide metabolism in Apicomplexan parasites. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1163574. [PMID: 37791074 PMCID: PMC10543664 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1163574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphoinositides are a biologically essential class of phospholipids that contribute to organelle membrane identity, modulate membrane trafficking pathways, and are central components of major signal transduction pathways that operate on the cytosolic face of intracellular membranes in eukaryotes. Apicomplexans (such as Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium spp.) are obligate intracellular parasites that are important causative agents of disease in animals and humans. Recent advances in molecular and cell biology of Apicomplexan parasites reveal important roles for phosphoinositide signaling in key aspects of parasitosis. These include invasion of host cells, intracellular survival and replication, egress from host cells, and extracellular motility. As Apicomplexans have adapted to the organization of essential signaling pathways to accommodate their complex parasitic lifestyle, these organisms offer experimentally tractable systems for studying the evolution, conservation, and repurposing of phosphoinositide signaling. In this review, we describe the regulatory mechanisms that control the spatial and temporal regulation of phosphoinositides in the Apicomplexan parasites Plasmodium and T. gondii. We further discuss the similarities and differences presented by Apicomplexan phosphoinositide signaling relative to how these pathways are regulated in other eukaryotic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Arabiotorre
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine Texas A&M Health Sciences Center College Station, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Vytas A. Bankaitis
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine Texas A&M Health Sciences Center College Station, Bryan, TX, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics Texas A&M University College Station, College Station, TX, United States
- Department of Chemistry Texas A&M University College Station, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Aby Grabon
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine Texas A&M Health Sciences Center College Station, Bryan, TX, United States
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Asady B, Sampels V, Romano JD, Levitskaya J, Lige B, Khare P, Le A, Coppens I. Function and regulation of a steroidogenic CYP450 enzyme in the mitochondrion of Toxoplasma gondii. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011566. [PMID: 37651449 PMCID: PMC10499268 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011566] [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: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
As an obligate intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii must import essential nutrients from the host cell into the parasitophorous vacuole. We previously reported that the parasite scavenges cholesterol from host endocytic organelles for incorporation into membranes and storage as cholesteryl esters in lipid droplets. In this study, we have investigated whether Toxoplasma utilizes cholesterol as a precursor for the synthesis of metabolites, such as steroids. In mammalian cells, steroidogenesis occurs in mitochondria and involves membrane-bound type I cytochrome P450 oxidases that are activated through interaction with heme-binding proteins containing a cytochrome b5 domain, such as members of the membrane-associated progesterone receptor (MAPR) family. Our LC-MS targeted lipidomics detect selective classes of hormone steroids in Toxoplasma, with a predominance for anti-inflammatory hydroxypregnenolone species, deoxycorticosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone. The genome of Toxoplasma contains homologs encoding a single type I CYP450 enzyme (we named TgCYP450mt) and a single MAPR (we named TgMAPR). We showed that TgMAPR is a hemoprotein with conserved residues in a heme-binding cytochrome b5 domain. Both TgCYP450 and TgMAPR localize to the mitochondrion and show interactions in in situ proximity ligation assays. Genetic ablation of cyp450mt is not tolerated by Toxoplasma; we therefore engineered a conditional knockout strain and showed that iΔTgCYP450mt parasites exhibit growth impairment in cultured cells. Parasite strains deficient for mapr could be generated; however, ΔTgMAPR parasites suffer from poor global fitness, loss of plasma membrane integrity, aberrant mitochondrial cristae, and an abnormally long S-phase in their cell cycle. Compared to wild-type parasites, iΔTgCYP450mt and ΔTgMAPR lost virulence in mice and metabolomics studies reveal that both mutants have reduced levels of steroids. These observations point to a steroidogenic pathway operational in the mitochondrion of a protozoan that involves an evolutionary conserved TgCYP450mt enzyme and its binding partner TgMAPR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beejan Asady
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Vera Sampels
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Julia D. Romano
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jelena Levitskaya
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Bao Lige
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Pratik Khare
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Anne Le
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Isabelle Coppens
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Antao NV, Lam C, Davydov A, Riggi M, Sall J, Petzold C, Liang FX, Iwasa J, Ekiert DC, Bhabha G. 3D reconstructions of parasite development and the intracellular niche of the microsporidian pathogen E. intestinalis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.02.547383. [PMID: 37425741 PMCID: PMC10327200 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.02.547383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Microsporidia are an early-diverging group of fungal pathogens that infect a wide range of hosts. Several microsporidian species infect humans, and infections can lead to fatal disease in immunocompromised individuals. As obligate intracellular parasites with highly reduced genomes, microsporidia are dependent on metabolites from their hosts for successful replication and development. Our knowledge of how microsporidian parasites develop inside the host remains rudimentary, and our understanding of the intracellular niche occupied by microsporidia has thus far relied largely on 2D TEM images and light microscopy. Here, we use serial block face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) to capture 3D snapshots of the human-infecting microsporidian, Encephalitozoon intestinalis , within host cells. We track the development of E. intestinalis through its life cycle, which allows us to propose a model for how its infection organelle, the polar tube, is assembled de novo in each developing spore. 3D reconstructions of parasite-infected cells provide insights into the physical interactions between host cell organelles and parasitophorous vacuoles, which contain the developing parasites. The host cell mitochondrial network is substantially remodeled during E. intestinalis infection, leading to mitochondrial fragmentation. SBF-SEM analysis shows changes in mitochondrial morphology in infected cells, and live-cell imaging provides insights into mitochondrial dynamics during infection. Together, our data provide insights into parasite development, polar tube assembly, and microsporidia-induced mitochondrial remodeling in the host cell.
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Sharma HN, Catrett J, Nwokeocha OD, Boersma M, Miller ME, Napier A, Robertson BK, Abugri DA. Anti-Toxoplasma gondii activity of Trametes versicolor (Turkey tail) mushroom extract. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8667. [PMID: 37248277 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35676-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection continues to rise globally in humans and animals with high socioeconomic and public health challenges. Current medications used against T. gondii infection are limited in efficacy, safety, and affordability. This research was conducted to assess the higher fungi extract effect on T. gondii tachyzoites growth in vitro and possibly decipher its mechanism of action. Furthermore, we evaluated the extract's effect on human foreskin fibroblast viability. The methanol extracts of Turkey tail (TT) mushroom was tested against T. gondii tachyzoites growth using an RH-RFP type I strain that expresses red fluorescent protein throughout culture in a dose-dependent manner using a fluorescent plate reader. Similarly, we tested the effect of the extract on host cell viability. We observed that TT extract inhibited tachyzoites growth with a 50% minimum inhibitory concentration (IC50s), IC50 = 5.98 ± 1.22 µg/mL, and 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50s), CC50 ≥ 100 µg/mL. It was discovered that TT extract induced strong mitochondria superoxide and reactive oxygen species production and disrupted mitochondria membrane potential in T. gondii tachyzoites. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy depicted that TT extract and pyrimethamine (PY) caused a morphological deformation of tachyzoites in vitro. In conclusion, TT methanol extract made up of phytosterols, bioactive sphingolipids, peptides, phenolic acids, and lactones could be a promising source of new compounds for the future development of anti-Toxoplasma gondii drugs. Extracts were non-cytotoxic, even at higher concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homa Nath Sharma
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
- Microbiology Ph.D. Program, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
- Laboratory of Ethnomedicine, Parasitology and Drug Discovery, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
| | | | - Ogechi Destiny Nwokeocha
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL, 36088, USA
- The School of Dentistry (SOD) Doctorate of Dentistry Program, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Melissa Boersma
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Science and Mathematics (COSAM), Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Michael E Miller
- Auburn University Research Instrumentation Facility, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Audrey Napier
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
- Microbiology Ph.D. Program, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
| | - Boakai K Robertson
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
- Microbiology Ph.D. Program, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
| | - Daniel A Abugri
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA.
- Microbiology Ph.D. Program, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA.
- Laboratory of Ethnomedicine, Parasitology and Drug Discovery, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA.
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CRISPR Screens Identify Toxoplasma Genes That Determine Parasite Fitness in Interferon Gamma-Stimulated Human Cells. mBio 2023; 14:e0006023. [PMID: 36916910 PMCID: PMC10128063 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00060-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma virulence depends on its ability to evade or survive the toxoplasmacidal mechanisms induced by interferon gamma (IFNγ). While many Toxoplasma genes involved in the evasion of the murine IFNγ response have been identified, genes required to survive the human IFNγ response are largely unknown. In this study, we used a genome-wide loss-of-function screen to identify Toxoplasma genes important for parasite fitness in IFNγ-stimulated primary human fibroblasts. We generated gene knockouts for the top six hits from the screen and confirmed their importance for parasite growth in IFNγ-stimulated human fibroblasts. Of these six genes, three have homology to GRA32, localize to dense granules, and coimmunoprecipitate with each other and GRA32, suggesting they might form a complex. Deletion of individual members of this complex leads to early parasite egress in IFNγ-stimulated cells. Thus, prevention of early egress is an important Toxoplasma fitness determinant in IFNγ-stimulated human cells. IMPORTANCE Toxoplasma infection causes serious complications in immunocompromised individuals and in the developing fetus. During infection, certain immune cells release a protein called interferon gamma that activates cells to destroy the parasite or inhibit its growth. While most Toxoplasma parasites are cleared by this immune response, some can survive by blocking or evading the IFNγ-induced restrictive environment. Many Toxoplasma genes that determine parasite survival in IFNγ-activated murine cells are known but parasite genes conferring fitness in IFNγ-activated human cells are largely unknown. Using a Toxoplasma adapted genome-wide loss-of-function screen, we identified many Toxoplasma genes that determine parasite fitness in IFNγ-activated human cells. The gene products of four top hits play a role in preventing early parasite egress in IFNγ-stimulated human cells. Understanding how IFNγ-stimulated human cells inhibit Toxoplasma growth and how Toxoplasma counteracts this, could lead to the development of novel therapeutics.
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Giuliano CJ, Wei KJ, Harling FM, Waldman BS, Farringer MA, Boydston EA, Lan TCT, Thomas RW, Herneisen AL, Sanderlin AG, Coppens I, Dvorin JD, Lourido S. Functional profiling of the Toxoplasma genome during acute mouse infection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.05.531216. [PMID: 36945434 PMCID: PMC10028831 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.05.531216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Within a host, pathogens encounter a diverse and changing landscape of cell types, nutrients, and immune responses. Examining host-pathogen interactions in animal models can therefore reveal aspects of infection absent from cell culture. We use CRISPR-based screens to functionally profile the entire genome of the model apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii during mouse infection. Barcoded gRNAs were used to track mutant parasite lineages, enabling detection of bottlenecks and mapping of population structures. We uncovered over 300 genes that modulate parasite fitness in mice with previously unknown roles in infection. These candidates span multiple axes of host-parasite interaction, including determinants of tropism, host organelle remodeling, and metabolic rewiring. We mechanistically characterized three novel candidates, including GTP cyclohydrolase I, against which a small-molecule inhibitor could be repurposed as an antiparasitic compound. This compound exhibited antiparasitic activity against T. gondii and Plasmodium falciparum, the most lethal agent of malaria. Taken together, we present the first complete survey of an apicomplexan genome during infection of an animal host, and point to novel interfaces of host-parasite interaction that may offer new avenues for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kenneth J. Wei
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA
- Biology Department, MIT, Cambridge, MA
| | - Faye M. Harling
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA
- Biology Department, MIT, Cambridge, MA
| | | | - Madeline A. Farringer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Biological Sciences in Public Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Raina W. Thomas
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA
- Biology Department, MIT, Cambridge, MA
| | - Alice L. Herneisen
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA
- Biology Department, MIT, Cambridge, MA
| | | | - Isabelle Coppens
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jeffrey D. Dvorin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sebastian Lourido
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA
- Biology Department, MIT, Cambridge, MA
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12
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Wan W, Dong H, Lai DH, Yang J, He K, Tang X, Liu Q, Hide G, Zhu XQ, Sibley LD, Lun ZR, Long S. The Toxoplasma micropore mediates endocytosis for selective nutrient salvage from host cell compartments. Nat Commun 2023; 14:977. [PMID: 36813769 PMCID: PMC9947163 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36571-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasite growth and replication relies on nutrient acquisition from host cells, in which intracellular multiplication occurs, yet the mechanisms that underlie the nutrient salvage remain elusive. Numerous ultrastructural studies have documented a plasma membrane invagination with a dense neck, termed the micropore, on the surface of intracellular parasites. However, the function of this structure remains unknown. Here we validate the micropore as an essential organelle for endocytosis of nutrients from the host cell cytosol and Golgi in the model apicomplexan Toxoplasma gondii. Detailed analyses demonstrated that Kelch13 is localized at the dense neck of the organelle and functions as a protein hub at the micropore for endocytic uptake. Intriguingly, maximal activity of the micropore requires the ceramide de novo synthesis pathway in the parasite. Thus, this study provides insights into the machinery underlying acquisition of host cell-derived nutrients by apicomplexan parasites that are otherwise sequestered from host cell compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyan Wan
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security and School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Dong
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security and School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - De-Hua Lai
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Jiong Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Kai He
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security and School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Tang
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security and School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Qun Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security and School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Geoff Hide
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Centre and Environmental Research and Innovation Centre, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Salford, M5 4WT, UK
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - L David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO, 63110-1093, USA
| | - Zhao-Rong Lun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Shaojun Long
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security and School of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, China.
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13
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A. PORTES JULIANA, C. VOMMARO ROSSIANE, AYRES CALDAS LUCIO, S. MARTINS-DUARTE ERICA. Intracellular life of protozoan Toxoplasma gondii: Parasitophorous vacuole establishment and survival strategies. BIOCELL 2023. [DOI: 10.32604/biocell.2023.026629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
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14
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Feng R, Fan Y, Chen L, Ge Q, Xu J, Yang M, Chen K. Based on 16 S rRNA sequencing and metabonomics to reveal the new mechanism of aluminum potassium sulfate induced inflammation and abnormal lipid metabolism in mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 247:114214. [PMID: 36327783 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
More and more discoveries have been made about the chronic toxic effects of aluminum, but the specific mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, we explored the perturbation of aluminum on intestinal microflora and its effects on host and microbial metabolites through a more realistic nutrient absorption model. The microorganisms Turicibacter, Lactobacillus murinus, Lactobacillus_reuteri and Bifidobacterium pseudolongum may be the main targets of the aluminum affecting microbiota. Lysine, proline, putrescine, serotonin and cholesterol may be important metabolites affected by aluminum ions after the interference of intestinal flora composition, leading to abnormal metabolism pathways of amino acids and lipids in the body, and thus promoting inflammation and lesion. The possible mechanisms of aluminum action on the body: (1) Affecting immune cell response, ROS generation and production of a series of pro-inflammatory factors to promote inflammation; (2) Through the disturbance of intestinal microbiota composition structure, change the abundance of metabolites, and then affect amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism pathways. The joint analysis of multiple omics showed significant difference in microbiome abundance and metabolomics expression between high dose group and the control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Feng
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yixuan Fan
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Liang Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qi Ge
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jia Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ming Yang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Keping Chen
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China; School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China.
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15
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Nascimento LAC, Sousa RO, Almeida MPO, Cariaco Y, Gomes AO, Miranda NC, França FBF, Venâncio MDFA, Silva CAT, Lima WR, Barbosa BF, Santos JL, Silva NM. The ethanolic extract of the fungus Trichoderma stromaticum decreases the Toxoplasma gondii replication in vitro and ameliorates the experimental toxoplasmosis in vivo. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2022; 3:100173. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2022.100173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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16
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Griffith MB, Pearce CS, Heaslip AT. Dense granule biogenesis, secretion, and function in Toxoplasma gondii. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2022; 69:e12904. [PMID: 35302693 PMCID: PMC9482668 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite and the causative agent of Toxoplasmosis. A key to understanding and treating the disease lies with determining how the parasite can survive and replicate within cells of its host. Proteins released from specialized secretory vesicles, named the dense granules (DGs), have diverse functions that are critical for adapting the intracellular environment, and are thus key to survival and pathogenicity. In this review, we describe the current understanding and outstanding questions regarding dense granule biogenesis, trafficking, and regulation of secretion. In addition, we provide an overview of dense granule protein ("GRA") function upon secretion, with a focus on proteins that have recently been identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Griffith
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Camille S Pearce
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Aoife T Heaslip
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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17
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Riera-Ferrer E, Piazzon MC, Del Pozo R, Palenzuela O, Estensoro I, Sitjà-Bobadilla A. A bloody interaction: plasma proteomics reveals gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) impairment caused by Sparicotyle chrysophrii. PARASITES & VECTORS 2022; 15:322. [PMID: 36088326 PMCID: PMC9463799 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05441-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Sparicotylosis is an enzootic parasitic disease that is well established across the Mediterranean Sea. It is caused by the polyopisthocotylean monogenean Sparicotyle chrysophrii and affects the gills of gilthead sea bream (GSB; Sparus aurata). Current disease management, mitigation and treatment strategies are limited against sparicotylosis. To successfully develop more efficient therapeutic strategies against this disease, understanding which molecular mechanisms and metabolic pathways are altered in the host is critical. This study aims to elucidate how S. chrysophrii infection modulates the plasma proteome of GSB and to identify the main altered biological processes involved. Methods Experimental infections were conducted in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) in which naïve recipient GSB ([R]; 70 g; n = 50) were exposed to effluent water from S. chrysophrii-infected GSB (98 g; n = 50). An additional tank containing unexposed naïve fish (control [C]; 70 g; n = 50) was maintained in parallel, but with the open water flow disconnected from the RAS. Haematological and infection parameters from sampled C and R fish were recorded for 10 weeks. Plasma samples from R fish were categorised into three different groups according to their infection intensity, which was based on the number of worms fish−1: low (L: 1–50), medium (51–100) and high (H: > 100). Five plasma samples from each category and five C samples were selected and subjected to a SWATH-MS proteome analysis. Additional assays on haemoglobin, cholesterol and the lytic activity of the alternative complement pathway were performed to validate the proteome analysis findings. Results The discriminant analysis of plasma protein abundance revealed a clear separation into three groups (H, M/L and C). A pathway analysis was performed with the differentially quantified proteins, indicating that the parasitic infection mainly affected pathways related to haemostasis, the immune system and lipid metabolism and transport. Twenty-two proteins were significantly correlated with infection intensity, highlighting the importance of apolipoproteins, globins and complement component 3. Validation assays of blood and plasma (haemoglobin, cholesterol and lytic activity of alternative complement pathway) confirmed these correlations. Conclusions Sparicotylosis profoundly alters the haemostasis, the innate immune system and the lipid metabolism and transport in GSB. This study gives a crucial global overview of the pathogenesis of sparicotylosis and highlights new targets for further research. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05441-1.
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18
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Abstract
The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii adapts to diverse host cell environments within a replicative compartment that is heavily decorated by secreted proteins. In an attempt to identify novel parasite secreted proteins that influence host cell activity, we identified and characterized a transmembrane dense granule protein dubbed GRA64 (TGME49_202620). We found that GRA64 is on the parasitophorous vacuolar membrane (PVM) and is partially exposed to the host cell cytoplasm in both tachyzoite and bradyzoite parasitophorous vacuoles. Using co-immunoprecipitation and proximity-based biotinylation approaches, we demonstrated that GRA64 appears to interact with components of the host endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT). Genetic disruption of GRA64 does not affect acute Toxoplasma virulence or encystation in mice, as observed via tissue cyst burdens in mice during chronic infection. However, ultrastructural analysis of Δgra64 tissue cysts using electron tomography revealed enlarged vesicular structures underneath the cyst membrane, suggesting a role for GRA64 in organizing the recruitment of ESCRT proteins and subsequent intracystic vesicle formation. This study uncovers a novel host-parasite interaction that contributes to an emerging paradigm in which specific host ESCRT proteins are recruited to the limiting membranes (PVMs) of tachyzoite and bradyzoite vacuoles formed during acute and chronic Toxoplasma infection. IMPORTANCE Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread foodborne parasite that causes congenital disease and life-threatening complications in immunocompromised individuals. Part of this parasite's success lies in its ability to infect diverse organisms and host cells and to persist as a latent infection within parasite-constructed structures called tissue cysts. In this study, we characterized a protein that is secreted by T. gondii into its parasitophorous vacuole during intracellular infection, which we dub GRA64. On the vacuolar membrane, this protein is exposed to the host cell cytosol and interacts with specific host ESCRT proteins. Parasites lacking the GRA64 protein exhibit ultrastructural changes in tissue cysts during chronic infection. This study lays the foundation for future studies on the mechanics and consequences of host ESCRT-parasite protein interactions.
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19
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Velásquez ZD, Rojas-Barón L, Larrazabal C, Salierno M, Gärtner U, Pervizaj-Oruqaj L, Herold S, Hermosilla C, Taubert A. Neospora caninum Infection Triggers S-phase Arrest and Alters Nuclear Characteristics in Primary Bovine Endothelial Host Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:946335. [PMID: 36111335 PMCID: PMC9469085 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.946335] [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: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum represents a major cause of abortive disease in bovines and small ruminants worldwide. As a typical obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite, N. caninum needs to modulate its host cell for successful replication. In the current study, we focused on parasite-driven interference with host cell cycle progression. By performing DNA content-based cell cycle phase analyses in N. caninum-infected primary bovine umbilical vein endothelial cells (BUVEC), a parasite-driven S-phase arrest was detected at both 24 and 32 h p. i., being paralleled by fewer host cells experiencing the G0/G1 cell cycle phase. When analyzing S-subphases, proliferation cell nuclear antigen (per PCNA)-based experiments showed a reduced population of BUVEC in the late S-phase. Analyses on key molecules of cell cycle regulation documented a significant alteration of cyclin A2 and cyclin B1 abundance in N. caninum-infected host endothelial cells, thereby confirming irregularities in the S-phase and S-to-G2/M-phase transition. In line with cell cycle alterations, general nuclear parameters revealed smaller nuclear sizes and morphological abnormalities of BUVEC nuclei within the N. caninum-infected host cell layer. The latter observations were also confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and by analyses of lamin B1 as a marker of nuclear lamina, which illustrated an inhomogeneous nuclear lamin B1 distribution, nuclear foldings, and invaginations, thereby reflecting nuclear misshaping. Interestingly, the latter finding applied to both non-infected and infected host cells within parasitized BUVEC layer. Additionally, actin detection indicated alterations in the perinuclear actin cap formation since typical nucleo-transversal filaments were consistently lacking in N. caninum-infected BUVEC, as also documented by significantly decreased actin-related intensities in the perinuclear region. These data indicate that N. caninum indeed alters host cell cycle progression and severely affects the host cell nuclear phenotype in primary bovine endothelial host cells. In summary, these findings add novel data on the complex N. caninum-specific modulation of host cell and nucleus, thereby demonstrating clear differences in cell cycle progression modulation driven by other closely related apicomplexans like Toxoplasma gondii and Besnotia besnoiti.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahady D. Velásquez
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Zahady D. Velásquez,
| | - Lisbeth Rojas-Barón
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Camilo Larrazabal
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Marcelo Salierno
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ulrich Gärtner
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Learta Pervizaj-Oruqaj
- Department of Medicine V Internal Medicine Infectious Diseases and Infection Control Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC) Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL) Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Giessen, Germany
- Excellence Cluster Cardipulmonary Institute (CPI), Giessen, Germany
| | - Susanne Herold
- Department of Medicine V Internal Medicine Infectious Diseases and Infection Control Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC) Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL) Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Giessen, Germany
- Excellence Cluster Cardipulmonary Institute (CPI), Giessen, Germany
| | - Carlos Hermosilla
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Anja Taubert
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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20
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Antil N, Arefian M, Kandiyil MK, Awasthi K, Prasad TSK, Raju R. The Core Human MicroRNAs Regulated by Toxoplasma gondii. Microrna 2022; 11:163-174. [PMID: 35507793 DOI: 10.2174/2211536611666220428130250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an intracellular zoonotic protozoan parasite known to effectively modulate the host system for its survival. A large number of microRNAs (miRNAs) regulated by different strains of T. gondii in diverse types of host cells/tissues/organs have been reported across multiple studies. OBJECTIVE We aimed to decipher the complexity of T. gondii regulated spectrum of miRNAs to derive a set of core miRNAs central to different strains of T. gondii infection in diverse human cell lines. METHODS We first assembled miRNAs hat are regulated by T. gondii altered across the various assortment of infections and time points of T. gondii infection in multiple cell types. For these assembled datasets, we employed specific criteria to filter the core miRNAs regulated by T. gondii. Subsequently, accounting for the spectrum of miRNA-mRNA target combinations, we applied a novel confidence criterion to extract their core experimentally-validated mRNA targets in human cell systems. RESULTS This analysis resulted in the extraction of 74 core differentially regulated miRNAs and their 319 high-confidence mRNA targets. Based on these core miRNA-mRNA pairs, we derived the central biological processes perturbed by T. gondii in diverse human cell systems. Further, our analysis also resulted in the identification of novel autocrine/paracrine signalling factors that could be associated with host response modulated by T. gondii. CONCLUSION The current analysis derived a set of core miRNAs, their targets, and associated biological processes fine-tuned by T. gondii for its survival within the invaded cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelam Antil
- Centre for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore 575018, India.,Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore 560066, India.,Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kollam 690525, India
| | - Mohammad Arefian
- Centre for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore 575018, India
| | - Mrudula Kinarulla Kandiyil
- Centre for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore 575018, India
| | - Kriti Awasthi
- Centre for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore 575018, India
| | | | - Rajesh Raju
- Centre for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore 575018, India.,Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore 575018, India
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21
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Hartman EJ, Asady B, Romano JD, Coppens I. The Rab11-Family Interacting Proteins reveal selective interaction of mammalian recycling endosomes with the Toxoplasma parasitophorous vacuole in a Rab11- and Arf6-dependent manner. Mol Biol Cell 2022; 33:ar34. [PMID: 35274991 PMCID: PMC9282008 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e21-06-0284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
After mammalian cell invasion, the parasite Toxoplasma multiplies in a self-made membrane-bound compartment, the parasitophorous vacuole (PV). We previously showed that Toxoplasma interacts with many host cell organelles, especially from recycling pathways, and sequestrates Rab11A and Rab11B vesicles into the PV. Here, we examine the specificity of host Rab11 vesicle interaction with the PV by focusing on the recruitment of subpopulations of Rab11 vesicles characterized by different effectors, for example, Rab11-family interacting roteins (FIPs) or Arf6. Our quantitative microscopic analysis illustrates the presence of intra-PV vesicles with FIPs from class I (FIP1C, FIP2, FIP5) and class II (FIP3, FIP4) but to various degrees. The intra-PV delivery of vesicles with class I, but not class II, FIPs is dependent on Rab11 binding. Cell depletion of Rab11A results in a significant decrease in intra-PV FIP5, but not FIP3 vesicles. Class II FIPs also bind to Arf6, and we observe vesicles associated with FIP3-Rab11A or FIP3-Arf6 complexes concomitantly within the PV. Abolishing FIP3 binding to both Rab11 and Arf6 reduces the number of intra-PV FIP3 vesicles. These data point to a selective process of mammalian Rab11 vesicle recognition and scavenging mediated by Toxoplasma, suggesting that specific parasite PV proteins may be involved in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Hartman
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 615N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Beejan Asady
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 615N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Julia D Romano
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 615N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Isabelle Coppens
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 615N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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22
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Croce C, Garrido F, Dinamarca S, Santi-Rocca J, Marion S, Blanchard N, Mayorga LS, Cebrian I. Efficient Cholesterol Transport in Dendritic Cells Defines Optimal Exogenous Antigen Presentation and Toxoplasma gondii Proliferation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:837574. [PMID: 35309938 PMCID: PMC8931308 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.837574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells are the most powerful antigen-presenting cells of the immune system. They present exogenous antigens associated with Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Class II molecules through the classical pathway to stimulate CD4+ T cells, or with MHC-I to activate CD8+ T lymphocytes through the cross-presentation pathway. DCs represent one of the main cellular targets during infection by Toxoplasma gondii. This intracellular parasite incorporates essential nutrients, such as cholesterol, to grow and proliferate inside a highly specialized organelle, the parasitophorous vacuole (PV). While doing so, T. gondii modulates the host immune response through multiple interactions with proteins and lipids. Cholesterol is an important cellular component that regulates cellular physiology at the structural and functional levels. Although different studies describe the relevance of cholesterol transport for exogenous antigen presentation, the molecular mechanism underlying this process is not defined. Here, we focus our study on the inhibitor U18666A, a drug widely used to arrest multivesicular bodies biogenesis that interrupts cholesterol trafficking and changes the lipid composition of intracellular membranes. Upon bone marrow-derived DC (BMDC) treatment with U18666A, we evidenced a drastic disruption in the ability to present exogenous soluble and particulate antigens to CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Strikingly, the presentation of T. gondii-associated antigens and parasite proliferation were hampered in treated cells. However, neither antigen uptake nor BMDC viability was significantly affected by the U18666A treatment. By contrast, this drug altered the transport of MHC-I and MHC-II molecules to the plasma membrane. Since U18666A impairs the formation of MVBs, we analyzed in T. gondii infected BMDCs the ESCRT machinery responsible for the generation of intraluminal vesicles. We observed that different MVBs markers, including ESCRT proteins, were recruited to the PV. Surprisingly, the main ESCRT-III component CHMP4b was massively recruited to the PV, and its expression level was upregulated upon BMDC infection by T. gondii. Finally, we demonstrated that BMDC treatment with U18666A interrupted cholesterol delivery and CHMP4b recruitment to the PV, which interfered with an efficient parasite replication. Altogether, our results highlight the importance of cholesterol trafficking and MVBs formation in DCs for optimal antigen presentation and T. gondii proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Croce
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) - Universidad Nacional de Cuyo - CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Facundo Garrido
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) - Universidad Nacional de Cuyo - CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Sofía Dinamarca
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) - Universidad Nacional de Cuyo - CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Julien Santi-Rocca
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Inserm/CNRS/Université Toulouse 3, Toulouse, France
| | - Sabrina Marion
- CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1019 - UMR 9017 - CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Nicolas Blanchard
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Inserm/CNRS/Université Toulouse 3, Toulouse, France
| | - Luis S. Mayorga
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) - Universidad Nacional de Cuyo - CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Ignacio Cebrian
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) - Universidad Nacional de Cuyo - CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina
- *Correspondence: Ignacio Cebrian, , orcid.org/0000-0001-6505-0875
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23
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Shunmugam S, Arnold CS, Dass S, Katris NJ, Botté CY. The flexibility of Apicomplexa parasites in lipid metabolism. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010313. [PMID: 35298557 PMCID: PMC8929637 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexa are obligate intracellular parasites responsible for major human infectious diseases such as toxoplasmosis and malaria, which pose social and economic burdens around the world. To survive and propagate, these parasites need to acquire a significant number of essential biomolecules from their hosts. Among these biomolecules, lipids are a key metabolite required for parasite membrane biogenesis, signaling events, and energy storage. Parasites can either scavenge lipids from their host or synthesize them de novo in a relict plastid, the apicoplast. During their complex life cycle (sexual/asexual/dormant), Apicomplexa infect a large variety of cells and their metabolic flexibility allows them to adapt to different host environments such as low/high fat content or low/high sugar levels. In this review, we discuss the role of lipids in Apicomplexa parasites and summarize recent findings on the metabolic mechanisms in host nutrient adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Shunmugam
- Apicolipid Team, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, Grenoble, France
| | - Christophe-Sébastien Arnold
- Apicolipid Team, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, Grenoble, France
| | - Sheena Dass
- Apicolipid Team, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, Grenoble, France
| | - Nicholas J. Katris
- Apicolipid Team, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, Grenoble, France
| | - Cyrille Y. Botté
- Apicolipid Team, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, Grenoble, France
- * E-mail: ,
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Silva LMR, Velásquez ZD, López-Osorio S, Hermosilla C, Taubert A. Novel Insights Into Sterol Uptake and Intracellular Cholesterol Trafficking During Eimeria bovis Macromeront Formation. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:809606. [PMID: 35223543 PMCID: PMC8878908 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.809606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites are considered as defective in cholesterol synthesis. Consequently, they need to scavenge cholesterol from the host cell by either enhancing the uptake of extracellular cholesterol sources or by upregulating host cellular de-novo biosynthesis. Given that Eimeria bovis macromeront formation in bovine lymphatic endothelial host cells in vivo is a highly cholesterol-demanding process, we here examined host parasite interactions based on host cellular uptake of different low-density lipoprotein (LDL) types, i.e., of non-modified (LDL), oxidized (oxLDL), and acetylated LDL (acLDL). Furthermore, the expression of lipoprotein-oxidized receptor 1 (LOX-1), which mediates acLDL and oxLDL internalization, was monitored throughout first merogony, in vitro and ex vivo. Moreover, the effects of inhibitors blocking exogenous sterol uptake or intracellular transport were studied during E. bovis macromeront formation in vitro. Hence, E. bovis-infected primary bovine umbilical vein endothelial cells (BUVEC) were treated with inhibitors of sterol uptake (ezetimibe, poly-C, poly-I, sucrose) and of intracellular sterol transport and release from endosomes (progesterone, U18666A). As a read-out system, the size and number of macromeronts as well as merozoite I production were estimated. Overall, the internalization of all LDL modifications (LDL, oxLDL, acLDL) was observed in E. bovis-infected BUVEC but to different extents. Supplementation with oxLDL and acLDL at lower concentrations (5 and 10 µg/ml, respectively) resulted in a slight increase of both macromeront numbers and size; however, at higher concentrations (25–50 µg/ml), merozoite I production was diminished. LOX-1 expression was enhanced in E. bovis-infected BUVEC, especially toward the end of merogony. As an interesting finding, ezetimibe treatments led to a highly significant blockage of macromeront development and merozoite I production confirming the relevance of sterol uptake for intracellular parasite development. Less prominent effects were induced by non-specific inhibition of LDL internalization via sucrose, poly-I, and poly-C. In addition, blockage of cholesterol transport via progesterone and U18666A treatments resulted in significant inhibition of parasite development. Overall, current data underline the relevance of exogenous sterol uptake and intracellular cholesterol transport for adequate E. bovis macromeront development, unfolding new perspectives for novel drug targets against E. bovis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana M. R. Silva
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Liliana M. R. Silva,
| | - Zahady D. Velásquez
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sara López-Osorio
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Veterinary Medicine School, CIBAV Investigation Group, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Carlos Hermosilla
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Anja Taubert
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Thiosemicarbazone Copper Chelator BLT-1 Blocks Apicomplexan Parasite Replication by Selective Inhibition of Scavenger Receptor B Type 1 (SR-BI). Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9112372. [PMID: 34835496 PMCID: PMC8622581 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112372] [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: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidian parasites are obligate intracellular pathogens that affect humans and animals. Apicomplexans are defective in de novo synthesis of cholesterol, which is required for membrane biosynthesis and offspring formation. In consequence, cholesterol has to be scavenged from host cells. It is mainly taken up from extracellular sources via LDL particles; however, little is known on the role of HDL and its receptor SR-BI in this process. Here, we studied effects of the SR-BI-specific blocker BLT-1 on the development of different fast (Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Besnoitia besnoiti) and slow (Eimeria bovis and Eimeria arloingi) replicating coccidian species. Overall, development of all these parasites was significantly inhibited by BLT-1 treatment indicating a common SR-BI-related key mechanism in the replication process. However, SR-BI gene transcription was not affected by T. gondii, N. caninum and B. besnoiti infections. Interestingly, BLT-1 treatment of infective stages reduced invasive capacities of all fast replicating parasites paralleled by a sustained increase in cytoplasmic Ca++ levels. Moreover, BLT1-mediated blockage of SR-BI led to enhanced host cell lipid droplet abundance and neutral lipid content, thereby confirming the importance of this receptor in general lipid metabolism. Finally, the current data suggest a conserved role of SR-BI for successful coccidian infections.
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Proximity-Labeling Reveals Novel Host and Parasite Proteins at the Toxoplasma Parasitophorous Vacuole Membrane. mBio 2021; 12:e0026021. [PMID: 34749525 PMCID: PMC8576527 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00260-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous, intracellular parasite that envelops its parasitophorous vacuole with a protein-laden membrane (PVM). The PVM is critical for interactions with the infected host cell, such as nutrient transport and immune defense. Only a few parasite and host proteins have so far been identified on the host-cytosolic side of the Toxoplasma PVM. We report here the use of human foreskin fibroblasts expressing the proximity-labeling enzyme miniTurbo, fused to a domain that targets it to this face of the PVM, in combination with quantitative proteomics to specifically identify proteins present at this interface. Out of numerous human and parasite proteins with candidate PVM localization, we validate three parasite proteins (TGGT1_269950 [GRA61], TGGT1_215360 [GRA62], and TGGT1_217530 [GRA63]) and four new host proteins (PDCD6IP/ALIX, PDCD6, CC2D1A, and MOSPD2) as localized to the PVM in infected human cells through immunofluorescence microscopy. These results significantly expand our knowledge of proteins present at the Toxoplasma PVM and, given that three of the validated host proteins are components of the ESCRT (endosomal sorting complexes required for transport) machinery, they further suggest that novel biology is operating at this crucial host-pathogen interface.
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Aldana-Bitar J, Moore J, Budoff MJ. LDL receptor and pathogen processes: Functions beyond normal lipids. J Clin Lipidol 2021; 15:773-781. [PMID: 34645587 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacl.2021.09.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Although the role of the LDL receptor concerning lipids is well known, its role in various viral and parasitic infections, and in regulating the inflammatory response is poorly understood. Several infectious agents use the LDL receptor as a port of entry, and others depend on it for their cycle of infection. In this review, we focus on the discovery, structure, and normal function of the LDL receptor, as well as its role in a selection of infections. The LDL receptor plays an important role in certain infections and is a potential target for treatment deserving further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jairo Aldana-Bitar
- Division of Cardiology, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1124 West Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90502, USA.
| | - Jeff Moore
- Division of Cardiology, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1124 West Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Matthew J Budoff
- Division of Cardiology, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1124 West Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90502, USA.
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Dumoulin PC, Burleigh BA. Metabolic flexibility in Trypanosoma cruzi amastigotes: implications for persistence and drug sensitivity. Curr Opin Microbiol 2021; 63:244-249. [PMID: 34455305 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2021.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Throughout their life cycle, parasitic organisms experience a variety of environmental conditions. To ensure persistence and transmission, some protozoan parasites are capable of adjusting their replication or converting to distinct life cycle stages. Trypanosoma cruzi is a 'generalist' parasite that is competent to infect various insect (triatomine) vectors and mammalian hosts. Within the mammalian host, T. cruzi replicates intracellularly as amastigotes and can persist for the lifetime of the host. The persistence of the parasites in tissues can lead to the development of Chagas disease. Recent work has identified growth plasticity and metabolic flexibility as aspects of amastigote biology that are important determinants of persistence in varied growth conditions and under drug pressure. A better understanding of the link between amastigote and host/tissue metabolism will aid in the development of new drugs or therapies that can limit disease pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter C Dumoulin
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
| | - Barbara A Burleigh
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States
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de Souza G, Silva RJ, Milián ICB, Rosini AM, de Araújo TE, Teixeira SC, Oliveira MC, Franco PS, da Silva CV, Mineo JR, Silva NM, Ferro EAV, Barbosa BF. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 modulates Toxoplasma gondii infection, immune response and lipid droplets formation in human trophoblast cells and villous explants. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12709. [PMID: 34135407 PMCID: PMC8209052 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92120-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital toxoplasmosis is represented by the transplacental passage of Toxoplasma gondii from the mother to the fetus. Our studies demonstrated that T. gondii developed mechanisms to evade of the host immune response, such as cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) induction, and these mediators can be produced/stored in lipid droplets (LDs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of COX-2 and LDs during T. gondii infection in human trophoblast cells and villous explants. Our data demonstrated that COX-2 inhibitors decreased T. gondii replication in trophoblast cells and villous. In BeWo cells, the COX-2 inhibitors induced an increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and MIF), and a decrease in anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10). In HTR-8/SVneo cells, the COX-2 inhibitors induced an increase of IL-6 and nitrite and decreased IL-4 and TGF-β1. In villous explants, the COX-2 inhibitors increased MIF and decreased TNF-α and IL-10. Furthermore, T. gondii induced an increase in LDs in BeWo and HTR-8/SVneo, but COX-2 inhibitors reduced LDs in both cells type. We highlighted that COX-2 is a key factor to T. gondii proliferation in human trophoblast cells, since its inhibition induced a pro-inflammatory response capable of controlling parasitism and leading to a decrease in the availability of LDs, which are essentials for parasite growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme de Souza
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus Umuarama, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, MG, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Rafaela José Silva
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus Umuarama, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, MG, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Iliana Claudia Balga Milián
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus Umuarama, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, MG, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Monteiro Rosini
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus Umuarama, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, MG, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Thádia Evelyn de Araújo
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus Umuarama, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, MG, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Samuel Cota Teixeira
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus Umuarama, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, MG, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Mário Cézar Oliveira
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Priscila Silva Franco
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus Umuarama, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, MG, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Claudio Vieira da Silva
- Laboratory of Trypanosomatids, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Mineo
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Neide Maria Silva
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Eloisa Amália Vieira Ferro
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus Umuarama, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, MG, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Bellisa Freitas Barbosa
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus Umuarama, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, MG, 38405-320, Brazil.
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Miranda NC, Araujo ECB, Justino AB, Cariaco Y, Mota CM, Costa-Nascimento LA, Espindola FS, Silva NM. Anti-parasitic activity of Annona muricata L. leaf ethanolic extract and its fractions against Toxoplasma gondii in vitro and in vivo. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 273:114019. [PMID: 33716084 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine are the two drugs used as part of the standard therapy for toxoplasmosis, however; they may cause adverse side effects and fail to prevent relapse in many patients, rendering infected individuals at risk of reactivation upon becoming immunocompromised. Extracts from various parts of Annona muricata have been widely used medicinally for the management, control and/or treatment of several human diseases, acting against parasites that cause diseases in humans. AIM OF THE STUDY This study was performed to investigate the action of the ethanolic extract of A. muricata (EtOHAm) and its fractions in the control of the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii in vitro and in vivo, and the effect of EtOHAm on the inflammatory response and lipid profile alteration induced by in vivo T. gondii infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS The cytotoxicity of EtOHAm and its fractions ethyl acetate (EtOAcAm), n-butanol (BuOHAm), aqueous (H2OAm), hexane (HexAm) and dichloromethane (CH2Cl2Am) was evaluated in NIH/3T3 fibroblasts using the (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The cells were infected with T. gondii, treated with the extracts, and parasite proliferation was analyzed. For the in vivo experiments, C57BL/6 mice were orally infected with T. gondii and, treated with different concentrations of extract fractions that were effective in vitro (EtOHAm, EtOAcAm, HexAm and CH2Cl2Am). Tissue parasitism, histological alterations, systemic cytokine and lipid profile were investigated. RESULTS EtOHAm, EtOAcAm, BuOHAm, H2OAm presented low cytotoxicity until doses of 200 μg/mL, while HexAm and CH2Cl2Am presented toxicity from doses of 100μg/mL. EtOHAm, HexAm and CH2Cl2Am decreased the parasitism in vitro, presenting a therapeutic index of 2.62, 2.44, and 2.96, respectively. In vivo, EtOHAm, HexAm and CH2Cl2Am improved the survival rate of infected animals, however, only EtOHAm was able to decrease the parasitism in the small intestine and lung. Additionally, EtOHAm decreased the systemic interferon (IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) systemically in infected mice, and was able to maintain the triglycerides and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) lipid fractions at similar levels to uninfected animals. Although treatment with EtOHAm could not control the inflammation induced by oral infection in the tissues analyzed, it was able to preserve the number of goblet cells in the small intestine. CONCLUSIONS Ethanolic A. muricata leaf extract could be considered as a good candidate for the development of a complementary/alternative therapy against toxoplasmosis, and also as an anti-inflammatory alternative for decreasing TNF and IFN-γ concentrations and lipid fractions in specific diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália Carnevalli Miranda
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará 1720, Uberlândia, CEP 38400902, MG, Brazil
| | - Ester Cristina Borges Araujo
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará 1720, Uberlândia, CEP 38400902, MG, Brazil
| | - Allisson Benatti Justino
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biotechnology - Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, 38400-902, Uberlândia, MG Brazil
| | - Yusmaris Cariaco
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará 1720, Uberlândia, CEP 38400902, MG, Brazil
| | - Caroline Martins Mota
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology "Dr. Mário Endsfeldz Camargo", Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, 38400-902, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Layane Alencar Costa-Nascimento
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará 1720, Uberlândia, CEP 38400902, MG, Brazil
| | - Foued Salmen Espindola
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biotechnology - Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, 38400-902, Uberlândia, MG Brazil
| | - Neide Maria Silva
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará 1720, Uberlândia, CEP 38400902, MG, Brazil.
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Cholesterol metabolism: a new molecular switch to control inflammation. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 135:1389-1408. [PMID: 34086048 PMCID: PMC8187928 DOI: 10.1042/cs20201394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The immune system protects the body against harm by inducing inflammation. During the immune response, cells of the immune system get activated, divided and differentiated in order to eliminate the danger signal. This process relies on the metabolic reprogramming of both catabolic and anabolic pathways not only to produce energy in the form of ATP but also to generate metabolites that exert key functions in controlling the response. Equally important to mounting an appropriate effector response is the process of immune resolution, as uncontrolled inflammation is implicated in the pathogenesis of many human diseases, including allergy, chronic inflammation and cancer. In this review, we aim to introduce the reader to the field of cholesterol immunometabolism and discuss how both metabolites arising from the pathway and cholesterol homeostasis are able to impact innate and adaptive immune cells, staging cholesterol homeostasis at the centre of an adequate immune response. We also review evidence that demonstrates the clear impact that cholesterol metabolism has in both the induction and the resolution of the inflammatory response. Finally, we propose that emerging data in this field not only increase our understanding of immunometabolism but also provide new tools for monitoring and intervening in human diseases, where controlling and/or modifying inflammation is desirable.
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32
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Nayeri T, Sarvi S, Sharif M, Daryani A. Toxoplasma gondii: A possible etiologic agent for Alzheimer's disease. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07151. [PMID: 34141920 PMCID: PMC8187970 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07151] [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: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is one of the most pervasive neurotropic pathogens causing different lesions in a wide variety of mammals as intermediate hosts, including humans. It is estimated that one-third of the world population is infected with T. gondii; however, for a long time, there has been much interest in the examination of the possible role of this parasite in the development of mental disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). T. gondii may play a role in the progression of AD using mechanisms, such as the induction of the host's immune responses, inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS), alteration in the levels of neurotransmitters, and activation of indoleamine-2,3-dyoxigenase. This paper presents an appraisal of the literature, reports, and studies that seek to the possible role of T. gondii in the development of AD. For achieving the purpose of the current study, a search of six English databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar) was performed. The results support the involvement of T. gondii in the induction and development of AD. Indeed, T. gondii can be considered a risk factor for the development of AD and requires the special attention of specialists and patients. Furthermore, the results of this study may contribute to prevent or delay the progress of AD worldwide. Therefore, it is required to carry out further studies in order to better perceive the parasitic mechanisms in the progression of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooran Nayeri
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sharif
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Gaji RY, Sharp AK, Brown AM. Protein kinases in Toxoplasma gondii. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:415-429. [PMID: 33581139 PMCID: PMC11065138 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligatory intracellular pathogen that causes life threatening illness in immunodeficient individuals, miscarriage in pregnant woman, and blindness in newborn children. Similar to any other eukaryotic cell, protein kinases play critical and essential roles in the Toxoplasma life cycle. Accordingly, many studies have focused on identifying and defining the mechanism of function of these signalling proteins with a long-term goal to develop anti-Toxoplasma therapeutics. In this review, we briefly discuss classification and key components of the catalytic domain which are critical for functioning of kinases, with a focus on domains, families, and groups of kinases within Toxoplasma. More importantly, this article provides a comprehensive, current overview of research on kinase groups in Toxoplasma including the established eukaryotic AGC, CAMK, CK1, CMGC, STE, TKL families and the apicomplexan-specific FIKK, ROPK and WNG family of kinases. This work provides an overview and discusses current knowledge on Toxoplasma kinases including their localization, function, signalling network and role in acute and chronic pathogenesis, with a view towards the future in probing kinases as viable drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajshekhar Y Gaji
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech University, Blacksburg, VA, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Amanda K Sharp
- Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Anne M Brown
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA; University Libraries, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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Hernández J, Gabrielli M, Costa J, Uttaro AD. Phagocytic and pinocytic uptake of cholesterol in Tetrahymena thermophila impact differently on gene regulation for sterol homeostasis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9067. [PMID: 33907281 PMCID: PMC8079401 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88737-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila can either synthesize tetrahymanol or when available, assimilate and modify sterols from its diet. This metabolic shift is mainly driven by transcriptional regulation of genes for tetrahymanol synthesis (TS) and sterol bioconversion (SB). The mechanistic details of sterol uptake, intracellular trafficking and the associated gene expression changes are unknown. By following cholesterol incorporation over time in a conditional phagocytosis-deficient mutant, we found that although phagocytosis is the main sterol intake route, a secondary endocytic pathway exists. Different expression patterns for TS and SB genes were associated with these entry mechanisms. Squalene synthase was down-regulated by a massive cholesterol intake only attainable by phagocytosis-proficient cells, whereas C22-sterol desaturase required ten times less cholesterol and was up-regulated in both wild-type and mutant cells. These patterns are suggestive of at least two different signaling pathways. Sterol trafficking beyond phagosomes and esterification was impaired by the NPC1 inhibitor U18666A. NPC1 is a protein that mediates cholesterol export from late endosomes/lysosomes in mammalian cells. U18666A also produced a delay in the transcriptional response to cholesterol, suggesting that the regulatory signals are triggered between lysosomes and the endoplasmic reticulum. These findings could hint at partial conservation of sterol homeostasis between eukaryote lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefina Hernández
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, S2000FHQ, Ocampo y Esmeralda, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Matías Gabrielli
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, S2000FHQ, Ocampo y Esmeralda, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Joaquín Costa
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, S2000FHQ, Ocampo y Esmeralda, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Antonio D Uttaro
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, S2000FHQ, Ocampo y Esmeralda, Rosario, Argentina.
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Larrazabal C, Silva LMR, Pervizaj-Oruqaj L, Herold S, Hermosilla C, Taubert A. P-Glycoprotein Inhibitors Differently Affect Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Besnoitia besnoiti Proliferation in Bovine Primary Endothelial Cells. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10040395. [PMID: 33806177 PMCID: PMC8065907 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites are obligatory intracellular protozoa. In the case of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum or Besnoitia besnoiti, to ensure proper tachyzoite production, they need nutrients and cell building blocks. However, apicomplexans are auxotrophic for cholesterol, which is required for membrane biosynthesis. P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a transmembrane transporter involved in xenobiotic efflux. However, the physiological role of P-gp in cholesterol metabolism is unclear. Here, we analyzed its impact on parasite proliferation in T. gondii-, N. caninum- and B. besnoiti-infected primary endothelial cells by applying different generations of P-gp inhibitors. Host cell treatment with verapamil and valspodar significantly diminished tachyzoite production in all three parasite species, whereas tariquidar treatment affected proliferation only in B. besnoiti. 3D-holotomographic analyses illustrated impaired meront development driven by valspodar treatment being accompanied by swollen parasitophorous vacuoles in the case of T. gondii. Tachyzoite and host cell pre-treatment with valspodar affected infection rates in all parasites. Flow cytometric analyses revealed verapamil treatment to induce neutral lipid accumulation. The absence of a pronounced anti-parasitic impact of tariquidar, which represents here the most selective P-gp inhibitor, suggests that the observed effects of verapamil and valspodar are associated with mechanisms independent of P-gp. Out of the three species tested here, this compound affected only B. besnoiti proliferation and its effect was much milder as compared to verapamil and valspodar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Larrazabal
- Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (L.M.R.S.); (C.H.); (A.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Liliana M. R. Silva
- Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (L.M.R.S.); (C.H.); (A.T.)
| | - Learta Pervizaj-Oruqaj
- The Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), 35392 Giessen, Germany; (L.P.-O.); (S.H.)
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Susanne Herold
- The Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), 35392 Giessen, Germany; (L.P.-O.); (S.H.)
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Carlos Hermosilla
- Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (L.M.R.S.); (C.H.); (A.T.)
| | - Anja Taubert
- Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (L.M.R.S.); (C.H.); (A.T.)
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Alhusseiny SM, Saleh NE, El-Zayady WM, Hussein MS, El-Beshbishi SN. Association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and coronary atherosclerosis. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2021; 115:1190-1197. [PMID: 33596320 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trab018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide protozoon that can infect all nucleated vertebrate cells. Little information is available about the association between T. gondii infection and coronary atherosclerosis. METHODS A total of 320 cases were enrolled (160 patients with coronary atherosclerosis and 160 non-atherosclerotic individuals). Blood samples were collected to measure anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and serum lipid profile. Coronary angiogram was also performed. RESULTS The seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies in atherosclerotic and non-atherosclerotic individuals was 63.1% and 46.2%, respectively, with higher levels of anti-T. gondii IgG in atherosclerotic patients. Consumption of contaminated water, unwashed fruits and vegetables and raw meat and contact with soil were significant risk factors for Toxoplasma infection. Significant differences were detected in serum levels of low-density lipoproteins, triglycerides and cholesterol between both groups. Positive correlations were detected between ELISA titres and serum levels of low-density lipoproteins, triglycerides and cholesterol, disease severity and the number of affected vessels. Male gender and contact with soil had a significant association with positive T. gondii serology in atherosclerotic patients. CONCLUSIONS Patients with coronary atherosclerosis have a high prevalence of T. gondii infection. More studies are crucial to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effects of chronic toxoplasmosis on coronary atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar M Alhusseiny
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Nora E Saleh
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Wafaa M El-Zayady
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Mohammed S Hussein
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Specialized Medical Hospital, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Samar N El-Beshbishi
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
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Xu F, Ma X, Zhu Y, Sutterland A, Cheng R, Miao S, Chen J, Qiu L, Zhou Y. Effects of Toxoplasma gondii infection and schizophrenia comorbidity on serum lipid profile: A population retrospective study from Eastern China. Microb Pathog 2020; 149:104587. [PMID: 33091579 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), a parasitic protozoa that is associated with various psychiatric disorders. Both T. gondii infection and disturbed host's lipid profile are common in schizophrenia patients. However, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain speculative. Also, the characteristics of serum lipid levels in schizophrenia patients comorbid with T. gondii infection are not clear. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the influence of chronic T. gondii infection on the characteristic physiological indexes of schizophrenia patients so as to provide some insights into finding target therapeutic drugs. METHODS In this study, the effect of chronic T. gondii infection on serum lipid profile was retrospectively analysed in 1719 schizophrenic patients and 1552 healthy subjects from Eastern China. RESULTS The overall prevalence of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against T. gondii (17.98%) in schizophrenia patients was significantly higher than healthy controls (7.35%, χ2 = 81.831, P = 0.000). Compared to T. gondii IgG-seronegative schizophrenia patients, IgG-seropositive group had higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (P = 0.000) and triglycerides (TG) (P = 0.000) levels, while total cholesterol (TC) (P = 0.000) levels showed an opposite tendency in IgG-seropositive cases. We also found significant correlation between T. gondii seropositivity and increased TG (P = 0.000) and TC levels (P = 0.000) in schizophrenia patients. Binary regression analysis also showed that decreased TC level was more common among schizophrenia patients with T. gondii seropositivity compared to seronegative subjects (OR = 0.617, 95%CI = 0.509-0.749, P = 0.000). CONCLUSION Patients with chronic T. gondii infection and comorbid schizophrenia had higher HDL and TG levels, while cholesterol levels showed an opposite trend. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report focus on the host's lipid profile of chronic T. gondii infection and comorbid schizophrenia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Xu
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, PR China; Key Laboratory of National Health Commission on Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases and Public Health Research Center of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214064, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinyu Ma
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, PR China
| | - Yuwei Zhu
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, PR China
| | - Arjen Sutterland
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 5, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ruitang Cheng
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, PR China
| | - Sunhan Miao
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, PR China
| | - Jialu Chen
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, PR China
| | - Liying Qiu
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, PR China
| | - Yonghua Zhou
- Key Laboratory of National Health Commission on Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases and Public Health Research Center of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214064, Jiangsu, China.
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Kadesch P, Hollubarsch T, Gerbig S, Schneider L, Silva LMR, Hermosilla C, Taubert A, Spengler B. Intracellular Parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Besnoitia besnoiti, Unveiled in Single Host Cells Using AP-SMALDI MS Imaging. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2020; 31:1815-1824. [PMID: 32830963 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.0c00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Besnoitia besnoiti are important causes of disease in both humans and cattle. To date, effective specific treatments are lacking for both infections. To counteract severe symptoms leading to, e.g., disabilities and even abortion in the case of human toxoplasmosis and bovine besnoitiosis, novel targets are required for development of drugs and vaccines. A promising emerging technique for molecular characterization of organisms is high-resolution atmospheric-pressure scanning microprobe matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (AP-SMALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) which enables semiquantitative visualization of metabolite distributions. MSI was here used to trace and characterize lipid metabolites in primary bovine umbilical vein endothelial cells (BUVECs) upon infection with tachyzoites, an early and pathogenic fast-replicating life stage of T. gondii and B. besnoiti. A cell bulk, derived from noninfected controls and parasite-infected cell pellets, was analyzed by AP-SMALDI MSI in technical and biological triplicates. Multivariate statistical analysis including hierarchical clustering and principle component analysis revealed infection-specific metabolites in both positive- and negative-ion mode, identified by combining database search and LC-MS2 experiments. MSI analyses of host cell monolayers were conducted at 5 μm lateral resolution, allowing single apicomplexan-infected cells to be allocated. This is the first mass spectrometry imaging study on intracellular T. gondii and B. besnoiti infections and the first detailed metabolomic characterization of B. besnoiti tachyzoites. MSI was used here as an efficient tool to discriminate infected from noninfected cells at the single-cell level in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Kadesch
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Tobias Hollubarsch
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Gerbig
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Lars Schneider
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Liliana M R Silva
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Carlos Hermosilla
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Anja Taubert
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Spengler
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Abo-Al-Ela HG. Toxoplasmosis and Psychiatric and Neurological Disorders: A Step toward Understanding Parasite Pathogenesis. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:2393-2406. [PMID: 31268676 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, a disease that disrupts fetal brain development and severely affects the host's brain, has been linked to many behavioral and neurological disorders. There is growing interest in how a single-celled neurotropic parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, can control or change the behavior of the host as well as how it dominates the host's neurons. Secrets beyond these could be answered by decoding the Toxoplasma gondii genome, unravelling the function of genomic sequences, and exploring epigenetics and mRNAs alterations, as well as the postulated mechanisms contributing to various neurological and psychiatric symptoms caused by this parasite. Substantial efforts have been made to elucidate the action of T. gondii on host immunity and the biology of its infection. However, the available studies on the molecular aspects of toxoplasmosis that affect central nervous system (CNS) circuits remain limited, and much research is still needed on this interesting topic. In my opinion, this parasite is a gift for studying the biology of the nervous system and related diseases. We should utilize the unique features of Toxoplasma, such as its abilities to modulate brain physiology, for neurological studies or as a possible tool or approach to cure neurological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitham G. Abo-Al-Ela
- Animal Health Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Shibin Al-Kom, El-Minufiya 7001, Egypt
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Anand PK. Lipids, inflammasomes, metabolism, and disease. Immunol Rev 2020; 297:108-122. [PMID: 32562313 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Inflammasomes are multi-protein complexes that regulate the cleavage of cysteine protease caspase-1, secretion of inflammatory cytokines, and induction of inflammatory cell death, pyroptosis. Several members of the nod-like receptor family assemble inflammasome in response to specific ligands. An exception to this is the NLRP3 inflammasome which is activated by structurally diverse entities. Recent studies have suggested that NLRP3 might be a sensor of cellular homeostasis, and any perturbation in distinct metabolic pathways results in the activation of this inflammasome. Lipid metabolism is exceedingly important in maintaining cellular homeostasis, and it is recognized that cells and tissues undergo extensive lipid remodeling during activation and disease. Some lipids are involved in instigating chronic inflammatory diseases, and new studies have highlighted critical upstream roles for lipids, particularly cholesterol, in regulating inflammasome activation implying key functions for inflammasomes in diseases with defective lipid metabolism. The focus of this review is to highlight how lipids regulate inflammasome activation and how this leads to the progression of inflammatory diseases. The key roles of cholesterol metabolism in the activation of inflammasomes have been comprehensively discussed. Besides, the roles of oxysterols, fatty acids, phospholipids, and lipid second messengers are also summarized in the context of inflammasomes. The overriding theme is that lipid metabolism has numerous but complex functions in inflammasome activation. A detailed understanding of this area will help us develop therapeutic interventions for diseases where dysregulated lipid metabolism is the underlying cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paras K Anand
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Xu F, Lu X, Cheng R, Zhu Y, Miao S, Huang Q, Xu Y, Qiu L, Zhou Y. The influence of exposure to Toxoplasma Gondii on host lipid metabolism. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:415. [PMID: 32539811 PMCID: PMC7294668 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05138-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mounting evidence suggested a complex correlation between host lipid metabolism and Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection. However, the inherent association between T. gondii infection and host lipid state remains elusive either in mice or in human hosts. METHODS Through a study in a sample of 1045 healthy participants from eastern China, we determined the association of T. gondii infection and host lipid levels using serological methods. We then examined the host lipid levels in C57BL/6 J mice at both acute and chronic T. gondii infection stages (for a period up to 36 weeks post infection). RESULTS In our case-control study, T. gondii seropositive individuals had higher low-density lipoproteins (LDL) (P = 0.0043) and total cholesterol (TC) (P = 0.0134) levels compared to seronegative individuals. Furthermore, individuals with LDL (OR = 3.25; 95% CI:1.60-6.61) and TC (OR = 2.10; 95% CI:1.22-3.63) levels above the upper limit of normal range had higher odds ratio to be T. gondii IgG positive. Consistently, in vivo data revealed that a significantly increased LDL level was first observed at early acute stage but plateaued to later time (chronic infection with T. gondii). CONCLUSIONS In both healthy population and T. gondii-infected mice, seropositive individuals had higher LDL level. Individuals with positive T. gondii IgG had more odds of being with LDL and TC abnormality. Latent T. gondii infection is common worldwide, potential medical interventions to host lipid metabolism may be a breakthrough point to the prevention and control of this parasite infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Xu
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of National Health Commission on Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases and Public Health Research Center of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214064, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiwan Lu
- Wuxi Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuxi Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Chinese Medicine University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214071, P.R. China
| | - Ruitang Cheng
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P.R. China
| | - Yuwei Zhu
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P.R. China
| | - Sunhan Miao
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P.R. China
| | - Qinyi Huang
- Key Laboratory of National Health Commission on Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases and Public Health Research Center of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214064, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yongliang Xu
- Key Laboratory of National Health Commission on Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases and Public Health Research Center of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214064, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liying Qiu
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P.R. China
| | - Yonghua Zhou
- Key Laboratory of National Health Commission on Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases and Public Health Research Center of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214064, Jiangsu, China.
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Oliveira MC, Coutinho LB, Almeida MPO, Briceño MP, Araujo ECB, Silva NM. The Availability of Iron Is Involved in the Murine Experimental Toxoplasma gondii Infection Outcome. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8040560. [PMID: 32295126 PMCID: PMC7232304 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8040560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron is an important constituent of our environment, being necessary for both mammalian and pathogenic protozoa survival. Iron-containing proteins exert a wide range of biological processes such as biodegradation and biosynthesis, as well as immune function, fetal development, and physical and mental well-being. This work aimed to investigate the effect of iron deprivation in Toxoplasma gondii infection outcome. C57BL/6 mice were orally infected with T. gondii and treated with an iron chelator, deferoxamine, or supplemented with iron (ferrous sulfate), and the parasitism as well as immunological and histological parameters were analyzed. It was observed that the infection increased iron accumulation in the organs, as well as systemically, and deferoxamine treatment diminished the iron content in serum samples and intestine. The deferoxamine treatment decreased the parasitism and inflammatory alterations in the small intestine and lung. Additionally, they partially preserved the Paneth cells and decreased the intestinal dysbiosis. The ferrous sulfate supplementation, despite not significantly increasing the parasite load in the organs, increased the inflammatory alterations in the liver. Together, our results suggest that iron chelation, which is commonly used to treat iron overload, could be a promising medicine to control T. gondii proliferation, mainly in the small intestine, and consequently inflammation caused by infection.
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Olson WJ, Martorelli Di Genova B, Gallego-Lopez G, Dawson AR, Stevenson D, Amador-Noguez D, Knoll LJ. Dual metabolomic profiling uncovers Toxoplasma manipulation of the host metabolome and the discovery of a novel parasite metabolic capability. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008432. [PMID: 32255806 PMCID: PMC7164669 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii is auxotrophic for several key metabolites and must scavenge these from the host. It is unclear how T. gondii manipulates host metabolism to support its overall growth rate and non-essential metabolites. To investigate this question, we measured changes in the joint host-parasite metabolome over a time course of infection. Host and parasite transcriptomes were simultaneously generated to determine potential changes in expression of metabolic enzymes. T. gondii infection changed metabolite abundance in multiple metabolic pathways, including the tricarboxylic acid cycle, the pentose phosphate pathway, glycolysis, amino acid synthesis, and nucleotide metabolism. Our analysis indicated that changes in some pathways, such as the tricarboxylic acid cycle, were mirrored by changes in parasite transcription, while changes in others, like the pentose phosphate pathway, were paired with changes in both the host and parasite transcriptomes. Further experiments led to the discovery of a T. gondii enzyme, sedoheptulose bisphosphatase, which funnels carbon from glycolysis into the pentose phosphate pathway through an energetically driven dephosphorylation reaction. This additional route for ribose synthesis appears to resolve the conflict between the T. gondii tricarboxylic acid cycle and pentose phosphate pathway, which are both NADP+ dependent. Sedoheptulose bisphosphatase represents a novel step in T. gondii central carbon metabolism that allows T. gondii to energetically-drive ribose synthesis without using NADP+. The obligate intracellular parasite T. gondii is commonly found among human populations worldwide and poses severe health risks to fetuses and individuals with AIDS. While some treatments are available they are limited in scope. A possible target for new therapies is T. gondii’s incomplete metabolism, which makes it heavily reliant on its host. In this study, we generated a joint host/parasite metabolome to better understand host manipulation by the parasite and to discover unique aspects of T. gondii metabolism that could serve as the next generation of drug targets. Metabolomic analysis of T. gondii infection over time found broad alterations to host metabolism by the parasite in both energetic and biosynthetic pathways. We discovered a new T. gondii enzyme, sedoheptulose bisphosphatase, which redirects carbon from glycolysis into the pentose phosphate pathway. The wholesale remodeling of host metabolism for optimal parasite growth is also of interest, although the mechanisms behind this host manipulation must be further studied before therapeutic targets can be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J. Olson
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI
| | | | - Gina Gallego-Lopez
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Anthony R. Dawson
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI
| | - David Stevenson
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Daniel Amador-Noguez
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI
- * E-mail: (DAN); (LJK)
| | - Laura J. Knoll
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI
- * E-mail: (DAN); (LJK)
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Desmettre T. [Toxoplasmosis and behavioural changes (French translation of the article)]. J Fr Ophtalmol 2020; 43:433-438. [PMID: 32248961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2019.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Nearly one-third of the planet's population is affected by T. gondii infection. In ophthalmology, toxoplasmosis is even considered to be the most common cause of posterior uveitis of infectious origin. Humans are only an intermediate host, and T. gondii needs to infect cats for its sexual reproduction. All the elements increasing the risk of predation by the definitive host are then favourable to the parasite. Numerous experimental animal model studies have shown that T. gondii infection is associated with predatory risk behaviours such as an attraction of infected mice to cat urine. Infection with the parasite is associated with a demethylation of the promoters of certain genes in the cerebral amygdala of the intermediate hosts, modifying dopaminergic circuits associated with fear. Similarly, T. gondii has been linked to behavioural changes in humans. Toxoplasma infection is classically associated with the frequency of schizophrenia, suicide attempts or "road rage." A more recent study shows that toxoplasma infection prevalence was a consistent, positive predictor of entrepreneurial activity. Fear of failure would be less important in infected individuals, who are more willing than others to start their own business. These elements shed interesting light on behaviours and their possible relationship with toxoplasmosis, which is generally considered benign in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Desmettre
- Centre de rétine médicale, 187, rue de Menin, 59520 Marquette-Lez-Lille, France; Queen Anne Street Medical Centre, 18-22, Queen Anne Street, W1G 8Hun London, Royaume-Uni.
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45
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Coppens I, Romano JD. Sitting in the driver's seat: Manipulation of mammalian cell Rab GTPase functions by apicomplexan parasites. Biol Cell 2020; 112:187-195. [DOI: 10.1111/boc.201900107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Coppens
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore MD 21205 USA
| | - Julia D. Romano
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore MD 21205 USA
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46
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Desmettre T. Toxoplasmosis and behavioural changes. J Fr Ophtalmol 2020; 43:e89-e93. [PMID: 31980266 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Nearly one-third of the planet's population is affected by Toxoplasma gondii infection. In ophthalmology, toxoplasmosis is even considered to be the most common cause of posterior uveitis of infectious origin. Humans are only an intermediate host and T. gondii needs to infect cats for its sexual reproduction. All the elements increasing the risk of predation by the definitive host are then favourable to the parasite. Numerous experimental animal model studies have shown that T. gondii infection is associated with predatory risk behaviours such as an attraction of infected mice to cat urine. Infection with the parasite is associated with a demethylation of the promoters of certain genes in the cerebral amygdala of the intermediate hosts, modifying dopaminergic circuits associated with fear. Similarly, T. gondii has been linked to behavioural changes in humans. Toxoplasma infection is classically associated with the frequency of schizophrenia, suicide attempts or "road rage". A more recent study shows that toxoplasma infection prevalence was a consistent, positive predictor of entrepreneurial activity. Fear of failure would be less important in infected individuals, who are more willing than others to start their own business. These elements shed interesting light on behaviours and their possible relationship with toxoplasmosis, which is generally considered benign in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Desmettre
- Centre de rétine médicale, 187, rue de Menin, 59520 Marquette-Lez-Lille, France; Queen Anne Street Medical Centre, 18-22, Queen Anne Street, W1G 8Hun, London, United Kingdom.
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47
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Parihar SP, Guler R, Brombacher F. Statins: a viable candidate for host-directed therapy against infectious diseases. Nat Rev Immunol 2019; 19:104-117. [PMID: 30487528 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-018-0094-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Statins were first identified over 40 years ago as lipid-lowering drugs and have been remarkably effective in treating cardiovascular diseases. As research advanced, the protective effects of statins were additionally attributed to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-thrombotic and immunomodulatory functions rather than lipid-lowering abilities alone. By promoting host defence mechanisms and inhibiting pathological inflammation, statins increase survival in human infectious diseases. At the cellular level, statins inhibit the intermediates of the host mevalonate pathway, thus compromising the immune evasion strategies of pathogens and their survival. Here, we discuss the potential use of statins as an inexpensive and practical alternative or adjunctive host-directed therapy for infectious diseases caused by intracellular pathogens, such as viruses, protozoa, fungi and bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suraj P Parihar
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town-Component, Cape Town, South Africa. .,Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Department of Pathology, Division of Immunology and South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. .,Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa (CIDRI-Africa) and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. .,Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Reto Guler
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town-Component, Cape Town, South Africa.,Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Department of Pathology, Division of Immunology and South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa (CIDRI-Africa) and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Frank Brombacher
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town-Component, Cape Town, South Africa. .,Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Department of Pathology, Division of Immunology and South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. .,Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa (CIDRI-Africa) and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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48
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Proteomic and structural characterization of self-assembled vesicles from excretion/secretion products of Toxoplasma gondii. J Proteomics 2019; 208:103490. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2019.103490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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49
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Luu L, Johnston LJ, Derricott H, Armstrong SD, Randle N, Hartley CS, Duckworth CA, Campbell BJ, Wastling JM, Coombes JL. An Open-Format Enteroid Culture System for Interrogation of Interactions Between Toxoplasma gondii and the Intestinal Epithelium. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:300. [PMID: 31555604 PMCID: PMC6723115 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
When transmitted through the oral route, Toxoplasma gondii first interacts with its host at the small intestinal epithelium. This interaction is crucial to controlling initial invasion and replication, as well as shaping the quality of the systemic immune response. It is therefore an attractive target for the design of novel vaccines and adjuvants. However, due to a lack of tractable infection models, we understand surprisingly little about the molecular pathways that govern this interaction. The in vitro culture of small intestinal epithelium as 3D enteroids shows great promise for modeling the epithelial response to infection. However, the enclosed luminal space makes the application of infectious agents to the apical epithelial surface challenging. Here, we have developed three novel enteroid-based techniques for modeling T. gondii infection. In particular, we have adapted enteroid culture protocols to generate collagen-supported epithelial sheets with an exposed apical surface. These cultures retain epithelial polarization, and the presence of fully differentiated epithelial cell populations. They are susceptible to infection with, and support replication of, T. gondii. Using quantitative label-free mass spectrometry, we show that T. gondii infection of the enteroid epithelium is associated with up-regulation of proteins associated with cholesterol metabolism, extracellular exosomes, intermicrovillar adhesion, and cell junctions. Inhibition of host cholesterol and isoprenoid biosynthesis with Atorvastatin resulted in a reduction in parasite load only at higher doses, indicating that de novo synthesis may support, but is not required for, parasite replication. These novel models therefore offer tractable tools for investigating how interactions between T. gondii and the host intestinal epithelium influence the course of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Luu
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, School of Veterinary Science, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Luke J Johnston
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, School of Veterinary Science, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Hayley Derricott
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, School of Veterinary Science, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart D Armstrong
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, School of Veterinary Science, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Nadine Randle
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, School of Veterinary Science, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine S Hartley
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, School of Veterinary Science, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Carrie A Duckworth
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Barry J Campbell
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan M Wastling
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, School of Veterinary Science, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Janine L Coombes
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, School of Veterinary Science, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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50
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Galaka T, Falcone BN, Li C, Szajnman SH, Moreno SNJ, Docampo R, Rodriguez JB. Synthesis and biological evaluation of 1-alkylaminomethyl-1,1-bisphosphonic acids against Trypanosoma cruzi and Toxoplasma gondii. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:3663-3673. [PMID: 31296439 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
As an extension of our project aimed at the search for new chemotherapeutic agents against Chagas disease and toxoplasmosis, several 1,1-bisphosphonates were designed, synthesized and biologically evaluated against Trypanosoma cruzi and Toxoplasma gondii, the etiologic agents of these diseases, respectively. In particular, and based on the antiparasitic activity exhibited by 2-alkylaminoethyl-1,1-bisphosphonates targeting farnesyl diphosphate synthase, a series of linear 2-alkylaminomethyl-1,1-bisphosphonic acids (compounds 21-33), that is, the position of the amino group was one carbon closer to the gem-phosphonate moiety, were evaluated as growth inhibitors against the clinically more relevant dividing form (amastigotes) of T. cruzi. Although all of these compounds resulted to be devoid of antiparasitic activity, these results were valuable for a rigorous SAR study. In addition, unexpectedly, the synthetic designed 2-cycloalkylaminoethyl-1,1-bisphosphonic acids 47-49 were free of antiparasitic activity. Moreover, long chain sulfur-containing 1,1-bisphosphonic acids, such as compounds 54-56, 59, turned out to be nanomolar growth inhibitors of tachyzoites of T. gondii. As many bisphosphonate-containing molecules are FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of bone resorption disorders, their potential nontoxicity makes them good candidates to control American trypanosomiasis and toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamila Galaka
- Departamento de Química Orgánica and UMYMFOR (CONICET-FCEyN), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pabellón 2, Ciudad Universitaria, C1428EHA Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Bruno N Falcone
- Departamento de Química Orgánica and UMYMFOR (CONICET-FCEyN), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pabellón 2, Ciudad Universitaria, C1428EHA Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Catherine Li
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases and Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Sergio H Szajnman
- Departamento de Química Orgánica and UMYMFOR (CONICET-FCEyN), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pabellón 2, Ciudad Universitaria, C1428EHA Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvia N J Moreno
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases and Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Roberto Docampo
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases and Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Juan B Rodriguez
- Departamento de Química Orgánica and UMYMFOR (CONICET-FCEyN), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pabellón 2, Ciudad Universitaria, C1428EHA Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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