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Salassa BN, Cueto JA, Vanrell MC, López MB, Descoteaux A, Labriola CA, Romano PS. The host Rab9a/Rab32 axis is actively recruited to the Trypanosoma cruzi parasitophorous vacuole and benefits the infection cycle. Mol Microbiol 2024. [PMID: 38193389 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease is a protozoan parasite that infects phagocytic and non-phagocytic mammalian cells. At early stages of infection, trypomastigotes, the infective forms of this parasite, localize in a vesicular compartment called the T. cruzi parasitophorous vacuole until the exit of parasites to the host cell cytoplasm where continue their infective cycle. Rab proteins participate in the membrane traffic's molecular machinery, functioning as central regulators of vesicle recognition and transport. In previous work, we demonstrated that endocytic Rabs are key factors of the T. cruzi infection process in non-phagocytic cells, regulating the formation and the maturation of the vacuole. In this work, we identified and characterized other molecular components of the vesicular transport pathways and their participation in the T. cruzi infection. We found that Rab9a and Rab32, two regulators of the endocytic and autophagic pathways, were actively recruited to the T. cruzi vacuoles and favored the late stages of the infective process. The recruitment was specific and dependent on T. cruzi protein synthesis. Interestingly, Rab32 association depends on the presence of Rab9a in the vacuolar membrane, while the inhibition of the cysteine-protease cruzipain, a T. cruzi virulence factor, significantly decreases both Rab9a and Rab32 association with the vacuole. In summary, this work showed for the first time that specific molecules produced and secreted by the parasite can subvert intracellular components of host cells to benefit the infection. These new data shed light on the complex map of interactions between T. cruzi and the host cell and introduce concepts that can be useful in finding new forms of intervention against this parasite in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betiana Nebaí Salassa
- Laboratorio de Biología de Trypanosoma cruzi y la célula hospedadora-Instituto de Histología y Embriología "Dr. Mario H. Burgos", IHEM-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Juan Agustín Cueto
- Laboratorio de Biología de Trypanosoma cruzi y la célula hospedadora-Instituto de Histología y Embriología "Dr. Mario H. Burgos", IHEM-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - María Cristina Vanrell
- Laboratorio de Biología de Trypanosoma cruzi y la célula hospedadora-Instituto de Histología y Embriología "Dr. Mario H. Burgos", IHEM-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Área Biología celular y molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - María Belén López
- Laboratorio de Biología de Trypanosoma cruzi y la célula hospedadora-Instituto de Histología y Embriología "Dr. Mario H. Burgos", IHEM-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Área Biología celular y molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Albert Descoteaux
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Laval, Quebec, Canada
- Infectiopole INRS, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Carlos Alberto Labriola
- Laboratorio de Biología estructural y celular, Fundación Instituto Leloir (FIL-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricia Silvia Romano
- Laboratorio de Biología de Trypanosoma cruzi y la célula hospedadora-Instituto de Histología y Embriología "Dr. Mario H. Burgos", IHEM-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Área Biología celular y molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
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Danazumi AU, Ishmam IT, Idris S, Izert MA, Balogun EO, Górna MW. Targeted protein degradation might present a novel therapeutic approach in the fight against African trypanosomiasis. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 186:106451. [PMID: 37088149 PMCID: PMC11032742 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
African trypanosomiasis (AT) is a hemoparasitic disease caused by infection with African trypanosomes and it is prevalent in many sub-Saharan African countries, affecting both humans and domestic animals. The disease is transmitted mostly by haematophagous insects of the genus Glossina while taking blood meal, in the process spreading the parasites from an infected animal to an uninfected animal. The disease is fatal if untreated, and the available drugs are generally ineffective and resulting in toxicities. Therefore, it is still pertinent to explore novel methods and targets for drug discovery. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) present a new strategy for development of therapeutic molecules that mimic cellular proteasomal-mediated protein degradation to target proteins involved in different disease types. PROTACs have been used to degrade proteins involved in various cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and immune disorders with remarkable success. Here, we highlight the problems associated with the current treatments for AT, discuss the concept of PROTACs and associated targeted protein degradation (TPD) approaches, and provide some insights on the future potential for the use of these emerging technologies (PROTACs and TPD) for the development of new generation of anti-Trypanosoma drugs and the first "TrypPROTACs".
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Usman Danazumi
- Biological and Chemical Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland; Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland; Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | | | - Salisu Idris
- Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Matylda Anna Izert
- Biological and Chemical Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Emmanuel Oluwadare Balogun
- Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; African Centre of Excellence for Neglected Tropical Diseases and Forensic Biotechnology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
| | - Maria Wiktoria Górna
- Biological and Chemical Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
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San Francisco J, Astudillo C, Vega JL, Catalán A, Gutiérrez B, Araya JE, Zailberger A, Marina A, García C, Sanchez N, Osuna A, Vilchez S, Ramírez MI, Macedo J, Feijoli VS, Palmisano G, González J. Trypanosoma cruzi pathogenicity involves virulence factor expression and upregulation of bioenergetic and biosynthetic pathways. Virulence 2022; 13:1827-1848. [PMID: 36284085 PMCID: PMC9601562 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2132776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular repertoire of Trypanosoma cruzi effects its virulence and impacts the clinical course of the resulting Chagas disease. This study aimed to determine the mechanism underlying the pathogenicity of T. cruzi. Two T. cruzi cell lines (C8C3hvir and C8C3lvir), obtained from the clone H510 C8C3 and exhibiting different virulence phenotypes, were used to evaluate the parasite's infectivity in mice. The organ parasite load was analysed by qPCR. The proteomes of both T. cruzi cell lines were compared using nLC-MS/MS. Cruzipain (Czp), complement regulatory protein (CRP), trans-sialidase (TS), Tc-85, and sialylated epitope expression levels were evaluated by immunoblotting. High-virulence C8C3hvir was highly infectious in mice and demonstrated three to five times higher infectivity in mouse myocardial cells than low-virulence C8C3lvir. qPCR revealed higher parasite loads in organs of acute as well as chronically C8C3hvir-infected mice than in those of C8C3lvir-infected mice. Comparative quantitative proteomics revealed that 390 of 1547 identified proteins were differentially regulated in C8C3hvir with respect to C8C3lvir. Amongst these, 174 proteins were upregulated in C8C3hvir and 216 were downregulated in C8C3lvir. The upregulated proteins in C8C3hvir were associated with the tricarboxylic acid cycle, ribosomal proteins, and redoxins. Higher levels of Czp, CRP, TS, Tc-85, and sialylated epitopes were expressed in C8C3hvir than in C8C3lvir. Thus, T. cruzi virulence may be related to virulence factor expression as well as upregulation of bioenergetic and biosynthetic pathways proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan San Francisco
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Medical Technology Department, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Constanza Astudillo
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Medical Technology Department, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - José Luis Vega
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Medical Technology Department, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile,Laboratory of Gap Junction Proteins and Parasitic Disease, Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile,Research Center in Immunology and Biomedical Biotechnology of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Alejandro Catalán
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Medical Technology Department, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Bessy Gutiérrez
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Medical Technology Department, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Jorge E Araya
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Medical Technology Department, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | | | - Anabel Marina
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos García
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Sanchez
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Osuna
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Susana Vilchez
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Marcel I Ramírez
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Sistemática de Trypanosomatides, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fiocruz, Parana, Brazil
| | - Janaina Macedo
- Department of Parasitology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Jorge González
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Medical Technology Department, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile,Research Center in Immunology and Biomedical Biotechnology of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile,Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Sistemática de Trypanosomatides, Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Antofagasta, Chile,CONTACT Jorge González
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Imran M, Khan SA, Abida, Alshrari AS, Eltahir Mudawi MM, Alshammari MK, Harshan AA, Alshammari NA. Small molecules as kinetoplastid specific proteasome inhibitors for Leishmaniasis: a patent review from 1998 to 2021. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2022; 32:591-604. [PMID: 35220857 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2022.2045948] [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] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION : Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical infectious disease. The available limited therapeutic options for leishmaniasis are inadequate due to their poor pharmacokinetic profile, resistance, toxicity, high cost, and compliance problems. This warrants identification of new targets for the development of safer and effective anti-Leishmania therapy. The kinetoplastid specific proteasome (KSP) is a novel validated target to develop drugs against leishmaniasis. AREA COVERED : This review focuses on all the published patent applications and granted patents related to the studied small molecules as KSP inhibitors (KSPIs) against Leishmania from 1998 to December 31, 2021. EXPERT OPINION : A little amount of work has been done on KSPIs, but the study results are quite encouraging. LXE408 and GSK3494245 are two KSPIs in different phases of clinical trials. Some other small molecules have also shown KSP inhibitory potential, but they are not in clinical trials. The KSPIs are promising next-generation orally active patient compliant drugs against kinetoplastid diseases, including leishmaniasis. However, the main challenge to discover the KSPIs will be the resistance development and their selectivity against the proteasome of eukaryotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Imran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha 91911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shah Alam Khan
- College of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, Muscat 130, Oman
| | - Abida
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha 91911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Subeh Alshrari
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Science, Northern Border University, Arar 91431, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mohammed Kanan Alshammari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Rafha Central Hospital, North Zone, Rafha 91911, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Aishah Ali Harshan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Northern Area Armed Forces Hospital, King Khalid Military City Hospital, Hafr Al-Batin, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Noufah Aqeel Alshammari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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5
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Alvarado ME, Chaparro-Gutiérrez JJ, Calvo EP, Prada LF, Wasserman M. Activity of the Giardia intestinalis proteasome during encystation and its connection with the expression of the cyst wall protein 1 (CWP1). Acta Trop 2022; 225:106183. [PMID: 34627761 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106183] [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: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Giardia is a parasite whose life cycle is composed of two stages: replicative trophozoites, responsible for the symptoms of the disease, and infective cysts, resistant to adverse environments outside of hosts. Proteasomes are multicatalytic peptidase complexes responsible for the specific degradation of proteins in eukaryotic cells. This study assessed the proteasome activity in the trophozoite and during encystation. Strong activation of the proteasome was observed during the differentiation of trophozoites into cysts, reaching its maximum level 24 h after the stimulus. We also found that the Giardia proteasome presents unusual characteristics related to higher eukaryotic proteasomes, making it an eventual therapeutic target. Here we tested the effects on the synthesis of a cyst wall protein by chemical inactivation of the proteasome and by overexpression or partial inhibition of the deubiquitinating protein RPN11 in transfected cells. Moreover, an analysis of the intracellular localization of RPN11 (an integral part of the proteasome regulatory particle) revealed major changes associated with the differentiation of trophozoites into cysts. This evidence further supports the important role of the proteasome in Giardia encystation.
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6
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Coutinho JVP, Rosa-Fernandes L, Mule SN, de Oliveira GS, Manchola NC, Santiago VF, Colli W, Wrenger C, Alves MJM, Palmisano G. The thermal proteome stability profile of Trypanosoma cruzi in epimastigote and trypomastigote life stages. J Proteomics 2021; 248:104339. [PMID: 34352427 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2021.104339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is a flagellate protozoa being the etiological agent of Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease, which still poses a public health problem worldwide. The intricate molecular changes during T. cruzi-host interaction have been explored using different largescale omics techniques. However, protein stability is largely unknown. Thermal proteome profiling (TPP) methodology has the potential to characterize proteome-wide stability highlighting key proteins during T. cruzi infection and life stage transition from the invertebrate to the mammalian host. In the present work, T. cruzi epimastigotes and trypomastigotes cell lysates were subjected to TPP workflow and analyzed by quantitative large-scale mass spectrometry-based proteomics to fit a melting profile for each protein. A total of 2884 proteins were identified and associated to 1741 melting curves being 1370 in trypomastigotes (TmAVG 53.53 °C) and 1279 in epimastigotes (TmAVG 50.89 °C). A total of 453 proteins were identified with statistically different melting profiles between the two life stages. Proteins associated to pathogenesis and intracellular transport had regulated melting temperatures. Membrane and glycosylated proteins had a higher average Tm in trypomastigotes compared to epimastigotes. This study represents the first large-scale comparison of parasite protein stability between life stages. SIGNIFICANCE: Trypanosoma cruzi, a unicellular flagellate parasite, is the etiological agent of Chagas disease, endemic in South America and affecting more that 7 million people worldwide. There is an intense research to identify novel chemotherapeutic and diagnostic targets of Chagas disease. Proteomic approaches have helped in elucidating the quantitative proteome and PTMs changes of T. cruzi during life cycle transition and upon different biotic and abiotic stimuli. However, a comprehensive knowledge of the protein-protein interaction and protein conformation is still missing. In order to fill this gap, this manuscript elucidates the T. cruzi Y strain proteome-wide thermal stability map in the epimastigote and trypomastigote life stages. Comparison between life stages showed a higher average melting temperature stability for trypomastigotes than epimastigotes indicating a host temperature adaptation. Both presented a selective thermal stability shift for cellular compartments, molecular functions and biological processes based on the T. cruzi life stage. Membrane and glycosylated proteins presented a higher thermal stability in trypomastigotes when compared to the epimastigotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao V P Coutinho
- GlycoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Livia Rosa-Fernandes
- GlycoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Simon Ngao Mule
- GlycoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gilberto Santos de Oliveira
- GlycoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Veronica Feijoli Santiago
- GlycoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Walter Colli
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carsten Wrenger
- Unit for Drug Discovery, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Giuseppe Palmisano
- GlycoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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Bijlmakers MJ. Ubiquitination and the Proteasome as Drug Targets in Trypanosomatid Diseases. Front Chem 2021; 8:630888. [PMID: 33732684 PMCID: PMC7958763 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.630888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The eukaryotic pathogens Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania are responsible for debilitating diseases that affect millions of people worldwide. The numbers of drugs available to treat these diseases, Human African Trypanosomiasis, Chagas' disease and Leishmaniasis are very limited and existing treatments have substantial shortcomings in delivery method, efficacy and safety. The identification and validation of novel drug targets opens up new opportunities for the discovery of therapeutic drugs with better efficacy and safety profiles. Here, the potential of targeting the ubiquitin-proteasome system in these parasites is reviewed. Ubiquitination is the posttranslational attachment of one or more ubiquitin proteins to substrates, an essential eukaryotic mechanism that regulates a wide variety of cellular processes in many different ways. The best studied of these is the delivery of ubiquitinated substrates for degradation to the proteasome, the major cellular protease. However, ubiquitination can also regulate substrates in proteasome-independent ways, and proteasomes can degrade proteins to some extent in ubiquitin-independent ways. Because of these widespread roles, both ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation are essential for the viability of eukaryotes and the proteins that mediate these processes are therefore attractive drug targets in trypanosomatids. Here, the current understanding of these processes in trypanosomatids is reviewed. Furthermore, significant recent progress in the development of trypanosomatid-selective proteasome inhibitors that cure mouse models of trypanosomatid infections is presented. In addition, the targeting of the key enzyme in ubiquitination, the ubiquitin E1 UBA1, is discussed as an alternative strategy. Important differences between human and trypanosomatid UBA1s in susceptibility to inhibitors predicts that the selective targeting of these enzymes in trypanosomatids may also be feasible. Finally, it is proposed that activating enzymes of the ubiquitin-like proteins SUMO and NEDD8 may represent drug targets in these trypanosomatids as well.
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Update on relevant trypanosome peptidases: Validated targets and future challenges. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2020; 1869:140577. [PMID: 33271348 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2020.140577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of the American Trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease, and Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, the agents of Sleeping sickness (Human African Trypanosomiasis, HAT), as well as Trypanosoma brucei brucei, the agent of the cattle disease nagana, contain cysteine, serine, threonine, aspartyl and metallo peptidases. The most abundant among these enzymes are the cysteine proteases from the Clan CA, the Cathepsin L-like cruzipain and rhodesain, and the Cathepsin B-like enzymes, which have essential roles in the parasites and thus are potential targets for chemotherapy. In addition, several other proteases, present in one or both parasites, have been characterized, and some of them are also promising candidates for the developing of new drugs. Recently, new inhibitors, with good selectivity for the parasite proteasomes, have been described and are very promising as lead compounds for the development of new therapies for these neglected diseases. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: "Play and interplay of proteases in health and disease".
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Guzmán-Téllez P, Martínez-Valencia D, Silva-Olivares A, Del Ángel RM, Serrano-Luna J, Shibayama M. Naegleria fowleri and Naegleria gruberi 20S proteasome: identification and characterization. Eur J Cell Biol 2020; 99:151085. [PMID: 32646643 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2020.151085] [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: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The Naegleria are ubiquitous free-living amoebae and are characterized by the presence of three phases in their biological cycle: trophozoite, cyst and flagellate. Of this genus, only Naegleria fowleri has been reported as pathogenic to humans. The proteasome is a multi-catalytic complex and is considered to be the most important structure responsible for the degradation of intracellular proteins. This structure is related to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and, in pathogenic microorganisms, to the modulation of their virulence. Until now, the proteasome and its function have not been described for the Naegleria genus. In the current study, using bioinformatic analysis, protein sequences homologous to those reported for the subunits of the 20S proteasome in other organisms were found, and virtual modelling was used to determine their three-dimensional structure. The presence of structural and catalytic subunits of the 20S proteasome was detected by Western and dot blot assays. Its localization was observed by immunofluorescence microscopy to be mainly in the cytoplasm, and a leading role of the chymotrypsin-like catalytic activity was determined using fluorogenic peptidase assays and specific proteasome inhibitors. Finally, the role of the 20S proteasome in the proliferation and differentiation of Naegleria genus trophozoites was demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Guzmán-Téllez
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Av. IPN 2508, 07360 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Diana Martínez-Valencia
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Av. IPN 2508, 07360 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Angélica Silva-Olivares
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Av. IPN 2508, 07360 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rosa M Del Ángel
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Av. IPN 2508, 07360 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jesús Serrano-Luna
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Av. IPN 2508, 07360 Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Mineko Shibayama
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Av. IPN 2508, 07360 Mexico City, Mexico.
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Cerbán FM, Stempin CC, Volpini X, Carrera Silva EA, Gea S, Motran CC. Signaling pathways that regulate Trypanosoma cruzi infection and immune response. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165707. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Sangenito LS, Menna-Barreto RFS, d'Avila-Levy CM, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS. Repositioning of HIV Aspartyl Peptidase Inhibitors for Combating the Neglected Human Pathogen Trypanosoma cruzi. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:6590-6613. [PMID: 31187704 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190610152934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 08/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by the flagellate parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a wellknown neglected tropical disease. This parasitic illness affects 6-7 million people and can lead to severe myocarditis and/or complications of the digestive tract. The changes in its epidemiology facilitate co-infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), making even more difficult the diagnosis and prognosis. The parasitic infection is reactivated in T. cruzi/HIV co-infection, with the appearance of unusual manifestations in the chronic phase and the exacerbation of classical clinical signs. The therapeutic arsenal to treat Chagas disease, in all its clinical forms, is restricted basically to two drugs, benznidazole and nifurtimox. Both drugs are extremely toxic and the therapeutic efficacy is still unclear, making the clinical treatment a huge issue to be solved. Therefore, it seems obvious the necessity of new tangible approaches to combat this illness. In this sense, the repositioning of approved drugs appears as an interesting and viable strategy. The discovery of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Aspartyl Peptidase Inhibitors (HIV-PIs) represented a milestone in the treatment of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and, concomitantly, a marked reduction in both the incidence and prevalence of important bacterial, fungal and parasitic co-infections was clearly observed. Taking all these findings into consideration, the present review summarizes the promising and beneficial data concerning the effects of HIV-PIs on all the evolutionary forms of T. cruzi and in important steps of the parasite's life cycle, which highlight their possible application as alternative drugs to treat Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro S Sangenito
- Laboratorio de Estudos Avancados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rubem F S Menna-Barreto
- Laboratorio de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cláudia M d'Avila-Levy
- Laboratorio de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marta H Branquinha
- Laboratorio de Estudos Avancados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André L S Santos
- Laboratorio de Estudos Avancados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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12
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Mesías AC, Garg NJ, Zago MP. Redox Balance Keepers and Possible Cell Functions Managed by Redox Homeostasis in Trypanosoma cruzi. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:435. [PMID: 31921709 PMCID: PMC6932984 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The toxicity of oxygen and nitrogen reactive species appears to be merely the tip of the iceberg in the world of redox homeostasis. Now, oxidative stress can be seen as a two-sided process; at high concentrations, it causes damage to biomolecules, and thus, trypanosomes have evolved a strong antioxidant defense system to cope with these stressors. At low concentrations, oxidants are essential for cell signaling, and in fact, the oxidants/antioxidants balance may be able to trigger different cell fates. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the current knowledge of the oxidant environment experienced by T. cruzi along the different phases of its life cycle, and the molecular tools exploited by this pathogen to deal with oxidative stress, for better or worse. Further, we discuss the possible redox-regulated processes that could be governed by this oxidative context. Most of the current research has addressed the importance of the trypanosomes' antioxidant network based on its detox activity of harmful species; however, new efforts are necessary to highlight other functions of this network and the mechanisms underlying the fine regulation of the defense machinery, as this represents a master key to hinder crucial pathogen functions. Understanding the relevance of this balance keeper program in parasite biology will give us new perspectives to delineate improved treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Mesías
- Instituto de Patología Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - Nisha J Garg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - M Paola Zago
- Instituto de Patología Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina
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13
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The proteasome as a target: How not tidying up can have toxic consequences for parasitic protozoa. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:10198-10200. [PMID: 31085658 PMCID: PMC6534972 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1904694116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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14
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Higuchi MDL, Kawakami JT, Ikegami RN, Reis MM, Pereira JDJ, Ianni BM, Buck P, Oliveira LMDS, Santos MHH, Hajjar LA, Bocchi EA. Archaea Symbiont of T. cruzi Infection May Explain Heart Failure in Chagas Disease. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:412. [PMID: 30519544 PMCID: PMC6259288 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Archaeal genes present in Trypanosoma cruzi may represent symbionts that would explain development of heart failure in 30% of Chagas disease patients. Extracellular vesicles in peripheral blood, called exosomes (< 0.1 μm) or microvesicles (>0.1 μm), present in larger numbers in heart failure, were analyzed to determine whether they are derived from archaea in heart failure Chagas disease. Methods: Exosomes and microvesicles in serum supernatant from 3 groups were analyzed: heart failure Chagas disease (N = 26), asymptomatic indeterminate form (N = 21) and healthy non-chagasic control (N = 16). Samples were quantified with transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometer immunolabeled with anti-archaemetzincin-1 antibody (AMZ 1, archaea collagenase) and probe anti-archaeal DNA and zymography to determine AMZ1 (Archaeal metalloproteinase) activity. Results: Indeterminate form patients had higher median numbers of exosomes/case vs. heart failure patients (58.5 vs. 25.5, P < 0.001), higher exosome content of AMZ1 antigens (2.0 vs. 0.0; P < 0.001), and lower archaeal DNA content (0.2 vs. 1.5, P = 0.02). A positive correlation between exosomes and AMZ1 content was seen in indeterminate form (r = 0.5, P < 0.001), but not in heart failure patients (r = 0.002, P = 0.98). Higher free archaeal DNA (63.0 vs. 11.1, P < 0.001) in correlation with exosome numbers (r = 0.66, P = 0.01) was seen in heart failure but not in indeterminate form (r = 0.29, P = 0.10). Flow cytometer showed higher numbers of AMZ1 microvesicles in indeterminate form (64 vs. 36, P = 0.02) and higher archaeal DNA microvesicles in heart failure (8.1 vs. 0.9, P < 0.001). Zymography showed strong% collagenase activity in HF group, mild activity in IF compared to non-chagasic healthy group (121 ± 14, 106 ± 13 and 100; P < 0.001). Conclusions: Numerous exosomes, possibly removing and degrading abnormal AMZ1 collagenase, are associated with indeterminate form. Archaeal microvesicles and their exosomes, possibly associated with release of archaeal AMZ1 in heart failure, are future candidates of heart failure biomarkers if confirmed in larger series, and the therapeutic focus in the treatment of Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria de Lourdes Higuchi
- Instituto do Coraçao, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joyce T Kawakami
- Instituto do Coraçao, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata N Ikegami
- Instituto do Coraçao, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcia M Reis
- Instituto do Coraçao, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline de Jesus Pereira
- Instituto do Coraçao, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Barbara M Ianni
- Instituto do Coraçao, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula Buck
- Instituto do Coraçao, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luanda Mara da Silva Oliveira
- Instituto do Coraçao, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marilia H H Santos
- Instituto do Coraçao, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ludhmila A Hajjar
- Instituto do Coraçao, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edimar A Bocchi
- Instituto do Coraçao, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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15
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Parasitic diseases that pose a threat to human life include leishmaniasis - caused by protozoan parasite Leishmania species. Existing drugs have limitations due to deleterious side effects like teratogenicity, high cost and drug resistance. This calls for the need to have an insight into therapeutic aspects of disease. Areas covered: We have identified different drug targets via. molecular, imuunological, metabolic as well as by system biology approaches. We bring these promising drug targets into light so that they can be explored to their maximum. In an effort to bridge the gaps between existing knowledge and prospects of drug discovery, we have compiled interesting studies on drug targets, thereby paving the way for establishment of better therapeutic aspects. Expert opinion: Advancements in technology shed light on many unexplored pathways. Further probing of well established pathways led to the discovery of new drug targets. This review is a comprehensive report on current and emerging drug targets, with emphasis on several metabolic targets, organellar biochemistry, salvage pathways, epigenetics, kinome and more. Identification of new targets can contribute significantly towards strengthening the pipeline for disease elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyam Sundar
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, UP, India
| | - Bhawana Singh
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, UP, India
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16
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Ubiquitin Proteasome pathway proteins as potential drug targets in parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8399. [PMID: 29849031 PMCID: PMC5976635 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26532-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosomiasis infects more than 21 million people and claims approximately 2 million lives annually. Due to the development of resistance against currently available anti-trypanosomal drugs, there is a growing need for specific inhibitors and novel drug targets. Of late, the proteins from the Ubiquitin Proteasome Pathway (UPP): ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinase have received attention as potential drug targets in other parasites from the apicomplexan family. The completion of Trypanosoma cruzi (Tc) genome sequencing in 2005 and subsequent availability of database resources like TriTrypDB has provided a platform for the systematic study of the proteome of this parasite. Here, we present the first comprehensive survey of the UPP enzymes, their homologs and other associated proteins in trypanosomes and the UPPs from T. cruzi were explored in detail. After extensive computational analyses using various bioinformatics tools, we have identified 269 putative UPP proteins in the T. cruzi proteome along with their homologs in other Trypanosoma species. Characterization of T. cruzi proteome was done based on their predicted subcellular localization, domain architecture and overall expression profiles. Specifically, unique domain architectures of the enzymes and the UPP players expressed exclusively in the amastigote stage provide a rationale for designing inhibitors against parasite UPP proteins.
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17
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Vanrell MC, Losinno AD, Cueto JA, Balcazar D, Fraccaroli LV, Carrillo C, Romano PS. The regulation of autophagy differentially affects Trypanosoma cruzi metacyclogenesis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0006049. [PMID: 29091711 PMCID: PMC5683653 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a cellular process required for the removal of aged organelles and cytosolic components through lysosomal degradation. All types of eukaryotic cells from yeasts to mammalian cells have the machinery to activate autophagy as a result of many physiological and pathological situations. The most frequent stimulus of autophagy is starvation and the result, in this case, is the fast generation of utilizable food (e.g. amino acids and basic nutrients) to maintain the vital biological processes. In some organisms, starvation also triggers other associated processes such as differentiation. The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi undergoes a series of differentiation processes throughout its complex life cycle. Although not all autophagic genes have been identified in the T. cruzi genome, previous works have demonstrated the presence of essential autophagic-related proteins. Under starvation conditions, TcAtg8, which is the parasite homolog of Atg8/LC3 in other organisms, is located in autophagosome-like vesicles. In this work, we have characterized the autophagic pathway during T. cruzi differentiation from the epimastigote to metacyclic trypomastigote form, a process called metacyclogenesis. We demonstrated that autophagy is stimulated during metacyclogenesis and that the induction of autophagy promotes this process. Moreover, with exception of bafilomycin, other classical autophagy modulators have similar effects on T. cruzi autophagy. We also showed that spermidine and related polyamines can positively regulate parasite autophagy and differentiation. We concluded that both polyamine metabolism and autophagy are key processes during T. cruzi metacyclogenesis that could be exploited as drug targets to avoid the parasite cycle progression. In spite of its old discovery, more than one hundred years ago, Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas’ disease, is still prevalent in the world, infecting more than 6 million people mostly in Latin America, where this illness is endemic. Only two approved drugs, benznidazole and nifurtimox, are currently used for the treatment of Chagas’ disease. Although efficient for the acute phase, they are poorly effective in the chronic period of the disease and they cause many undesirable side effects. There is an urgent need for therapeutic alternatives. To this end, identifying and validating novel molecular targets is critically relevant. This study describes the effect of different inhibitors on the T. cruzi autophagic pathway, a process required for parasite differentiation. Herein, we demonstrate that the regulation of parasite autophagy exhibits similarities and differences with host cell autophagy. Our study provides new insights that could be used to avoid T. cruzi cycle progression in both insect and mammalian hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Cristina Vanrell
- Laboratorio de Biología de Trypanosoma cruzi y la célula hospedadora. Instituto de Histología y Embriología (IHEM), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo-CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Antonella Denisse Losinno
- Laboratorio de Biología de Trypanosoma cruzi y la célula hospedadora. Instituto de Histología y Embriología (IHEM), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo-CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Juan Agustín Cueto
- Laboratorio de Biología de Trypanosoma cruzi y la célula hospedadora. Instituto de Histología y Embriología (IHEM), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo-CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Darío Balcazar
- Instituto de Ciencias y Tecnología Dr. César Milstein—CONICET; Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Carolina Carrillo
- Instituto de Ciencias y Tecnología Dr. César Milstein—CONICET; Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricia Silvia Romano
- Laboratorio de Biología de Trypanosoma cruzi y la célula hospedadora. Instituto de Histología y Embriología (IHEM), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo-CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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18
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Sangenito LS, de Guedes AA, Gonçalves DS, Seabra SH, d'Avila-Levy CM, Santos ALS, Branquinha MH. Deciphering the effects of nelfinavir and lopinavir on epimastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi. Parasitol Int 2017; 66:529-536. [PMID: 28377050 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2017.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Revised: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Stefano Sangenito
- Laboratório de Investigação de Peptidases, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Arthur A de Guedes
- Laboratório de Investigação de Peptidases, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Diego S Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Investigação de Peptidases, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Programa de Pós Graduação em Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sergio H Seabra
- Laboratório de Tecnologia em Cultura de Células, Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste (UEZO), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Claudia M d'Avila-Levy
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André L S Santos
- Laboratório de Investigação de Peptidases, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Programa de Pós Graduação em Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marta H Branquinha
- Laboratório de Investigação de Peptidases, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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19
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Bibo-Verdugo B, Jiang Z, Caffrey CR, O'Donoghue AJ. Targeting proteasomes in infectious organisms to combat disease. FEBS J 2017; 284:1503-1517. [PMID: 28122162 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Proteasomes are multisubunit, energy-dependent, proteolytic complexes that play an essential role in intracellular protein turnover. They are present in eukaryotes, archaea, and in some actinobacteria species. Inhibition of proteasome activity has emerged as a powerful strategy for anticancer therapy and three drugs have been approved for treatment of multiple myeloma. These compounds react covalently with a threonine residue located in the active site of a proteasome subunit to block protein degradation. Proteasomes in pathogenic organisms such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Plasmodium falciparum also have a nucleophilic threonine residue in the proteasome active site and are therefore sensitive to these anticancer drugs. This review summarizes efforts to validate the proteasome in pathogenic organisms as a therapeutic target. We describe several strategies that have been used to develop inhibitors with increased potency and selectivity for the pathogen proteasome relative to the human proteasome. In addition, we highlight a cell-based chemical screening approach that identified a potent, allosteric inhibitor of proteasomes found in Leishmania and Trypanosoma species. Finally, we discuss the development of proteasome inhibitors as anti-infective agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betsaida Bibo-Verdugo
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Zhenze Jiang
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Chemistry & Biochemistry Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Anthony J O'Donoghue
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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20
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Cerqueira PG, Passos-Silva DG, Vieira-da-Rocha JP, Mendes IC, de Oliveira KA, Oliveira CFB, Vilela LFF, Nagem RAP, Cardoso J, Nardelli SC, Krieger MA, Franco GR, Macedo AM, Pena SDJ, Schenkman S, Gomes DA, Guerra-Sá R, Machado CR. Effect of ionizing radiation exposure on Trypanosoma cruzi ubiquitin-proteasome system. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2017; 212:55-67. [PMID: 28137628 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2017.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 12/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, proteasome involvement in the damage response induced by ionizing radiation (IR) became evident. However, whether proteasome plays a direct or indirect role in IR-induced damage response still unclear. Trypanosoma cruzi is a human parasite capable of remarkable high tolerance to IR, suggesting a highly efficient damage response system. Here, we investigate the role of T. cruzi proteasome in the damage response induced by IR. We exposed epimastigotes to high doses of gamma ray and we analyzed the expression and subcellular localization of several components of the ubiquitin-proteasome system. We show that proteasome inhibition increases IR-induced cell growth arrest and proteasome-mediated proteolysis is altered after parasite exposure. We observed nuclear accumulation of 19S and 20S proteasome subunits in response to IR treatments. Intriguingly, the dynamic of 19S particle nuclear accumulation was more similar to the dynamic observed for Rad51 nuclear translocation than the observed for 20S. In the other hand, 20S increase and nuclear translocation could be related with an increase of its regulator PA26 and high levels of proteasome-mediated proteolysis in vitro. The intersection between the opposed peaks of 19S and 20S protein levels was marked by nuclear accumulation of both 20S and 19S together with Ubiquitin, suggesting a role of ubiquitin-proteasome system in the nuclear protein turnover at the time. Our results revealed the importance of proteasome-mediated proteolysis in T. cruzi IR-induced damage response suggesting that proteasome is also involved in T. cruzi IR tolerance. Moreover, our data support the possible direct/signaling role of 19S in DNA damage repair. Based on these results, we speculate that spatial and temporal differences between the 19S particle and 20S proteasome controls proteasome multiple roles in IR damage response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula G Cerqueira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Danielle G Passos-Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - João P Vieira-da-Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Isabela Cecilia Mendes
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Karla A de Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Camila F B Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Liza F F Vilela
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo A P Nagem
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marco A Krieger
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Glória R Franco
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Andrea M Macedo
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sérgio D J Pena
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sérgio Schenkman
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dawidson A Gomes
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Renata Guerra-Sá
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas & Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológica, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carlos R Machado
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Sangenito LS, Gonçalves DS, Seabra SH, d'Avila-Levy CM, Santos AL, Branquinha MH. HIV aspartic peptidase inhibitors are effective drugs against the trypomastigote form of the human pathogen Trypanosoma cruzi. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2016; 48:440-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2016.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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22
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Siddiqui R, Saleem S, Khan NA. The effect of peptidic and non-peptidic proteasome inhibitors on the biological properties of Acanthamoeba castellanii belonging to the T4 genotype. Exp Parasitol 2016; 168:16-24. [PMID: 27327524 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The treatment of Acanthamoeba infections remains problematic, suggesting that new targets and/or chemotherapeutic agents are needed. Bioassay-guided screening of drugs that are clinically-approved for non-communicable diseases against opportunistic eukaryotic pathogens is a viable strategy. With known targets and mode of action, such drugs can advance to clinical trials at a faster pace. Recently Bortezomib (proteasome inhibitor) has been approved by FDA in the treatment of multiple myeloma. As proteasomal pathways are well known regulators of a variety of eukaryotic cellular functions, the overall aim of the present study was to study the effects of peptidic and non-peptidic proteasome inhibitors on the biology and pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba castellanii of the T4 genotype, in vitro. Zymographic assays revealed that inhibition of proteasome had detrimental effects on the extracellular proteolytic activities of A. castellanii. Proteasome inhibition affected A. castellanii growth (using amoebistatic assays), but not viability of A. castellanii. Importantly, proteasome inhibitors affected encystation as determined by trophozoite transformation into the cyst form, as well as excystation, as determined by cyst transformation into the trophozoite form. The ability of proteasome inhibitor to block Acanthamoeba differentiation is significant, as it presents a major challenge in the successful treatment of Acanthamoeba infection. As these drugs are used clinically against non-communicable diseases, the findings reported here have the potential to be tested in a clinical setting against amoebic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Malaysia
| | - Sahreena Saleem
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Pakistan
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Malaysia.
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Hashimoto M, Morales J, Uemura H, Mikoshiba K, Nara T. A Novel Method for Inducing Amastigote-To-Trypomastigote Transformation In Vitro in Trypanosoma cruzi Reveals the Importance of Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135726. [PMID: 26267656 PMCID: PMC4534300 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Trypanosoma cruzi is a parasitic protist that causes Chagas disease, which is prevalent in Latin America. Because of the unavailability of an effective drug or vaccine, and because about 8 million people are infected with the parasite worldwide, the development of novel drugs demands urgent attention. T. cruzi infects a wide variety of mammalian nucleated cells, with a preference for myocardial cells. Non-dividing trypomastigotes in the bloodstream infect host cells where they are transformed into replication-capable amastigotes. The amastigotes revert to trypomastigotes (trypomastigogenesis) before being shed out of the host cells. Although trypomastigote transformation is an essential process for the parasite, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process have not yet been clarified, mainly because of the lack of an assay system to induce trypomastigogenesis in vitro. Methodology/Principal Findings Cultivation of amastigotes in a transformation medium composed of 80% RPMI-1640 and 20% Grace’s Insect Medium mediated their transformation into trypomastigotes. Grace’s Insect Medium alone also induced trypomastigogenesis. Furthermore, trypomastigogenesis was induced more efficiently in the presence of fetal bovine serum. Trypomastigotes derived from in vitro trypomastigogenesis were able to infect mammalian host cells as efficiently as tissue-culture-derived trypomastigotes (TCT) and expressed a marker protein for TCT. Using this assay system, we demonstrated that T. cruzi inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (TcIP3R)—an intracellular Ca2+ channel and a key molecule involved in Ca2+ signaling in the parasite—is important for the transformation process. Conclusion/Significance Our findings provide a new tool to identify the molecular mechanisms of the amastigote-to-trypomastigote transformation, leading to a new strategy for drug development against Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muneaki Hashimoto
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113–8421, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Jorge Morales
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113–8421, Japan
| | - Haruki Uemura
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852–8523, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Mikoshiba
- Laboratory for Developmental Neurobiology, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Saitama 351–0198, Japan
- Calcium Oscillation Project, International Cooperative Research Project and Solution-Oriented Research for Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332–0012, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nara
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113–8421, Japan
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Kurup SP, Tarleton RL. The Trypanosoma cruzi flagellum is discarded via asymmetric cell division following invasion and provides early targets for protective CD8⁺ T cells. Cell Host Microbe 2015; 16:439-49. [PMID: 25299330 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2014.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Revised: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
During invasion of host cells by Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease, the elongated, flagellated trypomastigotes remodel into oval amastigotes with no external flagellum. The underlying mechanism of this remodeling and the fate of the flagellum are obscure. We discovered that T. cruzi trypomastigotes discard their flagella via an asymmetric cellular division. The flagellar proteins liberated become among the earliest parasite proteins to enter the MHC-I processing pathway in infected cells. Indeed, paraflagellar rod protein PAR4-specific CD8(+) T cells detect infected host cells >20 hr earlier than immunodominant trans-sialidase-specific T cells. Overexpression of PAR4 in T. cruzi enhanced the subdominant PAR4-specific CD8(+) T cell response, resulting in improved control of a challenge infection. These results provide insights into previously unappreciated events in intracellular invasion by T. cruzi and highlight the importance of T cells that recognize infected host cells early in the infectious process, in the control of infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samarchith P Kurup
- Department of Cellular Biology and Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Rick L Tarleton
- Department of Cellular Biology and Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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25
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Pereira-Neves A, Gonzaga L, Menna-Barreto RFS, Benchimol M. Characterisation of 20S Proteasome in Tritrichomonas foetus and Its Role during the Cell Cycle and Transformation into Endoflagellar Form. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129165. [PMID: 26047503 PMCID: PMC4457923 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteasomes are intracellular complexes that control selective protein degradation in organisms ranging from Archaea to higher eukaryotes. These structures have multiple proteolytic activities that are required for cell differentiation, replication and maintaining cellular homeostasis. Here, we document the presence of the 20S proteasome in the protist parasite Tritrichomonas foetus. Complementary techniques, such as a combination of whole genome sequencing technologies, bioinformatics algorithms, cell fractionation and biochemistry and microscopy approaches were used to characterise the 20S proteasome of T. foetus. The 14 homologues of the typical eukaryotic proteasome subunits were identified in the T. foetus genome. Alignment analyses showed that the main regulatory and catalytic domains of the proteasome were conserved in the predicted amino acid sequences from T. foetus-proteasome subunits. Immunofluorescence assays using an anti-proteasome antibody revealed a labelling distributed throughout the cytosol as punctate cytoplasmic structures and in the perinuclear region. Electron microscopy of a T. foetus-proteasome-enriched fraction confirmed the presence of particles that resembled the typical eukaryotic 20S proteasome. Fluorogenic assays using specific peptidyl substrates detected presence of the three typical peptidase activities of eukaryotic proteasomes in T. foetus. As expected, these peptidase activities were inhibited by lactacystin, a well-known specific proteasome inhibitor, and were not affected by inhibitors of serine or cysteine proteases. During the transformation of T. foetus to endoflagellar form (EFF), also known as pseudocyst, we observed correlations between the EFF formation rates, increases in the proteasome activities and reduced levels of ubiquitin-protein conjugates. The growth, cell cycle and EFF transformation of T. foetus were inhibited after treatment with lactacystin in a dose-dependent manner. Lactacystin treatment also resulted in an accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins and caused increase in the amount of endoplasmic reticulum membranes in the parasite. Taken together, our results suggest that the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is required for cell cycle and EFF transformation in T. foetus.
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MESH Headings
- Acetylcysteine/analogs & derivatives
- Acetylcysteine/pharmacology
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Blotting, Western
- Cell Cycle
- Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Endoplasmic Reticulum/drug effects
- Endoplasmic Reticulum/metabolism
- Endoplasmic Reticulum/ultrastructure
- Flagella/metabolism
- Flagella/ultrastructure
- Life Cycle Stages/drug effects
- Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
- Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
- Microscopy, Fluorescence
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Phylogeny
- Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex/classification
- Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex/genetics
- Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex/metabolism
- Protein Subunits/antagonists & inhibitors
- Protein Subunits/genetics
- Protein Subunits/metabolism
- Protozoan Proteins/genetics
- Protozoan Proteins/metabolism
- Protozoan Proteins/ultrastructure
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
- Spores, Protozoan/drug effects
- Spores, Protozoan/metabolism
- Spores, Protozoan/ultrastructure
- Tritrichomonas foetus/genetics
- Tritrichomonas foetus/growth & development
- Tritrichomonas foetus/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Pereira-Neves
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Morfológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Fiocruz, Centro de Pesquisa Aggeu Magalhães, Departamento de Microbiologia, Laboratório de Microbiologia e Biologia Celular, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Luiz Gonzaga
- Laboratório Nacional de Computação Cientifica (LNCC/MCT), Petrópolis, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Marlene Benchimol
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- UNIGRANRIO- Universidade do Grande Rio, Duque de Caxias, RJ, Brazil
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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26
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Role of the Ubiquitin-Proteasome Systems in the Biology and Virulence of Protozoan Parasites. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:141526. [PMID: 26090380 PMCID: PMC4452248 DOI: 10.1155/2015/141526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, proteasomes perform crucial roles in many cellular pathways by degrading proteins to enforce quality control and regulate many cellular processes such as cell cycle progression, signal transduction, cell death, immune responses, metabolism, protein-quality control, and development. The catalytic heart of these complexes, the 20S proteasome, is highly conserved in bacteria, yeast, and humans. However, until a few years ago, the role of proteasomes in parasite biology was completely unknown. Here, we summarize findings about the role of proteasomes in protozoan parasites biology and virulence. Several reports have confirmed the role of proteasomes in parasite biological processes such as cell differentiation, cell cycle, proliferation, and encystation. Proliferation and cell differentiation are key steps in host colonization. Considering the importance of proteasomes in both processes in many different parasites such as Trypanosoma, Leishmania, Toxoplasma, and Entamoeba, parasite proteasomes might serve as virulence factors. Several pieces of evidence strongly suggest that the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is also a viable parasitic therapeutic target. Research in recent years has shown that the proteasome is a valid drug target for sleeping sickness and malaria. Then, proteasomes are a key organelle in parasite biology and virulence and appear to be an attractive new chemotherapeutic target.
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27
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Proteomic analysis of metacyclogenesis in Leishmania infantum wild-type and PTR1 null mutant. EUPA OPEN PROTEOMICS 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.euprot.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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28
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Virulence factors of Trypanosoma cruzi: who is who? Microbes Infect 2012; 14:1390-402. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2012.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2012] [Revised: 07/21/2012] [Accepted: 09/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Investigation on the 19S ATPase proteasome subunits (Rpt1-6) conservation and their differential gene expression in Schistosoma mansoni. Parasitol Res 2012; 112:235-42. [PMID: 23052763 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3130-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2012] [Accepted: 09/18/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome system is responsible for degradation of the majority of intracellular proteins in eukaryotic cells. The 26S proteasome proteolytic complex is composed of a 20S core particle responsible for protein degradation and the 19S lid which plays a role in the recognition of polyubiquitinated substrates. The 19S regulatory particle (Rps) is composed of ATPase (Rpt) and non-ATPase (Rpn) subunits. In this study, we analyzed the expression profile of 19S Rpt subunits in the larvae and adult stage of the Schistosoma mansoni life cycle. Conventional reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) revealed that the majority of the 19S Rpt subunits amplified at the expected molecular masses for various investigated stages. In addition, SmRpt1, SmRpt2, and SmRpt6 transcript levels were increased in 3 h-cultured schistosomula and reasonably maintained until 5 h in culture, as revealed by qRT-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis of 19S Rpt subunits showed high structural conservation in comparison to other Rpt orthologues. The mRNA expression profile of 19S Rpt subunits did not correlate with 26S proteasome proteolytic activity as judged by a (14)C-casein-degrading assay, in the early cultured schistosomula. Taken together, these results revealed a differential expression profile for 19S Rpt subunits whose transcript levels could not be directly associated to 26S proteasome activity.
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30
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Muñoz C, Pérez M, Orrego PR, Osorio L, Gutiérrez B, Sagua H, Castillo JL, Martínez-Oyanedel J, Arroyo R, Meza-Cervantez P, da Silveira JF, Midlej V, Benchimol M, Cordero E, Morales P, Araya JE, González J. A protein phosphatase 1 gamma (PP1γ) of the human protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis is involved in proliferation and cell attachment to the host cell. Int J Parasitol 2012; 42:715-27. [PMID: 22713760 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2012.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2011] [Revised: 02/16/2012] [Accepted: 03/16/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In this work, evidence for a critical role of Trichomonas vaginalis protein phosphatase 1 gamma (TvPP1γ) in proliferation and attachment of the parasite to the mammalian cell is provided. Firstly, proliferation and attachment of T. vaginalis parasites to HeLa cells was blocked by calyculin A (CA), a potent PP1 inhibitor. Secondly, it was demonstrated that the enzyme activity of native and recombinant TvPP1γ proteins was inhibited by CA. Thirdly, reverse genetic studies confirmed that antisense oligonucleotides targeted to PP1γ but not PP1α or β inhibited proliferation and attachment of trichomonads CA-treated parasites underwent cytoskeletal modifications, including a lack of axostyle typical labelling, suggesting that cytoskeletal phosphorylation could be regulated by a CA-sensitive phosphatase where the role of PP1γ could not be ruled out. Analysis of subcellular distribution of TvPP1γ by cell fractionation and electron microscopy demonstrated the association between TvPP1γ and the cytoskeleton. The expression of adhesins, AP120 and AP65, at the cell surface was also inhibited by CA. The concomitant inhibition of expression of adhesins and changes in the cytoskeleton in CA-treated parasites suggest a specific role for PP1γ -dependent dephosphorylation in the early stages of the host-parasite interaction. Molecular modelling of TvPP1γ showed the conservation of residues critical for maintaining proper folding into the gross structure common to PP1 proteins. Taken together, these results suggest that TvPP1γ could be considered a potential novel drug target for treatment of trichomoniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Muñoz
- Department of Medical Technology, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, P.O. Box 170, Chile
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31
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Kramer S. Developmental regulation of gene expression in the absence of transcriptional control: The case of kinetoplastids. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2012; 181:61-72. [PMID: 22019385 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2011.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2011] [Revised: 10/03/2011] [Accepted: 10/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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32
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Proteomic analysis of Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes subjected to heat shock. J Biomed Biotechnol 2012; 2012:902803. [PMID: 22287837 PMCID: PMC3263753 DOI: 10.1155/2012/902803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2011] [Revised: 08/31/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is exposed to sudden temperature changes during its life cycle. Adaptation to these variations is crucial for parasite survival, reproduction, and transmission. Some of these conditions may change the pattern of genetic expression of proteins involved in homeostasis in the course of stress treatment. In the present study, the proteome of T. cruzi epimastigotes subjected to heat shock and epimastigotes grow normally was compared by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by mass spectrometry for protein identification. Twenty-four spots differing in abundance were identified. Of the twenty-four changed spots, nineteen showed a greater intensity and five a lower intensity relative to the control. Several functional categories of the identified proteins were determined: metabolism, cell defense, hypothetical proteins, protein fate, protein synthesis, cellular transport, and cell cycle. Proteins involved in the interaction with the cellular environment were also identified, and the implications of these changes are discussed.
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33
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Leishmania donovani: proteasome-mediated down-regulation of methionine adenosyltransferase. Parasitology 2011; 138:1082-92. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182011000862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
SUMMARYMethionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) is an important enzyme for metabolic processes, to the extent that its product, S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet), plays a key role intrans-methylation,trans-sulphuration and polyamine synthesis. Previous studies have shown that a MAT-overexpressing strain ofLeishmania donovanicontrols AdoMet production, keeping the intracellular AdoMet concentration at levels that are compatible with cell survival. This unexpected result, together with the fact that MAT activity and abundance changed with time in culture, suggests that different regulatory mechanisms acting beyond the post-transcriptional level are controlling this protein. In order to gain an insight into these mechanisms, several experiments were carried out to explain the MAT abundance during promastigote cell growth. Determination of MAT turnover in cycloheximide (CHX)-treated cultures resulted in a surprising 5-fold increase in MAT turnover compared to CHX-untreated cultures. This increase agrees with a stabilization of the MAT protein, whose integrity was maintained during culture. The presence of proteasome inhibitors, namely MG-132, MG-115, epoxomycin and lactacystin in the culture medium prevented MAT degradation in both MAT-overexpressing and ‘mock-transfected’ leishmanial strains. The role of the ubiquitin (Ub) pathway in MAT down-regulation was supported using immunoprecipitation experiments. Immunoprecipitated MAT cross-reacted with anti-Ub antibodies, which provides evidence of a proteasome-mediated down-regulation of the leishmanial MAT abundance.
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Cardoso J, Lima CDP, Leal T, Gradia DF, Fragoso SP, Goldenberg S, De Sá RG, Krieger MA. Analysis of proteasomal proteolysis during the in vitro metacyclogenesis of Trypanosoma cruzi. PLoS One 2011; 6:e21027. [PMID: 21698116 PMCID: PMC3117861 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2010] [Accepted: 05/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteasomes are large protein complexes, whose main function is to degrade unnecessary or damaged proteins. The inhibition of proteasome activity in Trypanosoma cruzi blocks parasite replication and cellular differentiation. We demonstrate that proteasome-dependent proteolysis occurs during the cellular differentiation of T. cruzi from replicative non-infectious epimastigotes to non-replicative and infectious trypomastigotes (metacyclogenesis). No peaks of ubiquitin-mediated degradation were observed and the profile of ubiquitinated conjugates was similar at all stages of differentiation. However, an analysis of carbonylated proteins showed significant variation in oxidized protein levels at the various stages of differentiation and the proteasome inhibition also increased oxidized protein levels. Our data suggest that different proteasome complexes coexist during metacyclogenesis. The 20S proteasome may be free or linked to regulatory particles (PA700, PA26 and PA200), at specific cell sites and the coordinated action of these complexes would make it possible for proteolysis of ubiquitin-tagged proteins and oxidized proteins, to coexist in the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tiago Leal
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto/UFOP, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Marco A. Krieger
- Instituto Carlos Chagas/FIOCRUZ, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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35
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Alvarez VE, Niemirowicz GT, Cazzulo JJ. The peptidases of Trypanosoma cruzi: digestive enzymes, virulence factors, and mediators of autophagy and programmed cell death. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2011; 1824:195-206. [PMID: 21621652 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2011.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2011] [Revised: 05/11/2011] [Accepted: 05/12/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of the American Trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease, contains cysteine, serine, threonine, aspartyl and metallo peptidases. The most abundant among these enzymes is cruzipain, a cysteine proteinase expressed as a mixture of isoforms, some of them membrane-bound. The enzyme is an immunodominant antigen in human chronic Chagas disease and seems to be important in the host/parasite relationship. Inhibitors of cruzipain kill the parasite and cure infected mice, thus validating the enzyme as a very promising target for the development of new drugs against the disease. In addition, a 30kDa cathepsin B-like enzyme, two metacaspases and two autophagins have been described. Serine peptidases described in the parasite include oligopeptidase B, a member of the prolyl oligopeptidase family involved in Ca(2+)-signaling during mammalian cell invasion; a prolyl endopeptidase (Tc80), against which inhibitors are being developed, and a lysosomal serine carboxypeptidase. Metallopeptidases homologous to the gp63 of Leishmania spp. are present, as well as two metallocarboxypeptidases belonging to the M32 family, previously found only in prokaryotes. The proteasome has properties similar to those of other eukaryotes, and its inhibition by lactacystin blocks some differentiation steps in the life cycle of the parasite. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Proteolysis 50 years after the discovery of lysosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanina E Alvarez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas (IIB-INTECH, Universidad Nacional de San Martín-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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36
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Goldenberg S, Ávila AR. Aspects of Trypanosoma cruzi stage differentiation. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2011; 75:285-305. [PMID: 21820561 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-385863-4.00013-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi alternates between different morphological and functional types during its life cycle. Since the discovery of this parasite at the beginning of the twentieth century, efforts have been made to determine the basis of its pathogenesis in the course of Chagas disease and its biochemical constituents. There has also been work to develop tools and strategies for prophylaxis of the important disease caused by these parasites which affects millions of people in Latin America. The identification of axenic conditions allowing T. cruzi growth and differentiation has led to the identification and characterization of stage-specific antigens as well as a better characterization of the biological properties and biochemical particularities of each individual developmental stage. The recent availability of genomic data should pave the way to new progress in our knowledge of the biology and pathogenesis of T. cruzi. This review addresses the differentiation and major stage-specific antigens of T. cruzi and attempts to describe the complexity of the parasite and of the disease it causes.
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37
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Epting CL, Coates BM, Engman DM. Molecular mechanisms of host cell invasion by Trypanosoma cruzi. Exp Parasitol 2010; 126:283-91. [PMID: 20599990 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2010.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2009] [Revised: 05/28/2010] [Accepted: 06/14/2010] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, is an obligate intracellular protozoan pathogen. Overlapping mechanisms ensure successful infection, yet the relationship between these cellular events and clinical disease remains obscure. This review explores the process of cell invasion from the perspective of cell surface interactions, intracellular signaling, modulation of the host cytoskeleton and endosomal compartment, and the intracellular innate immune response to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conrad L Epting
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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38
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Higuchi MDL, Kawakami J, Ikegami R, Clementino MBM, Kawamoto FM, Reis MM, Bocchi E. Do Archaea and bacteria co-infection have a role in the pathogenesis of chronic chagasic cardiopathy? Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2010; 104 Suppl 1:199-207. [PMID: 19753475 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762009000900026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2009] [Accepted: 06/01/2009] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Chronic cardiopathy (CC) in Chagas disease is a fibrotic myocarditis with C5b-9 complement deposition. Mycoplasma and Chlamydia may interfere with the complement response. Proteolytic enzymes and archaeal genes that have been described in Trypanosoma cruzi may increase its virulence. Here we tested the hypothesis that different ratios of Mycoplasma, Chlamydia and archaeal organisms, which are frequent symbionts, may be associated with chagasic clinical forms. MATERIALS AND METHODS eight indeterminate form (IF) and 20 CC chagasic endomyocardial biopsies were submitted to in situ hybridization, electron and immunoelectron microscopy and PCR techniques for detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP), Chlamydia pneumoniae(CP), C5b-9 and archaeal-like bodies. RESULTS MP and CP-DNA were always present at lower levels in CC than in IF (p < 0.001) and were correlated with each other only in CC. Electron microscopy revealed Mycoplasma, Chlamydia and two types of archaeal-like bodies. One had electron dense lipid content (EDL) and was mainly present in IF. The other had electron lucent content (ELC) and was mainly present in CC. In this group, ELC correlated negatively with the other microbes and EDL and positively with C5b-9. The CC group was positive for Archaea and T. cruzi DNA. In conclusion, different amounts of Mycoplasma, Chlamydia and archaeal organisms may be implicated in complement activation and may have a role in Chagas disease outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria de Lourdes Higuchi
- Laboratório de Anatomia Patológica, Instituto do Coração, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
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Gutiérrez B, Osorio L, Motta MCM, Huima-Byron T, Erdjument-Bromage H, Muñoz C, Sagua H, Mortara RA, Echeverría A, Araya JE, González J. Molecular characterization and intracellular distribution of the alpha 5 subunit of Trypanosoma cruzi 20S proteasome. Parasitol Int 2009; 58:367-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2009.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2009] [Revised: 07/09/2009] [Accepted: 07/20/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Dudley R, Alsam S, Khan NA. The role of proteases in the differentiation of Acanthamoeba castellanii. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2008; 286:9-15. [PMID: 18616591 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2008.01249.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteases are significant determinants of protozoan pathogenicity and cytolysis of host cells. However, there is now growing evidence of their involvement in cellular differentiation. Acanthamoeba castellanii of the T4 genotype elaborates a number of proteases, which are inhibited by the serine protease inhibitor phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride. Using this and other selective protease inhibitors, in tandem with siRNA primers, specific to the catalytic site of Acanthamoeba serine proteases, we demonstrate that serine protease activity is crucial for the differentiation of A. castellanii. Furthermore, both encystment and excystment of A. castellanii was found to be dependent on serine protease function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricky Dudley
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Birkbeck College, University of London, London, UK
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Inhibition of proteasome activity blocks Trypanosoma cruzi growth and metacyclogenesis. Parasitol Res 2008; 103:941-51. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-008-1081-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2008] [Accepted: 06/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Ponts N, Yang J, Chung DWD, Prudhomme J, Girke T, Horrocks P, Le Roch KG. Deciphering the ubiquitin-mediated pathway in apicomplexan parasites: a potential strategy to interfere with parasite virulence. PLoS One 2008; 3:e2386. [PMID: 18545708 PMCID: PMC2408969 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0002386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2008] [Accepted: 04/24/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Reversible modification of proteins through the attachment of ubiquitin or ubiquitin-like modifiers is an essential post-translational regulatory mechanism in eukaryotes. The conjugation of ubiquitin or ubiquitin-like proteins has been demonstrated to play roles in growth, adaptation and homeostasis in all eukaryotes, with perturbation of ubiquitin-mediated systems associated with the pathogenesis of many human diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Methodology/Principal Findings Here we describe the use of an HMM search of functional Pfam domains found in the key components of the ubiquitin-mediated pathway necessary to activate and reversibly modify target proteins in eight apicomplexan parasitic protozoa for which complete or late-stage genome projects exist. In parallel, the same search was conducted on five model organisms, single-celled and metazoans, to generate data to validate both the search parameters employed and aid paralog classification in Apicomplexa. For each of the 13 species investigated, a set of proteins predicted to be involved in the ubiquitylation pathway has been identified and demonstrates increasing component members of the ubiquitylation pathway correlating with organism and genome complexity. Sequence homology and domain architecture analyses facilitated prediction of apicomplexan-specific protein function, particularly those involved in regulating cell division during these parasite's complex life cycles. Conclusions/Significance This study provides a comprehensive analysis of proteins predicted to be involved in the apicomplexan ubiquitin-mediated pathway. Given the importance of such pathway in a wide variety of cellular processes, our data is a key step in elucidating the biological networks that, in part, direct the pathogenicity of these parasites resulting in a massive impact on global health. Moreover, apicomplexan-specific adaptations of the ubiquitylation pathway may represent new therapeutic targets for much needed drugs against apicomplexan parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Ponts
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, University of California at Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Jianfeng Yang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, University of California at Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Duk-Won Doug Chung
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, University of California at Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Jacques Prudhomme
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, University of California at Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Thomas Girke
- Center for Plant Cell Biology (CEPCEB), University of California at Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Paul Horrocks
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Keele, United Kingdom
| | - Karine G. Le Roch
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, University of California at Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Marine actinomycetes: a new source of compounds against the human malaria parasite. PLoS One 2008; 3:e2335. [PMID: 18523554 PMCID: PMC2391291 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0002335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2008] [Accepted: 04/29/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria continues to be a devastating parasitic disease that causes the death of 2 million individuals annually. The increase in multi-drug resistance together with the absence of an efficient vaccine hastens the need for speedy and comprehensive antimalarial drug discovery and development. Throughout history, traditional herbal remedies or natural products have been a reliable source of antimalarial agents, e.g. quinine and artemisinin. Today, one emerging source of small molecule drug leads is the world's oceans. Included among the source of marine natural products are marine microorganisms such as the recently described actinomycete. Members of the genus Salinispora have yielded a wealth of new secondary metabolites including salinosporamide A, a molecule currently advancing through clinical trials as an anticancer agent. Because of the biological activity of metabolites being isolated from marine microorganisms, our group became interested in exploring the potential efficacy of these compounds against the malaria parasite. Methods We screened 80 bacterial crude extracts for their activity against malaria growth. We established that the pure compound, salinosporamide A, produced by the marine actinomycete, Salinispora tropica, shows strong inhibitory activity against the erythrocytic stages of the parasite cycle. Biochemical experiments support the likely inhibition of the parasite 20S proteasome. Crystal structure modeling of salinosporamide A and the parasite catalytic 20S subunit further confirm this hypothesis. Ultimately we showed that salinosporamide A protected mice against deadly malaria infection when administered at an extremely low dosage. Conclusion These findings underline the potential of secondary metabolites, derived from marine microorganisms, to inhibit Plasmodium growth. More specifically, we highlight the effect of proteasome inhibitors such as salinosporamide A on in vitro and in vivo parasite development. Salinosporamide A (NPI-0052) now being advanced to phase I trials for the treatment of refractory multiple myeloma will need to be further explored to evaluate the safety profile for its use against malaria.
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YANG ZN, FAN M, YANG XS, YU ZW, HAO XJ. Synthesis and Neurotrophic Activities ofN-p-Tolyl/phenylsulfonylL-Amino Acid Thiolester Derivatives. CHINESE J CHEM 2008. [DOI: 10.1002/cjoc.200890103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Use of proteoliposome as a vaccine against Trypanosoma cruzi in mice. Chem Phys Lipids 2008; 152:86-94. [PMID: 18262496 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2007.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2007] [Revised: 12/20/2007] [Accepted: 12/27/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
We have generated proteoliposomes carrying proteins of Trypanosoma cruzi for use as immunogens in BALB/c mice. T. cruzi trypomastigote and amastigote forms were sonicated and mixed with SDS, with 94% recovery of soluble proteins. To prepare proteoliposomes, we have used a protocol in which dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylserine and cholesterol were incubated with the parasite proteins. BALB/c mice immunized with 20microg were able to generate antibodies which, in Western blotting, reacted with the proteins of T. cruzi. We further investigated the ability of peritoneal cells from immunized mice to arrest the intracellular replication of trypomastigotes, in vitro. After 72h of culture, the number of intracellular parasites in immunized macrophages decreased significantly, as compared to controls. Despite the fact that exposure of mice to T. cruzi proteins incorporated into proteoliposomes generate antibodies and activate macrophages, the immunized mice were not protected against T. cruzi intraperitoneal challenge.
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Alvarez VE, Kosec G, Sant'Anna C, Turk V, Cazzulo JJ, Turk B. Autophagy is involved in nutritional stress response and differentiation in Trypanosoma cruzi. J Biol Chem 2007; 283:3454-3464. [PMID: 18039653 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m708474200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is the major mechanism used by eukaryotic cells to degrade and recycle proteins and organelles. Bioinformatics analysis of the genome of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi revealed the presence of all components of the Atg8 conjugation system, whereas Atg12, Atg5, and Atg10 as the major components of the Atg12 pathway could not be identified. The two TcATG4 (autophagin) homologs present in the genome were found to correctly process the two ATG8 homologs after the conserved Gly residue. Functional studies revealed that both ATG4 homologues but only one T. cruzi ATG8 homolog (TcATG8.1) complemented yeast deletion strains. During starvation of the parasite, TcAtg8.1, but not TcAtg8.2, was found by immunofluorescence to be located in autophagosome-like vesicles. This confirms its function as an Atg8/LC3 homolog and its potential to be used as an autophagosomal marker. Most importantly, autophagy is involved in differentiation between developmental stages of T. cruzi, a process that is essential for parasite maintenance and survival. These findings suggest that the autophagy pathway could represent a target for a novel chemotherapeutic strategy against Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanina E Alvarez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnologicas (IIB/INTECH, Universidad Nacional de San Martín/Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas), 1650 San Martin, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gregor Kosec
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Celso Sant'Anna
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, CCS-Bloco G, Ilha do Fundão, 21949-900 Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil
| | - Vito Turk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Juan J Cazzulo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnologicas (IIB/INTECH, Universidad Nacional de San Martín/Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas), 1650 San Martin, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Boris Turk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Niemirowicz G, Parussini F, Agüero F, Cazzulo J. Two metallocarboxypeptidases from the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi belong to the M32 family, found so far only in prokaryotes. Biochem J 2007; 401:399-410. [PMID: 17007610 PMCID: PMC1820797 DOI: 10.1042/bj20060973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
MCPs (metallocarboxypeptidases) of the M32 family of peptidases have been identified in a number of prokaryotic organisms, and only a few of them have been characterized biochemically. Members of this family are absent from eukaryotic genomes, with the remarkable exception of those of trypanosomatids. The genome of the CL Brener clone of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas' disease, encodes two such MCPs, with 64% identity between them: TcMCP-1 and TcMCP-2. Both genes, which are present in a single copy per haploid genome, were expressed in Escherichia coli as catalytically active polyHis-tagged recombinant enzymes. Despite their identity, the purified TcMCPs displayed marked biochemical differences. TcMCP-1 acted optimally at pH 6.2 on FA {N-(3-[2-furyl]acryloyl)}-Ala-Lys with a K(m) of 166 muM. Activity against benzyloxycarbonyl-Ala-Xaa substrates revealed a P1' preference for basic C-terminal residues. In contrast, TcMCP-2 preferred aromatic and aliphatic residues at this position. The K(m) value for FA-Phe-Phe at pH 7.6 was 24 muM. Therefore the specificities of both MCPs are complementary. Western blot analysis revealed a different pattern of expression for both enzymes: whereas TcMCP-1 is present in all life cycle stages of T. cruzi, TcMCP-2 is mainly expressed in the stages that occur in the invertebrate host. Indirect immunofluorescence experiments suggest that both proteins are localized in the parasite cytosol. Members of this family have been identified in other trypanosomatids, which so far are the only group of eukaryotes encoding M32 MCPs. This fact makes these enzymes an attractive potential target for drug development against these organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Niemirowicz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas-Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (IIB-INTECH), Universidad Nacional de General San Martín-CONICET, Av. General Paz 5445, 1650 San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fabiola Parussini
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas-Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (IIB-INTECH), Universidad Nacional de General San Martín-CONICET, Av. General Paz 5445, 1650 San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernán Agüero
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas-Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (IIB-INTECH), Universidad Nacional de General San Martín-CONICET, Av. General Paz 5445, 1650 San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan J. Cazzulo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas-Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (IIB-INTECH), Universidad Nacional de General San Martín-CONICET, Av. General Paz 5445, 1650 San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- To whom correspondence should be addressed (email )
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Yamauchi LM, Aliberti JC, Baruffi MD, Portela RW, Rossi MA, Gazzinelli RT, Mineo JR, Silva JS. The binding of CCL2 to the surface of Trypanosoma cruzi induces chemo-attraction and morphogenesis. Microbes Infect 2006; 9:111-8. [PMID: 17194609 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2006.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2006] [Revised: 09/25/2006] [Accepted: 10/25/2006] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Adhesion of Trypanosoma cruzi to host cells employs mechanisms which are complex and not completely understood. Upon infection, host cells release pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the environment. These had been found to be involved with increasing parasite uptake as well as killing by macrophages and cardiomyocytes. In the present study, we focused on the interaction of murine beta-chemokine CCL2 with trypomastigote forms of T. cruzi. We found that this chemokine directly triggers the chemotaxis and morphogenesis of trypomastigote forms of parasites. Binding assays showed that the interaction of CCL2 with molecules present in trypomastigote forms is abolished by the addition of condroitin 6-sulphate, a glycosaminoglycan. Moreover, we also observed that the parasite glycoproteins are the major players in this interaction. In summary, our study demonstrates a host ligand/parasite receptor interaction that may have relevant implications in the tissue tropism of this important parasitic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy M Yamauchi
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto-USP, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Rohloff P, Docampo R. Ammonium production during hypo-osmotic stress leads to alkalinization of acidocalcisomes and cytosolic acidification in Trypanosoma cruzi. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2006; 150:249-55. [PMID: 17005261 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2006.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2006] [Revised: 08/17/2006] [Accepted: 08/21/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Osmotic swelling of Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes resulted in alkalinization of acidocalcisomes, as revealed by changes in acridine orange fluorescence of intact cells. Concomitant with these changes, intracellular ammonium levels increased while extracellular ammonium levels decreased significantly. Hypo-osmotic stress also resulted in cytosolic acidification. The observed changes in intracellular pH (pH(i)) were independent of extracellular calcium, and other ions concentration. Taken together, these results are consistent with a stimulation of ammonium production upon hypo-osmotic stress and its accumulation in acidocalcisomes resulting in their alkalinization, which might be responsible for polyphosphate hydrolysis and osmotic changes in the organelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Rohloff
- Department of Pathobiology and Medical Scholars Program, University of Illinos at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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Campo VA, Buscaglia CA, Di Noia JM, Frasch ACC. Immunocharacterization of the mucin-type proteins from the intracellular stage of Trypanosoma cruzi. Microbes Infect 2006; 8:401-9. [PMID: 16253534 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2005.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2005] [Revised: 07/05/2005] [Accepted: 07/06/2005] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The surface of Trypanosoma cruzi is covered by different groups of mucins that are differentially expressed during the parasite life cycle. We have previously identified the major mucins from the bloodstream trypomastigote stage. Here, we present additional evidence that together with our previous observations allows for the identification of a second mucin group also expressed in the mammal-dwelling stages, but predominant in the intracellular amastigote. These mucins are encoded by many genes, are mostly composed of tandem repeats and are highly conserved except for an exposed hypervariable (HV) N-terminal peptide. Antibodies against HV-peptides are restricted to approximately 50% of the chronically infected human population, are monospecific (i.e. directed towards a single HV), and display low-avidity. In contrast, immunization with a single HV-peptide triggers high-avidity, cross-reacting humoral responses against multiple HV sequences, but not against other T. cruzi surface antigens. The diversity present in the HV regions and the characteristics of the antibody response against them suggest a role of these molecules in eluding and/or modulating the mammalian host immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanina A Campo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas-Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús, Universidad Nacional de General San Martín-CONICET, Av. General Paz 5445 edificio 24, San Martín (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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