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Baroni L, Abreu-Filho PG, Pereira LM, Nagl M, Yatsuda AP. Recombinant actin-depolymerizing factor of the apicomplexan Neospora caninum (NcADF) is susceptible to oxidation. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:952720. [PMID: 36601306 PMCID: PMC9806845 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.952720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a member of Apicomplexa Phylum and the causative agent of neosporosis, a disease responsible for abortions in cattle. Apicomplexan parasites have a limited set of actin-binding proteins conducting the regulation of the dynamics of nonconventional actin. The parasite actin-based motility is implicated in the parasite invasion process in the host cell. Once no commercial strategy for the neosporosis control is available, the interference in the parasite actin function may result in novel drug targets. Actin-depolymerization factor (ADF) is a member of the ADF/cofilin family, primarily known for its function in actin severing and depolymerization. ADF/cofilins are versatile proteins modulated by different mechanisms, including reduction and oxidation. In apicomplexan parasites, the mechanisms involved in the modulation of ADF function are barely explored and the effects of oxidation in the protein are unknown so far. In this study, we used the oxidants N-chlorotaurine (NCT) and H2O2 to investigate the susceptibility of the recombinant N. caninum ADF (NcADF) to oxidation. After exposing the protein to either NCT or H2O2, the dimerization status and cysteine residue oxidation were determined. Also, the interference of NcADF oxidation in the interaction with actin was assessed. The treatment of the recombinant protein with oxidants reversibly induced the production of dimers, indicating that disulfide bonds between NcADF cysteine residues were formed. In addition, the exposure of NcADF to NCT resulted in more efficient oxidation of the cysteine residues compared to H2O2. Finally, the oxidation of NcADF by NCT reduced the ability of actin-binding and altered the function of NcADF in actin polymerization. Altogether, our results clearly show that recombinant NcADF is sensitive to redox conditions, indicating that the function of this protein in cellular processes involving actin dynamics may be modulated by oxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Baroni
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Péricles Gama Abreu-Filho
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Luiz Miguel Pereira
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Markus Nagl
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ana Patricia Yatsuda
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil,*Correspondence: Ana Patricia Yatsuda,
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2
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Das S, Stortz JF, Meissner M, Periz J. The multiple functions of actin in apicomplexan parasites. Cell Microbiol 2021; 23:e13345. [PMID: 33885206 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The cytoskeletal protein actin is highly abundant and conserved in eukaryotic cells. It occurs in two different states- the globular (G-actin) form, which can polymerise into the filamentous (F-actin) form, fulfilling various critical functions including cytokinesis, cargo trafficking and cellular motility. In higher eukaryotes, there are several actin isoforms with nearly identical amino acid sequences. Despite the high level of amino acid identity, they display regulated expression patterns and unique non-redundant roles. The number of actin isoforms together with conserved sequences may reflect the selective pressure exerted by scores of actin binding proteins (ABPs) in higher eukaryotes. In contrast, in many protozoans such as apicomplexan parasites which possess only a few ABPs, the regulatory control of actin and its multiple functions are still obscure. Here, we provide a summary of the regulation and biological functions of actin in higher eukaryotes and compare it with the current knowledge in apicomplexans. We discuss future experiments that will help us understand the multiple, critical roles of this fascinating system in apicomplexans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujaan Das
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Experimental Parasitology, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Felix Stortz
- Department Metabolism of Infection, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Markus Meissner
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Experimental Parasitology, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Javier Periz
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Experimental Parasitology, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
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Hunt A, Russell MRG, Wagener J, Kent R, Carmeille R, Peddie CJ, Collinson L, Heaslip A, Ward GE, Treeck M. Differential requirements for cyclase-associated protein (CAP) in actin-dependent processes of Toxoplasma gondii. eLife 2019; 8:e50598. [PMID: 31577230 PMCID: PMC6785269 DOI: 10.7554/elife.50598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii contains a limited subset of actin binding proteins. Here we show that the putative actin regulator cyclase-associated protein (CAP) is present in two different isoforms and its deletion leads to significant defects in some but not all actin dependent processes. We observe defects in cell-cell communication, daughter cell orientation and the juxtanuclear accumulation of actin, but only modest defects in synchronicity of division and no defect in the replication of the apicoplast. 3D electron microscopy reveals that loss of CAP results in a defect in formation of a normal central residual body, but parasites remain connected within the vacuole. This dissociates synchronicity of division and parasite rosetting and reveals that establishment and maintenance of the residual body may be more complex than previously thought. These results highlight the different spatial requirements for F-actin regulation in Toxoplasma which appear to be achieved by partially overlapping functions of actin regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Hunt
- Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Jeanette Wagener
- Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Robyn Kent
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Vermont Larner College of MedicineBurlingtonUnited States
| | - Romain Carmeille
- Department of Molecular and Cell BiologyUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsUnited States
| | - Christopher J Peddie
- Electron Microscopy Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Lucy Collinson
- Electron Microscopy Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Aoife Heaslip
- Department of Molecular and Cell BiologyUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsUnited States
| | - Gary E Ward
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Vermont Larner College of MedicineBurlingtonUnited States
| | - Moritz Treeck
- Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
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4
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Narayan A, Mastud P, Thakur V, Rathod PK, Mohmmed A, Patankar S. Heterologous expression in Toxoplasma gondii reveals a topogenic signal anchor in a Plasmodium apicoplast protein. FEBS Open Bio 2018; 8:1746-1762. [PMID: 30410855 PMCID: PMC6212639 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutathione peroxidase‐like thioredoxin peroxidase (PfTPxGl) is an antioxidant enzyme trafficked to the apicoplast, a secondary endosymbiotic organelle, in Plasmodium falciparum. Apicoplast trafficking signals usually consist of N‐terminal signal and transit peptides, but the trafficking signal of PfTPxGl appears to exhibit important differences. As transfection is a protracted process in P. falciparum, we expressed the N terminus of PfTPxGl as a GFP fusion protein in a related apicomplexan, Toxoplasma gondii, in order to dissect its trafficking signals. We show that PfTPxGl possesses an N‐terminal signal anchor that takes the protein to the endoplasmic reticulum in Toxoplasma—this is the first step in the apicoplast targeting pathway. We dissected the residues important for endomembrane system uptake, membrane anchorage, orientation, spacing, and cleavage. Protease protection assays and fluorescence complementation revealed that the C terminus of the protein lies in the ER lumen, a topology that is proposed to be retained in the apicoplast. Additionally, we examined one mutant, responsible for altered PfTPxGl targeting in Toxoplasma, in Plasmodium. This study has demonstrated that PfTPxGl belongs to an emergent class of proteins that possess signal anchors, unlike the canonical bipartite targeting signals employed for the trafficking of luminal apicoplast proteins. This work adds to the mounting evidence that the signals involved in the targeting of apicoplast membrane proteins may not be as straightforward as those of luminal proteins, and also highlights the usefulness of T. gondii as a heterologous system in certain aspects of this study, such as reducing screening time and facilitating the verification of membrane topology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Narayan
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering IIT Bombay Mumbai India
| | - Pragati Mastud
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering IIT Bombay Mumbai India
| | - Vandana Thakur
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology New Delhi India
| | | | - Asif Mohmmed
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology New Delhi India
| | - Swati Patankar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering IIT Bombay Mumbai India
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5
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Baroni L, Pereira LM, Maciver SK, Yatsuda AP. Functional characterisation of the actin-depolymerising factor from the apicomplexan Neospora caninum (NcADF). Mol Biochem Parasitol 2018; 224:26-36. [PMID: 30040977 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2018.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 07/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite that causes infectious abortion in cows. As an obligate intracellular parasite, N. caninum requires a host cell environment to survive and replicate. The locomotion and invasion mechanisms of apicomplexan parasites are centred on the actin-myosin system to propel the parasite forwards and into the host cell. The functions of actin, an intrinsically dynamic protein, are modulated by actin-binding proteins (ABPs). Actin-depolymerising factor (ADF) is a ubiquitous ABP responsible for accelerating actin turnover in eukaryotic cells and is one of the few known conserved ABPs from apicomplexan parasites. Apicomplexan ADFs have nonconventional properties compared with ADF/cofilins from higher eukaryotes. In the present paper, we characterised the ADF from N. caninum (NcADF) using computational and in vitro biochemical approaches to investigate its function in rabbit muscle actin dynamics. Our predicted computational tertiary structure of NcADF demonstrated a conserved structure and phylogeny with respect to other ADF/cofilins, although certain differences in filamentous actin (F-actin) binding sites were present. The activity of recombinant NcADF on heterologous actin was regulated in part by pH and the presence of inorganic phosphate. In addition, our data suggest a comparatively weak disassembly of F-actin by NcADF. Taken together, the data presented herein represent a contribution to the field towards the understanding of the role of ADF in N. caninum and a comparative analysis of ABPs in the phylum Apicomplexa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Baroni
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, 14040-930, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Luiz M Pereira
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, 14040-930, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Sutherland K Maciver
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Ana P Yatsuda
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, 14040-930, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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6
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Actin from the apicomplexan Neospora caninum (NcACT) has different isoforms in 2D electrophoresis. Parasitology 2018; 146:33-41. [PMID: 29871709 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182018000872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites have unconventional actins that play a central role in important cellular processes such as apicoplast replication, motility of dense granules, endocytic trafficking and force generation for motility and host cell invasion. In this study, we investigated the actin of the apicomplexan Neospora caninum - a parasite associated with infectious abortion and neonatal mortality in livestock. Neospora caninum actin was detected and identified in two bands by one-dimensional (1D) western blot and in nine spots by the 2D technique. The mass spectrometry data indicated that N. caninum has at least nine different actin isoforms, possibly caused by post-translational modifications. In addition, the C4 pan-actin antibody detected specifically actin in N. caninum cellular extract. Extracellular N. caninum tachyzoites were treated with toxins that act on actin, jasplakinolide and cytochalasin D. Both substances altered the peripheric cytoplasmic localization of actin on tachyzoites. Our findings add complexity to the study of the apicomplexan actin in cellular processes, since the multiple functions of this important protein might be regulated by mechanisms involving post-translational modifications.
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7
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Salyaev RK, Rekoslavskaya NI, Stolbikov AS. Cross-reactivity of antigens and antibodies belonging to different pathogenic types of human papillomaviruses. DOKL BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2018; 477:372-376. [PMID: 29297125 DOI: 10.1134/s1607672917060084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The analysis of the properties of a quadrivalent peroral vaccine against the cervical cancer, which was created in a plant expression system on the base of transgenic tomato fruits, by immunoassay and Western blot hybridization showed that the antibodies against human papilloma virus 16 L1 (HPV16 L1) actively interacted not only with the antigenic proteins HPV18 L1, HPV31 L1, and HPV45 L1, but also with the antigenic protein HPV6 L1, which belongs to another HPV family. Thus, new data on the possibility of crossreactivity between antibodies and antigens belonging to remote HPV families were obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Salyaev
- Siberian Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Irkutsk, Russia.
| | - N I Rekoslavskaya
- Siberian Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Irkutsk, Russia.,Irkutsk Scientific Center, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - A S Stolbikov
- Siberian Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Irkutsk, Russia.,Irkutsk State University, Irkutsk, Russia
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8
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Periz J, Whitelaw J, Harding C, Gras S, Del Rosario Minina MI, Latorre-Barragan F, Lemgruber L, Reimer MA, Insall R, Heaslip A, Meissner M. Toxoplasma gondii F-actin forms an extensive filamentous network required for material exchange and parasite maturation. eLife 2017; 6:e24119. [PMID: 28322189 PMCID: PMC5375643 DOI: 10.7554/elife.24119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexan actin is important during the parasite's life cycle. Its polymerization kinetics are unusual, permitting only short, unstable F-actin filaments. It has not been possible to study actin in vivo and so its physiological roles have remained obscure, leading to models distinct from conventional actin behaviour. Here a modified version of the commercially available actin-chromobody was tested as a novel tool for visualising F-actin dynamics in Toxoplasma gondii. Cb labels filamentous actin structures within the parasite cytosol and labels an extensive F-actin network that connects parasites within the parasitophorous vacuole and allows vesicles to be exchanged between parasites. In the absence of actin, parasites lack a residual body and inter-parasite connections and grow in an asynchronous and disorganized manner. Collectively, these data identify new roles for actin in the intracellular phase of the parasites lytic cycle and provide a robust new tool for imaging parasitic F-actin dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Periz
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jamie Whitelaw
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Clare Harding
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Gras
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Mario Igor Del Rosario Minina
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Fernanda Latorre-Barragan
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Leandro Lemgruber
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Madita Alice Reimer
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Insall
- Cancer Research United Kingdom Beatson Institute, Bearsden, United Kingdom
| | - Aoife Heaslip
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, United States
| | - Markus Meissner
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Liu Z, Yin L, Li Y, Yuan F, Zhang X, Ma J, Liu H, Wang Y, Zheng K, Cao J. Intranasal immunization with recombinant Toxoplasma gondii actin depolymerizing factor confers protective efficacy against toxoplasmosis in mice. BMC Immunol 2016; 17:37. [PMID: 27716047 PMCID: PMC5053087 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-016-0173-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic protozoan closely associated with AIDS and vertical transmission. T. gondii actin depolymerizing factor (TgADF) plays an important role in actin cytoskeleton remodeling, and it is required to invade host cells. TgADF was a promising vaccine candidate. To observe the immunological changes and protective efficacy of recombinant TgADF protein (rTgADF) against T. gondii infection, we optimized the intranasal immunization dose of rTgADF and analyzed the survival rate and tachyzoite loads in mouse tissues after oral challenge with T. gondii tachyzoites. Results rTgADF was prepared, purified, and combined with mouse anti-His antibody and rabbit anti-T. gondii serum. After intranasal immunization with 10 μg, 20 μg, 30 μg, or 40 μg of rTgADF, the 30-μg group elicited high levels of secretory IgA (sIgA) in nasal, intestinal, and vesical washes, raised IgG titres in the sera, strong proliferation of splenocytes, and increased secretion of IL-2 and IFN-γ when compared with the control group. When the mice were orally challenged with T. gondii, an increase in the survival rate (36.36 %) and a decrease in the tachyzoite loads in the liver (67.77 %) and brain (51.01 %) were observed. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that intranasal immunization with rTgADF can simultaneously trigger mucosal and systemic immune responses and protect the mice against T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuanzhuan Liu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Litian Yin
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaqing Li
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Yuan
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofan Zhang
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiazhi Ma
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510000, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongmei Liu
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanjuan Wang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, MOH, China; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Kuiyang Zheng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianping Cao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, MOH, China; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China.
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10
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Bane KS, Lepper S, Kehrer J, Sattler JM, Singer M, Reinig M, Klug D, Heiss K, Baum J, Mueller AK, Frischknecht F. The Actin Filament-Binding Protein Coronin Regulates Motility in Plasmodium Sporozoites. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1005710. [PMID: 27409081 PMCID: PMC4943629 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites causing malaria need to migrate in order to penetrate tissue barriers and enter host cells. Here we show that the actin filament-binding protein coronin regulates gliding motility in Plasmodium berghei sporozoites, the highly motile forms of a rodent malaria-causing parasite transmitted by mosquitoes. Parasites lacking coronin show motility defects that impair colonization of the mosquito salivary glands but not migration in the skin, yet result in decreased transmission efficiency. In non-motile sporozoites low calcium concentrations mediate actin-independent coronin localization to the periphery. Engagement of extracellular ligands triggers an intracellular calcium release followed by the actin-dependent relocalization of coronin to the rear and initiation of motility. Mutational analysis and imaging suggest that coronin organizes actin filaments for productive motility. Using coronin-mCherry as a marker for the presence of actin filaments we found that protein kinase A contributes to actin filament disassembly. We finally speculate that calcium and cAMP-mediated signaling regulate a switch from rapid parasite motility to host cell invasion by differentially influencing actin dynamics. Parasites causing malaria are transmitted by mosquitoes and need to migrate to cross tissue barriers. The form of the parasite transmitted by the mosquito, the so-called sporozoite, needs motility to enter the salivary glands, to migrate within the skin and to enter into blood capillaries and eventually hepatocytes, where the parasites differentiate into thousands of merozoites that invade red blood cells. Sporozoite motility is based on an actin-myosin motor, as is the case in many other eukaryotic cells. However, most eukaryotic cells move much slower than sporozoites. How these parasites reach their high speed is not clear but current evidence suggests that actin filaments need to be organized by either actin-binding proteins or membrane proteins that link the filaments to an extracellular substrate. The present study explores the role of the actin filament-binding protein coronin in the motility of sporozoites of the rodent model parasite Plasmodium berghei. We found that the deletion of P. berghei coronin leads to defects in parasite motility and thus lower infection of mosquito salivary glands, which translates into less efficient transmission of the parasites. Our experiments suggest that coronin organizes actin filaments to achieve rapid and directional motility. We also identify two signaling pathways that converge to regulate actin filament dynamics and suggest that they play a role in switching the parasite from its motility mode to a cell invasion mode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartik S. Bane
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Heidelberg Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simone Lepper
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Heidelberg Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jessica Kehrer
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Heidelberg Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julia M. Sattler
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Heidelberg Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mirko Singer
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Heidelberg Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Miriam Reinig
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Heidelberg Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dennis Klug
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Heidelberg Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kirsten Heiss
- Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Heidelberg Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
- Malva GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jake Baum
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ann-Kristin Mueller
- Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Heidelberg Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Friedrich Frischknecht
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Heidelberg Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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11
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Sato Y, Hliscs M, Dunst J, Goosmann C, Brinkmann V, Montagna GN, Matuschewski K. Comparative Plasmodium gene overexpression reveals distinct perturbation of sporozoite transmission by profilin. Mol Biol Cell 2016; 27:2234-44. [PMID: 27226484 PMCID: PMC4945141 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e15-10-0734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The roles of vital genes, such as those of G-actin–binding proteins, in malaria parasites are underexplored. Overexpression of Plasmodium profilin perturbs actin dynamics only in sporozoites. Strict actin regulation is particularly important for malaria transmission. Mapping of phenotypes can be done by comparative Plasmodium gene overexpression. Plasmodium relies on actin-based motility to migrate from the site of infection and invade target cells. Using a substrate-dependent gliding locomotion, sporozoites are able to move at fast speed (1–3 μm/s). This motility relies on a minimal set of actin regulatory proteins and occurs in the absence of detectable filamentous actin (F-actin). Here we report an overexpression strategy to investigate whether perturbations of F-actin steady-state levels affect gliding locomotion and host invasion. We selected two vital Plasmodium berghei G-actin–binding proteins, C-CAP and profilin, in combination with three stage-specific promoters and mapped the phenotypes afforded by overexpression in all three extracellular motile stages. We show that in merozoites and ookinetes, additional expression does not impair life cycle progression. In marked contrast, overexpression of C-CAP and profilin in sporozoites impairs circular gliding motility and salivary gland invasion. The propensity for productive motility correlates with actin accumulation at the parasite tip, as revealed by combinations of an actin-stabilizing drug and transgenic parasites. Strong expression of profilin, but not C-CAP, resulted in complete life cycle arrest. Comparative overexpression is an alternative experimental genetic strategy to study essential genes and reveals effects of regulatory imbalances that are not uncovered from deletion-mutant phenotyping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Sato
- Parasitology Unit, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, 10117 Berlin, Germany Infectious Diseases Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore-Massachusetts Institute of Technology Alliance for Research and Technology, 138602 Singapore
| | - Marion Hliscs
- Parasitology Unit, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, 10117 Berlin, Germany School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010 Victoria, Australia
| | - Josefine Dunst
- Parasitology Unit, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, 10117 Berlin, Germany Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Goosmann
- Imaging Unit, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Volker Brinkmann
- Imaging Unit, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Georgina N Montagna
- Parasitology Unit, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, 10117 Berlin, Germany Departamento de Microbiologia, Immunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, 04039-032 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kai Matuschewski
- Parasitology Unit, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, 10117 Berlin, Germany Institute of Biology, Humboldt University, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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Heaslip AT, Nelson SR, Warshaw DM. Dense granule trafficking in Toxoplasma gondii requires a unique class 27 myosin and actin filaments. Mol Biol Cell 2016; 27:2080-9. [PMID: 27146112 PMCID: PMC4927281 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e15-12-0824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The survival of Toxoplasma gondii within its host cell requires protein release from vesicles, called dense granules (DGs). Through imaging of the motions of DGs in live intracellular parasites, it is shown that DG transport is dependent on F-actin and a class 27 myosin, TgMyoF, thus uncovering new critical roles for these essential proteins in the parasite’s lytic cycle. The survival of Toxoplasma gondii within its host cell requires protein release from secretory vesicles, called dense granules, to maintain the parasite’s intracellular replicative niche. Despite the importance of DGs, nothing is known about the mechanisms underlying their transport. In higher eukaryotes, secretory vesicles are transported to the plasma membrane by molecular motors moving on their respective cytoskeletal tracks (i.e., microtubules and actin). Because the organization of these cytoskeletal structures differs substantially in T. gondii, the molecular motor dependence of DG trafficking is far from certain. By imaging the motions of green fluorescent protein–tagged DGs in intracellular parasites with high temporal and spatial resolution, we show through a combination of molecular genetics and chemical perturbations that directed DG transport is independent of microtubules and presumably their kinesin/dynein motors. However, directed DG transport is dependent on filamentous actin and a unique class 27 myosin, TgMyoF, which has structural similarity to myosin V, the prototypical cargo transporter. Actomyosin DG transport was unexpected, since filamentous parasite actin has yet to be visualized in vivo due in part to the prevailing model that parasite actin forms short, unstable filaments. Thus our data uncover new critical roles for these essential proteins in the lytic cycle of this devastating pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoife T Heaslip
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Shane R Nelson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - David M Warshaw
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405
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