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Zhong H, Hou L, Qin F, Ren Y, Dong B, Zhu D, Li H, Lu K, Fu Z, Liu J, Gu S, Jin Y. Molecular and functional characterization of Schistosoma japonicum annexin A13. Vet Res 2023; 54:116. [PMID: 38049816 PMCID: PMC10696758 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-023-01244-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects humans and animals in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Schistosome eggs are responsible for the pathogenesis and transmission of schistosomiasis, thus reducing egg production is vital for prevention and control of schistosomiasis. However, the mechanisms underlying schistosome reproduction remain unclear. Annexin proteins (ANXs) are involved in the physiological and pathological functions of schistosomes, but the specific regulatory mechanisms and roles of ANX A13 in the development of Schistosoma japonicum and host-parasite interactions remain poorly understood. Therefore, in this study, the expression profiles of SjANX A13 at different life cycle stages of S. japonicum were assessed using quantitative PCR. In addition, the expression profiles of the homolog in S. mansoni were analyzed in reference to public datasets. The results of RNA interference showed that knockdown of SjANX A13 significantly affected the development and egg production of female worms in vivo. The results of an immune protection assay showed that recombinant SjANX A13 increased production of immunoglobulin G-specific antibodies. Finally, co-culture of S. japonicum exosomes with LX-2 cells using a transwell system demonstrated that SjANX A13 is involved in host-parasite interactions via exosomes. Collectively, these results will help to clarify the roles of SjANX A13 in the development of S. japonicum and host-parasite interactions as a potential vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zhong
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Hou
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Shanxi, China
| | - Fanglin Qin
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuqi Ren
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Bowen Dong
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Danlin Zhu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Li
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Lu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqiang Fu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinming Liu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaopeng Gu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Shanxi, China
| | - Yamei Jin
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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He X, Shao G, Du X, Hua R, Song H, Chen Y, Zhu X, Yang G. Molecular characterization and functional implications on mouse peripheral blood mononuclear cells of annexin proteins from Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:350. [PMID: 37803469 PMCID: PMC10559496 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05967-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a life-threatening zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato, which employs various strategies to evade the host immune system for survival. Recent advances have revealed the role of annexins as excretory/secretory products, providing new insights into the immune regulation by these proteins in the pathogenesis of CE. METHODS Echinococcus granulosus annexin B proteins EgANXB2, EgANXB18, EgANXB20, and EgANXB23 were cloned, expressed, and analyzed using bioinformatic tools. Membrane binding analysis was used to assess their bioactivity, while their immunoreactivity and tissue distribution characteristics were determined experimentally using western blotting and immunofluorescence staining, respectively. Furthermore, quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to analyze the mRNA expression profiles of EgANXBs in different developmental stages of E. granulosus. Finally, immunofluorescence staining, cell counting kit 8 assays, flow cytometry, transwell migration assays, and qRT-PCR were used to evaluate the functional effects of rEgANXB18 and rEgANXB20 on mouse peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). RESULTS In this study, we identified four EgANXBs with conserved protein structures and calcium-dependent phospholipid binding activities. rEgANXBs were recognized by serum from sheep infected with E. granulosus and distributed in the germinal layer of fertile cysts. Interestingly, transcription levels of the four EgANXBs were significantly higher in protoscoleces than in 28-day strobilated worms. Moreover, we demonstrated that rEgANXB18 and rEgANXB20 were secretory proteins that could bind to PBMCs and regulate their function. Specifically, rEgANXB18 inhibited cell proliferation and migration while promoting cell apoptosis, NO production, and cytokine profile shifting. In contrast, rEgANXB20 showed limited effects on apoptosis but inhibited NO production. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggested that among the four identified EgANXBs, EgANXB2 and EgANXB23 might play a pivotal role for the development of protoscoleces, while EgANXB18 and EgANXB20, as secretory proteins, appeared to participate in the host-parasite interaction by regulating the function of immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue He
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoqing Shao
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaodi Du
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruiqi Hua
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyu Song
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanxin Chen
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaowei Zhu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangyou Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.
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Rashidi S, Mansouri R, Ali-Hassanzadeh M, Muro A, Nguewa P, Manzano-Román R. The most prominent modulated annexins during parasitic infections. Acta Trop 2023; 243:106942. [PMID: 37172709 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106942] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Annexins (ANXs) exert different functions in cell biological and pathological processes and are thus known as double or multi-faceted proteins. These sophisticated proteins might express on both parasite structure and secretion and in parasite-infected host cells. In addition to the characterization of these pivotal proteins, describing their mechanism of action can be also fruitful in recognizing their roles in the pathogenesis of parasitic infections. Accordingly, this study presents the most prominent ANXs thus far identified and their relevant functions in parasites and infected host cells during pathogenesis, especially in the most important intracellular protozoan parasitic infections including leishmaniasis, toxoplasmosis, malaria and trypanosomiasis. The data provided in this study demonstrate that the helminth parasites most probably express and secret ANXs to develop pathogenesis while the modulation of the host-ANXs could be employed as a crucial strategy by intracellular protozoan parasites. Moreover, such data highlight that the use of analogs of both parasite and host ANX peptides (which mimic or regulate ANXs physiological functions through various strategies) might suggest novel therapeutic insights into the treatment of parasitic infections. Furthermore, due to the prominent immunoregulatory activities of ANXs during most parasitic infections and the expression levels of these proteins in some parasitic infected tissues, such multifunctional proteins might be also potentially relevant as vaccine and diagnostic biomarkers. We also suggest some prospects and insights that could be useful and applicable to form the basis of future experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Rashidi
- Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
| | - Reza Mansouri
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali-Hassanzadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
| | - Antonio Muro
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Group (e-INTRO), Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Paul Nguewa
- University of Navarra, ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology. IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), c/ Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Raúl Manzano-Román
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Group (e-INTRO), Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain.
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Mohammad Shabani NR, Khairul Hisyam Ismail CM, Anthony AA, Leow CH, Chuah C, Abdul Majeed AB, Nor NM, He Y, Banga Singh KK, Leow CY. Mass spectrometry-based immunopeptidomics and computational vaccinology strategies for the identification of universal Shigella immunogenic candidates. Comput Biol Med 2022; 148:105900. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.105900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Zeng F, Yi C, Zhang W, Cheng S, Sun C, Luo F, Feng Z, Hu W. A new ferritin SjFer0 affecting the growth and development of Schistosoma japonicum. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:177. [PMID: 35610663 PMCID: PMC9128280 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05247-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis, an acute and chronic parasitic disease, causes substantial morbidity and mortality in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Iron is an essential constituent of numerous macromolecules involving in important cellular reactions in virtually all organisms. Trematodes of the genus Schistosoma live in iron-rich blood, feed on red blood cells and store abundant iron in vitelline cells. Ferritins are multi-meric proteins that store iron inside cells. Three ferritin isoforms in Schistosoma japonicum are known, namely SjFer0, SjFer1 and SjFer2; however, their impact on the growth and development of the parasites is still unknown. In this study we report on and characterize the ferritins in S. japonicum. Methods A phylogenetic tree of the SjFer0, SjFer1 and SjFer2 genes was constructed to show the evolutionary relationship among species of genus Schistosoma. RNA interference in vivo was used to investigate the impact of SjFer0 on schistosome growth and development. Immunofluorescence assay was applied to localize the expression of the ferritins. RNA-sequencing was performed to characterize the iron transport profile after RNA interference. Results SjFer0 was found to have low similarity with SjFer1 and SjFer2 and contain an additional signal peptide sequence. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that SjFer0 can only cluster with some ferritins of other trematodes and tapeworms, suggesting that this ferritin branch might be unique to these parasites. RNA interference in vivo showed that SjFer0 significantly affected the growth and development of schistosomula but did not affect egg production of adult female worms. SjFer1 and SjFer2 had no significant impact on growth and development. The immunofluorescence study showed that SjFer0 was widely expressed in the somatic cells and vitelline glands but not in the testicle or ovary. RNA-sequencing indicated that, in female, the ion transport process and calcium ion binding function were downregulated after SjFer0 RNA interference. Among the differentially downregulated genes, Sj-cpi-2, annexin and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein may be accounted for the suppression of schistosome growth and development. Conclusions The results indicate that SjFer0 affects the growth and development of schistosomula but does not affect egg production of adult female worms. SjFer0 can rescue the growth of the fet3fet4 double mutant Saccharomyces cerevisiae (strain DEY1453), suggesting being able to promote iron absorption. The RNA interference of SjFer0 inferred that the suppression of worm growth and development may via down-regulating Sj-cpi-2, annexin, and IGFBP. Graphic Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05247-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanyuan Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 2005 Song Hu Road, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Cun Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 2005 Song Hu Road, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 2005 Song Hu Road, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaoyun Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 2005 Song Hu Road, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengsong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 2005 Song Hu Road, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 2005 Song Hu Road, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Feng
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Joint Research Laboratory of Genetics and Ecology on Parasite-Host Interaction, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 2005 Song Hu Road, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Joint Research Laboratory of Genetics and Ecology on Parasite-Host Interaction, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China. .,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Monglia University, Hohhot, 010030, People's Republic of China.
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Fifty years of the schistosome tegument: discoveries, controversies, and outstanding questions. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:1213-1232. [PMID: 34767805 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The unique multilaminate appearance of the tegument surface of schistosomes was first described in 1973, in one of the earliest volumes of the International Journal for Parasitology. The present review, published almost 50 years later, traces the development of our knowledge of the tegument, starting with those earliest cytological advances, particularly the surface plasma membrane-membranocalyx complex, through an era of protein discovery to the modern age of protein characterization, aided by proteomics. More recently, analysis of single cell transcriptomes of schistosomes is providing insight into the organisation of the cell bodies that support the surface syncytium. Our understanding of the tegument, notably the nature of the proteins present within the plasma membrane and membranocalyx, has provided insights into how the schistosomes interact with their hosts but many aspects of how the tegument functions remain unanswered. Among the unresolved aspects are those concerned with maintenance and renewal of the surface membrane complex, and whether surface proteins and membrane components are recycled. Current controversies arising from investigations about whether the tegument is a source of extracellular vesicles during parasitism, and if it is covered with glycolytic enzymes, are evaluated in the light of cytological and proteomic knowledge of the layer.
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Leow CY, Willis C, Chuah C, Leow CH, Jones M. Immunogenicity, antibody responses and vaccine efficacy of recombinant annexin B30 against Schistosoma mansoni. Parasite Immunol 2020; 42:e12693. [PMID: 31880816 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Schistosomes infect approximately 250 million people worldwide. To date, there is no effective vaccine available for the prevention of schistosome infection in endemic regions. There remains a need to develop means to confer long-term protection of individuals against reinfection. In this study, an annexin, namely annexin B30, which is highly expressed in the tegument of Schistosoma mansoni was selected to evaluate its immunogenicity and protective efficacy in a mouse model. METHODS AND RESULTS Bioinformatics analysis showed that there were three potential linear B-cell epitopes and four conformational B-cell epitopes predicted from annexin B30, respectively. Full-length annexin B30 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). In the presence of adjuvants, the soluble recombinant protein was evaluated for its protective efficacy in two independent vaccine trials. Immunization of CBA mice with recombinant annexin B30 formulated either in alum only or alum/CpG induced a mixed Th1/Th2 cytokine profile but no significant protection against schistosome infection was detected. CONCLUSION Recombinant annexin B30 did not confer significant protection against the parasite. The molecule may not be suitable for vaccine development. However, it could be an ideal biomarker recommended for immunodiagnostics development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiuan Yee Leow
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Charlene Willis
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Qld, Australia
| | - Candy Chuah
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Chiuan Herng Leow
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia
| | - Malcolm Jones
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
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Kazi A, Hisyam Ismail CMK, Anthony AA, Chuah C, Leow CH, Lim BH, Banga Singh KK, Leow CY. Designing and evaluation of an antibody-targeted chimeric recombinant vaccine encoding Shigella flexneri outer membrane antigens. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2020; 80:104176. [PMID: 31923724 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Shigellosis is one of the most common diseases found in the developing countries, especially those countries that are prone flood. The causative agent for this disease is the Shigella species. This organism is one of the third most common enteropathogens responsible for childhood diarrhea. Since Shigella can survive gastric acidity and is an intracellular pathogen, it becomes difficult to treat. Also, uncontrolled use of antibiotics has led to development of resistant strains which poses a threat to public health. Therefore, there is a need for long term control of Shigella infection which can be achieved by designing a proper and effective vaccine. In this study, emphasis was made on designing a candidate that could elicit both B-cell and T-cell immune response. Hence B- and T-cell epitopes of outer membrane channel protein (OM) and putative lipoprotein (PL) from S. flexneri 2a were computationally predicted using immunoinformatics approach and a chimeric construct (chimeric-OP) containing the immunogenic epitopes selected from OM and PL was designed, cloned and expressed in E. coli system. The immunogenicity of the recombinant chimeric-OP was assessed using Shigella antigen infected rabbit antibody. The result showed that the chimeric-OP was a synthetic peptide candidate suitable for the development of vaccine and immunodiagnostics against Shigella infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada Kazi
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | | | - Amy Amilda Anthony
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Candy Chuah
- School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Chiuan Herng Leow
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Boon Huat Lim
- School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | | | - Chiuan Yee Leow
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia.
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Leow CY, Willis C, Leow CH, Hofmann A, Jones M. Molecular characterization of Schistosoma mansoni tegument annexins and comparative analysis of antibody responses following parasite infection. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2019; 234:111231. [PMID: 31628972 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2019.111231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomes are parasitic blood flukes that infect approximately 250 million people worldwide. The disease known as schistosomiasis, is the second most significant tropical parasitic disease after malaria. Praziquantel is the only effective drug currently licensed for schistosomiasis and there are concerns about resistance to the drug. There has been much effort to develop vaccines against schistosomiasis to produce long-term protection in endemic regions. Surface-associated proteins, and in particular, those expressed in the body wall, or tegument, have been proposed as potential vaccine targets. Of these, annexins are thought to be of integral importance for the stability of this apical membrane system. Here, we present the structural and immunobiochemical characterization of four homologous annexins namely annexin B30, annexin B5a, annexin B7a and annexin B5b from S. mansoni. Bioinformatics analysis showed that there was no signal peptide predicted for any annexin in this study. Further analysis showed that each of all four annexin protein possesses a primary structure consisting of a short but variable N-terminal region and a long C-terminal core containing four homologous annexin repeats (I-IV), which contain five alpha-helices. The life cycle expression profile of each annexin was assessed using quantitative PCR. The results showed that the overall transcript levels of the each of four homologous annexins were relatively low in the egg stage, but increased gradually after the transition of cercariae (the invasive schistosome larvae) to schistosomula (the post-invasive larvae). Circular dichroism (CD) demonstrated that rAnnexin B30, rAnnexin B5a and rAnnexin 7a were folded, showing a secondary structure content rich in alpha-helices. The membrane binding affinity was enhanced when rAnnexin B30, rAnnexin B5a and rAnnexin 7a was incubated in the presence of Ca2+. All annexin members evaluated in this study were immunolocalized to the tegument, with immunoreactivity also occurring in cells and in muscle of adult parasites. All four recombinant annexins were immunoreactive and they were recognized by the sera of mice infected with S. mansoni. In conclusion, the overall results present the molecular characterization of annexin B30, annexin B5a, annexin B7a and annexin B5b from S. mansoni in host-parasite interactions and strongly suggest that the molecules could be useful candidates for vaccine or diagnostic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiuan Yee Leow
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia.
| | - Charlene Willis
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Chiuan Herng Leow
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Structural Chemistry Program, Eskitis Institute for Cell and Molecular Therapies, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Malcolm Jones
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia
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McCulloch KM, Yamakawa I, Shifrin DA, McConnell RE, Foegeding NJ, Singh PK, Mao S, Tyska MJ, Iverson TM. An alternative N-terminal fold of the intestine-specific annexin A13a induces dimerization and regulates membrane-binding. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:3454-3463. [PMID: 30610115 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.004571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Annexin proteins function as Ca2+-dependent regulators of membrane trafficking and repair that may also modulate membrane curvature. Here, using high-resolution confocal imaging, we report that the intestine-specific annexin A13 (ANX A13) localizes to the tips of intestinal microvilli and determined the crystal structure of the ANX A13a isoform to 2.6 Å resolution. The structure revealed that the N terminus exhibits an alternative fold that converts the first two helices and the associated helix-loop-helix motif into a continuous α-helix, as stabilized by a domain-swapped dimer. We also found that the dimer is present in solution and partially occludes the membrane-binding surfaces of annexin, suggesting that dimerization may function as a means for regulating membrane binding. Accordingly, as revealed by in vitro binding and cellular localization assays, ANX A13a variants that favor a monomeric state exhibited increased membrane association relative to variants that favor the dimeric form. Together, our findings support a mechanism for how the association of the ANX A13a isoform with the membrane is regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Suli Mao
- Cell and Developmental Biology, and
| | | | - T M Iverson
- From the Departments of Pharmacology, .,Biochemistry.,the Center for Structural Biology, and.,the Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
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Cai P, Liu S, Piao X, Hou N, You H, McManus DP, Chen Q. A next-generation microarray further reveals stage-enriched gene expression pattern in the blood fluke Schistosoma japonicum. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:19. [PMID: 28069074 PMCID: PMC5223471 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1947-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is caused by infection with blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma, and ranks, in terms of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), as the third most important neglected tropical disease. Schistosomes have several discrete life stages involving dramatic morphological changes during their development, which require subtle gene expression modulations to complete the complex life-cycle. RESULTS In the current study, we employed a second generation schistosome DNA chip printed with the most comprehensive probe array for studying the Schistosoma japonicum transcriptome, to explore stage-associated gene expression in different developmental phases of S. japonicum. A total of 328, 95, 268 and 532 mRNA transcripts were enriched in cercariae, hepatic schistosomula, adult worms and eggs, respectively. In general, genes associated with transcriptional regulation, cell signalling and motor activity were readily expressed in cercariae; the expression of genes involved in neuronal activities, apoptosis and renewal was modestly upregulated in hepatic schistosomula; transcripts involved in egg production, nutrition metabolism and glycosylation were enriched in adult worms; while genes involved in cell division, microtubule-associated mobility, and host-parasite interplay were relatively highly expressed in eggs. CONCLUSIONS The study further highlights the expressional features of stage-associated genes in schistosomes with high accuracy. The results provide a better perspective of the biological characteristics among different developmental stages, which may open new avenues for identification of novel vaccine candidates and the development of novel control interventions against schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Cai
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China. .,Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Shuai Liu
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianyu Piao
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan Hou
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong You
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Qijun Chen
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China.
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12
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SPARC (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine) of the intestinal nematode Strongyloides ratti is involved in mucosa-associated parasite-host interaction. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2016; 207:75-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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13
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Labbunruang N, Phadungsil W, Tesana S, Smooker PM, Grams R. Similarity of a 16.5kDa tegumental protein of the human liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini to nematode cytoplasmic motility protein. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2016; 207:1-9. [PMID: 27140280 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Opisthorchis viverrini is the causative agent of human opisthorchiasis in Thailand and long lasting infection with the parasite has been correlated with the development of cholangiocarcinoma. In this work we have molecularly characterized the first member of a protein family carrying two DM9 repeats in this parasite (OvDM9-1). InterPro and other protein family databases describe the DM9 repeat as a protein domain of unknown function that has been first noted in Drosophila melanogaster. Two paralogous proteins have been partially characterized in the genus Fasciola, Fasciola hepatica TP16.5, a novel tegumental antigen in human fascioliasis and, recently F. gigantica DM9-1, a parenchymal protein with structural similarity to nematode cytoplasmic motility protein (MFP2). In this study, we show further evidence that this family of trematode proteins is related to MFP2 in sequence and structure. Soluble recombinant OvDM9-1 was used for structural analyses and for production of specific antisera. The native protein was detected in soluble and insoluble crude worm extracts and in seemingly various oligomeric forms in the latter. The potential for oligomerization was supported by cross-linking experiments of recombinant OvDM9-1. Structure prediction suggested a β-rich secondary structure of the protein and this was supported by a circular dichroism analysis. Molecular modeling in Phyre2 identified both MFP2 domains as distant homologs of OvDM9-1. The protein was located in tegumental type tissue and the cecal epithelium in the mature parasite. Recombinant OvDM9-1 was used as target in indirect ELISA but sera from infected hamsters showed only marginal reactivity towards it. It is proposed that OvDM9-1 and other members of this protein family have a role in cellular transport through functions on the cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nipawan Labbunruang
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathumthani 12121, Thailand
| | - Wansika Phadungsil
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathumthani 12121, Thailand
| | - Smarn Tesana
- Food-borne Parasite Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Peter M Smooker
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - Rudi Grams
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathumthani 12121, Thailand.
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14
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Exploring molecular variation in Schistosoma japonicum in China. Sci Rep 2015; 5:17345. [PMID: 26621075 PMCID: PMC4664899 DOI: 10.1038/srep17345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects more than 200 million people worldwide. The main disease-causing agents, Schistosoma japonicum, S. mansoni and S. haematobium, are blood flukes that have complex life cycles involving a snail intermediate host. In Asia, S. japonicum causes hepatointestinal disease (schistosomiasis japonica) and is challenging to control due to a broad distribution of its snail hosts and range of animal reservoir hosts. In China, extensive efforts have been underway to control this parasite, but genetic variability in S. japonicum populations could represent an obstacle to eliminating schistosomiasis japonica. Although a draft genome sequence is available for S. japonicum, there has been no previous study of molecular variation in this parasite on a genome-wide scale. In this study, we conducted the first deep genomic exploration of seven S. japonicum populations from mainland China, constructed phylogenies using mitochondrial and nuclear genomic data sets, and established considerable variation between some of the populations in genes inferred to be linked to key cellular processes and/or pathogen-host interactions. Based on the findings from this study, we propose that verifying intraspecific conservation in vaccine or drug target candidates is an important first step toward developing effective vaccines and chemotherapies against schistosomiasis.
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15
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Cwiklinski K, de la Torre-Escudero E, Trelis M, Bernal D, Dufresne PJ, Brennan GP, O'Neill S, Tort J, Paterson S, Marcilla A, Dalton JP, Robinson MW. The Extracellular Vesicles of the Helminth Pathogen, Fasciola hepatica: Biogenesis Pathways and Cargo Molecules Involved in Parasite Pathogenesis. Mol Cell Proteomics 2015; 14:3258-73. [PMID: 26486420 PMCID: PMC4762619 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m115.053934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by parasites have important roles in establishing and maintaining infection. Analysis of the soluble and vesicular secretions of adult Fasciola hepatica has established a definitive characterization of the total secretome of this zoonotic parasite. Fasciola secretes at least two subpopulations of EVs that differ according to size, cargo molecules and site of release from the parasite. The larger EVs are released from the specialized cells that line the parasite gastrodermus and contain the zymogen of the 37 kDa cathepsin L peptidase that performs a digestive function. The smaller exosome-like vesicle population originate from multivesicular bodies within the tegumental syncytium and carry many previously described immunomodulatory molecules that could be delivered into host cells. By integrating our proteomics data with recently available transcriptomic data sets we have detailed the pathways involved with EV biogenesis in F. hepatica and propose that the small exosome biogenesis occurs via ESCRT-dependent MVB formation in the tegumental syncytium before being shed from the apical plasma membrane. Furthermore, we found that the molecular “machinery” required for EV biogenesis is constitutively expressed across the intramammalian development stages of the parasite. By contrast, the cargo molecules packaged within the EVs are developmentally regulated, most likely to facilitate the parasites migration through host tissue and to counteract host immune attack.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystyna Cwiklinski
- From the ‡School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | | | - Maria Trelis
- §Área de Parasitología, Departamento de Biología Celular y Parasitología, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain; ¶Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, Universitat de València-Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Dolores Bernal
- ‖Departmento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Gerard P Brennan
- From the ‡School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Sandra O'Neill
- ‡‡School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Republic of Ireland
| | - Jose Tort
- §§Departmento de Genética. Facultad de Medicina, UDELAR, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Steve Paterson
- ¶¶Centre for Genomic Research, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Antonio Marcilla
- §Área de Parasitología, Departamento de Biología Celular y Parasitología, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain; ¶Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, Universitat de València-Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - John P Dalton
- From the ‡School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Mark W Robinson
- From the ‡School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland; ‖‖Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
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16
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Non-immune immunoglobulins shield Schistosoma japonicum from host immunorecognition. Sci Rep 2015; 5:13434. [PMID: 26299686 PMCID: PMC4547136 DOI: 10.1038/srep13434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a major human parasitic disease with a global impact. Schistosoma japonicum, the most difficult to control, can survive within host veins for decades. Mechanisms of immune evasion by the parasite, including antigenic variation and surface masking, have been implicated but not well defined. In this study, we defined the immunoglobulin-binding proteomes of S. japonicum using human IgG, IgM, and IgE as the molecular bait for affinity purification, followed by protein identification by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Several proteins situated at the tegument of S. japonicum were able to nonselectively bind to the Fc domain of host immunoglobulins, indicating a mechanism for the avoidance of host immune attachment and recognition. The profile of the immunoglobulin-binding proteomes provides further clues for immune evasion mechanisms adopted by S. japonicum.
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17
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Leow CY, Willis C, Hofmann A, Jones MK. Structure-function analysis of apical membrane-associated molecules of the tegument of schistosome parasites of humans: prospects for identification of novel targets for parasite control. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:1653-63. [PMID: 25176442 PMCID: PMC4376446 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Revised: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases are a group of some 17 diseases that afflict poor and predominantly rural people in developing nations. One significant disease that contributes to substantial morbidity in endemic areas is schistosomiasis, caused by infection with one of five species of blood fluke belonging to the trematode genus Schistosoma. Although there is one drug available for treatment of affected individuals in clinics, or for mass administration in endemic regions, there is a need for new therapies. A prominent target organ of schistosomes, either for drug or vaccine development, is the peculiar epithelial syncytium that forms the body wall (tegument) of this parasite. This dynamic layer is maintained and organized by concerted activity of a range of proteins, among which are the abundant tegumentary annexins. In this review, we will outline advances in structure-function analyses of these annexins, as a means to understanding tegument cell biology in host-parasite interaction and their potential exploitation as targets for anti-schistosomiasis therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiuan Yee Leow
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of QueenslandGatton, Queensland, Australia
- Infectious Diseases, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteHerston, Queensland, Australia
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains MalaysiaPenang, Malaysia
| | - Charlene Willis
- Infectious Diseases, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteHerston, Queensland, Australia
- Structural Chemistry Program, Eskitis Institute, Griffith UniversityBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Structural Chemistry Program, Eskitis Institute, Griffith UniversityBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of MelbourneParkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Malcolm K Jones
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of QueenslandGatton, Queensland, Australia
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18
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Wang CK, Hofmann A. An integrated Java tool for generating amino acid sequence alignments with mapped secondary structure elements. 3 Biotech 2015; 5:87-92. [PMID: 28324365 PMCID: PMC4327748 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-014-0222-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The mapping of secondary structure elements onto amino acid sequences enhances the quality of alignments frequently used in phylogenetic, genomic and transcriptomic studies, as well as in molecular modelling. Here, we report recent updates to the Java application SBAL, an integrated tool to generate, edit, visualise and analyse secondary structure-based sequence alignments. The main goal of the software is to streamline the work flow in generation of structure-based alignments, and we have thus implemented the option to import and visualise sequence and structure information directly from any PDB file. The new feature is achieved by a Java application named ASSP which follows the original framework of the well-established dictionary of protein secondary structure by Kabsch and Sander. ASSP is also available as a stand-alone application. Other major additions to SBAL include the calculation of distance matrices, peptide properties, as well as detailed on-line tutorials for typical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conan K Wang
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Structural Chemistry Program, Eskitis Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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19
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Gobert GN, You H, McManus DP. Gaining biological perspectives from schistosome genomes. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2014; 196:21-8. [PMID: 25076011 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2014.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Characterization of the genomic basis underlying schistosome biology is an important strategy for the development of future treatments and interventions. Genomic sequence is now available for the three major clinically relevant schistosome species, Schistosoma mansoni, S. japonicum and S. haematobium, and this information represents an invaluable resource for the future control of human schistosomiasis. The identification of a biologically important, but distinct from the host, schistosome gene product is the ultimate goal for many research groups. While the initial elucidation of the genome of an organism is critical for most biological research, continued improvement or curation of the genome construction should be an ongoing priority. In this review we will discuss prominent recent findings utilizing a systems approach to schistosome biology, as well as the increased use of interference RNA (RNAi). Both of these research strategies are aiming to place parasite genes into a more meaningful biological perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey N Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Hong You
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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20
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Mason L, Amani P, Cross M, Baker J, Bailey UM, Jones MK, Gasser RB, Hofmann A. The Relevance of Structural Biology in Studying Molecules Involved in Parasite–Host Interactions: Potential for Designing New Interventions. Aust J Chem 2014. [DOI: 10.1071/ch14304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
New interventions against infectious diseases require a detailed knowledge and understanding of pathogen–host interactions and pathogeneses at the molecular level. The combination of the considerable advances in systems biology research with methods to explore the structural biology of molecules is poised to provide new insights into these areas. Importantly, exploring three-dimensional structures of proteins is central to understanding disease processes, and establishing structure–function relationships assists in identification and assessment of new drug and vaccine targets. Frequently, the molecular arsenal deployed by invading pathogens, and in particular parasites, reveals a common theme whereby families of proteins with conserved three-dimensional folds play crucial roles in infectious processes, but individual members of such families show high levels of specialisation, which is often achieved through grafting particular structural features onto the shared overall fold. Accordingly, the applicability of predictive methodologies based on the primary structure of proteins or genome annotations is limited, particularly when thorough knowledge of molecular-level mechanisms is required. Such instances exemplify the need for experimental three-dimensional structures provided by protein crystallography, which remain an essential component of this area of research. In the present article, we review two examples of key protein families recently investigated in our laboratories, which could represent intervention targets in the metabolome or secretome of parasites.
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