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Zheng K, Li Q, Jiang N, Zhang Y, Zheng Y, Zhang Y, Feng Y, Chen R, Sang X, Chen Q. Plasmodium falciparum selectively degrades α-spectrin of infected erythrocytes after invasion. mBio 2024; 15:e0351023. [PMID: 38470053 PMCID: PMC11005373 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03510-23] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Remodeling the erythrocyte membrane and skeleton by the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum is closely associated with intraerythrocytic development. However, the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. In this study, we present evidence that erythrocytic α-spectrin, but not β-spectrin, was dynamically ubiquitinated and progressively degraded during the intraerythrocytic development of P. falciparum, from the ring to the schizont stage. We further observed an upregulated expression of P. falciparum phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PfPI3K) in the infected red blood cells during the intraerythrocytic development of the parasite. The data indicated that PfPI3K phosphorylated and activated erythrocytic ubiquitin-protein ligase, leading to increased α-spectrin ubiquitination and degradation during P. falciparum development. We further revealed that inhibition of the activity of PfPI3K impaired P. falciparum development in vitro and Plasmodium berghei infectivity in mice. These findings collectively unveil an important mechanism of PfPI3K-ubiquitin-mediated degradation of α-spectrin during the intraerythrocytic development of Plasmodium species. Proteins in the PfPI3K regulatory pathway are novel targets for effective treatment of severe malaria. IMPORTANCE Plasmodium falciparum is the causative agent of severe malaria that causes millions of deaths globally. The parasite invades human red blood cells and induces a cascade of alterations in erythrocytes for development and proliferation. Remodeling the host erythrocytic cytoskeleton is a necessary process during parasitization, but its regulatory mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this study, we observed that erythrocytic α-spectrin is selectively degraded after P. falciparum invasion, while β-spectrin remained intact. We found that the α-spectrin chain was profoundly ubiquitinated by E3 ubiquitin ligase and degraded by the 26S proteasome. E3 ubiquitin ligase activity was regulated by P. falciparum phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PfPI3K) signaling. Additionally, blocking the PfPI3K-ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in P. falciparum-infected red blood cells reduced parasite proliferation and infectivity. This study deepens our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of host and malarial parasite interactions and paves the way for the exploration of novel antimalarial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (East), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Research Unit for Pathogenic Mechanisms of Zoonotic Parasites, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Food Fermentation Technology, College of Food Science, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qilong Li
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (East), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Research Unit for Pathogenic Mechanisms of Zoonotic Parasites, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Ning Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (East), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Research Unit for Pathogenic Mechanisms of Zoonotic Parasites, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Yanxin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (East), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Research Unit for Pathogenic Mechanisms of Zoonotic Parasites, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuxin Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (East), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Research Unit for Pathogenic Mechanisms of Zoonotic Parasites, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Yiwei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (East), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Research Unit for Pathogenic Mechanisms of Zoonotic Parasites, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Ying Feng
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (East), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Research Unit for Pathogenic Mechanisms of Zoonotic Parasites, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Ran Chen
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (East), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Research Unit for Pathogenic Mechanisms of Zoonotic Parasites, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaoyu Sang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (East), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Research Unit for Pathogenic Mechanisms of Zoonotic Parasites, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Qijun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (East), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Research Unit for Pathogenic Mechanisms of Zoonotic Parasites, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
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2
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Ong JJY, Oh J, Yong Ang X, Naidu R, Chu TTT, Hyoung Im J, Manzoor U, Kha Nguyen T, Na SW, Han ET, Davis C, Sun Park W, Chun W, Jun H, Jin Lee S, Na S, Chan JKY, Park Y, Russell B, Chandramohanadas R, Han JH. Optical diffraction tomography and image reconstruction to measure host cell alterations caused by divergent Plasmodium species. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2023; 286:122026. [PMID: 36395614 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2022.122026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is a life-threatening infectious disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium. Understanding the biological features of various parasite forms is important for the optical diagnosis and defining pathological states, which are often constrained by the lack of ambient visualization approaches. Here, we employ a label-free tomographic technique to visualize the host red blood cell (RBC) remodeling process and quantify changes in biochemical properties arising from parasitization. Through this, we provide a quantitative body of information pertaining to the influence of host cell environment on growth, survival, and replication of P. falciparum and P. vivax in their respective host cells: mature erythrocytes and young reticulocytes. These exquisite three-dimensional measurements of infected red cells demonstrats the potential of evolving 3D imaging to advance our understanding of Plasmodium biology and host-parasite interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J Y Ong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Jeonghun Oh
- Department of Physics, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; KAIST Institute for Health Science and Technology, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Xiang Yong Ang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Renugah Naidu
- Pillar of Engineering Product Development, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Trang T T Chu
- Pillar of Engineering Product Development, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jae Hyoung Im
- Department of Infectious Disease, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Umar Manzoor
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Tuyet Kha Nguyen
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Won Na
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Taek Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Christeen Davis
- DBT Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India; Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Won Sun Park
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Wanjoo Chun
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Hojong Jun
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Jin Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kangwon National University Hospital, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24341, South Korea
| | - Sunghun Na
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kangwon National University Hospital, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24341, South Korea
| | - Jerry K Y Chan
- KK Womens' and Childrens' Hospital, Singapore; Academic Clinical Program in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Duke-NUS Medical School, 169857, Singapore
| | - YongKeun Park
- Department of Physics, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; KAIST Institute for Health Science and Technology, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Tomocube Inc, Daejeon 34109, Republic of Korea
| | - Bruce Russell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Rajesh Chandramohanadas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Pillar of Engineering Product Development, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore, Singapore; DBT Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
| | - Jin-Hee Han
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Molina-Franky J, Patarroyo ME, Kalkum M, Patarroyo MA. The Cellular and Molecular Interaction Between Erythrocytes and Plasmodium falciparum Merozoites. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:816574. [PMID: 35433504 PMCID: PMC9008539 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.816574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum is the most lethal human malaria parasite, partly due to its genetic variability and ability to use multiple invasion routes via its binding to host cell surface receptors. The parasite extensively modifies infected red blood cell architecture to promote its survival which leads to increased cell membrane rigidity, adhesiveness and permeability. Merozoites are initially released from infected hepatocytes and efficiently enter red blood cells in a well-orchestrated process that involves specific interactions between parasite ligands and erythrocyte receptors; symptoms of the disease occur during the life-cycle’s blood stage due to capillary blockage and massive erythrocyte lysis. Several studies have focused on elucidating molecular merozoite/erythrocyte interactions and host cell modifications; however, further in-depth analysis is required for understanding the parasite’s biology and thus provide the fundamental tools for developing prophylactic or therapeutic alternatives to mitigate or eliminate Plasmodium falciparum-related malaria. This review focuses on the cellular and molecular events during Plasmodium falciparum merozoite invasion of red blood cells and the alterations that occur in an erythrocyte once it has become infected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Molina-Franky
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
- PhD Programme in Biotechnology, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Manuel Elkin Patarroyo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia
- Health Sciences Division, Universidad Santo Tomás, Bogotá, Colombia
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Markus Kalkum
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Markus Kalkum, ; Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo,
| | - Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia
- Health Sciences Division, Universidad Santo Tomás, Bogotá, Colombia
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
- *Correspondence: Markus Kalkum, ; Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo,
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Damena D, Agamah FE, Kimathi PO, Kabongo NE, Girma H, Choga WT, Golassa L, Chimusa ER. Insilico Functional Analysis of Genome-Wide Dataset From 17,000 Individuals Identifies Candidate Malaria Resistance Genes Enriched in Malaria Pathogenic Pathways. Front Genet 2021; 12:676960. [PMID: 34868193 PMCID: PMC8639191 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.676960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of severe malaria have identified several association variants. However, much about the underlying biological functions are yet to be discovered. Here, we systematically predicted plausible candidate genes and pathways from functional analysis of severe malaria resistance GWAS summary statistics (N = 17,000) meta-analysed across 11 populations in malaria endemic regions. We applied positional mapping, expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL), chromatin interaction mapping, and gene-based association analyses to identify candidate severe malaria resistance genes. We further applied rare variant analysis to raw GWAS datasets (N = 11,000) of three malaria endemic populations including Kenya, Malawi, and Gambia and performed various population genetic structures of the identified genes in the three populations and global populations. We performed network and pathway analyses to investigate their shared biological functions. Our functional mapping analysis identified 57 genes located in the known malaria genomic loci, while our gene-based GWAS analysis identified additional 125 genes across the genome. The identified genes were significantly enriched in malaria pathogenic pathways including multiple overlapping pathways in erythrocyte-related functions, blood coagulations, ion channels, adhesion molecules, membrane signalling elements, and neuronal systems. Our population genetic analysis revealed that the minor allele frequencies (MAF) of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) residing in the identified genes are generally higher in the three malaria endemic populations compared to global populations. Overall, our results suggest that severe malaria resistance trait is attributed to multiple genes, highlighting the possibility of harnessing new malaria therapeutics that can simultaneously target multiple malaria protective host molecular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delesa Damena
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Francis E Agamah
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Peter O Kimathi
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ntumba E Kabongo
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Hundaol Girma
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Wonderful T Choga
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lemu Golassa
- Aklilu Lema Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Emile R Chimusa
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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5
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Sleebs BE, Jarman KE, Frolich S, Wong W, Healer J, Dai W, Lucet IS, Wilson DW, Cowman AF. Development and application of a high-throughput screening assay for identification of small molecule inhibitors of the P. falciparum reticulocyte binding-like homologue 5 protein. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2020; 14:188-200. [PMID: 33152623 PMCID: PMC7645381 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2020.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The P. falciparum parasite, responsible for the disease in humans known as malaria, must invade erythrocytes to provide an environment for self-replication and survival. For invasion to occur, the parasite must engage several ligands on the host erythrocyte surface to enable adhesion, tight junction formation and entry. Critical interactions include binding of erythrocyte binding-like ligands and reticulocyte binding-like homologues (Rhs) to the surface of the host erythrocyte. The reticulocyte binding-like homologue 5 (Rh5) is the only member of this family that is essential for invasion and it binds to the basigin host receptor. The essential nature of Rh5 makes it an important vaccine target, however to date, Rh5 has not been targeted by small molecule intervention. Here, we describe the development of a high-throughput screening assay to identify small molecules which interfere with the Rh5-basigin interaction. To validate the utility of this assay we screened a known drug library and the Medicines for Malaria Box and demonstrated the reproducibility and robustness of the assay for high-throughput screening purposes. The screen of the known drug library identified the known leukotriene antagonist, pranlukast. We used pranlukast as a model inhibitor in a post screening evaluation cascade. We procured and synthesised analogues of pranlukast to assist in the hit confirmation process and show which structural moieties of pranlukast attenuate the Rh5 – basigin interaction. Evaluation of pranlukast analogues against P. falciparum in a viability assay and a schizont rupture assay show the parasite activity was not consistent with the biochemical inhibition of Rh5, questioning the developability of pranlukast as an antimalarial. The high-throughput assay developed from this work has the capacity to screen large collections of small molecules to discover inhibitors of P. falciparum Rh5 for future development of invasion inhibitory antimalarials. A high-throughput screening assay was developed to identify inhibitors of Rh5. The assay was applied in a screen of the MMV Malaria Box and a known drug library. Pranlukast was identified as a hit, but could not be conclusively validated. Assay enables future screens of large compound libraries to discover Rh5 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad E Sleebs
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
| | - Kate E Jarman
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Sonja Frolich
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Wilson Wong
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Julie Healer
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Weiwen Dai
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Isabelle S Lucet
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Danny W Wilson
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Alan F Cowman
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
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Lee WC, Russell B, Rénia L. Sticking for a Cause: The Falciparum Malaria Parasites Cytoadherence Paradigm. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1444. [PMID: 31316507 PMCID: PMC6610498 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
After a successful invasion, malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum extensively remodels the infected erythrocyte cellular architecture, conferring cytoadhesive properties to the infected erythrocytes. Cytoadherence plays a central role in the parasite's immune-escape mechanism, at the same time contributing to the pathogenesis of severe falciparum malaria. In this review, we discuss the cytoadhesive interactions between P. falciparum infected erythrocytes and various host cell types, and how these events are linked to malaria pathogenesis. We also highlight the limitations faced by studies attempting to correlate diversity in parasite ligands and host receptors with the development of severe malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenn-Chyau Lee
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bruce Russell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Laurent Rénia
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
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7
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Membrane protein carbonylation of Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes under conditions of sickle cell trait and G6PD deficiency. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2018; 227:5-14. [PMID: 30472238 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and sickle cell trait (SCT) are described as the polymorphic disorders prevalent in erythrocytes. Both are considered the result of the selective pressure exerted by Plasmodium parasites over human genome, due to a certain degree of resistance to the clinical symptoms of severe malaria. There exist in both a prooxidant environment that favors the oxidative damage on membrane proteins, which probably is part of molecular protector mechanisms. Nevertheless, mechanisms are not completely understood at molecular level for each polymorphism yet, and even less if are commons for several of them. Here, synchronous cultures at high parasitemia levels of P. falciparum 3D7 were used to quantify oxidative damage in membrane proteins of erythrocytes with G6PD deficient and SCT. Carbonyl index by dot blot assay was used to calculate the variation of oxidative damage during the asexual phases. Besides, protein carbonylation profiles were obtained by Western blot and complemented with mass spectrometry using MALDI-TOF-TOF analysis. Erythrocytes with G6PD deficient and SCT showed higher carbonyl index values than control and similar profiles of carbonylated proteins; moreover, cytoskeletal and stress response proteins were identified as the main targets of oxidative damage. Therefore, both polymorphisms promote carbonylation on the same membrane proteins. Finally, these results allowed to reinforce the hypothesis of oxidative damage in erythrocyte membrane proteins as molecular mechanism of human adaptation to malaria infection.
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8
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Honrado C, Ciuffreda L, Spencer D, Ranford-Cartwright L, Morgan H. Dielectric characterization of Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells using microfluidic impedance cytometry. J R Soc Interface 2018; 15:rsif.2018.0416. [PMID: 30333248 PMCID: PMC6228484 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2018.0416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although malaria is the world's most life-threatening parasitic disease, there is no clear understanding of how certain biophysical properties of infected cells change during the malaria infection cycle. In this article, we use microfluidic impedance cytometry to measure the dielectric properties of Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells (i-RBCs) at specific time points during the infection cycle. Individual parasites were identified within i-RBCs using green fluorescent protein (GFP) emission. The dielectric properties of cell sub-populations were determined using the multi-shell model. Analysis showed that the membrane capacitance and cytoplasmic conductivity of i-RBCs increased along the infection time course, due to membrane alterations caused by parasite infection. The volume ratio occupied by the parasite was estimated to vary from less than 10% at earlier stages, to approximately 90% at later stages. This knowledge could be used to develop new label-free cell sorting techniques for sample pre-enrichment, improving diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Honrado
- Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - L Ciuffreda
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - D Spencer
- Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - L Ranford-Cartwright
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - H Morgan
- Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Computational and Experimental Approaches to Predict Host-Parasite Protein-Protein Interactions. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1819:153-173. [PMID: 30421403 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8618-7_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In host-parasite systems, protein-protein interactions are key to allow the pathogen to enter the host and persist within the host. The study of host-parasite molecular communication improves the understanding the mechanisms of infection, evasion of the host immune system and tropism across different tissues. Current trends in parasitology focus on unraveling host-parasite protein-protein interactions to aid the development of new strategies to combat pathogenic parasites with better treatments and prevention mechanisms. Due to the complexity of capturing experimentally these interactions, computational approaches integrating data from different sources (mainly "omics" data) become key to complement or support experimental approaches. Here, we focus on the application of experimental and computational methods in the prediction of host-parasite interactions and highlight the potential of each of these methods in specific contexts.
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Abstract
Invasive stages of apicomplexan parasites require a host cell to survive, proliferate and advance to the next life cycle stage. Once invasion is achieved, apicomplexans interact closely with the host cell cytoskeleton, but in many cases the different species have evolved distinct mechanisms and pathways to modulate the structural organization of cytoskeletal filaments. The host cell cytoskeleton is a complex network, largely, but not exclusively, composed of microtubules, actin microfilaments and intermediate filaments, all of which are modulated by associated proteins, and it is involved in diverse functions including maintenance of cell morphology and mechanical support, migration, signal transduction, nutrient uptake, membrane and organelle trafficking and cell division. The ability of apicomplexans to modulate the cytoskeleton to their own advantage is clearly beneficial. We here review different aspects of the interactions of apicomplexans with the three main cytoskeletal filament types, provide information on the currently known parasite effector proteins and respective host cell targets involved, and how these interactions modulate the host cell physiology. Some of these findings could provide novel targets that could be exploited for the development of preventive and/or therapeutic strategies.
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Braun-Breton C, Abkarian M. Red Blood Cell Spectrin Skeleton in the Spotlight. Trends Parasitol 2016; 32:90-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2015.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Ramakrishnan G, Srinivasan N, Padmapriya P, Natarajan V. Homology-Based Prediction of Potential Protein-Protein Interactions between Human Erythrocytes and Plasmodium falciparum. Bioinform Biol Insights 2015; 9:195-206. [PMID: 26740742 PMCID: PMC4689366 DOI: 10.4137/bbi.s31880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Revised: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum, a causative agent of malaria, is a well-characterized obligate intracellular parasite known for its ability to remodel host cells, particularly erythrocytes, to successfully persist in the host environment. However, the current levels of understanding from the laboratory experiments on the host–parasite interactions and the strategies pursued by the parasite to remodel host erythrocytes are modest. Several computational means developed in the recent past to predict host–parasite/pathogen interactions have generated testable hypotheses on feasible protein–protein interactions. We demonstrate the utility of protein structure-based protocol in the recognition of potential interacting proteins across P. falciparum and host erythrocytes. In concert with the information on the expression and subcellular localization of host and parasite proteins, we have identified 208 biologically feasible interactions potentially brought about by 59 P. falciparum and 30 host erythrocyte proteins. For selected cases, we have evaluated the physicochemical viability of the predicted interactions in terms of surface complementarity, electrostatic complementarity, and interaction energies at protein interface regions. Such careful inspection of molecular and mechanistic details generates high confidence on the predicted host–parasite protein–protein interactions. The predicted host–parasite interactions generate many experimentally testable hypotheses that can contribute to the understanding of possible mechanisms undertaken by the parasite in host erythrocyte remodeling. Thus, the key protein players recognized in P. falciparum can be explored for their usefulness as targets for chemotherapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri Ramakrishnan
- Indian Institute of Science Mathematics Initiative, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India.; Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | | | - Ponnan Padmapriya
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Vasant Natarajan
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
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A spiral scaffold underlies cytoadherent knobs in Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes. Blood 2015; 127:343-51. [PMID: 26637786 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2015-10-674002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Much of the virulence of Plasmodium falciparum malaria is caused by cytoadherence of infected erythrocytes, which promotes parasite survival by preventing clearance in the spleen. Adherence is mediated by membrane protrusions known as knobs, whose formation depends on the parasite-derived, knob-associated histidine-rich protein (KAHRP). Knobs are required for cytoadherence under flow conditions, and they contain both KAHRP and the parasite-derived erythrocyte membrane protein PfEMP1. Using electron tomography, we have examined the 3-dimensional structure of knobs in detergent-insoluble skeletons of P falciparum 3D7 schizonts. We describe a highly organized knob skeleton composed of a spiral structure coated by an electron-dense layer underlying the knob membrane. This knob skeleton is connected by multiple links to the erythrocyte cytoskeleton. We used immuno-electron microscopy (EM) to locate KAHRP in these structures. The arrangement of membrane proteins in the knobs, visualized by high-resolution freeze-fracture scanning EM, is distinct from that in the surrounding erythrocyte membrane, with a structure at the apex that likely represents the adhesion site. Thus, erythrocyte knobs in P falciparum infection contain a highly organized skeleton structure underlying a specialized region of membrane. We propose that the spiral and dense coat organize the cytoadherence structures in the knob, and anchor them into the erythrocyte cytoskeleton. The high density of knobs and their extensive mechanical linkage suggest an explanation for the rigidification of the cytoskeleton in infected cells, and for the transmission to the cytoskeleton of shear forces experienced by adhering cells.
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Mbengue A, Vialla E, Berry L, Fall G, Audiger N, Demettre-Verceil E, Boteller D, Braun-Breton C. New Export Pathway inPlasmodium falciparum-Infected Erythrocytes: Role of the Parasite Group II Chaperonin, PfTRiC. Traffic 2015; 16:461-75. [DOI: 10.1111/tra.12266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alassane Mbengue
- University Montpellier II; CNRS UMR 5235, University Montpellier I; Dynamique des Interactions Membranaires Normales et Pathologiques 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5 France
| | - Emilie Vialla
- University Montpellier II; CNRS UMR 5235, University Montpellier I; Dynamique des Interactions Membranaires Normales et Pathologiques 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5 France
| | - Laurence Berry
- University Montpellier II; CNRS UMR 5235, University Montpellier I; Dynamique des Interactions Membranaires Normales et Pathologiques 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5 France
| | - Gamou Fall
- University Montpellier II; CNRS UMR 5235, University Montpellier I; Dynamique des Interactions Membranaires Normales et Pathologiques 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5 France
| | - Nicolas Audiger
- University Montpellier II; CNRS UMR 5235, University Montpellier I; Dynamique des Interactions Membranaires Normales et Pathologiques 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5 France
| | - Edith Demettre-Verceil
- Plate-forme de Protéomique Fonctionnelle - FPP; UMS CNRS 3426 - US 009 INSERM - UMI - UMII, IGF; 141 rue de la Cardonille 34094 Montpellier Cedex 5 France
| | - David Boteller
- University Montpellier II; CNRS UMR 5235, University Montpellier I; Dynamique des Interactions Membranaires Normales et Pathologiques 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5 France
| | - Catherine Braun-Breton
- University Montpellier II; CNRS UMR 5235, University Montpellier I; Dynamique des Interactions Membranaires Normales et Pathologiques 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5 France
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Gemma S, Brogi S, Patil PR, Giovani S, Lamponi S, Cappelli A, Novellino E, Brown A, Higgins MK, Mustafa K, Szestak T, Craig AG, Campiani G, Butini S, Brindisi M. From (+)-epigallocatechin gallate to a simplified synthetic analogue as a cytoadherence inhibitor for P. falciparum. RSC Adv 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/c3ra45933k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Matz JM, Matuschewski K, Kooij TW. Two putative protein export regulators promote Plasmodium blood stage development in vivo. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2013; 191:44-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2013.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Revised: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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17
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Brandt GS, Bailey S. Dematin, a human erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein, is a substrate for a recombinant FIKK kinase from Plasmodium falciparum. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2013; 191:20-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2013.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2013] [Revised: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Baron JA, Laws KM, Chen JS, Culotta VC. Superoxide triggers an acid burst in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to condition the environment of glucose-starved cells. J Biol Chem 2012; 288:4557-66. [PMID: 23281478 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.409508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Although yeast cells grown in abundant glucose tend to acidify their extracellular environment, they raise the pH of the environment when starved for glucose or when grown strictly with non-fermentable carbon sources. Following prolonged periods in this alkaline phase, Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells will switch to producing acid. The mechanisms and rationale for this "acid burst" were unknown. Herein we provide strong evidence for the role of mitochondrial superoxide in initiating the acid burst. Yeast mutants lacking the mitochondrial matrix superoxide dismutase (SOD2) enzyme, but not the cytosolic Cu,Zn-SOD1 enzyme, exhibited marked acceleration in production of acid on non-fermentable carbon sources. Acid production is also dramatically enhanced by the superoxide-producing agent, paraquat. Conversely, the acid burst is eliminated by boosting cellular levels of Mn-antioxidant mimics of SOD. We demonstrate that the acid burst is dependent on the mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase Ald4p. Our data are consistent with a model in which mitochondrial superoxide damage to Fe-S enzymes in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle leads to acetate buildup by Ald4p. The resultant expulsion of acetate into the extracellular environment can provide a new carbon source to glucose-starved cells and enhance growth of yeast. By triggering production of organic acids, mitochondrial superoxide has the potential to promote cell population growth under nutrient depravation stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Allen Baron
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
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Pantaleo A, Ferru E, Carta F, Valente E, Pippia P, Turrini F. Effect of heterozygous beta thalassemia on the phosphorylative response to Plasmodium falciparum infection. J Proteomics 2012; 76 Spec No.:251-8. [PMID: 22960126 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2012.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2012] [Revised: 06/19/2012] [Accepted: 08/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Malaria parasites interact with the host cell membrane inserting new proteins and inducing oxidative and phosphorylative changes of erythrocyte proteins. In the present report we monitored the time dependent oxidative and phosphorylative modifications induced by parasites in heterozygous beta thalassemia (Het-βThal). Het-βThal causes mild anemia and is known to determine a pro-oxidant milieu and a protective effect against severe malaria. In malaria cultures Het-βThal has been reported to induce accumulation of hemoglobin denaturation products. At early parasite development stages (rings), tyrosine hyper-phosphorylation of band 3 was the most notable modification, and at later development stages (trophozoites), additional membrane proteins displayed significant hyper-phosphorylation of their serine and tyrosine residues (adducins, ankyrin, catalase). Het-βThal also caused membrane destabilization. Free radical scavengers effectively inhibited the phosphorylative response and membrane destabilization. Kinase inhibitors exerted similar effects suggesting a causal relationship between oxidative stress, membrane protein hyper-phosphorylation and increased membrane damage exacerbated by Het-βThal. In conclusion, different lines of evidence suggest that Het-βThal enhances the redox stress caused by malaria parasites inducing its protective effect destabilizing the host cell membrane. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Integrated omics.
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