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Morrison LJ, Steketee PC, Tettey MD, Matthews KR. Pathogenicity and virulence of African trypanosomes: From laboratory models to clinically relevant hosts. Virulence 2023; 14:2150445. [PMID: 36419235 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2150445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
African trypanosomes are vector-borne protozoa, which cause significant human and animal disease across sub-Saharan Africa, and animal disease across Asia and South America. In humans, infection is caused by variants of Trypanosoma brucei, and is characterized by varying rate of progression to neurological disease, caused by parasites exiting the vasculature and entering the brain. Animal disease is caused by multiple species of trypanosome, primarily T. congolense, T. vivax, and T. brucei. These trypanosomes also infect multiple species of mammalian host, and this complexity of trypanosome and host diversity is reflected in the spectrum of severity of disease in animal trypanosomiasis, ranging from hyperacute infections associated with mortality to long-term chronic infections, and is also a main reason why designing interventions for animal trypanosomiasis is so challenging. In this review, we will provide an overview of the current understanding of trypanosome determinants of infection progression and severity, covering laboratory models of disease, as well as human and livestock disease. We will also highlight gaps in knowledge and capabilities, which represent opportunities to both further our fundamental understanding of how trypanosomes cause disease, as well as facilitating the development of the novel interventions that are so badly needed to reduce the burden of disease caused by these important pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam J Morrison
- Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Pieter C Steketee
- Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Mabel D Tettey
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Keith R Matthews
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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2
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de Liz LV, Stoco PH, Sunter JD. Cell-to-flagellum attachment and surface architecture in kinetoplastids. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:332-344. [PMID: 36933967 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
A key morphological feature of kinetoplastid parasites is the position and length of flagellum attachment to the cell body. This lateral attachment is mediated by the flagellum attachment zone (FAZ), a large complex cytoskeletal structure, which is essential for parasite morphogenesis and pathogenicity. Despite the complexity of the FAZ only two transmembrane proteins, FLA1 and FLA1BP, are known to interact and connect the flagellum to the cell body. Across the different kinetoplastid species, each only has a single FLA/FLABP pair, except in Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma congolense where there has been an expansion of these genes. Here, we focus on the selection pressure behind the evolution of the FLA/FLABP proteins and the likely impact this will have on host-parasite interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laryssa Vanessa de Liz
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Hermes Stoco
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Jack Daniel Sunter
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK.
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3
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Romero-Ramirez A, Casas-Sánchez A, Autheman D, Duffy CW, Brandt C, Clare S, Harcourt K, André MR, de Almeida Castilho Neto KJG, Teixeira MMG, Machado RZ, Coombes J, Flynn RJ, Wright GJ, Jackson AP. Vivaxin genes encode highly immunogenic, non-variant antigens on the Trypanosoma vivax cell-surface. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010791. [PMID: 36129968 PMCID: PMC9529106 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma vivax is a unicellular hemoparasite, and a principal cause of animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT), a vector-borne and potentially fatal livestock disease across sub-Saharan Africa. Previously, we identified diverse T. vivax-specific genes that were predicted to encode cell surface proteins. Here, we examine the immune responses of naturally and experimentally infected hosts to these unique parasite antigens, to identify immunogens that could become vaccine candidates. Immunoprofiling of host serum shows that one particular family (Fam34) elicits a consistent IgG antibody response. This gene family, which we now call Vivaxin, encodes at least 124 transmembrane glycoproteins that display quite distinct expression profiles and patterns of genetic variation. We focused on one gene (viv-β8) that encodes one particularly immunogenic vivaxin protein and which is highly expressed during infections but displays minimal polymorphism across the parasite population. Vaccination of mice with VIVβ8 adjuvanted with Quil-A elicits a strong, balanced immune response and delays parasite proliferation in some animals but, ultimately, it does not prevent disease. Although VIVβ8 is localized across the cell body and flagellar membrane, live immunostaining indicates that VIVβ8 is largely inaccessible to antibody in vivo. However, our phylogenetic analysis shows that vivaxin includes other antigens shown recently to induce immunity against T. vivax. Thus, the introduction of vivaxin represents an important advance in our understanding of the T. vivax cell surface. Besides being a source of proven and promising vaccine antigens, the gene family is clearly an important component of the parasite glycocalyx, with potential to influence host-parasite interactions. Animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT) is an important livestock disease throughout sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. AAT is caused by Trypanosoma vivax, among other species, a unicellular parasite that is spread by biting tsetse flies and multiplies in the bloodstream and other tissues, leading to often fatal neurological conditions if untreated. Although concerted drug treatment and vector eradication programmes have succeeded in controlling Human African trypanosomiasis, AAT continues to adversely affect animal health and impede efficient food production and economic development in many less-developed countries. In this study, we attempted to identify parasite surface proteins that stimulated the strongest immune responses in naturally infected animals, as the basis for a vaccine. We describe the discovery of a new, species-specific protein family in T. vivax, which we call vivaxin. We show that one vivaxin protein (VIVβ8) is surface expressed and retards parasite proliferation when used to immunize mice, but does not prevent infection. Nevertheless, we also reveal that vivaxin includes another protein previously shown to induce protective immunity (IFX/VIVβ1). Besides its great potential for novel approaches to AAT control, the vivaxin family is revealed as a significant component of the T. vivax cell surface and may have important, species-specific roles in host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Romero-Ramirez
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Aitor Casas-Sánchez
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Delphine Autheman
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
- Department of Biology, Hull York Medical School, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Craig W. Duffy
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Cordelia Brandt
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Clare
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Harcourt
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kayo José Garcia de Almeida Castilho Neto
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marta M. G. Teixeira
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Zacharias Machado
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Janine Coombes
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Robin J. Flynn
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland
| | - Gavin J. Wright
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
- Department of Biology, Hull York Medical School, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew P. Jackson
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Barbosa JMG, de Mendonça DR, David LC, E Silva TC, Fortuna Lima DA, de Oliveira AE, Lopes WDZ, Fioravanti MCS, da Cunha PHJ, Antoniosi Filho NR. A cerumenolomic approach to bovine trypanosomosis diagnosis. Metabolomics 2022; 18:42. [PMID: 35739279 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-022-01901-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma vivax (T. vivax, subgenus Duttonella) is a burden disease in bovines that induces losses of billions of dollars in livestock activity worldwide. To control the disease, the first step is identifying the infected animals at early stages. However, convention tools for animal infection detection by T. vivax present some challenges, facilitating the spread of the pathogenesis. OBJECTIVES This work aims to develop a new procedure to identify infected bovines by T. vivax using cerumen (earwax) in a volatilomic approach, here named cerumenolomic, which is performed in an easy, quick, accurate, and non-invasive manner. METHODS Seventy-eight earwax samples from Brazilian Curraleiro Pé-Duro calves were collected in a longitudinal study protocol during health and inoculated stages. The samples were analyzed using Headspace/Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry followed by multivariate analysis approaches. RESULTS The cerumen analyses lead to the identification of a broad spectrum of volatile organic metabolites (VOMs), of which 20 VOMs can discriminate between healthy and infected calves (AUC = 0.991, sensitivity = 0.967, specificity = 1.000). Furthermore, 13 VOMs can indicate a pattern of discrimination between the acute and chronic phases of the T. vivax infection in the animals (AUC = 0.989, sensitivity = 0.944, specificity = 1.000). CONCLUSION The cerumen volatile metabolites present alterations in their occurrence during the T.vivax infection, which may lead to identifying the infection in the first weeks of inoculation and discriminating between the acute and chronic phases of the illness. These results may be a breakthrough to avoid the T. vivax outbreak and provide a faster clinical approach to the animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Marcos G Barbosa
- Laboratório de Métodos de Extração e Separação (LAMES), Instituto de Química (IQ), Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Campus II - Samambaia, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil.
| | - Débora Ribeiro de Mendonça
- Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia (EVZ), Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Rodovia Goiânia - Nova Veneza, Km 8, Campus II - Samambaia, Goiânia, GO, CEP, 74001-970, Brazil
| | - Lurian C David
- Laboratório de Métodos de Extração e Separação (LAMES), Instituto de Química (IQ), Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Campus II - Samambaia, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Taynara C E Silva
- Laboratório de Métodos de Extração e Separação (LAMES), Instituto de Química (IQ), Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Campus II - Samambaia, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Danielly A Fortuna Lima
- Laboratório de Métodos de Extração e Separação (LAMES), Instituto de Química (IQ), Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Campus II - Samambaia, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Anselmo E de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Instituto de Química, UFG, Goiânia, GO, 74690-970, Brazil
| | - Welber Daniel Zanetti Lopes
- Centro de Parasitologia Veterinária, Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia (EVZ), Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Rodovia Goiânia - Nova Veneza, Km 8, Campus II - Samambaia, Goiânia, Goiás, CEP, 74001-970, Brazil
| | - Maria Clorinda S Fioravanti
- Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia (EVZ), Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Rodovia Goiânia - Nova Veneza, Km 8, Campus II - Samambaia, Goiânia, GO, CEP, 74001-970, Brazil
| | - Paulo H Jorge da Cunha
- Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia (EVZ), Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Rodovia Goiânia - Nova Veneza, Km 8, Campus II - Samambaia, Goiânia, GO, CEP, 74001-970, Brazil
| | - Nelson R Antoniosi Filho
- Laboratório de Métodos de Extração e Separação (LAMES), Instituto de Química (IQ), Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Campus II - Samambaia, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil.
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5
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Borges AR, Link F, Engstler M, Jones NG. The Glycosylphosphatidylinositol Anchor: A Linchpin for Cell Surface Versatility of Trypanosomatids. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:720536. [PMID: 34790656 PMCID: PMC8591177 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.720536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) to anchor proteins to the cell surface is widespread among eukaryotes. The GPI-anchor is covalently attached to the C-terminus of a protein and mediates the protein’s attachment to the outer leaflet of the lipid bilayer. GPI-anchored proteins have a wide range of functions, including acting as receptors, transporters, and adhesion molecules. In unicellular eukaryotic parasites, abundantly expressed GPI-anchored proteins are major virulence factors, which support infection and survival within distinct host environments. While, for example, the variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) is the major component of the cell surface of the bloodstream form of African trypanosomes, procyclin is the most abundant protein of the procyclic form which is found in the invertebrate host, the tsetse fly vector. Trypanosoma cruzi, on the other hand, expresses a variety of GPI-anchored molecules on their cell surface, such as mucins, that interact with their hosts. The latter is also true for Leishmania, which use GPI anchors to display, amongst others, lipophosphoglycans on their surface. Clearly, GPI-anchoring is a common feature in trypanosomatids and the fact that it has been maintained throughout eukaryote evolution indicates its adaptive value. Here, we explore and discuss GPI anchors as universal evolutionary building blocks that support the great variety of surface molecules of trypanosomatids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa R Borges
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Link
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Engstler
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nicola G Jones
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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6
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Silva Pereira S, Jackson AP, Figueiredo LM. Evolution of the variant surface glycoprotein family in African trypanosomes. Trends Parasitol 2021; 38:23-36. [PMID: 34376326 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
An intriguing and remarkable feature of African trypanosomes is their antigenic variation system, mediated by the variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) family and fundamental to both immune evasion and disease epidemiology within host populations. Recent studies have revealed that the VSG repertoire has a complex evolutionary history. Sequence diversity, genomic organization, and expression patterns are species-specific, which may explain other variations in parasite virulence and disease pathology. Evidence also shows that we may be underestimating the extent to what VSGs are repurposed beyond their roles as variant antigens, establishing a need to examine VSG functionality more deeply. Here, we review sequence variation within the VSG gene family, and highlight the many opportunities to explore their likely diverse contributions to parasite survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Silva Pereira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular - João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andrew P Jackson
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK
| | - Luísa M Figueiredo
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular - João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
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7
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Autheman D, Crosnier C, Clare S, Goulding DA, Brandt C, Harcourt K, Tolley C, Galaway F, Khushu M, Ong H, Romero-Ramirez A, Duffy CW, Jackson AP, Wright GJ. An invariant Trypanosoma vivax vaccine antigen induces protective immunity. Nature 2021; 595:96-100. [PMID: 34040257 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03597-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosomes are protozoan parasites that cause infectious diseases, including African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) in humans and nagana in economically important livestock1,2. An effective vaccine against trypanosomes would be an important control tool, but the parasite has evolved sophisticated immunoprotective mechanisms-including antigenic variation3-that present an apparently insurmountable barrier to vaccination. Here we show, using a systematic genome-led vaccinology approach and a mouse model of Trypanosoma vivax infection4, that protective invariant subunit vaccine antigens can be identified. Vaccination with a single recombinant protein comprising the extracellular region of a conserved cell-surface protein that is localized to the flagellum membrane (which we term 'invariant flagellum antigen from T. vivax') induced long-lasting protection. Immunity was passively transferred with immune serum, and recombinant monoclonal antibodies to this protein could induce sterile protection and revealed several mechanisms of antibody-mediated immunity, including a major role for complement. Our discovery identifies a vaccine candidate for an important parasitic disease that has constrained socioeconomic development in countries in sub-Saharan Africa5, and provides evidence that highly protective vaccines against trypanosome infections can be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Autheman
- Cell Surface Signalling Laboratory, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | - Cécile Crosnier
- Cell Surface Signalling Laboratory, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | - Simon Clare
- Pathogen Support Team, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | - David A Goulding
- Electron and Advanced Light Microscopy, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | - Cordelia Brandt
- Pathogen Support Team, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | | | | | - Francis Galaway
- Cell Surface Signalling Laboratory, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | - Malhar Khushu
- Cell Surface Signalling Laboratory, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | - Han Ong
- Cell Surface Signalling Laboratory, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | | | - Craig W Duffy
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Andrew P Jackson
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Gavin J Wright
- Cell Surface Signalling Laboratory, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK.
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, UK.
- Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK.
- York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, UK.
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8
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Maruyama SR, Rogerio LA, Freitas PD, Teixeira MMG, Ribeiro JMC. Total Ortholog Median Matrix as an alternative unsupervised approach for phylogenomics based on evolutionary distance between protein coding genes. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3791. [PMID: 33589693 PMCID: PMC7884790 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81926-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing number of available genomic data allowed the development of phylogenomic analytical tools. Current methods compile information from single gene phylogenies, whether based on topologies or multiple sequence alignments. Generally, phylogenomic analyses elect gene families or genomic regions to construct phylogenomic trees. Here, we presented an alternative approach for Phylogenomics, named TOMM (Total Ortholog Median Matrix), to construct a representative phylogram composed by amino acid distance measures of all pairwise ortholog protein sequence pairs from desired species inside a group of organisms. The procedure is divided two main steps, (1) ortholog detection and (2) creation of a matrix with the median amino acid distance measures of all pairwise orthologous sequences. We tested this approach within three different group of organisms: Kinetoplastida protozoa, hematophagous Diptera vectors and Primates. Our approach was robust and efficacious to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships for the three groups. Moreover, novel branch topologies could be achieved, providing insights about some phylogenetic relationships between some taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Regina Maruyama
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Center for Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, 13565-905, Brazil.
| | - Luana Aparecida Rogerio
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Center for Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Patricia Domingues Freitas
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Center for Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, 13565-905, Brazil
| | | | - José Marcos Chaves Ribeiro
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 12735 Twinbrook Parkway rm 2E32, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA.
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Rojas-Pirela M, Andrade-Alviárez D, Rojas V, Kemmerling U, Cáceres AJ, Michels PA, Concepción JL, Quiñones W. Phosphoglycerate kinase: structural aspects and functions, with special emphasis on the enzyme from Kinetoplastea. Open Biol 2020; 10:200302. [PMID: 33234025 PMCID: PMC7729029 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) is a glycolytic enzyme that is well conserved among the three domains of life. PGK is usually a monomeric enzyme of about 45 kDa that catalyses one of the two ATP-producing reactions in the glycolytic pathway, through the conversion of 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate (1,3BPGA) to 3-phosphoglycerate (3PGA). It also participates in gluconeogenesis, catalysing the opposite reaction to produce 1,3BPGA and ADP. Like most other glycolytic enzymes, PGK has also been catalogued as a moonlighting protein, due to its involvement in different functions not associated with energy metabolism, which include pathogenesis, interaction with nucleic acids, tumorigenesis progression, cell death and viral replication. In this review, we have highlighted the overall aspects of this enzyme, such as its structure, reaction kinetics, activity regulation and possible moonlighting functions in different protistan organisms, especially both free-living and parasitic Kinetoplastea. Our analysis of the genomes of different kinetoplastids revealed the presence of open-reading frames (ORFs) for multiple PGK isoforms in several species. Some of these ORFs code for unusually large PGKs. The products appear to contain additional structural domains fused to the PGK domain. A striking aspect is that some of these PGK isoforms are predicted to be catalytically inactive enzymes or ‘dead’ enzymes. The roles of PGKs in kinetoplastid parasites are analysed, and the apparent significance of the PGK gene duplication that gave rise to the different isoforms and their expression in Trypanosoma cruzi is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Rojas-Pirela
- Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaiso, Valparaiso 2373223, Chile
| | - Diego Andrade-Alviárez
- Laboratorio de Enzimología de Parásitos, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida 5101, Venezuela
| | - Verónica Rojas
- Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaiso, Valparaiso 2373223, Chile
| | - Ulrike Kemmerling
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Chile, Facultad de Medicina, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Santigo de Chile
| | - Ana J Cáceres
- Laboratorio de Enzimología de Parásitos, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida 5101, Venezuela
| | - Paul A Michels
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, The King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK.,Centre for Translational and Chemical Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, The King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Juan Luis Concepción
- Laboratorio de Enzimología de Parásitos, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida 5101, Venezuela
| | - Wilfredo Quiñones
- Laboratorio de Enzimología de Parásitos, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida 5101, Venezuela
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10
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Chimeric Protein Designed by Genome-Scale Immunoinformatics Enhances Serodiagnosis of Bovine Neosporosis. J Clin Microbiol 2020; 58:JCM.01343-19. [PMID: 32404479 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01343-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neosporosis has become a concern since it is associated with abortion in cattle. Currently, in situ diagnosis is determined through anamnesis, evaluation of the history, and perception of the clinical signs of the herd. There is no practical and noninvasive test adapted to a large number of samples, which represents a gap for the use of new approaches that provide information about infections and the risks of herds. Here, we performed a search in the Neospora caninum genome by linear B-cell epitopes using immunoinformatic tools aiming to develop a chimeric protein with high potential to bind specifically to antibodies from infected cattle samples. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with the new chimeric antigen was developed and tested with sera from natural field N. caninum-infected bovines. The cross-reactivity of the new antigen was also evaluated using sera from bovines infected by other abortive pathogens, including Trypanosoma vivax, Leptospira sp., Mycobacterium bovis, and Brucella abortus, and enzootic bovine leucosis caused by bovine leukemia virus, as well as with samples of animals infected with Toxoplasma gondii The assay using the chimeric protein showed 96.6% ± 3.4% of sensitivity in comparison to healthy animal sera. Meanwhile, in relation to false-positive results provided by cross-reactivity with others pathogens, the specificity value was 97.0% ± 2.9%. In conclusion, immunoinformatic tools provide an efficient platform to build an accurate protein to diagnose bovine neosporosis based on serum samples.
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Silva Pereira S, Heap J, Jones AR, Jackson AP. VAPPER: High-throughput variant antigen profiling in African trypanosomes of livestock. Gigascience 2020; 8:5556439. [PMID: 31494667 PMCID: PMC6735694 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giz091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Analysing variant antigen gene families on a population scale is a difficult challenge for conventional methods of read mapping and variant calling due to the great variability in sequence, copy number, and genomic loci. In African trypanosomes, hemoparasites of humans and animals, this is complicated by variant antigen repertoires containing hundreds of genes subject to various degrees of sequence recombination. FINDINGS We introduce Variant Antigen Profiler (VAPPER), a tool that allows automated analysis of the variant surface glycoprotein repertoires of the most prevalent livestock African trypanosomes. VAPPER produces variant antigen profiles for any isolate of the veterinary pathogens Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanosoma vivax from genomic and transcriptomic sequencing data and delivers publication-ready figures that show how the queried isolate compares with a database of existing strains. VAPPER is implemented in Python. It can be installed to a local Galaxy instance from the ToolShed (https://toolshed.g2.bx.psu.edu/) or locally on a Linux platform via the command line (https://github.com/PGB-LIV/VAPPER). The documentation, requirements, examples, and test data are provided in the Github repository. CONCLUSION By establishing two different, yet comparable methodologies, our approach is the first to allow large-scale analysis of African trypanosome variant antigens, large multi-copy gene families that are otherwise refractory to high-throughput analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Silva Pereira
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool Science Park Ic2, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK
- Correspondence addres. Sara Silva Pereira, E-mail:
| | - John Heap
- Computational Biology Facility, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Andrew R Jones
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Andrew P Jackson
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool Science Park Ic2, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK
- Correspondence addres. Andrew P. Jackson, E-mail:
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Szöőr B, Silvester E, Matthews KR. A Leap Into the Unknown - Early Events in African Trypanosome Transmission. Trends Parasitol 2020; 36:266-278. [PMID: 32014419 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
African trypanosomes are mainly transmitted by tsetse flies. In recent years there has been good progress in understanding how the parasites prepare for transmission, detect their changed environment through the perception of different environmental cues, and respond by changing their developmental gene expression. In this review, we discuss the different signals and signaling mechanisms used by the parasites to carry out the early events necessary for their establishment in the fly. We also compare Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma congolense, parasites that share a common pathway in the early stages of fly colonization but apparently use different mechanisms to achieve this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balázs Szöőr
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Charlotte Auerbach Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK.
| | - Eleanor Silvester
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Charlotte Auerbach Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Keith R Matthews
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Charlotte Auerbach Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK.
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Isah MB, Goldring JPD, Coetzer THT. Expression and copper binding properties of the N-terminal domain of copper P-type ATPases of African trypanosomes. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2019; 235:111245. [PMID: 31751595 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2019.111245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Copper is an essential component of cuproproteins but can be toxic to cells, therefore copper metabolism is very carefully regulated within cells. To gain insight into trypanosome copper metabolism, Trypanosoma spp. genomic databases were screened for the presence of copper-containing and -transporting proteins. Among other genes encoding copper-binding proteins, a copper-transporting P-type ATPase (CuATPase) gene was identified. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses suggest that the gene codes for a Cu+ transporter belonging to the P1B-1 ATPase subfamily that has an N-terminal domain with copper binding motifs. The N-terminal cytosolic domains of the proteins from Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanosoma brucei brucei were recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli as maltose binding protein (MBP) fusion proteins. These N-terminal domains bound copper in vitro and within E. coli cells, more than the control MBP fusion partner alone. The copper binding properties of the recombinant proteins were further confirmed when they inhibited copper catalysed ascorbate oxidation. Native CuATPases were detected in a western blot of lysates of T. congolense IL3000 and T. b. brucei ILTat1.1 bloodstream form parasites using affinity purified IgY antibodies against N-terminal domain peptides. The CuATPase was also detected by immunofluorescence in T. b. brucei bloodstream form parasites where it was associated with subcellular vesicles. In conclusion, Trypanosoma species express a copper-transporting P1B-1-type ATPase and together with other copper-binding proteins identified in the genomes of kinetoplastid parasites may constitute potential targets for anti-trypanosomal drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murtala Bindawa Isah
- Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - J P Dean Goldring
- Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Theresa H T Coetzer
- Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
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Greif G, Berná L, Díaz-Viraqué F, Robello C. Transcriptome Studies in Trypanosoma cruzi Using RNA-seq. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1955:35-45. [PMID: 30868517 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9148-8_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
RNA-seq is a powerful method to study in detail transcriptome changes in defined conditions, providing enormous amount of information on RNA stability and gene regulation. In this chapter, we describe a directional and a nondirectional library preparation protocol for RNA-seq in Trypanosoma cruzi, as well as a pipeline for bioinformatic analysis, which includes read trimming, alignment to a reference genome, and differential expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Greif
- Laboratory of Host Pathogen Interactions-UBM, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Luisa Berná
- Laboratory of Host Pathogen Interactions-UBM, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Florencia Díaz-Viraqué
- Laboratory of Host Pathogen Interactions-UBM, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Carlos Robello
- Laboratory of Host Pathogen Interactions-UBM, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay.
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina-UDELAR, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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15
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Gomes SIL, Gonçalves MFM, Bicho RC, Roca CP, Soares AMVM, Scott-Fordsmand JJ, Amorim MJB. High-throughput gene expression in soil invertebrate embryos - Mechanisms of Cd toxicity in Enchytraeus crypticus. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 212:87-94. [PMID: 30142569 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.08.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Gene expression can vary with the organisms' life stage. It is known that embryos can be more sensitive to toxicant exposure, as previously demonstrated for Enchytraeus crypticus (Oligochaeta) exposed to cadmium (Cd), known to cause embryotoxicity and hatching delay. It was shown that Ca enters embryos via the L-type Ca channels in the cocoon membrane, this being affected in Cd exposed embryos (Cd-Ca competition is well-known). In the present study, the embryotoxic mechanisms of Cd were studied via high-throughput gene expression for E. crypticus. Cocoons (1-2 days old), instead of the adult organism, were exposed in Cd spiked LUFA 2.2 soil during 1 day. Results showed that Cd affected Ca homeostasis which is implicated in several other molecular processes. Several of the major modulators of Cd toxicity (e.g., impaired gene expression, cell cycle arrest, DNA and mitochondrial damage) were identified in the embryos showing its relevancy as a model in ecotoxicogenomics. The draft Adverse Outcome Pathway was improved. Previously was hypothesized that gene regulation mechanisms were activated to synthesize more Ca channel proteins - this was confirmed here. Further, novel evidences were that, besides the extracellular competition, Cd competes intracellularly which causes a reduction in Ca efflux, and potentiates Cd embryotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana I L Gomes
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | | | - Rita C Bicho
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carlos P Roca
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Vejlsovej 25, PO BOX 314, DK-8600, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Janeck J Scott-Fordsmand
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Vejlsovej 25, PO BOX 314, DK-8600, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - Mónica J B Amorim
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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Channumsin M, Ciosi M, Masiga D, Turner CMR, Mable BK. Sodalis glossinidius presence in wild tsetse is only associated with presence of trypanosomes in complex interactions with other tsetse-specific factors. BMC Microbiol 2018; 18:163. [PMID: 30470184 PMCID: PMC6251152 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-018-1285-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Susceptibility of tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) to trypanosomes of both humans and animals has been associated with the presence of the endosymbiont Sodalis glossinidius. However, intrinsic biological characteristics of the flies and environmental factors can influence the presence of both S. glossinidius and the parasites. It thus remains unclear whether it is the S. glossinidius or other attributes of the flies that explains the apparent association. The objective of this study was to test whether the presence of Trypanosoma vivax, T. congolense and T. brucei are related to the presence of S. glossinidius in tsetse flies when other factors are accounted for: geographic location, species of Glossina, sex or age of the host flies. Results Flies (n = 1090) were trapped from four sites in the Shimba Hills and Nguruman regions in Kenya. Sex and species of tsetse (G. austeni, G. brevipalpis, G. longipennis and G. pallidipes) were determined based on external morphological characters and age was estimated by a wing fray score method. The presence of trypanosomes and S. glossinidius was detected using PCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer region 1 and the haemolysin gene, respectively. Sequencing was used to confirm species identification. Generalised Linear Models (GLMs) and Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) were applied to investigate multivariable associations. The overall prevalence of trypanosomes was 42.1%, but GLMs revealed complex patterns of associations: the presence of S. glossinidius was associated with trypanosome presence but only in interactions with other factors and only in some species of trypanosomes. The strongest association was found for T. congolense, and no association was found for T. vivax. The MCA also suggested only a weak association between the presence of trypanosomes and S. glossinidius. Trypanosome-positive status showed strong associations with sex and age while S. glossinidius-positive status showed a strong association with geographic location and species of fly. Conclusions We suggest that previous conclusions about the presence of endosymbionts increasing probability of trypanosome presence in tsetse flies may have been confounded by other factors, such as community composition of the tsetse flies and the specific trypanosomes found in different regions. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12866-018-1285-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manun Channumsin
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine (BAHCM), Graham Kerr Building, University of Glasgow, University Place, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK. .,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-Ok, Chonburi, 20110, Thailand.
| | - Marc Ciosi
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine (BAHCM), Graham Kerr Building, University of Glasgow, University Place, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK. .,International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya.
| | - Dan Masiga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - C Michael R Turner
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Sir Graeme Davis Building, University of Glasgow, University Place, Glasgow, G12 0PT, UK
| | - Barbara K Mable
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine (BAHCM), Graham Kerr Building, University of Glasgow, University Place, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
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17
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Awuoche EO, Weiss BL, Mireji PO, Vigneron A, Nyambega B, Murilla G, Aksoy S. Expression profiling of Trypanosoma congolense genes during development in the tsetse fly vector Glossina morsitans morsitans. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:380. [PMID: 29970164 PMCID: PMC6029126 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2964-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The tsetse transmitted parasitic flagellate Trypanosoma congolense causes animal African trypanosomosis (AAT) across sub-Saharan Africa. AAT negatively impacts agricultural, economic, nutritional and subsequently, health status of the affected populace. The molecular mechanisms that underlie T. congolense’s developmental program within tsetse are largely unknown due to considerable challenges with obtaining sufficient parasite cells to perform molecular studies. Methods In this study, we used RNA-seq to profile T. congolense gene expression during development in two distinct tsetse tissues, the cardia and proboscis. Indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFA) and confocal laser scanning microscope was used to localize the expression of a putative protein encoded by the hypothetical protein (TcIL3000_0_02370). Results Consistent with current knowledge, genes coding several variant surface glycoproteins (including metacyclic specific VSGs), and the surface coat protein, congolense epimastigote specific protein, were upregulated in parasites in the proboscis (PB-parasites). Additionally, our results indicate that parasites in tsetse’s cardia (C-parasites) and PB employ oxidative phosphorylation and amino acid metabolism for energy. Several genes upregulated in C-parasites encoded receptor-type adenylate cyclases, surface carboxylate transporter family proteins (or PADs), transport proteins, RNA-binding proteins and procyclin isoforms. Gene ontology analysis of products of genes upregulated in C-parasites showed enrichment of terms broadly associated with nucleotides, microtubules, cell membrane and its components, cell signaling, quorum sensing and several transport activities, suggesting that the parasites colonizing the cardia may monitor their environment and regulate their density and movement in this tissue. Additionally, cell surface protein (CSP) encoding genes associated with the Fam50 ‘GARP’, ‘iii’ and ‘i’ subfamilies were also significantly upregulated in C-parasites, suggesting that they are important for the long non-dividing trypomastigotes to colonize tsetse’s cardia. The putative products of genes that were upregulated in PB-parasites were linked to nucleosomes, cytoplasm and membrane-bound organelles, which suggest that parasites in this niche undergo cell division in line with prior findings. Most of the CSPs upregulated in PB-parasites were hypothetical, thus requiring further functional characterization. Expression of one such hypothetical protein (TcIL3000_0_02370) was analyzed using immunofluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy, which together revealed preferential expression of this protein on the entire surface coat of T. congolense parasite stages that colonize G. m. morsitans’ proboscis. Conclusion Collectively, our results provide insight into T. congolense gene expression profiles in distinct niches within the tsetse vector. Our results show that the hypothetical protein TcIL3000_0_02370, is expressed on the entire surface of the trypanosomes inhabiting tsetse’s proboscis. We discuss our results in terms of their relevance to disease transmission processes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-2964-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick O Awuoche
- Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology Research Institute, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Kikuyu, Kenya. .,Department of Biomedical Science and Technology, School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Private Bag, Maseno, Kenya. .,Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA. .,Department of Agriculture, School of Agriculture and Food Science, Meru University of Science and Technology, Meru, Kenya.
| | - Brian L Weiss
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Paul O Mireji
- Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology Research Institute, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Kikuyu, Kenya.,Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.,Centre for Geographic Medicine Research - Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Aurélien Vigneron
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Benson Nyambega
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Maseno University, Private Bag, Maseno, Kenya
| | - Grace Murilla
- Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology Research Institute, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Kikuyu, Kenya
| | - Serap Aksoy
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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Development of a Trypanosoma cruzi strain typing assay using MS2 peptide spectral libraries (Tc-STAMS2). PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006351. [PMID: 29608573 PMCID: PMC5897034 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chagas disease also known as American trypanosomiasis is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. Over the last 30 years, Chagas disease has expanded from a neglected parasitic infection of the rural population to an urbanized chronic disease, becoming a potentially emergent global health problem. T. cruzi strains were assigned to seven genetic groups (TcI-TcVI and TcBat), named discrete typing units (DTUs), which represent a set of isolates that differ in virulence, pathogenicity and immunological features. Indeed, diverse clinical manifestations (from asymptomatic to highly severe disease) have been attempted to be related to T.cruzi genetic variability. Due to that, several DTU typing methods have been introduced. Each method has its own advantages and drawbacks such as high complexity and analysis time and all of them are based on genetic signatures. Recently, a novel method discriminated bacterial strains using a peptide identification-free, genome sequence-independent shotgun proteomics workflow. Here, we aimed to develop a Trypanosoma cruzi Strain Typing Assay using MS/MS peptide spectral libraries, named Tc-STAMS2. Methods/Principal findings The Tc-STAMS2 method uses shotgun proteomics combined with spectral library search to assign and discriminate T. cruzi strains independently on the genome knowledge. The method is based on the construction of a library of MS/MS peptide spectra built using genotyped T. cruzi reference strains. For identification, the MS/MS peptide spectra of unknown T. cruzi cells are identified using the spectral matching algorithm SpectraST. The Tc-STAMS2 method allowed correct identification of all DTUs with high confidence. The method was robust towards different sample preparations, length of chromatographic gradients and fragmentation techniques. Moreover, a pilot inter-laboratory study showed the applicability to different MS platforms. Conclusions and significance This is the first study that develops a MS-based platform for T. cruzi strain typing. Indeed, the Tc-STAMS2 method allows T. cruzi strain typing using MS/MS spectra as discriminatory features and allows the differentiation of TcI-TcVI DTUs. Similar to genomic-based strategies, the Tc-STAMS2 method allows identification of strains within DTUs. Its robustness towards different experimental and biological variables makes it a valuable complementary strategy to the current T. cruzi genotyping assays. Moreover, this method can be used to identify DTU-specific features correlated with the strain phenotype. Chagas disease is one of the most important neglected diseases with an estimated number of 6–7 million infected individuals, the majority living in Central and South America. The Trypanosoma cruzi (T.cruzi) protozoan parasite is the etiological agent of Chagas disease. T.cruzi is highly genetically diverse and a new nomenclature assigned each strain to seven genetic groups (TcI-TcVI and Tcbat), named Discrete Typing Units (DTUs), based on their biochemical, immunological and phenotypical characteristics. T.cruzi DTUs have been correlated to diverse clinical outcomes highlighting the importance of molecular epidemiological screens. Despite the development of T.cruzi typing methods based on genetic signatures, each method presents its own advantages and challenges. The work presented here shows the application of mass spectrometry for Trypanosoma cruzi Strain Typing Assay using MS2 peptide spectral libraries (Tc-STAMS2). The novelty of the method is based on the use of peptide fragmentation spectra as strain-specific fingerprints to classify and identify DTUs. Initially, a spectra library is generated from characterized T.cruzi strains. The library is subsequently inspected using MS/MS spectra from unknown strains and confidently assigned to a specific strain in an automated and computationally-driven approach. The Tc-STAMS2 method was challenged to test several variables such as sample type and preparation, instrument setup and identification platform. Tc-STAMS2 provided high confidence and robustness in T.cruzi strain typing. The Tc-STAMS2 method represents a proof-of-concept of a complementary strategy to the current DNA-based T. cruzi genotyping methods. Moreover, the method allows the identification of strain-specific features that could be related to the biology of T.cruzi strains and their clinical outcomes.
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Abstract
Protein abundance differs from a few to millions of copies per cell. Trypanosoma brucei presents an excellent model for studies on codon bias and differential gene expression because transcription is broadly unregulated and uniform across the genome. T. brucei is also a major human and animal protozoal pathogen. Here, an experimental assessment, using synthetic reporter genes, revealed that GC3 codons have a major positive impact on both mRNA and protein abundance. Our estimates of relative expression, based on coding sequences alone (codon usage and sequence length), are within 2-fold of the observed values for the majority of measured cellular mRNAs (n > 7000) and proteins (n > 2000). Our estimates also correspond with expression measures from published transcriptome and proteome datasets from other trypanosomatids. We conclude that codon usage is a key factor affecting global relative mRNA and protein expression in trypanosomatids and that relative abundance can be effectively estimated using only protein coding sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Jeacock
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Joana Faria
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - David Horn
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
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20
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Silva Pereira S, Jackson AP. UDP-glycosyltransferase genes in trypanosomatid genomes have diversified independently to meet the distinct developmental needs of parasite adaptations. BMC Evol Biol 2018; 18:31. [PMID: 29540192 PMCID: PMC5853035 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-018-1149-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosomatid parasites such as Trypanosoma spp. and Leishmania spp. are a major source of infectious disease in humans and domestic animals worldwide. Fundamental to the host-parasite interactions of these potent pathogens are their cell surfaces, which are highly decorated with glycosylated proteins and other macromolecules. Trypanosomatid genomes contain large multi-copy gene families encoding UDP-dependent glycosyltransferases (UGTs), the primary role of which is cell-surface decoration. Here we report a phylogenetic analysis of UGTs from diverse trypanosomatid genomes, the aim of which was to understand the origin and evolution of their diversity. RESULTS By combining phylogenetics with analyses of recombination, and selection, we compared UGT repertoire, genomic context and sequence evolution across 19 trypanosomatids. We identified a UGT lineage present in stercorarian trypanosomes and a free-living kinetoplastid Bodo saltans that likely represents the ancestral state of this gene family. The phylogeny of parasite-specific genes shows that UGTs repertoire in Leishmaniinae and salivarian trypanosomes has expanded independently and with distinct evolutionary dynamics. In the former, the ancestral UGT repertoire was organised in a tandem array from which sporadic transpositions to telomeric regions occurred, allowing expansion most likely through telomeric exchange. In the latter, the ancestral UGT repertoire was comprised of seven subtelomeric lineages, two of which have greatly expanded potentially by gene transposition between these dynamic regions of the genome. CONCLUSIONS The phylogeny of UGTs confirms that they represent a substantial parasite-specific innovation, which has diversified independently in the distinct trypanosomatid lineages. Nonetheless, developmental regulation has been a strong driver of UGTs diversification in both African trypanosomes and Leishmania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Silva Pereira
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool Science Park Ic2, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L3 5RF, UK.
| | - Andrew P Jackson
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool Science Park Ic2, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L3 5RF, UK
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Guedes RLM, Rodrigues CMF, Coatnoan N, Cosson A, Cadioli FA, Garcia HA, Gerber AL, Machado RZ, Minoprio PMC, Teixeira MMG, de Vasconcelos ATR. A comparative in silico linear B-cell epitope prediction and characterization for South American and African Trypanosoma vivax strains. Genomics 2018; 111:407-417. [PMID: 29499243 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2018.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma vivax is a parasite widespread across Africa and South America. Immunological methods using recombinant antigens have been developed aiming at specific and sensitive detection of infections caused by T. vivax. Here, we sequenced for the first time the transcriptome of a virulent T. vivax strain (Lins), isolated from an outbreak of severe disease in South America (Brazil) and performed a computational integrated analysis of genome, transcriptome and in silico predictions to identify and characterize putative linear B-cell epitopes from African and South American T. vivax. A total of 2278, 3936 and 4062 linear B-cell epitopes were respectively characterized for the transcriptomes of T. vivax LIEM-176 (Venezuela), T. vivax IL1392 (Nigeria) and T. vivax Lins (Brazil) and 4684 for the genome of T. vivax Y486 (Nigeria). The results presented are a valuable theoretical source that may pave the way for highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Lucas Muniz Guedes
- Laboratório Nacional de Computação Científica (LNCC), Av. Getúlio Vargas, 333, Petrópolis, RJ, Brazil; Grupo Hermes Pardini, Setor de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Vespasiano, MG, Brazil.
| | | | - Nicolas Coatnoan
- Trypanosomatids Infectious Processes Laboratory, Department of Infection and Epidemiology, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75724 Paris, France
| | - Alain Cosson
- Trypanosomatids Infectious Processes Laboratory, Department of Infection and Epidemiology, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75724 Paris, France
| | - Fabiano Antonio Cadioli
- Departamento Clínica, Cirurgia e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Odontologia e Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Araçatuba, SP, Brazil
| | - Herakles Antonio Garcia
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Alexandra Lehmkuhl Gerber
- Laboratório Nacional de Computação Científica (LNCC), Av. Getúlio Vargas, 333, Petrópolis, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Laboratório de Immnoparasitologia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Campus Jaboticabal, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Paola Marcella Camargo Minoprio
- Trypanosomatids Infectious Processes Laboratory, Department of Infection and Epidemiology, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75724 Paris, France
| | - Marta Maria Geraldes Teixeira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil
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22
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Rodrigues CM, Garcia HA, Rodrigues AC, Costa-Martins AG, Pereira CL, Pereira DL, Bengaly Z, Neves L, Camargo EP, Hamilton PB, Teixeira MM. New insights from Gorongosa National Park and Niassa National Reserve of Mozambique increasing the genetic diversity of Trypanosoma vivax and Trypanosoma vivax-like in tsetse flies, wild ungulates and livestock from East Africa. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:337. [PMID: 28716154 PMCID: PMC5513381 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2241-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosoma (Duttonella) vivax is a major pathogen of livestock in Africa and South America (SA), and genetic studies limited to small sampling suggest greater diversity in East Africa (EA) compared to both West Africa (WA) and SA. METHODS Multidimensional scaling and phylogenetic analyses of 112 sequences of the glycosomal glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase (gGAPDH) gene and 263 sequences of the internal transcribed spacer of rDNA (ITS rDNA) were performed to compare trypanosomes from tsetse flies from Gorongosa National Park and Niassa National Reserve of Mozambique (MZ), wild ungulates and livestock from EA, and livestock isolates from WA and SA. RESULTS Multidimensional scaling (MDS) supported Tvv (T. vivax) and TvL (T. vivax-like) evolutionary lineages: 1) Tvv comprises two main groups, TvvA/B (all SA and WA isolates plus some isolates from EA) and TvvC/D (exclusively from EA). The network revealed five ITS-genotypes within Tvv: Tvv1 (WA/EA isolates), Tvv2 (SA) and Tvv3-5 (EA). EA genotypes of Tvv ranged from highly related to largely different from WA/SA genotypes. 2) TvL comprises two gGAPDH-groups formed exclusively by EA sequences, TvLA (Tanzania/Kenya) and TvLB-D (MZ). This lineage contains more than 11 ITS-genotypes, seven forming the lineage TvL-Gorongosa that diverged from T. vivax Y486 enough to be identified as another species of the subgenus Duttonella. While gGAPDH sequences were fundamental for classification at the subgenus, major evolutionary lineages and species levels, ITS rDNA sequences permitted identification of known and novel genotypes. CONCLUSIONS Our results corroborate a remarkable diversity of Duttonella trypanosomes in EA, especially in wildlife conservation areas, compared to the moderate diversity in WA. Surveys in wilderness areas in WA may reveal greater diversity. Biogeographical and phylogenetic data point to EA as the place of origin, diversification and spread of Duttonella trypanosomes across Africa, providing relevant insights towards the understanding of T. vivax evolutionary history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Mf Rodrigues
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Herakles A Garcia
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Departamento de Patología Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Maracay, Aragua, Venezuela
| | - Adriana C Rodrigues
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - André G Costa-Martins
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos L Pereira
- National Administration of Conservation Areas, Ministry of Tourism, Maputo, Mozambique.,Wildlife Conservation Society, Niassa National Reserve, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Zakaria Bengaly
- Centre International de Recherche-Développement sur l'Elevage en zone Subhumide (CIRDES), Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Luis Neves
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique.,Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Erney P Camargo
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Patrick B Hamilton
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Marta Mg Teixeira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. .,Centre International de Recherche-Développement sur l'Elevage en zone Subhumide (CIRDES), Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.
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23
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Higgins MK, Lane-Serff H, MacGregor P, Carrington M. A Receptor's Tale: An Eon in the Life of a Trypanosome Receptor. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006055. [PMID: 28125726 PMCID: PMC5268388 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
African trypanosomes have complex life cycles comprising at least ten developmental forms, variously adapted to different niches in their tsetse fly vector and their mammalian hosts. Unlike many other protozoan pathogens, they are always extracellular and have evolved intricate surface coats that allow them to obtain nutrients while also protecting them from the immune defenses of either insects or mammals. The acquisition of macromolecular nutrients requires receptors that function within the context of these surface coats. The best understood of these is the haptoglobin-hemoglobin receptor (HpHbR) of Trypanosoma brucei, which is used by the mammalian bloodstream form of the parasite, allowing heme acquisition. However, in some primates it also provides an uptake route for trypanolytic factor-1, a mediator of innate immunity against trypanosome infection. Recent studies have shown that during the evolution of African trypanosome species the receptor has diversified in function from a hemoglobin receptor predominantly expressed in the tsetse fly to a haptoglobin-hemoglobin receptor predominantly expressed in the mammalian bloodstream. Structural and functional studies of homologous receptors from different trypanosome species have allowed us to propose an evolutionary history for how one receptor has adapted to different roles in different trypanosome species. They also highlight the challenges that a receptor faces in operating on the complex trypanosome surface and show how these challenges can be met.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew K. Higgins
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Harriet Lane-Serff
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Zoltner M, Horn D, de Koning HP, Field MC. Exploiting the Achilles' heel of membrane trafficking in trypanosomes. Curr Opin Microbiol 2016; 34:97-103. [PMID: 27614711 PMCID: PMC5176092 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2016.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Pathogenic protozoa are evolutionarily highly divergent from their metazoan hosts, reflected in many aspects of their biology. One particularly important parasite taxon is the trypanosomatids. Multiple transmission modes, distinct life cycles and exploitation of many host species attests to great prowess as parasites, and adaptability for efficient, chronic infection. Genome sequencing has begun uncovering how trypanosomatids are well suited to parasitism, and recent genetic screening and cell biology are revealing new aspects of how to control these organisms and prevent disease. Importantly, several lines of evidence suggest that membrane transport processes are central for the sensitivity towards several frontline drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Zoltner
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, UK
| | - David Horn
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, UK
| | - Harry P de Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, Scotland, UK
| | - Mark C Field
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, UK.
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25
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Morrison LJ, Vezza L, Rowan T, Hope JC. Animal African Trypanosomiasis: Time to Increase Focus on Clinically Relevant Parasite and Host Species. Trends Parasitol 2016; 32:599-607. [PMID: 27167665 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2016.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT), caused by Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanosoma vivax, remains one of the most important livestock diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly affecting cattle. Despite this, our detailed knowledge largely stems from the human pathogen Trypanosoma brucei and mouse experimental models. In the postgenomic era, the genotypic and phenotypic differences between the AAT-relevant species of parasite or host and their model organism counterparts are increasingly apparent. Here, we outline the timeliness and advantages of increasing the research focus on both the clinically relevant parasite and host species, given that improved tools and resources for both have been developed in recent years. We propose that this shift of emphasis will improve our ability to efficiently develop tools to combat AAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam J Morrison
- Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK.
| | - Laura Vezza
- Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Tim Rowan
- GALVmed, Doherty Building, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, EH25 0PZ, UK
| | - Jayne C Hope
- Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
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Lane-Serff H, MacGregor P, Peacock L, Macleod OJ, Kay C, Gibson W, Higgins MK, Carrington M. Evolutionary diversification of the trypanosome haptoglobin-haemoglobin receptor from an ancestral haemoglobin receptor. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 27083048 PMCID: PMC4889325 DOI: 10.7554/elife.13044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The haptoglobin-haemoglobin receptor of the African trypanosome species, Trypanosoma brucei, is expressed when the parasite is in the bloodstream of the mammalian host, allowing it to acquire haem through the uptake of haptoglobin-haemoglobin complexes. Here we show that in Trypanosoma congolense this receptor is instead expressed in the epimastigote developmental stage that occurs in the tsetse fly, where it acts as a haemoglobin receptor. We also present the structure of the T. congolense receptor in complex with haemoglobin. This allows us to propose an evolutionary history for this receptor, charting the structural and cellular changes that took place as it adapted from a role in the insect to a new role in the mammalian host. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.13044.001 Trypanosomes are single-celled parasites that infect a range of animal hosts. These parasites need a molecule called haem to grow properly and are mostly spread by insects that feed on the blood of mammals. Most haem in mammals is found in red blood cells and is bound to a protein called haemoglobin. When it is released from these cells, haemoglobin forms a complex with another protein called haptoglobin as well. The best-studied trypanosomes from Africa have a receptor protein on their surface that recognizes the haptoglobin-haemoglobin complex and allows the parasites to obtain haem from their hosts. An African trypanosome called T. brucei causes sleeping sickness in humans, and has a receptor that can only recognize haemoglobin when it is in complex with haptoglobin. However, few trypanosome receptors have been studied to date, and so it was not clear if they all work in the same way. Trypanosoma congolense is a trypanosome that has a big impact on livestock farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and infects cattle, pigs and goats. Lane-Serff, MacGregor et al. now report that the receptor protein from T. congolense can bind to haemoglobin on its own. A technique called X-ray crystallography was used to reveal the three-dimensional structure of the T. congolense receptor and haemoglobin in fine detail. Further experiments then confirmed that the receptor actually binds more strongly to haemoglobin than it does to the haptoglobin-haemoglobin complex. Experiments with living parasites showed that T. congolense produces its receptor when it is in the mouthparts of its insect host, the tsetse fly. This is unlike what occurs in T. brucei, which only produces its receptor while it is in the bloodstream of its mammalian host. Lane-Serff, MacGregor et al. suggest that T. congolense’s receptor is more like the receptor found in ancestor of the trypanosomes. This means that, at least once during the evolution of these parasites, this receptor evolved from being a haemoglobin receptor produced in the tsetse fly to a haptoglobin-haemoglobin receptor produced in an infected mammal. The next step is to investigate the details of the role played by the T. congolense receptor when the parasite is in the tsetse fly. It will also be important to understand how this parasite is still able to grow in the mammalian host’s bloodstream even though it does not produce much of the receptor during this stage. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.13044.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Lane-Serff
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Paula MacGregor
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Lori Peacock
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Olivia Js Macleod
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Kay
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Wendy Gibson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew K Higgins
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Carrington
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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