1
|
García-Guerrero AE, Marvin RG, Blackwell AM, Sigala PA. Biogenesis of cytochromes c and c1 in the electron transport chain of malaria parasites. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.01.575742. [PMID: 38352463 PMCID: PMC10862854 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.01.575742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Plasmodium malaria parasites retain an essential mitochondrional electron transport chain (ETC) that is critical for growth within humans and mosquitoes and a key antimalarial drug target. ETC function requires cytochromes c and c 1 that are unusual among heme proteins due to their covalent binding to heme via conserved CXXCH sequence motifs. Heme attachment to these proteins in most eukaryotes requires the mitochondrial enzyme holocytochrome c synthase (HCCS) that binds heme and the apo cytochrome to facilitate biogenesis of the mature cytochrome c or c 1 . Although humans encode a single bifunctional HCCS that attaches heme to both proteins, Plasmodium parasites are like yeast and encode two separate HCCS homologs thought to be specific for heme attachment to cyt c (HCCS) or cyt c 1 (HCC 1 S). To test the function and specificity of P. falciparum HCCS and HCC 1 S, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to tag both genes for conditional expression. HCC 1 S knockdown selectively impaired cyt c 1 biogenesis and caused lethal ETC dysfunction that was not reversed by over-expression of HCCS. Knockdown of HCCS caused a more modest growth defect but strongly sensitized parasites to mitochondrial depolarization by proguanil, revealing key defects in ETC function. These results and prior heterologous studies in E. coli of cyt c hemylation by P. falciparum HCCS and HCC 1 S strongly suggest that both homologs are essential for mitochondrial ETC function and have distinct specificities for biogenesis of cyt c and c 1 , respectively, in parasites. This study lays a foundation to develop novel strategies to selectively block ETC function in malaria parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca G. Marvin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Amanda Mixon Blackwell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Paul A. Sigala
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Loveridge KM, Sigala PA. Unraveling mechanisms of iron acquisition in malaria parasites. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.10.587216. [PMID: 38798484 PMCID: PMC11118319 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.10.587216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites invade and multiply inside red blood cells (RBCs), the most iron-rich compartment in humans. Like all cells, P. falciparum requires nutritional iron to support essential metabolic pathways, but the critical mechanisms of iron acquisition and trafficking during RBC infection have remained obscure. Parasites internalize and liberate massive amounts of heme during large-scale digestion of RBC hemoglobin within an acidic food vacuole (FV) but lack a heme oxygenase to release porphyrin-bound iron. Although most FV heme is sequestered into inert hemozoin crystals, prior studies indicate that trace heme escapes biomineralization and is susceptible to non-enzymatic degradation within the oxidizing FV environment to release labile iron. Parasites retain a homolog of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), a known mammalian iron transporter. This protein localizes to the FV membrane, but its role in P. falciparum iron acquisition has not been tested. Our phylogenetic and microscopy studies indicate that P. falciparum DMT1 (PfDMT1) retains conserved molecular features critical for metal transport and is oriented on the FV membrane in an export-competent topology. Conditional knockdown of PfDMT1 expression is lethal to parasites, which display broad cellular defects in iron-dependent functions, including impaired apicoplast biogenesis and mitochondrial polarization. Parasites are selectively rescued from partial PfDMT1 knockdown by supplementation with exogenous iron, but not other metals. These results support a cellular paradigm whereby PfDMT1 is the molecular gatekeeper to essential iron acquisition by blood-stage malaria parasites and suggest that therapeutic targeting of PfDMT1 may be a potent antimalarial strategy.
Collapse
|
3
|
Quansah N, Sarah C, Yamaryo-Botté Y, Botté CY. Complex Endosymbiosis II: The Nonphotosynthetic Plastid of Apicomplexa Parasites (The Apicoplast) and Its Integrated Metabolism. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2776:43-62. [PMID: 38502497 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3726-5_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: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Chloroplasts are essential organelles that are responsible for photosynthesis in a wide range of organisms that have colonized all biotopes on Earth such as plants and unicellular algae. Interestingly, a secondary endosymbiotic event of a red algal ancestor gave rise to a group of organisms that have adopted an obligate parasitic lifestyle named Apicomplexa parasites. Apicomplexa parasites are some of the most widespread and poorly controlled pathogens in the world. These infectious agents are responsible for major human diseases such as toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, and malaria, caused by Plasmodium spp. Most of these parasites harbor this relict plastid named the apicoplast, which is essential for parasite survival. The apicoplast has lost photosynthetic capacities but is metabolically similar to plant and algal chloroplasts. The apicoplast is considered a novel and important drug target against Apicomplexa parasites. This chapter focuses on the apicoplast of apicomplexa parasites, its maintenance, and its metabolic pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nyamekye Quansah
- ApicoLipid Team, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, UMR5309, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Grenoble Alpes, U1209, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Grenoble, France
| | - Charital Sarah
- ApicoLipid Team, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, UMR5309, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Grenoble Alpes, U1209, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Grenoble, France
| | - Yoshiki Yamaryo-Botté
- ApicoLipid Team, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, UMR5309, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Grenoble Alpes, U1209, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Grenoble, France
| | - Cyrille Y Botté
- ApicoLipid Team, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, UMR5309, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Grenoble Alpes, U1209, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Grenoble, France.
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, U1209, Grenoble, France.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ghosh S, Kundu R, Chandana M, Das R, Anand A, Beura S, Bobde RC, Jain V, Prabhu SR, Behera PK, Mohanty AK, Chakrapani M, Satyamoorthy K, Suryawanshi AR, Dixit A, Padmanaban G, Nagaraj VA. Distinct evolution of type I glutamine synthetase in Plasmodium and its species-specific requirement. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4216. [PMID: 37452051 PMCID: PMC10349072 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39670-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria parasite lacks canonical pathways for amino acid biosynthesis and depends primarily on hemoglobin degradation and extracellular resources for amino acids. Interestingly, a putative gene for glutamine synthetase (GS) is retained despite glutamine being an abundant amino acid in human and mosquito hosts. Here we show Plasmodium GS has evolved as a unique type I enzyme with distinct structural and regulatory properties to adapt to the asexual niche. Methionine sulfoximine (MSO) and phosphinothricin (PPT) inhibit parasite GS activity. GS is localized to the parasite cytosol and abundantly expressed in all the life cycle stages. Parasite GS displays species-specific requirement in Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) having asparagine-rich proteome. Targeting PfGS affects asparagine levels and inhibits protein synthesis through eIF2α phosphorylation leading to parasite death. Exposure of artemisinin-resistant Pf parasites to MSO and PPT inhibits the emergence of viable parasites upon artemisinin treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sourav Ghosh
- Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751023, Odisha, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, Haryana, India
| | - Rajib Kundu
- Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751023, Odisha, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, Haryana, India
| | - Manjunatha Chandana
- Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751023, Odisha, India
- School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar, 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Rahul Das
- Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751023, Odisha, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, Haryana, India
| | - Aditya Anand
- Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751023, Odisha, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, Haryana, India
| | - Subhashree Beura
- Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751023, Odisha, India
| | - Ruchir Chandrakant Bobde
- Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751023, Odisha, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, Haryana, India
| | - Vishal Jain
- Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751023, Odisha, India
| | - Sowmya Ramakant Prabhu
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Akshaya Kumar Mohanty
- Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751023, Odisha, India
- Ispat General Hospital, Sector 19, Rourkela, 769005, Odisha, India
| | - Mahabala Chakrapani
- Department of Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Kapaettu Satyamoorthy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Anshuman Dixit
- Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751023, Odisha, India
| | - Govindarajan Padmanaban
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, Karnataka, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kekani LN, Witika BA. Current advances in nanodrug delivery systems for malaria prevention and treatment. DISCOVER NANO 2023; 18:66. [PMID: 37382765 PMCID: PMC10409709 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-023-03849-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is a life-threatening, blood-borne disease with over two hundred million cases throughout the world and is more prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa than anywhere else in the world. Over the years, several treatment agents have been developed for malaria; however, most of these active pharmaceutical ingredients exhibit poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability and may result in drug-resistant parasites, thus increasing malaria cases and eventually, deaths. Factors such as these in therapeutics have led to a better appreciation of nanomaterials. The ability of nanomaterials to function as drug carriers with a high loading capacity and targeted drug delivery, good biocompatibility, and low toxicity renders them an appealing alternative to conventional therapy. Nanomaterials such as dendrimers and liposomes have been demonstrated to be capable of enhancing the efficacy of antimalarial drugs. This review discusses the recent development of nanomaterials and their benefits in drug delivery for the potential treatment of malaria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda N Kekani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, 0208, South Africa
| | - Bwalya A Witika
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, 0208, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lahree A, Mello-Vieira J, Mota MM. The nutrient games - Plasmodium metabolism during hepatic development. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:445-460. [PMID: 37061442 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is a febrile illness caused by species of the protozoan parasite Plasmodium and is characterized by recursive infections of erythrocytes, leading to clinical symptoms and pathology. In mammals, Plasmodium parasites undergo a compulsory intrahepatic development stage before infecting erythrocytes. Liver-stage parasites have a metabolic configuration to facilitate the replication of several thousand daughter parasites. Their metabolism is of interest to identify cellular pathways essential for liver infection, to kill the parasite before onset of the disease. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on nutrient acquisition and biosynthesis by liver-stage parasites mostly generated in murine malaria models, gaps in knowledge, and challenges to create a holistic view of the development and deficiencies in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aparajita Lahree
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - João Mello-Vieira
- Institute of Biochemistry II, School of Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Maria M Mota
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Oduselu GO, Afolabi R, Ademuwagun I, Vaughan A, Adebiyi E. Structure-based pharmacophore modeling, virtual screening, and molecular dynamics simulation studies for identification of Plasmodium falciparum 5-aminolevulinate synthase inhibitors. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 9:1022429. [PMID: 36714108 PMCID: PMC9877529 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1022429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) 5-aminolevulinic acid synthase (5-ALAS) is an essential enzyme with high selectivity during liver stage development, signifying its potential as a prophylactic antimalarial drug target. The aim of this study was to identify important potential lead compounds which can serve as inhibitors of Pf 5-ALAS using pharmacophore modeling, virtual screening, qualitative structural assessment, in silico ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity) evaluation and molecular dynamics simulation. The best model of the tertiary structure of Pf 5-ALAS was obtained using MolProbity, while the following databases were explored for the pharmacophore-based virtual screening: CHEMBL, ChemDiv, ChemSpace, MCULE, MCULE-ULTIMATE, MolPort, NCI Open Chemical Repository, LabNetwork and ZINC databases. 2,621 compounds were screened against the modeled Pf 5-ALAS using AutoDock vina. The post-screening analysis was carried out using Discovery Studio while molecular dynamics simulation was performed on the best hits using NAMD-VMD and Galaxy Europe platform. Compound CSMS00081585868 was observed as the best hit with a binding affinity of -9.9 kcal/mol and predicted Ki of 52.10 nM, engaging in seven hydrogen bonds with the target's active site amino acid residues. The in silico ADMET prediction showed that all ten best hits possessed relatively good pharmacokinetic properties. The qualitative structural assessment of the best hit, CSMS00081585868, revealed that the presence of two pyridine scaffolds bearing hydroxy and fluorine groups linked by a pyrrolidine scaffold contributed significantly to its ability to have a strong binding affinity with the receptor. The best hit also showed stability in the active site of Pf 5-ALAS as confirmed from the RMSD obtained during the MD simulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gbolahan O. Oduselu
- Covenant University Bioinformatics Research (CUBRe), Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
- Department of Chemistry, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Rufus Afolabi
- Covenant University Bioinformatics Research (CUBRe), Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
- Department of Biochemistry, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Ibitayo Ademuwagun
- Covenant University Bioinformatics Research (CUBRe), Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
- Department of Biochemistry, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Ashley Vaughan
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ezekiel Adebiyi
- Covenant University Bioinformatics Research (CUBRe), Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
- Department of Computer and Information Science, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
- Covenant Applied Informatics and Communications ACE (CApIC-ACE), Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
- Division of Applied Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sharma D, Pareek A, Arya H, Soni R, Rai P, Agrawal A, Nimesh S, Kumar D, Yaragorla S, Bhatt TK. Synthesis and inhibition studies towards the discovery of benzodiazepines as potential antimalarial compounds. Exp Parasitol 2022; 243:108411. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
9
|
Babesia, Theileria, Plasmodium and Hemoglobin. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10081651. [PMID: 36014069 PMCID: PMC9414693 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10081651] [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: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The Propagation of Plasmodium spp. and Babesia/Theileria spp. vertebrate blood stages relies on the mediated acquisition of nutrients available within the host’s red blood cell (RBC). The cellular processes of uptake, trafficking and metabolic processing of host RBC proteins are thus crucial for the intraerythrocytic development of these parasites. In contrast to malarial Plasmodia, the molecular mechanisms of uptake and processing of the major RBC cytoplasmic protein hemoglobin remain widely unexplored in intraerythrocytic Babesia/Theileria species. In the paper, we thus provide an updated comparison of the intraerythrocytic stage feeding mechanisms of these two distantly related groups of parasitic Apicomplexa. As the associated metabolic pathways including proteolytic degradation and networks facilitating heme homeostasis represent attractive targets for diverse antimalarials, and alterations in these pathways underpin several mechanisms of malaria drug resistance, our ambition is to highlight some fundamental differences resulting in different implications for parasite management with the potential for novel interventions against Babesia/Theileria infections.
Collapse
|
10
|
Activity-Based Protein Profiling of Human and Plasmodium Serine Hydrolases and Interrogation of Potential Antimalarial Targets. iScience 2022; 25:104996. [PMID: 36105595 PMCID: PMC9464883 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains a global health issue requiring the identification of novel therapeutic targets to combat drug resistance. Metabolic serine hydrolases are druggable enzymes playing essential roles in lipid metabolism. However, very few have been investigated in malaria-causing parasites. Here, we used fluorophosphonate broad-spectrum activity-based probes and quantitative chemical proteomics to annotate and profile the activity of more than half of predicted serine hydrolases in P. falciparum across the erythrocytic cycle. Using conditional genetics, we demonstrate that the activities of four serine hydrolases, previously annotated as essential (or important) in genetic screens, are actually dispensable for parasite replication. Of importance, we also identified eight human serine hydrolases that are specifically activated at different developmental stages. Chemical inhibition of two of them blocks parasite replication. This strongly suggests that parasites co-opt the activity of host enzymes and that this opens a new drug development strategy against which the parasites are less likely to develop resistance. P. falciparum has 48 predicted metabolic SHs. Many react with the ABP, FP-N3 The activity of 25 PfSHs and 8 HsSHs was profiled throughout the asexual life cycle Catalytic mutants of 4 PfSHs (formerly held essential) had no parasite growth effect Selective inhibitors for 2 HsSHs (APEH and LPLA2) affected parasite growth
Collapse
|
11
|
Malaria parasite heme biosynthesis promotes and griseofulvin protects against cerebral malaria in mice. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4028. [PMID: 35821013 PMCID: PMC9276668 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31431-z] [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: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Heme-biosynthetic pathway of malaria parasite is dispensable for asexual stages, but essential for mosquito and liver stages. Despite having backup mechanisms to acquire hemoglobin-heme, pathway intermediates and/or enzymes from the host, asexual parasites express heme pathway enzymes and synthesize heme. Here we show heme synthesized in asexual stages promotes cerebral pathogenesis by enhancing hemozoin formation. Hemozoin is a parasite molecule associated with inflammation, aberrant host-immune responses, disease severity and cerebral pathogenesis. The heme pathway knockout parasites synthesize less hemozoin, and mice infected with knockout parasites are protected from cerebral malaria and death due to anemia is delayed. Biosynthetic heme regulates food vacuole integrity and the food vacuoles from knockout parasites are compromised in pH, lipid unsaturation and proteins, essential for hemozoin formation. Targeting parasite heme synthesis by griseofulvin-a FDA-approved antifungal drug, prevents cerebral malaria in mice and provides an adjunct therapeutic option for cerebral and severe malaria.
Collapse
|
12
|
Sishtla K, Lambert-Cheatham N, Lee B, Han DH, Park J, Sardar Pasha SPB, Lee S, Kwon S, Muniyandi A, Park B, Odell N, Waller S, Park IY, Lee SJ, Seo SY, Corson TW. Small-molecule inhibitors of ferrochelatase are antiangiogenic agents. Cell Chem Biol 2022; 29:1010-1023.e14. [PMID: 35090600 PMCID: PMC9233146 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Activity of the heme synthesis enzyme ferrochelatase (FECH) is implicated in multiple diseases. In particular, it is a mediator of neovascularization in the eye and thus an appealing therapeutic target for preventing blindness. However, no drug-like direct FECH inhibitors are known. Here, we set out to identify small-molecule inhibitors of FECH as potential therapeutic leads using a high-throughput screening approach to identify potent inhibitors of FECH activity. A structure-activity relationship study of a class of triazolopyrimidinone hits yielded drug-like FECH inhibitors. These compounds inhibit FECH in cells, bind the active site in cocrystal structures, and are antiangiogenic in multiple in vitro assays. One of these promising compounds was antiangiogenic in vivo in a mouse model of choroidal neovascularization. This foundational work may be the basis for new therapeutic agents to combat not only ocular neovascularization but also other diseases characterized by FECH activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kamakshi Sishtla
- Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Nathan Lambert-Cheatham
- Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Bit Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, South Korea
| | - Duk Hee Han
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk 28160, South Korea
| | - Jaehui Park
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk 28160, South Korea
| | - Sheik Pran Babu Sardar Pasha
- Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Sanha Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, South Korea
| | - Sangil Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, South Korea
| | - Anbukkarasi Muniyandi
- Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Bomina Park
- Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Noa Odell
- Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Spelman College, Atlanta, GA 30314, USA
| | - Sydney Waller
- Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Il Yeong Park
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk 28160, South Korea
| | - Soo Jae Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk 28160, South Korea.
| | - Seung-Yong Seo
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, South Korea.
| | - Timothy W Corson
- Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Perner J, Hajdusek O, Kopacek P. Independent somatic distribution of heme and iron in ticks. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 51:100916. [PMID: 35346896 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2022.100916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are blood-feeding ectoparasites with distinct genomic reductions, inevitably linking them to a parasitic lifestyle. Ticks have lost the genomic coding and, thus, biochemical capacity to synthesize heme, an essential metabolic cofactor, de novo. Instead, they are equipped with acquisition and distribution pathways for reuse of host heme. Unlike insects or mammals, ticks and mites cannot cleave the porphyrin ring of heme to release iron. Bioavailable iron is thus acquired by ticks from the host serum transferrin. Somatic trafficking of iron, however, is independent of heme and is mediated by a secretory type of ferritin. Heme and iron systemic homeostasis in ticks represents, therefore, key adaptive traits enabling successful feeding and reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Perner
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Hajdusek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Kopacek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Emerging resistance to artemisinin (ART) has become a challenge for reducing worldwide malaria mortality and morbidity. The C580Y mutation in Plasmodium falciparum Kelch13 has been identified as the major determinant for ART resistance in the background of other mutations, which include the T38I mutation in autophagy-related protein PfATG18. Increased endoplasmic reticulum phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate (ER-PI3P) vesiculation, unfolded protein response (UPR), and oxidative stress are the proteostasis mechanisms proposed to cause ART resistance. While UPR and PI3P are known to stimulate autophagy in higher organisms to clear misfolded proteins, participation of the parasite autophagy machinery in these mechanisms of ART resistance has not yet been experimentally demonstrated. Our study establishes that ART-induced ER stress leads to increased expression of P. falciparum autophagy proteins through induction of the UPR. Furthermore, the ART-resistant K13C580Y isolate shows higher basal expression levels of autophagy proteins than those of its isogenic counterpart, and this magnifies under starvation conditions. The copresence of PfK13 with PfATG18 and PI3P on parasite hemoglobin-trafficking vesicles demonstrate interactions between the autophagy and hemoglobin endocytosis pathways proposed to be involved in ART resistance. Analysis of PfK13 mutations in 2,517 field isolates, revealing an impressive >85% coassociation between PfK13 C580Y and PfATG18 T38I, together with our experimental studies with an ART-resistant P. falciparum strain establishes that parasite autophagy underpins various mechanisms of ART resistance and is a starting point to further explore this pathway for developing antimalarials.
Collapse
|
15
|
Buchanan HD, Goodman CD, McFadden GI. Roles of the apicoplast across the life cycles of rodent and human malaria parasites. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2022; 69:e12947. [PMID: 36070203 PMCID: PMC9828729 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12947] [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] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Malaria parasites are diheteroxenous, requiring two hosts-a vertebrate and a mosquito-to complete their life cycle. Mosquitoes are the definitive host where malaria parasite sex occurs, and vertebrates are the intermediate host, supporting asexual amplification and more significant geographic spread. In this review, we examine the roles of a single malaria parasite compartment, the relict plastid known as the apicoplast, at each life cycle stage. We focus mainly on two malaria parasite species-Plasmodium falciparum and P. berghei-comparing the changing, yet ever crucial, roles of their apicoplasts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hayley D. Buchanan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Melbourne Medical SchoolThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia,Faculty of Science, School of BioSciencesThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Christopher D. Goodman
- Faculty of Science, School of BioSciencesThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Geoffrey I. McFadden
- Faculty of Science, School of BioSciencesThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sloan MA, Aghabi D, Harding CR. Orchestrating a heist: uptake and storage of metals by apicomplexan parasites. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2021; 167. [PMID: 34898419 PMCID: PMC7612242 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Megan A Sloan
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Dana Aghabi
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Falekun S, Sepulveda J, Jami-Alahmadi Y, Park H, Wohlschlegel JA, Sigala PA. Divergent acyl carrier protein decouples mitochondrial Fe-S cluster biogenesis from fatty acid synthesis in malaria parasites. eLife 2021; 10:71636. [PMID: 34612205 PMCID: PMC8547962 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71636] [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: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Most eukaryotic cells retain a mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis (FASII) pathway whose acyl carrier protein (mACP) and 4-phosphopantetheine (Ppant) prosthetic group provide a soluble scaffold for acyl chain synthesis and biochemically couple FASII activity to mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) assembly and Fe-S cluster biogenesis. In contrast, the mitochondrion of Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites lacks FASII enzymes yet curiously retains a divergent mACP lacking a Ppant group. We report that ligand-dependent knockdown of mACP is lethal to parasites, indicating an essential FASII-independent function. Decyl-ubiquinone rescues parasites temporarily from death, suggesting a dominant dysfunction of the mitochondrial ETC. Biochemical studies reveal that Plasmodium mACP binds and stabilizes the Isd11-Nfs1 complex required for Fe-S cluster biosynthesis, despite lacking the Ppant group required for this association in other eukaryotes, and knockdown of parasite mACP causes loss of Nfs1 and the Rieske Fe-S protein in ETC complex III. This work reveals that Plasmodium parasites have evolved to decouple mitochondrial Fe-S cluster biogenesis from FASII activity, and this adaptation is a shared metabolic feature of other apicomplexan pathogens, including Toxoplasma and Babesia. This discovery unveils an evolutionary driving force to retain interaction of mitochondrial Fe-S cluster biogenesis with ACP independent of its eponymous function in FASII.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seyi Falekun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Jaime Sepulveda
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Yasaman Jami-Alahmadi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Hahnbeom Park
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - James A Wohlschlegel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Paul A Sigala
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Karikari AA, Wruck W, Adjaye J. Transcriptome-based analysis of blood samples reveals elevation of DNA damage response, neutrophil degranulation, cancer and neurodegenerative pathways in Plasmodium falciparum patients. Malar J 2021; 20:383. [PMID: 34565410 PMCID: PMC8474955 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03918-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum results in severe complications including cerebral malaria (CM) especially in children. While the majority of falciparum malaria survivors make a full recovery, there are reports of some patients ending up with neurological sequelae or cognitive deficit. METHODS An analysis of pooled transcriptome data of whole blood samples derived from two studies involving various P. falciparum infections, comprising mild malaria (MM), non-cerebral severe malaria (NCM) and CM was performed. Pathways and gene ontologies (GOs) elevated in the distinct P. falciparum infections were determined. RESULTS In all, 2876 genes were expressed in common between the 3 forms of falciparum malaria, with CM having the least number of expressed genes. In contrast to other research findings, the analysis from this study showed MM share similar biological processes with cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, NCM is associated with drug resistance and glutathione metabolism and CM is correlated with endocannabinoid signalling and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). GO revealed the terms biogenesis, DNA damage response and IL-10 production in MM, down-regulation of cytoskeletal organization and amyloid-beta clearance in NCM and aberrant signalling, neutrophil degranulation and gene repression in CM. Differential gene expression analysis between CM and NCM showed the up-regulation of neutrophil activation and response to herbicides, while regulation of axon diameter was down-regulated in CM. CONCLUSIONS Results from this study reveal that P. falciparum-mediated inflammatory and cellular stress mechanisms may impair brain function in MM, NCM and CM. However, the neurological deficits predominantly reported in CM cases could be attributed to the down-regulation of various genes involved in cellular function through transcriptional repression, axonal dysfunction, dysregulation of signalling pathways and neurodegeneration. It is anticipated that the data from this study, might form the basis for future hypothesis-driven malaria research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akua A. Karikari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Wasco Wruck
- Institute for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - James Adjaye
- Institute for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kloehn J, Lacour CE, Soldati-Favre D. The metabolic pathways and transporters of the plastid organelle in Apicomplexa. Curr Opin Microbiol 2021; 63:250-258. [PMID: 34455306 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2021.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The apicoplast is the relict of a plastid organelle found in several disease-causing apicomplexan parasites such as Plasmodium spp. and Toxoplasma gondii. In these organisms, the organelle has lost its photosynthetic capability but harbours several fitness-conferring or essential metabolic pathways. Although maintaining the apicoplast and fuelling the metabolic pathways within requires the challenging constant import and export of numerous metabolites across its four membranes, only few apicoplast transporters have been identified to date, most of which are orphan transporters. Here we review the roles of metabolic pathways within the apicoplast and what is currently known about the few identified apicoplast metabolite transporters. We discuss what metabolites must get in and out of the apicoplast, the many transporters that are yet to be discovered, and what role these might play in parasite metabolism and as putative drug targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Kloehn
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, CMU, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Clément Em Lacour
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, CMU, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Soldati-Favre
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, CMU, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Nolder D, Stewart L, Tucker J, Ibrahim A, Gray A, Corrah T, Gallagher C, John L, O'Brien E, Aggarwal D, Benavente ED, van Schalkwyk D, Henriques G, Sepúlveda N, Campino S, Chiodini P, Sutherland C, Beshir KB. Failure of rapid diagnostic tests in Plasmodium falciparum malaria cases among travelers to the UK and Ireland: Identification and characterisation of the parasites. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 108:137-144. [PMID: 33991679 PMCID: PMC8295040 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our objective was to systematically investigate false-negative histidine-rich protein 2 rapid diagnostic tests (HRP2-RDT) in imported Plasmodium falciparum malaria cases from travelers to the UK and the Republic of Ireland (RoI). METHODS Five imported malaria cases in travellers returning to the UK and RoI from East Africa were reported to the PHE Malaria Reference Laboratory as negative according to histidine-rich protein (HRP2)-RDT. The cases were systematically investigated using microscopic, RDT, molecular, genomic, and in in vitro approaches. RESULTS In each case, HRP2-RDT was negative, whereas microscopy confirmed the presence of P. falciparum. Further analysis revealed that the genes encoding HRP2 and HRP3 were deleted in three of the five cases. Whole-genome sequencing in one of these isolates confirmed deletions in P. falciparum chromosomes 8 and 13. Our study produced evidence that the fourth case, which had high parasitemia at clinical presentation, was a rare example of antigen saturation ('prozone-like effect'), leading to a false negative in the HRP2-RDT, while the fifth case was due to low parasitemia. CONCLUSIONS False-negative HRP2-RDT results with P. falciparum are concerning. Our findings emphasise the necessity of supporting the interpretation of RDT results with microscopy, in conjunction with clinical observations, and sets out a systematic approach to identifying parasites carrying pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 deletions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debbie Nolder
- PHE Malaria Reference Laboratory, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Lindsay Stewart
- PHE Malaria Reference Laboratory, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK; Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Julie Tucker
- PHE Malaria Reference Laboratory, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Amy Ibrahim
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Adam Gray
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Northwick Park Hospital, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, London HA1 3UJ, UK
| | - Tumena Corrah
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Northwick Park Hospital, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, London HA1 3UJ, UK
| | - Carmel Gallagher
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Northwick Park Hospital, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, London HA1 3UJ, UK
| | - Laurence John
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Northwick Park Hospital, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, London HA1 3UJ, UK
| | - Edel O'Brien
- Haematology Lab, University Hospital Limerick, Ireland
| | - Dinesh Aggarwal
- Department of Clinical Parasitology, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ernest Diez Benavente
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Donelly van Schalkwyk
- PHE Malaria Reference Laboratory, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK; Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Gisela Henriques
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Nuno Sepúlveda
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK; CEAUL - Centro de Estatística e Aplicações da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Susana Campino
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Peter Chiodini
- PHE Malaria Reference Laboratory, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK; Department of Clinical Parasitology, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Colin Sutherland
- PHE Malaria Reference Laboratory, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK; Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Khalid B Beshir
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Owolabi ATY, Reece SE, Schneider P. Daily rhythms of both host and parasite affect antimalarial drug efficacy. Evol Med Public Health 2021; 9:208-219. [PMID: 34285807 PMCID: PMC8284615 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoab013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Circadian rhythms contribute to treatment efficacy in several non-communicable diseases. However, chronotherapy (administering drugs at a particular time-of-day) against infectious diseases has been overlooked. Yet, the daily rhythms of both hosts and disease-causing agents can impact the efficacy of drug treatment. We use the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium chabaudi, to test whether the daily rhythms of hosts, parasites and their interactions affect sensitivity to the key antimalarial, artemisinin. METHODOLOGY Asexual malaria parasites develop rhythmically in the host's blood, in a manner timed to coordinate with host daily rhythms. Our experiments coupled or decoupled the timing of parasite and host rhythms, and we administered artemisinin at different times of day to coincide with when parasites were either at an early (ring) or later (trophozoite) developmental stage. We quantified the impacts of parasite developmental stage, and alignment of parasite and host rhythms, on drug sensitivity. RESULTS We find that rings were less sensitive to artemisinin than trophozoites, and this difference was exacerbated when parasite and host rhythms were misaligned, with little direct contribution of host time-of-day on its own. Furthermore, the blood concentration of haem at the point of treatment correlated positively with artemisinin efficacy but only when parasite and host rhythms were aligned. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Parasite rhythms influence drug sensitivity in vivo. The hitherto unknown modulation by alignment between parasite and host daily rhythms suggests that disrupting the timing of parasite development could be a novel chronotherapeutic approach. LAY SUMMARY We reveal that chronotherapy (providing medicines at a particular time-of-day) could improve treatment for malaria infections. Specifically, parasites' developmental stage at the time of treatment and the coordination of timing between parasite and host both affect how well antimalarial drug treatment works.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alíz T Y Owolabi
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology & Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Charlotte Auerbach Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK,Corresponding author. Institute of Evolutionary Biology & Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Charlotte Auerbach Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FL, UK. Tel (office): +441316508642; E-mail:
| | - Sarah E Reece
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology & Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Charlotte Auerbach Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Petra Schneider
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology & Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Charlotte Auerbach Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Vashisht K, Singh P, Verma S, Dixit R, Mishra N, Pandey KC. The nucleotide specificity of succinyl-CoA synthetase of Plasmodium falciparum is not determined by charged gatekeeper residues alone. FEBS Open Bio 2021; 11:578-587. [PMID: 33174373 PMCID: PMC7931218 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Substrate specificity of an enzyme is an important characteristic of its mechanism of action. Investigation of the nucleotide specificity of Plasmodium falciparum succinyl‐CoA synthetase (SCS; PfSCS) would provide crucial insights of its substrate recognition. Charged gatekeeper residues have been shown to alter the substrate specificity via electrostatic interactions with approaching substrates. The enzyme kinetics of recombinant PfSCS (wild‐type), generated by refolding of the individual P. falciparum SCSβ and Blastocystis SCSα subunits, demonstrated ADP‐forming activity (KmATP = 48 µm). Further, the introduction of charged gatekeeper residues, either positive (Lys and Lys) or negative (Glu and Asp), resulted in significant reductions in the ATP affinity of PfSCS. It is interesting to note that the recombinant PfSCSβ subunit can be refolded to a functional enzyme conformation using Blastocystis SCSα, indicating the possibility of subunits swapping among different organisms. These results concluded that electrostatic interactions at the gatekeeper region alone are insufficient to alter the substrate specificity of PfSCS, and further structural analysis with a particular focus on binding site architecture is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kapil Vashisht
- Protein Biochemistry and Engineering Lab, Parasite-Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Pallavi Singh
- Protein Biochemistry and Engineering Lab, Parasite-Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Sonia Verma
- Protein Biochemistry and Engineering Lab, Parasite-Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajnikant Dixit
- Protein Biochemistry and Engineering Lab, Parasite-Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Neelima Mishra
- Protein Biochemistry and Engineering Lab, Parasite-Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Kailash C Pandey
- Protein Biochemistry and Engineering Lab, Parasite-Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Krishnan A, Soldati-Favre D. Amino Acid Metabolism in Apicomplexan Parasites. Metabolites 2021; 11:61. [PMID: 33498308 PMCID: PMC7909243 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11020061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Obligate intracellular pathogens have coevolved with their host, leading to clever strategies to access nutrients, to combat the host's immune response, and to establish a safe niche for intracellular replication. The host, on the other hand, has also developed ways to restrict the replication of invaders by limiting access to nutrients required for pathogen survival. In this review, we describe the recent advancements in both computational methods and high-throughput -omics techniques that have been used to study and interrogate metabolic functions in the context of intracellular parasitism. Specifically, we cover the current knowledge on the presence of amino acid biosynthesis and uptake within the Apicomplexa phylum, focusing on human-infecting pathogens: Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium falciparum. Given the complex multi-host lifecycle of these pathogens, we hypothesize that amino acids are made, rather than acquired, depending on the host niche. We summarize the stage specificities of enzymes revealed through transcriptomics data, the relevance of amino acids for parasite pathogenesis in vivo, and the role of their transporters. Targeting one or more of these pathways may lead to a deeper understanding of the specific contributions of biosynthesis versus acquisition of amino acids and to design better intervention strategies against the apicomplexan parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aarti Krishnan
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, CMU, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Nambou K, Nie X, Tong Y, Anakpa M. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis and drug-gene interaction bioinformatics uncover key genes associated with various presentations of malaria infection in African children and major drug candidates. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 89:104723. [PMID: 33444859 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is a fatal parasitic disease with unelucidated pathogenetic mechanism. Herein, we aimed to uncover genes associated with different clinical aspects of malaria based on the GSE1124 dataset that is publicly accessible by using WGCNA. We obtained 16 co-expression modules and their correlations with clinical features. Using the MCODE tool, we identified THEM4, STYX, VPS36, LCOR, KIAA1143, EEA1, RAPGEF6, LOC439994, ZBTB33, PTPN22, ESCO1, and KLF3 as hub genes positively associated with Plasmodium falciparum infection (ASPF). These hub genes were involved in the biological processes of endosomal transport, regulation of natural killer cell proliferation, and KEGG pathways of endocytosis and fatty acid elongation. For the purple module negatively correlated with ASPF, we identified 19 hub genes that were involved in the biological processes of positive regulation of cellular protein catabolic process and KEGG pathways of other glycan degradation. For the salmon module positively correlated with severe malaria anemia (SMA), we identified 17 hub genes that were among those driving the biological processes of positive regulation of erythrocyte differentiation. For the brown module positively correlated with cerebral malaria (CM), we identified eight hub genes and these genes participated in phagolysosome assembly and positive regulation of exosomal secretion, and animal mitophagy pathway. For the tan module negatively correlated with CM, we identified four hub genes that were involved in CD8-positive, alpha-beta T cell differentiation and notching signaling pathway. These findings may provide new insights into the pathogenesis of malaria and help define new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for malaria patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Komi Nambou
- Shenzhen Nambou1 Biotech Company Limited, West Silicon Valley, No. 5010 Bao'an Avenue, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Xiaoling Nie
- Shenzhen Nambou1 Biotech Company Limited, West Silicon Valley, No. 5010 Bao'an Avenue, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yin Tong
- Shenzhen Nambou1 Biotech Company Limited, West Silicon Valley, No. 5010 Bao'an Avenue, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Manawa Anakpa
- Key Laboratory of Trustworthy Distributed Computing and Service, School of Computer Science (National Pilot Software Engineering School), Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100876, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Nasamu AS, Falla A, Pasaje CFA, Wall BA, Wagner JC, Ganesan SM, Goldfless SJ, Niles JC. An integrated platform for genome engineering and gene expression perturbation in Plasmodium falciparum. Sci Rep 2021; 11:342. [PMID: 33431920 PMCID: PMC7801740 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77644-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Establishing robust genome engineering methods in the malarial parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, has the potential to substantially improve the efficiency with which we gain understanding of this pathogen's biology to propel treatment and elimination efforts. Methods for manipulating gene expression and engineering the P. falciparum genome have been validated. However, a significant barrier to fully leveraging these advances is the difficulty associated with assembling the extremely high AT content DNA constructs required for modifying the P. falciparum genome. These are frequently unstable in commonly-used circular plasmids. We address this bottleneck by devising a DNA assembly framework leveraging the improved reliability with which large AT-rich regions can be efficiently manipulated in linear plasmids. This framework integrates several key functional genetics outcomes via CRISPR/Cas9 and other methods from a common, validated framework. Overall, this molecular toolkit enables P. falciparum genetics broadly and facilitates deeper interrogation of parasite genes involved in diverse biological processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Armiyaw S Nasamu
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 56-341B, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Alejandra Falla
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 56-341B, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Charisse Flerida A Pasaje
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 56-341B, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Bridget A Wall
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 56-341B, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Jeffrey C Wagner
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 56-341B, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Suresh M Ganesan
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 56-341B, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Stephen J Goldfless
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 56-341B, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Jacquin C Niles
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 56-341B, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zhang Y, Wang C, Jia H. Biogenesis and maintenance of the apicoplast in model apicomplexan parasites. Parasitol Int 2020; 81:102270. [PMID: 33321224 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The apicoplast is a non-photosynthetic relict plastid of Apicomplexa that evolved from a secondary symbiotic system. During its evolution, most of the genes derived from its alga ancestor were lost. Only genes involved in several valuable metabolic pathways, such as the synthesis of isoprenoid precursors, heme, and fatty acids, have been transferred to the host genome and retained to help these parasites adapt to a complex life cycle and various living environments. The biological function of an apicoplast is essential for most apicomplexan parasites. Considering their potential as drug targets, the metabolic functions of this symbiotic organelle have been intensively investigated through computational and biological means. Moreover, we know that not only organellar metabolic functions are linked with other organelles, but also their biogenesis processes have developed and evolved to tailor their biological functions and proper inheritance. Several distinct features have been found in the biogenesis process of apicoplasts. For example, the apicoplast borrows a dynamin-related protein (DrpA) from its host to implement organelle division. The autophagy system has also been repurposed for linking the apicoplast and centrosome during replication and the division process. However, many vital questions remain to be answered about how these parasites maintain and properly inherit this symbiotic organelle. Here we review our current knowledge about its biogenesis process and discuss several critical questions remaining to be answered in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province 163319, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Haping Street 678, Nangang District, Harbin 150069, PR China
| | - Chunren Wang
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province 163319, PR China
| | - Honglin Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Haping Street 678, Nangang District, Harbin 150069, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Yang Y, Tang T, Feng B, Li S, Hou N, Ma X, Jiang L, Xin X, Chen Q. Disruption of Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 may affect haem metabolism in the blood stage. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:611. [PMID: 33298142 PMCID: PMC7725123 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04460-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Haem is a key metabolic factor in the life cycle of the malaria parasite. In the blood stage, the parasite acquires host haemoglobin to generate amino acids for protein synthesis and the by-product haem for metabolic use. The malaria parasite can also synthesize haem de novo on its own. Plasmodium falciparum-specific histidine-rich protein 2 (PfHRP2) has a haem-binding site to mediate the formation of haemozoin, a biocrystallized form of haem aggregates. Notably, the gene regulates the mechanism of haemoglobin-derived haem metabolism and the de novo haem biosynthetic pathway in the Pfhrp2-disrupted parasite line during the intraerythrocytic stages. Methods The CRISPR/Cas9 system was used to disrupt the gene locus of Pfhrp2. DNA was extracted from the transgenic parasite, and PCR, Southern blotting and Western blotting were used to confirm the establishment of transgenic parasites. RNA-sequencing and comparative transcriptome analysis were performed to identify differences in gene expression between 3D7 and Pfhrp2--3D7 parasites. Results Pfhrp2- transgenic parasites were successfully established by the CRISPR/Cas9 system. A total of 964, 1261, 3138, 1064, 2512 and 1778 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the six comparison groups, respectively, with 373, 520, 1499, 353, 1253 and 742 of these DEGs upregulated and 591, 741, 1639, 711, 1259 and 1036 of them downregulated, respectively. Five DEGs related to haem metabolism and synthesis were identified in the comparison groups at six time points (0, 8, 16, 24, 32, and 40 h after merozoite invasion). The genes encoding delta-aminolevulinic acid synthetase and ferrochelatase, both related to haem biosynthesis, were found to be significantly upregulated in the comparison groups, and those encoding haem oxygenase, stromal-processing peptidase and porphobilinogen deaminase were found to be significantly downregulated. No GO terms were significantly enriched in haem-related processes (Q value = 1). Conclusion Our data revealed changes in the transcriptome expression profile of the Pfhrp2--3D7 parasite during the intraerythrocytic stages. The findings provide insight at the gene transcript level that will facilitate further research on and development of anti-malaria drugs.![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingchao Yang
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China. .,Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Health for Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China.
| | - Tongke Tang
- Unit of Human Parasite Molecular and Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Bo Feng
- Beijing Red Cross Blood Center, Beijing, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Hou
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Health for Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Lubin Jiang
- Unit of Human Parasite Molecular and Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Xiaofang Xin
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Health for Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Qijun Chen
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China. .,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Nairz M, Weiss G. Iron in infection and immunity. Mol Aspects Med 2020; 75:100864. [PMID: 32461004 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2020.100864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Iron is an essential micronutrient for virtually all living cells. In infectious diseases, both invading pathogens and mammalian cells including those of the immune system require iron to sustain their function, metabolism and proliferation. On the one hand, microbial iron uptake is linked to the virulence of most human pathogens. On the other hand, the sequestration of iron from bacteria and other microorganisms is an efficient strategy of host defense in line with the principles of 'nutritional immunity'. In an acute infection, host-driven iron withdrawal inhibits the growth of pathogens. Chronic immune activation due to persistent infection, autoimmune disease or malignancy however, sequesters iron not only from infectious agents, autoreactive lymphocytes and neoplastic cells but also from erythroid progenitors. This is one of the key mechanisms which collectively result in the anemia of chronic inflammation. In this review, we highlight the most important interconnections between iron metabolism and immunity, focusing on host defense against relevant infections and on the clinical consequences of anemia of inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manfred Nairz
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Rheumatology, Pneumology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Günter Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Rheumatology, Pneumology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Iron Metabolism and Anemia Research, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Tougan T, Itagaki S, Toya Y, Uchihashi K, Horii T. Implementation of a red blood cell-optical (RBO) channel for detection of latent iron deficiency anaemia by automated measurement of autofluorescence-emitting red blood cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15605. [PMID: 32973246 PMCID: PMC7518259 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72382-z] [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: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron deficiency is the most common and widespread nutritional disorder worldwide. The automated haematology analyser XN-30 (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan) was developed to detect malaria-infected red blood cells (RBCs) in human blood samples using flow cytometry. The optical system of the analyser detects autofluorescence (AF)-emitting RBCs containing iron-deficient haem groups and would aid in the diagnosis of anaemia resulting from iron deficiency. Here, an RBC-optical (RBO) channel was devised and implemented on the analyser. In vitro analyses showed that the analyser detected AF-emitting RBCs treated with 5-aminolevulinic acid. Furthermore, the analyser detected AF-emitting RBCs in mice fed a low iron diet and infected with a rodent malaria parasite; it could also be effectively used in humans. This study demonstrates that the analyser can quantitatively and reproducibly detect AF-emitting RBCs and measure other haematological parameters, suggesting its usefulness for the initial evaluation of latent iron deficiency anaemia in conjunction with the diagnosis of malaria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Tougan
- Research Centre for Infectious Disease Control, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Sawako Itagaki
- Department of Malaria Vaccine Development, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuji Toya
- Sysmex Corporation, 4-4-4 Takatsukadai Nishiku, Kobe, Hyogo, 651-2271, Japan
| | - Kinya Uchihashi
- Sysmex Corporation, 4-4-4 Takatsukadai Nishiku, Kobe, Hyogo, 651-2271, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Horii
- Department of Malaria Vaccine Development, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Harding CR, Sidik SM, Petrova B, Gnädig NF, Okombo J, Herneisen AL, Ward KE, Markus BM, Boydston EA, Fidock DA, Lourido S. Genetic screens reveal a central role for heme metabolism in artemisinin susceptibility. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4813. [PMID: 32968076 PMCID: PMC7511413 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18624-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Artemisinins have revolutionized the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria; however, resistance threatens to undermine global control efforts. To broadly explore artemisinin susceptibility in apicomplexan parasites, we employ genome-scale CRISPR screens recently developed for Toxoplasma gondii to discover sensitizing and desensitizing mutations. Using a sublethal concentration of dihydroartemisinin (DHA), we uncover the putative transporter Tmem14c whose disruption increases DHA susceptibility. Screens performed under high doses of DHA provide evidence that mitochondrial metabolism can modulate resistance. We show that disrupting a top candidate from the screens, the mitochondrial protease DegP2, lowers porphyrin levels and decreases DHA susceptibility, without significantly altering parasite fitness in culture. Deleting the homologous gene in P. falciparum, PfDegP, similarly lowers heme levels and DHA susceptibility. These results expose the vulnerability of heme metabolism to genetic perturbations that can lead to increased survival in the presence of DHA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clare R Harding
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Saima M Sidik
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Boryana Petrova
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nina F Gnädig
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - John Okombo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Kurt E Ward
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Benedikt M Markus
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - David A Fidock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sebastian Lourido
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Biology Department, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Schnider CB, Yang H, Starrs L, Ehmann A, Rahimi F, Di Pierro E, Graziadei G, Matthews K, De Koning-Ward T, Bauer DC, Foote SJ, Burgio G, McMorran BJ. Host Porphobilinogen Deaminase Deficiency Confers Malaria Resistance in Plasmodium chabaudi but Not in Plasmodium berghei or Plasmodium falciparum During Intraerythrocytic Growth. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:464. [PMID: 33014890 PMCID: PMC7495142 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
An important component in host resistance to malaria infection are inherited mutations that give rise to abnormalities and deficiencies in erythrocyte proteins and enzymes. Understanding how such mutations confer protection against the disease may be useful for developing new treatment strategies. A mouse ENU-induced mutagenesis screen for novel malaria resistance-conferring mutations identified a novel non-sense mutation in the gene encoding porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD) in mice, denoted here as PbgdMRI58155. Heterozygote PbgdMRI58155 mice exhibited ~50% reduction in cellular PBGD activity in both mature erythrocytes and reticulocytes, although enzyme activity was ~10 times higher in reticulocytes than erythrocytes. When challenged with blood-stage P. chabaudi, which preferentially infects erythrocytes, heterozygote mice showed a modest but significant resistance to infection, including reduced parasite growth. A series of assays conducted to investigate the mechanism of resistance indicated that mutant erythrocyte invasion by P. chabaudi was normal, but that following intraerythrocytic establishment a significantly greater proportions of parasites died and therefore, affected their ability to propagate. The Plasmodium resistance phenotype was not recapitulated in Pbgd-deficient mice infected with P. berghei, which prefers reticulocytes, or when P. falciparum was cultured in erythrocytes from patients with acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), which had modest (20-50%) reduced levels of PBGD. Furthermore, the growth of Pbgd-null P. falciparum and Pbgd-null P. berghei parasites, which grew at the same rate as their wild-type counterparts in normal cells, were not affected by the PBGD-deficient background of the AIP erythrocytes or Pbgd-deficient mice. Our results confirm the dispensability of parasite PBGD for P. berghei infection and intraerythrocytic growth of P. falciparum, but for the first time identify a requirement for host erythrocyte PBGD by P. chabaudi during in vivo blood stage infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cilly Bernardette Schnider
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hao Yang
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Lora Starrs
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Anna Ehmann
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Farid Rahimi
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Elena Di Pierro
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda - Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Rare Diseases Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Graziadei
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda - Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Rare Diseases Center, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Simon J. Foote
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Gaetan Burgio
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Brendan J. McMorran
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Kloehn J, Harding CR, Soldati-Favre D. Supply and demand-heme synthesis, salvage and utilization by Apicomplexa. FEBS J 2020; 288:382-404. [PMID: 32530125 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The Apicomplexa phylum groups important human and animal pathogens that cause severe diseases, encompassing malaria, toxoplasmosis, and cryptosporidiosis. In common with most organisms, apicomplexans rely on heme as cofactor for several enzymes, including cytochromes of the electron transport chain. This heme derives from de novo synthesis and/or the development of uptake mechanisms to scavenge heme from their host. Recent studies have revealed that heme synthesis is essential for Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites, as well as for the mosquito and liver stages of Plasmodium spp. In contrast, the erythrocytic stages of the malaria parasites rely on scavenging heme from the host red blood cell. The unusual heme synthesis pathway in Apicomplexa spans three cellular compartments and comprises enzymes of distinct ancestral origin, providing promising drug targets. Remarkably given the requirement for heme, T. gondii can tolerate the loss of several heme synthesis enzymes at a high fitness cost, while the ferrochelatase is essential for survival. These findings indicate that T. gondii is capable of salvaging heme precursors from its host. Furthermore, heme is implicated in the activation of the key antimalarial drug artemisinin. Recent findings established that a reduction in heme availability corresponds to decreased sensitivity to artemisinin in T. gondii and Plasmodium falciparum, providing insights into the possible development of combination therapies to tackle apicomplexan parasites. This review describes the microeconomics of heme in Apicomplexa, from supply, either from de novo synthesis or scavenging, to demand by metabolic pathways, including the electron transport chain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Kloehn
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, CMU, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Clare R Harding
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, University of Glasgow, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Bergmann A, Floyd K, Key M, Dameron C, Rees KC, Thornton LB, Whitehead DC, Hamza I, Dou Z. Toxoplasma gondii requires its plant-like heme biosynthesis pathway for infection. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008499. [PMID: 32407406 PMCID: PMC7252677 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Heme, an iron-containing organic ring, is essential for virtually all living organisms by serving as a prosthetic group in proteins that function in diverse cellular activities ranging from diatomic gas transport and sensing, to mitochondrial respiration, to detoxification. Cellular heme levels in microbial pathogens can be a composite of endogenous de novo synthesis or exogenous uptake of heme or heme synthesis intermediates. Intracellular pathogenic microbes switch routes for heme supply when heme availability fluctuates in their replicative environment throughout infection. Here, we show that Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular human pathogen, encodes a functional heme biosynthesis pathway. A chloroplast-derived organelle, termed apicoplast, is involved in heme production. Genetic and chemical manipulation revealed that de novo heme production is essential for T. gondii intracellular growth and pathogenesis. Surprisingly, the herbicide oxadiazon significantly impaired Toxoplasma growth, consistent with phylogenetic analyses that show T. gondii protoporphyrinogen oxidase is more closely related to plants than mammals. This inhibition can be enhanced by 15- to 25-fold with two oxadiazon derivatives, lending therapeutic proof that Toxoplasma heme biosynthesis is a druggable target. As T. gondii has been used to model other apicomplexan parasites, our study underscores the utility of targeting heme biosynthesis in other pathogenic apicomplexans, such as Plasmodium spp., Cystoisospora, Eimeria, Neospora, and Sarcocystis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Bergmann
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Katherine Floyd
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Melanie Key
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Carly Dameron
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kerrick C. Rees
- Department of Chemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - L. Brock Thornton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Daniel C. Whitehead
- Department of Chemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
- Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Iqbal Hamza
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Zhicheng Dou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
- Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Tjhin ET, Hayward JA, McFadden GI, van Dooren GG. Characterization of the apicoplast-localized enzyme TgUroD in Toxoplasma gondii reveals a key role of the apicoplast in heme biosynthesis. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:1539-1550. [PMID: 31914409 PMCID: PMC7008375 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.011605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii possess an unusual heme biosynthesis pathway whose enzymes localize to the mitochondrion, cytosol, or apicoplast, a nonphotosynthetic plastid present in most apicomplexans. To characterize the involvement of the apicoplast in the T. gondii heme biosynthesis pathway, we investigated the role of the apicoplast-localized enzyme uroporphyrinogen III decarboxylase (TgUroD). We found that TgUroD knockdown impaired parasite proliferation, decreased free heme levels in the parasite, and decreased the abundance of heme-containing c-type cytochrome proteins in the parasite mitochondrion. We validated the effects of heme loss on mitochondrial cytochromes by knocking down cytochrome c/c1 heme lyase 1 (TgCCHL1), a mitochondrial enzyme that catalyzes the covalent attachment of heme to c-type cytochromes. TgCCHL1 depletion reduced parasite proliferation and decreased the abundance of c-type cytochromes. We further sought to characterize the overall importance of TgUroD and TgCCHL1 for both mitochondrial and general parasite metabolism. TgUroD depletion decreased cellular ATP levels, mitochondrial oxygen consumption, and extracellular acidification rates. By contrast, depletion of TgCCHL1 neither diminished ATP levels in the parasite nor impaired extracellular acidification rate, but resulted in specific defects in mitochondrial oxygen consumption. Together, our results indicate that the apicoplast has a key role in heme biology in T. gondii and is important for both mitochondrial and general parasite metabolism. Our study highlights the importance of heme and its synthesis in these parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edwin T Tjhin
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Jenni A Hayward
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Geoffrey I McFadden
- School of BioSciences University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Giel G van Dooren
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Abstract
The LS of Plasmodium infection is an asymptomatic yet necessary stage for producing blood-infective parasites, the causative agents of malaria. Blocking the liver stage of the life cycle can prevent clinical malaria, but relatively less is known about the parasite’s biology at this stage. Using the rodent model P. berghei, we investigated whole-transcriptome changes occurring as early as 2 hpi of hepatocytes. The transcriptional profiles of early time points (2, 4, 12, and 18 hpi) have not been accessible before due to the technical challenges associated with liver-stage infections. Our data now provide insights into these early parasite fluxes that may facilitate establishment of infection, transformation, and replication in the liver. The apicomplexan parasites Plasmodium spp. are the causative agents of malaria, a disease that poses a significant global health burden. Plasmodium spp. initiate infection of the human host by transforming and replicating within hepatocytes. This liver stage (LS) is poorly understood compared to other Plasmodium life stages, which has hindered our ability to target these parasites for disease prevention. We conducted an extensive transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis throughout the Plasmodium berghei LS, covering as early as 2 h postinfection (hpi) and extending to 48 hpi. Our data revealed that hundreds of genes are differentially expressed at 2 hpi and that multiple genes shown to be important for later infection are upregulated as early as 12 hpi. Using hierarchical clustering along with coexpression analysis, we identified clusters functionally enriched for important liver-stage processes such as interactions with the host cell and redox homeostasis. Furthermore, some of these clusters were highly correlated to the expression of ApiAP2 transcription factors, while showing enrichment of mostly uncharacterized DNA binding motifs. This finding indicates potential LS targets for these transcription factors, while also hinting at alternative uncharacterized DNA binding motifs and transcription factors during this stage. Our work presents a window into the previously undescribed transcriptome of Plasmodium upon host hepatocyte infection to enable a comprehensive view of the parasite’s LS. These findings also provide a blueprint for future studies that extend hypotheses concerning LS gene function in P. berghei to human-infective Plasmodium parasites.
Collapse
|
36
|
Krishnan A, Kloehn J, Lunghi M, Soldati-Favre D. Vitamin and cofactor acquisition in apicomplexans: Synthesis versus salvage. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:701-714. [PMID: 31767680 PMCID: PMC6970920 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.aw119.008150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Apicomplexa phylum comprises diverse parasitic organisms that have evolved from a free-living ancestor. These obligate intracellular parasites exhibit versatile metabolic capabilities reflecting their capacity to survive and grow in different hosts and varying niches. Determined by nutrient availability, they either use their biosynthesis machineries or largely depend on their host for metabolite acquisition. Because vitamins cannot be synthesized by the mammalian host, the enzymes required for their synthesis in apicomplexan parasites represent a large repertoire of potential therapeutic targets. Here, we review recent advances in metabolic reconstruction and functional studies coupled to metabolomics that unravel the interplay between biosynthesis and salvage of vitamins and cofactors in apicomplexans. A particular emphasis is placed on Toxoplasma gondii, during both its acute and latent stages of infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aarti Krishnan
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva CMU, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, 1211 Geneva 4 Switzerland
| | - Joachim Kloehn
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva CMU, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, 1211 Geneva 4 Switzerland
| | - Matteo Lunghi
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva CMU, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, 1211 Geneva 4 Switzerland
| | - Dominique Soldati-Favre
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva CMU, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, 1211 Geneva 4 Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Krishnan A, Kloehn J, Lunghi M, Soldati-Favre D. Vitamin and cofactor acquisition in apicomplexans: Synthesis versus salvage. J Biol Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(17)49928-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
|
38
|
Biosynthesis of heme O in intraerythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum and potential inhibitors of this pathway. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19261. [PMID: 31848371 PMCID: PMC6917786 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55506-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of antimalarial drugs interfere with the electron transport chain and heme-related reactions; however, the biosynthesis of heme derivatives in Plasmodium parasites has not been fully elucidated. Here, we characterized the steps that lead to the farnesylation of heme. After the identification of a gene encoding heme O synthase, we identified heme O synthesis in blood stage parasites through the incorporation of radioactive precursors. The presence of heme O synthesis in intraerythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum was confirmed by mass spectrometry. Inabenfide and uniconazole-P appeared to interfere in heme synthesis, accordingly, parasite growth was also affected by the addition of these drugs. We conclude that heme O synthesis occurs in blood stage-P. falciparum and this pathway could be a potential target for antimalarial drugs.
Collapse
|
39
|
Thomson-Luque R, Adams JH, Kocken CHM, Pasini EM. From marginal to essential: the golden thread between nutrient sensing, medium composition and Plasmodium vivax maturation in in vitro culture. Malar J 2019; 18:344. [PMID: 31601222 PMCID: PMC6785855 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2949-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Historically neglected, due to its biological peculiarities, the absence of a continuous long-term in vitro blood stage culture system and a propensity towards high morbidity rather than mortality, Plasmodium vivax was put back on the agenda during the last decade by the paradigm shift in the fight against malaria from malaria control to malaria eradication. While the incidence of the deadliest form of malaria, Plasmodium falciparum malaria, has declined since this paradigm shift took hold, the prospects of eradication are now threatened by the increase in the incidence of other human malaria parasite species. Plasmodium vivax is geographically the most widely distributed human malaria parasite, characterized by millions of clinical cases every year and responsible for a massive economic burden. The urgent need to tackle the unique biological challenges posed by this parasite led to renewed efforts aimed at establishing a continuous, long-term in vitro P. vivax blood stage culture. Based on recent discoveries on the role of nutrient sensing in Plasmodium’s pathophysiology, this review article critically assesses the extensive body of literature concerning Plasmodium culture conditions with a specific focus on culture media used in attempts to culture different Plasmodium spp. Hereby, the effect of specific media components on the parasite’s in vitro fitness and the maturation of the parasite’s host cell, the reticulocyte, is analysed. Challenging the wide-held belief that it is sufficient to find the right parasite isolate and give it the right type of cells to invade for P. vivax to grow in vitro, this review contends that a healthy side-by-side maturation of both the parasite and its host cell, the reticulocyte, is necessary in the adaptation of P. vivax to in vitro growth and argues that culture conditions and the media in particular play an essential role in this maturation process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Thomson-Luque
- Center for Infectious Diseases-Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - John H Adams
- Center for Global Health, & Infectious Diseases Research, Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Suite 404 IDRB, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Clemens H M Kocken
- Department of Parasitology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Lange Kleiweg, 161, 2288 GJ, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Erica M Pasini
- Department of Parasitology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Lange Kleiweg, 161, 2288 GJ, Rijswijk, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Orrego LM, Cabello-Donayre M, Vargas P, Martínez-García M, Sánchez C, Pineda-Molina E, Jiménez M, Molina R, Pérez-Victoria JM. Heme synthesis through the life cycle of the heme auxotrophic parasite Leishmania major. FASEB J 2019; 33:13367-13385. [PMID: 31553893 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901274rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Heme is an essential molecule synthetized through a broadly conserved 8-step route that has been lost in trypanosomatid parasites. Interestingly, Leishmania reacquired by horizontal gene transfer from γ-proteobacteria the genes coding for the last 3 enzymes of the pathway. Here we show that intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania major can scavenge heme precursors from the host cell to fulfill their heme requirements, demonstrating the functionality of this partial pathway. To dissect its role throughout the L. major life cycle, the significance of L. major ferrochelatase (LmFeCH), the terminal enzyme of the route, was evaluated. LmFeCH expression in a heterologous system demonstrated its activity. Knockout promastigotes lacking lmfech were not able to use the ferrochelatase substrate protoporphyrin IX as a source of heme. In vivo infection of Phlebotomus perniciosus with knockout promastigotes shows that LmFeCH is not required for their development in the sandfly. In contrast, the replication of intracellular amastigotes was hampered in vitro by the deletion of lmfech. However, LmFeCH-/- parasites produced disease in a cutaneous leishmaniasis murine model in a similar way as control parasites. Therefore, although L. major can synthesize de novo heme from macrophage precursors, this activity is dispensable being an unsuited target for leishmaniasis treatment.-Orrego, L. M., Cabello-Donayre, M., Vargas, P., Martínez-García, M., Sánchez, C., Pineda-Molina, E., Jiménez, M., Molina, R., Pérez-Victoria, J. M. Heme synthesis through the life cycle of the heme auxotrophic parasite Leishmania major.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lina M Orrego
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPBLN-CSIC), Parque Tecnológico de la Salud (PTS) Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - María Cabello-Donayre
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPBLN-CSIC), Parque Tecnológico de la Salud (PTS) Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Paola Vargas
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPBLN-CSIC), Parque Tecnológico de la Salud (PTS) Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Marta Martínez-García
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPBLN-CSIC), Parque Tecnológico de la Salud (PTS) Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Clara Sánchez
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPBLN-CSIC), Parque Tecnológico de la Salud (PTS) Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Estela Pineda-Molina
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPBLN-CSIC), Parque Tecnológico de la Salud (PTS) Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Maribel Jiménez
- Unidad de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Molina
- Unidad de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Pérez-Victoria
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPBLN-CSIC), Parque Tecnológico de la Salud (PTS) Granada, Granada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
There Is Treasure Everywhere: Reductive Plastid Evolution in Apicomplexa in Light of Their Close Relatives. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9080378. [PMID: 31430853 PMCID: PMC6722601 DOI: 10.3390/biom9080378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The phylum Apicomplexa (Alveolates) comprises a group of host-associated protists, predominately intracellular parasites, including devastating parasites like Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of malaria. One of the more fascinating characteristics of Apicomplexa is their highly reduced (and occasionally lost) remnant plastid, termed the apicoplast. Four core metabolic pathways are retained in the apicoplast: heme synthesis, iron–sulfur cluster synthesis, isoprenoid synthesis, and fatty acid synthesis. It has been suggested that one or more of these pathways are essential for plastid and plastid genome retention. The past decade has witnessed the discovery of several apicomplexan relatives, and next-generation sequencing efforts are revealing that they retain variable plastid metabolic capacities. These data are providing clues about the core genes and pathways of reduced plastids, while at the same time further confounding our view on the evolutionary history of the apicoplast. Here, we examine the evolutionary history of the apicoplast, explore plastid metabolism in Apicomplexa and their close relatives, and propose that the differences among reduced plastids result from a game of endosymbiotic roulette. Continued exploration of the Apicomplexa and their relatives is sure to provide new insights into the evolution of the apicoplast and apicomplexans as a whole.
Collapse
|
42
|
Liu FF, Hu F, Xiong W, Liu HF, Ren Z, Wei Q, Li K. New Insights in Transcriptomic Differences Between Two Major Malaria Phenotypes. J Infect Dis 2019; 220:540-542. [PMID: 30869133 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Fang Liu
- Department of Pathology, Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Fan Hu
- Institute of Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Wan Xiong
- Institute of Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Hui-Fang Liu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Zhen Ren
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Qing Wei
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Ke Li
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Peoples Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Genome Mining-Based Identification of Identical Multirepeat Sequences in Plasmodium falciparum Genome for Highly Sensitive Real-Time Quantitative PCR Assay and Its Application in Malaria Diagnosis. J Mol Diagn 2019; 21:824-838. [PMID: 31158524 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing ultrasensitive methods capable of detecting submicroscopic parasitemia-a challenge that persists in low transmission areas, asymptomatic carriers, and patients showing recrudescence-is vital to achieving malaria eradication. Nucleic acid amplification techniques offer improved analytical sensitivity but are limited by the number of copies of the amplification targets. Herein, we perform a novel genome mining approach to identify a pair of identical multirepeat sequences (IMRSs) that constitute 170 and 123 copies in the Plasmodium falciparum genome and explore their potential as primers for PCR. Real-time quantitative PCR analyses have shown the ability of P. falciparum IMRSs to amplify as low as 2.54 fg of P. falciparum genomic DNA (approximately 0.1 parasite), with a striking 100-fold increase in detection limit when compared with P. falciparum 18S rRNA (251.4 fg; approximately 10 parasites). Validation with clinical samples from malaria-endemic regions has shown 6.70 ± 1.66 cycle better detection threshold in terms of Ct value for P. falciparum IMRSs, with approximately 100% sensitivity and specificity. Plasmodium falciparum IMRS assays are also capable of detecting submicroscopic infections in asymptomatic samples. To summarize, this approach of initiating amplification at multiple loci across the genome and generating more products with increased analytical sensitivity is different from classic approaches amplifying multicopy genes or tandem repeats. This can serve as a platform technology to develop advanced diagnostics for various pathogens.
Collapse
|
44
|
Boucher MJ, Ghosh S, Zhang L, Lal A, Jang SW, Ju A, Zhang S, Wang X, Ralph SA, Zou J, Elias JE, Yeh E. Integrative proteomics and bioinformatic prediction enable a high-confidence apicoplast proteome in malaria parasites. PLoS Biol 2018; 16:e2005895. [PMID: 30212465 PMCID: PMC6155542 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2005895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria parasites (Plasmodium spp.) and related apicomplexan pathogens contain a nonphotosynthetic plastid called the apicoplast. Derived from an unusual secondary eukaryote-eukaryote endosymbiosis, the apicoplast is a fascinating organelle whose function and biogenesis rely on a complex amalgamation of bacterial and algal pathways. Because these pathways are distinct from the human host, the apicoplast is an excellent source of novel antimalarial targets. Despite its biomedical importance and evolutionary significance, the absence of a reliable apicoplast proteome has limited most studies to the handful of pathways identified by homology to bacteria or primary chloroplasts, precluding our ability to study the most novel apicoplast pathways. Here, we combine proximity biotinylation-based proteomics (BioID) and a new machine learning algorithm to generate a high-confidence apicoplast proteome consisting of 346 proteins. Critically, the high accuracy of this proteome significantly outperforms previous prediction-based methods and extends beyond other BioID studies of unique parasite compartments. Half of identified proteins have unknown function, and 77% are predicted to be important for normal blood-stage growth. We validate the apicoplast localization of a subset of novel proteins and show that an ATP-binding cassette protein ABCF1 is essential for blood-stage survival and plays a previously unknown role in apicoplast biogenesis. These findings indicate critical organellar functions for newly discovered apicoplast proteins. The apicoplast proteome will be an important resource for elucidating unique pathways derived from secondary endosymbiosis and prioritizing antimalarial drug targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Boucher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Sreejoyee Ghosh
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Lichao Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Avantika Lal
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Se Won Jang
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - An Ju
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Shuying Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Xinzi Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Stuart A. Ralph
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic, Australia
| | - James Zou
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Joshua E. Elias
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Ellen Yeh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Biomimetic magnetoelectric nanocrystals synthesized by polymerization of heme as advanced nanomaterials for biosensing application. Biosens Bioelectron 2018; 114:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2018.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
46
|
Kumar S, Bhardwaj TR, Prasad DN, Singh RK. Drug targets for resistant malaria: Historic to future perspectives. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 104:8-27. [PMID: 29758416 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
New antimalarial targets are the prime need for the discovery of potent drug candidates. In order to fulfill this objective, antimalarial drug researches are focusing on promising targets in order to develop new drug candidates. Basic metabolism and biochemical process in the malaria parasite, i.e. Plasmodium falciparum can play an indispensable role in the identification of these targets. But, the emergence of resistance to antimalarial drugs is an escalating comprehensive problem with the progress of antimalarial drug development. The development of resistance has highlighted the need for the search of novel antimalarial molecules. The pharmaceutical industries are committed to new drug development due to the global recognition of this life threatening resistance to the currently available antimalarial therapy. The recent developments in the understanding of parasite biology are exhilarating this resistance issue which is further being ignited by malaria genome project. With this background of information, this review was aimed to highlights and provides useful information on various present and promising treatment approaches for resistant malaria, new progresses, pursued by some innovative targets that have been explored till date. This review also discusses modern and futuristic multiple approaches to antimalarial drug discovery and development with pictorial presentations highlighting the various targets, that could be exploited for generating promising new drugs in the future for drug resistant malaria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sahil Kumar
- School of Pharmacy and Emerging Sciences, Baddi University of Emerging Sciences & Technology, Baddi, Dist. Solan, 173205, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - T R Bhardwaj
- School of Pharmacy and Emerging Sciences, Baddi University of Emerging Sciences & Technology, Baddi, Dist. Solan, 173205, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - D N Prasad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shivalik College of Pharmacy, Nangal, Dist. Rupnagar, 140126, Punjab, India
| | - Rajesh K Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shivalik College of Pharmacy, Nangal, Dist. Rupnagar, 140126, Punjab, India.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Huang HM, McMorran BJ, Foote SJ, Burgio G. Host genetics in malaria: lessons from mouse studies. Mamm Genome 2018; 29:507-522. [PMID: 29594458 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-018-9744-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Malaria remains a deadly parasitic disease caused by Plasmodium, claiming almost half a million lives every year. While parasite genetics and biology are often the major targets in many studies, it is becoming more evident that host genetics plays a crucial role in the outcome of the infection. Similarly, Plasmodium infections in mice also rely heavily on the genetic background of the mice, and often correlate with observations in human studies, due to their high genetic homology with humans. As such, murine models of malaria are a useful tool for understanding host responses during Plasmodium infections, as well as dissecting host-parasite interactions through various genetic manipulation techniques. Reverse genetic approach such as quantitative trait loci studies and random mutagenesis screens have been employed to discover novel host genes that affect malaria susceptibility in mouse models, while other targeted studies utilize mouse models to validate observation from human studies. Herein, we review the findings from the past and present studies on murine models of hepatic and erythrocytic stages of malaria and speculate on how the current mouse models benefit from the recent development in CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Ming Huang
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, 131 Garran Road, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Brendan J McMorran
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, 131 Garran Road, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Simon J Foote
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, 131 Garran Road, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Gaetan Burgio
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, 131 Garran Road, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Nicolau CA, Prorock A, Bao Y, Neves-Ferreira AGDC, Valente RH, Fox JW. Revisiting the Therapeutic Potential of Bothrops jararaca Venom: Screening for Novel Activities Using Connectivity Mapping. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10020069. [PMID: 29415440 PMCID: PMC5848170 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10020069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Snake venoms are sources of molecules with proven and potential therapeutic applications. However, most activities assayed in venoms (or their components) are of hemorrhagic, hypotensive, edematogenic, neurotoxic or myotoxic natures. Thus, other relevant activities might remain unknown. Using functional genomics coupled to the connectivity map (C-map) approach, we undertook a wide range indirect search for biological activities within the venom of the South American pit viper Bothrops jararaca. For that effect, venom was incubated with human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF7) followed by RNA extraction and gene expression analysis. A list of 90 differentially expressed genes was submitted to biosimilar drug discovery based on pattern recognition. Among the 100 highest-ranked positively correlated drugs, only the antihypertensive, antimicrobial (both antibiotic and antiparasitic), and antitumor classes had been previously reported for B. jararaca venom. The majority of drug classes identified were related to (1) antimicrobial activity; (2) treatment of neuropsychiatric illnesses (Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, depression, and epilepsy); (3) treatment of cardiovascular diseases, and (4) anti-inflammatory action. The C-map results also indicated that B. jararaca venom may have components that target G-protein-coupled receptors (muscarinic, serotonergic, histaminergic, dopaminergic, GABA, and adrenergic) and ion channels. Although validation experiments are still necessary, the C-map correlation to drugs with activities previously linked to snake venoms supports the efficacy of this strategy as a broad-spectrum approach for biological activity screening, and rekindles the snake venom-based search for new therapeutic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Alves Nicolau
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-900, Brazil.
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Toxins (INCTTOX), CNPq, Brasília, DF 71605-170, Brazil.
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
| | - Alyson Prorock
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
| | - Yongde Bao
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
| | - Ana Gisele da Costa Neves-Ferreira
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-900, Brazil.
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Toxins (INCTTOX), CNPq, Brasília, DF 71605-170, Brazil.
| | - Richard Hemmi Valente
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-900, Brazil.
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Toxins (INCTTOX), CNPq, Brasília, DF 71605-170, Brazil.
| | - Jay William Fox
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Gazanion E, Vergnes B. Protozoan Parasite Auxotrophies and Metabolic Dependencies. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2018; 109:351-375. [PMID: 30535605 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-74932-7_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Diseases caused by protozoan parasites have a major impact on world health. These early branching eukaryotes cause significant morbidity and mortality in humans and livestock. During evolution, protozoan parasites have evolved toward complex life cycles in multiple host organisms with different nutritional resources. The conservation of functional metabolic pathways required for these successive environments is therefore a prerequisite for parasitic lifestyle. Nevertheless, parasitism drives genome evolution toward gene loss and metabolic dependencies (including strict auxotrophy), especially for obligatory intracellular parasites. In this chapter, we will compare and contrast how protozoan parasites have perfected this metabolic adaptation by focusing on specific auxotrophic pathways and scavenging strategies used by clinically relevant apicomplexan and trypanosomatid parasites to access host's nutritional resources. We will further see how these metabolic dependencies have in turn been exploited for therapeutic purposes against these human pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Gazanion
- MIVEGEC, IRD, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Baptiste Vergnes
- MIVEGEC, IRD, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Botté CY, Yamaryo-Botté Y. Complex Endosymbioses II: The Nonphotosynthetic Plastid of Apicomplexa Parasites (The Apicoplast) and Its Integrated Metabolism. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1829:37-54. [PMID: 29987713 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8654-5_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
Chloroplasts are essential organelles that are responsible for photosynthesis in a wide range of organisms that have colonized all biotopes on Earth such as plants and unicellular algae. Interestingly, a secondary endosymbiotic event of a red algal ancestor gave rise to a group of organisms that have adopted an obligate parasitic lifestyle named Apicomplexa parasites. Apicomplexa parasites are some of the most widespread and poorly controlled pathogens in the world. These infectious agents are responsible for major human diseases such as toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, and malaria caused by Plasmodium spp. Most of these parasites harbor this relict plastid named the apicoplast, which is essential for parasite survival. The apicoplast has lost photosynthetic capacities but are metabolically similar to plant and algal chloroplasts. The apicoplast is considered a novel and important drug target against Apicomplexa parasites. This chapter focuses on the apicoplast of apicomplexa parasites, its maintenance, and its metabolic pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cyrille Y Botté
- ApicoLipid Team, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR5309, U1209, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Yoshiki Yamaryo-Botté
- ApicoLipid Team, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR5309, U1209, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.
| |
Collapse
|