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Tebben K, Yirampo S, Coulibaly D, Koné AK, Laurens MB, Stucke EM, Dembélé A, Tolo Y, Traoré K, Niangaly A, Berry AA, Kouriba B, Plowe CV, Doumbo OK, Lyke KE, Takala-Harrison S, Thera MA, Travassos MA, Serre D. Immune gene expression changes more during a malaria transmission season than between consecutive seasons. Microbiol Spectr 2024:e0096024. [PMID: 39162546 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00960-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium parasites, the causative organism of malaria, caused over 600,000 deaths in 2022. In Mali, Plasmodium falciparum causes the majority of malaria cases and deaths and is transmitted seasonally. Anti-malarial immunity develops slowly over repeated exposures to P. falciparum and some aspects of this immunity (e.g., antibody titers) wane during the non-transmission, dry season. Here, we sequenced RNA from 33 pediatric blood samples collected during P. falciparum infections at the beginning or end of a transmission season, and characterized the host and parasite gene expression profiles for paired, consecutive infections. We found that human gene expression changes more over the course of one transmission season than between seasons, with signatures of partial development of an adaptive immune response during one transmission season and stability in gene expression during the dry season. Additionally, we found that P. falciparum gene expression did not vary with timing during the season and remained stable both across and between seasons, despite varying human immune pressures. Our results provide insights into the dynamics of anti-malarial immune response development over short time frames that could be exploited by future vaccine and prevention efforts. IMPORTANCE Our work seeks to understand how the immune response to Plasmodium falciparum malaria changes between infections that occur during low and high malaria transmission seasons, and highlights that immune gene expression changes more during the high transmission season. This provides important insight into the dynamics of the anti-malarial immune response that are important to characterize over these short time frames to better understand how to exploit this immune response with future vaccine efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran Tebben
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Salif Yirampo
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Drissa Coulibaly
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Abdoulaye K Koné
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Matthew B Laurens
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Emily M Stucke
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ahmadou Dembélé
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Youssouf Tolo
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Karim Traoré
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Amadou Niangaly
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Andrea A Berry
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Bourèma Kouriba
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Christopher V Plowe
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ogobara K Doumbo
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Kirsten E Lyke
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Shannon Takala-Harrison
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mahamadou A Thera
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Mark A Travassos
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David Serre
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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2
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Ullah I, Farringer MA, Burkhard AY, Hathaway E, Khushu M, Willett BC, Shin SH, Sharma AI, Martin MC, Shao KL, Dvorin JD, Hartl DL, Volkman SK, Bopp S, Absalon S, Wirth DF. Artemisinin resistance mutations in Pfcoronin impede hemoglobin uptake. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.22.572193. [PMID: 38187525 PMCID: PMC10769401 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.22.572193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Artemisinin (ART) combination therapies have been critical in reducing malaria morbidity and mortality, but these important drugs are threatened by growing resistance associated with mutations in Pfcoronin and Pfkelch13 . Here, we describe the mechanism of Pfcoronin -mediated ART resistance. Pf Coronin interacts with Pf Actin and localizes to the parasite plasma membrane (PPM), the digestive vacuole (DV) membrane, and membrane of a newly identified preDV compartment-all structures involved in the trafficking of hemoglobin from the RBC for degradation in the DV. Pfcoronin mutations alter Pf Actin homeostasis and impair the development and morphology of the preDV. Ultimately, these changes are associated with decreased uptake of red blood cell cytosolic contents by ring-stage Plasmodium falciparum . Previous work has identified decreased hemoglobin uptake as the mechanism of Pfkelch 13-mediated ART resistance. This work demonstrates that Pf Coronin appears to act via a parallel pathway. For both Pfkelch13 -mediated and Pfcoronin -mediated ART resistance, we hypothesize that the decreased hemoglobin uptake in ring stage parasites results in less heme-based activation of the artemisinin endoperoxide ring and reduced cytocidal activity. This study deepens our understanding of ART resistance, as well as hemoglobin uptake and development of the DV in early-stage parasites.
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3
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Verhoef JM, Boshoven C, Evers F, Akkerman LJ, Gijsbrechts BC, van de Vegte-Bolmer M, van Gemert GJ, Vaidya AB, Kooij TW. Detailing organelle division and segregation in Plasmodium falciparum. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.30.577899. [PMID: 38352445 PMCID: PMC10862848 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.30.577899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The malaria causing parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, replicates through a tightly orchestrated process termed schizogony, where approximately 32 daughter parasites are formed in a single infected red blood cell and thousands of daughter cells in mosquito or liver stages. One-per-cell organelles, such as the mitochondrion and apicoplast, need to be properly divided and segregated to ensure a complete set of organelles per daughter parasites. Although this is highly essential, details about the processes and mechanisms involved remain unknown. We developed a new reporter parasite line that allows visualization of the mitochondrion in blood and mosquito stages. Using high-resolution 3D-imaging, we found that the mitochondrion orients in a cartwheel structure, prior to stepwise, non-geometric division during the last stage of schizogony. Analysis of focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) data confirmed these mitochondrial division stages. Furthermore, these data allowed us to elucidate apicoplast division steps, highlighted its close association with the mitochondrion, and showed putative roles of the centriolar plaques (CPs) in apicoplast segregation. These observations form the foundation for a new detailed mechanistic model of mitochondrial and apicoplast division and segregation during P. falciparum schizogony and pave the way for future studies into the proteins and protein complexes involved in organelle division and segregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M.J. Verhoef
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Cas Boshoven
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Felix Evers
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Laura J. Akkerman
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Barend C.A. Gijsbrechts
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marga van de Vegte-Bolmer
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Geert-Jan van Gemert
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Akhil B. Vaidya
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Taco W.A. Kooij
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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4
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Kellermeier JA, Heaslip AT. Myosin F controls actin organization and dynamics in Toxoplasma gondii. Mol Biol Cell 2024; 35:ar57. [PMID: 38416592 PMCID: PMC11064658 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e23-12-0510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Intracellular cargo transport is a ubiquitous cellular process in all eukaryotes. In many cell types, membrane bound cargo is associated with molecular motors which transport cargo along microtubule and actin tracks. In Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), an obligate intracellular parasite in the phylum Apicomplexa, organization of the endomembrane pathway depends on actin and an unconventional myosin motor, myosin F (MyoF). Loss of MyoF and actin disrupts vesicle transport, organelle positioning, and division of the apicoplast, a nonphotosynthetic plastid organelle. How this actomyosin system contributes to these cellular functions is still unclear. Using live-cell imaging, we observed that MyoF-EmeraldFP (MyoF-EmFP) displayed a dynamic and filamentous-like organization in the parasite cytosol, reminiscent of cytosolic actin filament dynamics. MyoF was not associated with the Golgi, apicoplast or dense granule surfaces, suggesting that it does not function using the canonical cargo transport mechanism. Instead, we found that loss of MyoF resulted in a dramatic rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton in interphase parasites accompanied by significantly reduced actin dynamics. However, actin organization during parasite replication and motility was unaffected by the loss of MyoF. These findings revealed that MyoF is an actin organizing protein in Toxoplasma and facilitates cargo movement using an unconventional transport mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob A. Kellermeier
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269
| | - Aoife T. Heaslip
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269
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5
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Hvorecny KL, Sladewski TE, De La Cruz EM, Kollman JM, Heaslip AT. Toxoplasma gondii actin filaments are tuned for rapid disassembly and turnover. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1840. [PMID: 38418447 PMCID: PMC10902351 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46111-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The cytoskeletal protein actin plays a critical role in the pathogenicity of the intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, mediating invasion and egress, cargo transport, and organelle inheritance. Advances in live cell imaging have revealed extensive filamentous actin networks in the Apicomplexan parasite, but there are conflicting data regarding the biochemical and biophysical properties of Toxoplasma actin. Here, we imaged the in vitro assembly of individual Toxoplasma actin filaments in real time, showing that native, unstabilized filaments grow tens of microns in length. Unlike skeletal muscle actin, Toxoplasma filaments intrinsically undergo rapid treadmilling due to a high critical concentration, fast monomer dissociation, and rapid nucleotide exchange. Cryo-EM structures of jasplakinolide-stabilized and native (i.e. unstabilized) filaments show an architecture like skeletal actin, with differences in assembly contacts in the D-loop that explain the dynamic nature of the filament, likely a conserved feature of Apicomplexan actin. This work demonstrates that evolutionary changes at assembly interfaces can tune the dynamic properties of actin filaments without disrupting their conserved structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli L Hvorecny
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Thomas E Sladewski
- Department of Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Enrique M De La Cruz
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Justin M Kollman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Aoife T Heaslip
- Department of Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
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6
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Klinger CM, Jimenez-Ruiz E, Mourier T, Klingl A, Lemgruber L, Pain A, Dacks JB, Meissner M. Evolutionary analysis identifies a Golgi pathway and correlates lineage-specific factors with endomembrane organelle emergence in apicomplexans. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113740. [PMID: 38363682 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113740] [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] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The organelle paralogy hypothesis (OPH) aims to explain the evolution of non-endosymbiotically derived organelles. It predicts that lineage-specific pathways or organelles should result when identity-encoding membrane-trafficking components duplicate and co-evolve. Here, we investigate the presence of such lineage-specific membrane-trafficking machinery paralogs in Apicomplexa, a globally important parasitic lineage. We are able to identify 18 paralogs of known membrane-trafficking machinery, in several cases co-incident with the presence of new endomembrane organelles in apicomplexans or their parent lineage, the Alveolata. Moreover, focused analysis of the apicomplexan Arf-like small GTPases (i.e., ArlX3) revealed a specific post-Golgi trafficking pathway. This pathway appears involved in delivery of proteins to micronemes and rhoptries, with knockdown demonstrating reduced invasion capacity. Overall, our data have identified an unforeseen post-Golgi trafficking pathway in apicomplexans and are consistent with the OPH mechanism acting to produce endomembrane pathways or organelles at various evolutionary stages across the alveolate lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christen M Klinger
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Elena Jimenez-Ruiz
- Experimental Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Mourier
- Pathogen Genomics Laboratory, Bioscience Programme, Biological, and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Andreas Klingl
- Pflanzliche Entwicklungsbiologie, Biozentrum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Leandro Lemgruber
- Cellular Analysis Facility, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Arnab Pain
- Pathogen Genomics Laboratory, Bioscience Programme, Biological, and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; International Institute for Zoonosis Control, GI-CoRE, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Joel B Dacks
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic; Centre for Life's Origin and Evolution, Department of Genetics, Evolution & Environment, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Markus Meissner
- Experimental Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, LMU, Munich, Germany.
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7
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Reber S, Singer M, Frischknecht F. Cytoskeletal dynamics in parasites. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 86:102277. [PMID: 38048658 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Cytoskeletal dynamics are essential for cellular homeostasis and development for both metazoans and protozoans. The function of cytoskeletal elements in protozoans can diverge from that of metazoan cells, with microtubules being more stable and actin filaments being more dynamic. This is particularly striking in protozoan parasites that evolved to enter metazoan cells. Here, we review recent progress towards understanding cytoskeletal dynamics in protozoan parasites, with a focus on divergent properties compared to classic model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Reber
- Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, 10117 Berlin, Germany; University of Applied Sciences Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mirko Singer
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Medical Faculty, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Friedrich Frischknecht
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Medical Faculty, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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8
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Wagner M, Song Y, Jiménez-Ruiz E, Härtle S, Meissner M. The SUN-like protein TgSLP1 is essential for nuclear division in the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs260337. [PMID: 37815466 PMCID: PMC10629696 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Connections between the nucleus and the cytoskeleton are important for positioning and division of the nucleus. In most eukaryotes, the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex spans the outer and inner nuclear membranes and connects the nucleus to the cytoskeleton. In opisthokonts, it is composed of Klarsicht, ANC-1 and Syne homology (KASH) domain proteins and Sad1 and UNC-84 (SUN) domain proteins. Given that the nucleus is positioned at the posterior pole of Toxoplasma gondii, we speculated that apicomplexan parasites must have a similar mechanism that integrates the nucleus and the cytoskeleton. Here, we identified three UNC family proteins in the genome of the apicomplexan parasite T. gondii. Whereas the UNC-50 protein TgUNC1 localised to the Golgi and appeared to be not essential for the parasite, the SUN domain protein TgSLP2 showed a diffuse pattern throughout the parasite. The second SUN domain protein, TgSLP1, was expressed in a cell cycle-dependent manner and was localised close to the mitotic spindle and, more detailed, at the kinetochore. We demonstrate that conditional knockout of TgSLP1 leads to failure of nuclear division and loss of centrocone integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam Wagner
- Experimental Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, LMU, Munich, 82152, Planegg, Germany
| | - Yuan Song
- Experimental Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, LMU, Munich, 82152, Planegg, Germany
| | - Elena Jiménez-Ruiz
- Experimental Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, LMU, Munich, 82152, Planegg, Germany
| | - Sonja Härtle
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, LMU, Munich, 82152, Planegg, Germany
| | - Markus Meissner
- Experimental Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, LMU, Munich, 82152, Planegg, Germany
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9
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Devarakonda PM, Sarmiento V, Heaslip AT. F-actin and myosin F control apicoplast elongation dynamics which drive apicoplast-centrosome association in Toxoplasma gondii. mBio 2023; 14:e0164023. [PMID: 37732764 PMCID: PMC10653800 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01640-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Toxoplasma gondii and most other parasites in the phylum Apicomplexa contain an apicoplast, a non-photosynthetic plastid organelle required for fatty acid, isoprenoid, iron-sulfur cluster, and heme synthesis. Perturbation of apicoplast function results in parasite death. Thus, parasite survival critically depends on two cellular processes: apicoplast division to ensure every daughter parasite inherits a single apicoplast, and trafficking of nuclear encoded proteins to the apicoplast. Despite the importance of these processes, there are significant knowledge gaps in regards to the molecular mechanisms which control these processes; this is particularly true for trafficking of nuclear-encoded apicoplast proteins. This study provides crucial new insight into the timing of apicoplast protein synthesis and trafficking to the apicoplast. In addition, this study demonstrates how apicoplast-centrosome association, a key step in the apicoplast division cycle, is controlled by the actomyosin cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valeria Sarmiento
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Aoife T. Heaslip
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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10
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Arabiotorre A, Bankaitis VA, Grabon A. Regulation of phosphoinositide metabolism in Apicomplexan parasites. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1163574. [PMID: 37791074 PMCID: PMC10543664 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1163574] [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: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphoinositides are a biologically essential class of phospholipids that contribute to organelle membrane identity, modulate membrane trafficking pathways, and are central components of major signal transduction pathways that operate on the cytosolic face of intracellular membranes in eukaryotes. Apicomplexans (such as Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium spp.) are obligate intracellular parasites that are important causative agents of disease in animals and humans. Recent advances in molecular and cell biology of Apicomplexan parasites reveal important roles for phosphoinositide signaling in key aspects of parasitosis. These include invasion of host cells, intracellular survival and replication, egress from host cells, and extracellular motility. As Apicomplexans have adapted to the organization of essential signaling pathways to accommodate their complex parasitic lifestyle, these organisms offer experimentally tractable systems for studying the evolution, conservation, and repurposing of phosphoinositide signaling. In this review, we describe the regulatory mechanisms that control the spatial and temporal regulation of phosphoinositides in the Apicomplexan parasites Plasmodium and T. gondii. We further discuss the similarities and differences presented by Apicomplexan phosphoinositide signaling relative to how these pathways are regulated in other eukaryotic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Arabiotorre
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine Texas A&M Health Sciences Center College Station, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Vytas A. Bankaitis
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine Texas A&M Health Sciences Center College Station, Bryan, TX, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics Texas A&M University College Station, College Station, TX, United States
- Department of Chemistry Texas A&M University College Station, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Aby Grabon
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine Texas A&M Health Sciences Center College Station, Bryan, TX, United States
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11
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Hvorecny KL, Sladewski TE, De La Cruz EM, Kollman JM, Heaslip AT. Toxoplasma gondii actin filaments are tuned for rapid disassembly and turnover. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.29.555340. [PMID: 37693530 PMCID: PMC10491163 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.29.555340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The cytoskeletal protein actin plays a critical role in the pathogenicity of Toxoplasma gondii, mediating invasion and egress, cargo transport, and organelle inheritance. Advances in live cell imaging have revealed extensive filamentous actin networks in the Apicomplexan parasite, but there is conflicting data regarding the biochemical and biophysical properties of Toxoplasma actin. Here, we imaged the in vitro assembly of individual Toxoplasma actin filaments in real time, showing that native, unstabilized filaments grow tens of microns in length. Unlike skeletal muscle actin, Toxoplasma filaments intrinsically undergo rapid treadmilling due to a high critical concentration, fast monomer dissociation, and rapid nucleotide exchange. Cryo-EM structures of stabilized and unstabilized filaments show an architecture like skeletal actin, with differences in assembly contacts in the D-loop that explain the dynamic nature of the filament, likely a conserved feature of Apicomplexan actin. This work demonstrates that evolutionary changes at assembly interfaces can tune dynamic properties of actin filaments without disrupting their conserved structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli L Hvorecny
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Thomas E Sladewski
- Department of Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Enrique M De La Cruz
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Justin M Kollman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Aoife T Heaslip
- Department of Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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12
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Collier S, Pietsch E, Dans M, Ling D, Tavella TA, Lopaticki S, Marapana DS, Shibu MA, Andrew D, Tiash S, McMillan PJ, Gilson P, Tilley L, Dixon MWA. Plasmodium falciparum formins are essential for invasion and sexual stage development. Commun Biol 2023; 6:861. [PMID: 37596377 PMCID: PMC10439200 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05233-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The malaria parasite uses actin-based mechanisms throughout its lifecycle to control a range of biological processes including intracellular trafficking, gene regulation, parasite motility and invasion. In this work we assign functions to the Plasmodium falciparum formins 1 and 2 (FRM1 and FRM2) proteins in asexual and sexual blood stage development. We show that FRM1 is essential for merozoite invasion and FRM2 is required for efficient cell division. We also observed divergent functions for FRM1 and FRM2 in gametocyte development. Conditional deletion of FRM1 leads to a delay in gametocyte stage progression. We show that FRM2 controls the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons in developing gametocytes, with premature removal of the protein resulting in a loss of transmissible stage V gametocytes. Lastly, we show that targeting formin proteins with the small molecule inhibitor of formin homology domain 2 (SMIFH2) leads to a multistage block in asexual and sexual stage parasite development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Collier
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Emma Pietsch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Madeline Dans
- The Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Dawson Ling
- The Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Tatyana A Tavella
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Sash Lopaticki
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Danushka S Marapana
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Mohini A Shibu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Dean Andrew
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Snigdha Tiash
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Paul J McMillan
- Biological Optical Microscopy Platform, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Paul Gilson
- The Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Leann Tilley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Matthew W A Dixon
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
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13
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Dans MG, Piirainen H, Nguyen W, Khurana S, Mehra S, Razook Z, Geoghegan ND, Dawson AT, Das S, Parkyn Schneider M, Jonsdottir TK, Gabriela M, Gancheva MR, Tonkin CJ, Mollard V, Goodman CD, McFadden GI, Wilson DW, Rogers KL, Barry AE, Crabb BS, de Koning-Ward TF, Sleebs BE, Kursula I, Gilson PR. Sulfonylpiperazine compounds prevent Plasmodium falciparum invasion of red blood cells through interference with actin-1/profilin dynamics. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002066. [PMID: 37053271 PMCID: PMC10128974 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
With emerging resistance to frontline treatments, it is vital that new antimalarial drugs are identified to target Plasmodium falciparum. We have recently described a compound, MMV020291, as a specific inhibitor of red blood cell (RBC) invasion, and have generated analogues with improved potency. Here, we generated resistance to MMV020291 and performed whole genome sequencing of 3 MMV020291-resistant populations. This revealed 3 nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms in 2 genes; 2 in profilin (N154Y, K124N) and a third one in actin-1 (M356L). Using CRISPR-Cas9, we engineered these mutations into wild-type parasites, which rendered them resistant to MMV020291. We demonstrate that MMV020291 reduces actin polymerisation that is required by the merozoite stage parasites to invade RBCs. Additionally, the series inhibits the actin-1-dependent process of apicoplast segregation, leading to a delayed death phenotype. In vitro cosedimentation experiments using recombinant P. falciparum proteins indicate that potent MMV020291 analogues disrupt the formation of filamentous actin in the presence of profilin. Altogether, this study identifies the first compound series interfering with the actin-1/profilin interaction in P. falciparum and paves the way for future antimalarial development against the highly dynamic process of actin polymerisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline G. Dans
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Medicine and Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Henni Piirainen
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - William Nguyen
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sachin Khurana
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Somya Mehra
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Zahra Razook
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Medicine and Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | - Sujaan Das
- Ludwig Maximilian University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Thorey K. Jonsdottir
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mikha Gabriela
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Medicine and Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maria R. Gancheva
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Vanessa Mollard
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Geoffrey I. McFadden
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Danny W. Wilson
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kelly L. Rogers
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alyssa E. Barry
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Medicine and Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brendan S. Crabb
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tania F. de Koning-Ward
- School of Medicine and Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brad E. Sleebs
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Inari Kursula
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Paul R. Gilson
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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14
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Abstract
Malaria remains a significant threat to global health, and despite concerted efforts to curb the disease, malaria-related morbidity and mortality increased in recent years. Malaria is caused by unicellular eukaryotes of the genus Plasmodium, and all clinical manifestations occur during asexual proliferation of the parasite inside host erythrocytes. In the blood stage, Plasmodium proliferates through an unusual cell cycle mode called schizogony. Contrary to most studied eukaryotes, which divide by binary fission, the parasite undergoes several rounds of DNA replication and nuclear division that are not directly followed by cytokinesis, resulting in multinucleated cells. Moreover, despite sharing a common cytoplasm, these nuclei multiply asynchronously. Schizogony challenges our current models of cell cycle regulation and, at the same time, offers targets for therapeutic interventions. Over the recent years, the adaptation of advanced molecular and cell biological techniques have given us deeper insight how DNA replication, nuclear division, and cytokinesis are coordinated. Here, we review our current understanding of the chronological events that characterize the unusual cell division cycle of P. falciparum in the clinically relevant blood stage of infection.
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15
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Yadav U, Pandey J. Molecular Docking Studies of Rifampicin - rpoB complex: Repurposing Drug Design Implications for against Plasmodium falciparum Malaria through a Computational Approach. Drug Res (Stuttg) 2023; 73:164-169. [PMID: 36623818 DOI: 10.1055/a-1974-9028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is one of the world's most devastating diseases, infecting well over 300 million people annually and killing between 2 and 3 million worldwide. Increasing parasite resistance to many existing drugs is exacerbating disease. Resistance to commonly used malarial drugs is increasing the need to develop new drugs urgently. Due to the slow pace and substantial costs of new drug development, repurposing of old drugs which is recently increasingly becoming an attractive proposition of highly efficient and effective way of drug discovery led us to study the drug rifampicin for this purpose. The present paper aims to investigate the route of Plasmodium falciparum apicoplast-targeted proteins that putatively encode β subunits of RNA polymerase with an objective to develop an effective antimalarial drug. Homology searching for conserved binding site to the rifampicin drug and the functional analysis of rpoB gene were done. Multiple Sequence alignment analysis of rpoB was compared with that in E.coli - rpoB and M. tuberculosis - rpoB. Docking studies of Rifampicin - rpoB complex was also done for finding binding affinity. The results of computational studies showed that rifampicin is a potential drug for malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upasana Yadav
- Amity School of Applied Sciences Lucknow, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, India
| | - Jaya Pandey
- Amity School of Applied Sciences Lucknow, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, India
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16
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Yee M, Walther T, Frischknecht F, Douglas RG. Divergent Plasmodium actin residues are essential for filament localization, mosquito salivary gland invasion and malaria transmission. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010779. [PMID: 35998188 PMCID: PMC9439217 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Actin is one of the most conserved and ubiquitous proteins in eukaryotes. Its sequence has been highly conserved for its monomers to self-assemble into filaments that mediate essential cell functions such as trafficking, cell shape and motility. The malaria-causing parasite, Plasmodium, expresses a highly sequence divergent actin that is critical for its rapid motility at different stages within its mammalian and mosquito hosts. Each of Plasmodium actin’s four subdomains have divergent regions compared to canonical vertebrate actins. We previously identified subdomains 2 and 3 as providing critical contributions for parasite actin function as these regions could not be replaced by subdomains of vertebrate actins. Here we probed the contributions of individual divergent amino acid residues in these subdomains on parasite motility and progression. Non-lethal changes in these subdomains did not affect parasite development in the mammalian host but strongly affected progression through the mosquito with striking differences in transmission to and through the insect. Live visualization of actin filaments showed that divergent amino acid residues in subdomains 2 and 4 enhanced localization associated with filaments, while those in subdomain 3 negatively affected actin filaments. This suggests that finely tuned actin dynamics are essential for efficient organ entry in the mosquito vector affecting malaria transmission. This work provides residue level insight on the fundamental requirements of actin in highly motile cells. Actin is one of the most abundant and conserved proteins known. Actin monomers can join together to form long filaments. The malaria-causing parasite is transmitted by mosquitoes and needs actin to move very rapidly. An actin from the parasite is different to other actins: its amino acid sequence has relatively high amounts of changes compared to animal species and the actin tends to form only short filaments. We previously identified two large parts of the protein that were critical for the parasite since these large parts could not be exchanged with the equivalent regions of other species. In this study, we focused in on these regions by making more discrete mutations. Most mutations of the actin sequence were tolerated by the parasite in the blood stages. However, these mutants has striking defects in progressing through mosquitoes, especially in invading its salivary glands. We used a new filament labeler to visualize how these mutations affect the actin filaments and found surprisingly different effects. Taken together, small changes to the sequence can have large consequences for the parasite, which ultimately affects its ability to transmit to a new host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Yee
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tobias Walther
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Friedrich Frischknecht
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research, DZIF, partner site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- * E-mail: (FF); (RGD)
| | - Ross G. Douglas
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Centre and Molecular Infection Biology, Biomedical Research Centre Seltersberg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- * E-mail: (FF); (RGD)
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17
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Kehrer J, Formaglio P, Muthinja JM, Weber S, Baltissen D, Lance C, Ripp J, Grech J, Meissner M, Funaya C, Amino R, Frischknecht F. Plasmodium
sporozoite disintegration during skin passage limits malaria parasite transmission. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e54719. [PMID: 35403820 PMCID: PMC9253755 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202254719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
During transmission of malaria‐causing parasites from mosquitoes to mammals, Plasmodium sporozoites migrate rapidly in the skin to search for a blood vessel. The high migratory speed and narrow passages taken by the parasites suggest considerable strain on the sporozoites to maintain their shape. Here, we show that the membrane‐associated protein, concavin, is important for the maintenance of the Plasmodium sporozoite shape inside salivary glands of mosquitoes and during migration in the skin. Concavin‐GFP localizes at the cytoplasmic periphery and concavin(−) sporozoites progressively round up upon entry of salivary glands. Rounded concavin(−) sporozoites fail to pass through the narrow salivary ducts and are rarely ejected by mosquitoes, while normally shaped concavin(−) sporozoites are transmitted. Strikingly, motile concavin(−) sporozoites disintegrate while migrating through the skin leading to parasite arrest or death and decreased transmission efficiency. Collectively, we suggest that concavin contributes to cell shape maintenance by riveting the plasma membrane to the subtending inner membrane complex. Interfering with cell shape maintenance pathways might hence provide a new strategy to prevent a malaria infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Kehrer
- Integrative Parasitology Center for Infectious Diseases Heidelberg University Medical School Heidelberg Germany
- Infectious Diseases Imaging Platform Center for Infectious Diseases Heidelberg University Medical School Heidelberg Germany
| | - Pauline Formaglio
- Malaria Infection and Immunity Unit Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors Institut Pasteur Paris France
| | - Julianne Mendi Muthinja
- Integrative Parasitology Center for Infectious Diseases Heidelberg University Medical School Heidelberg Germany
| | - Sebastian Weber
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility Heidelberg University Heidelberg Germany
| | - Danny Baltissen
- Integrative Parasitology Center for Infectious Diseases Heidelberg University Medical School Heidelberg Germany
| | - Christopher Lance
- Integrative Parasitology Center for Infectious Diseases Heidelberg University Medical School Heidelberg Germany
| | - Johanna Ripp
- Integrative Parasitology Center for Infectious Diseases Heidelberg University Medical School Heidelberg Germany
| | - Janessa Grech
- Experimental Parasitology Ludwig Maximilian University Munich Planegg‐Martinsried Germany
| | - Markus Meissner
- Experimental Parasitology Ludwig Maximilian University Munich Planegg‐Martinsried Germany
| | - Charlotta Funaya
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility Heidelberg University Heidelberg Germany
| | - Rogerio Amino
- Malaria Infection and Immunity Unit Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors Institut Pasteur Paris France
| | - Friedrich Frischknecht
- Integrative Parasitology Center for Infectious Diseases Heidelberg University Medical School Heidelberg Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
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18
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Li W, Grech J, Stortz JF, Gow M, Periz J, Meissner M, Jimenez-Ruiz E. A splitCas9 phenotypic screen in Toxoplasma gondii identifies proteins involved in host cell egress and invasion. Nat Microbiol 2022; 7:882-895. [PMID: 35538310 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-022-01114-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii, have specific adaptations that enable invasion and exit from the host cell. Owing to the phylogenetic distance between apicomplexan parasites and model organisms, comparative genomics has limited capacity to infer gene functions. Further, although CRISPR/Cas9-based screens have assigned roles to some Toxoplasma genes, the functions of encoded proteins have proven difficult to assign. To overcome this problem, we devised a conditional Cas9-system in T. gondii that enables phenotypic screens. Using an indicator strain for F-actin dynamics and apicoplast segregation, we screened 320 genes to identify those required for defined steps in the asexual life cycle. The detailed characterization of two genes identified in our screen, through the generation of conditional knockout parasites using the DiCre-system, revealed that signalling linking factor (SLF) is an integral part of a signalling complex required for early induction of egress, and a novel conoid protein (conoid gliding protein, CGP) functions late during egress and is required for the activation of gliding motility. Establishing different indicator lines and applying our conditional Cas9 screen could enable the identification of genes involved in organellar biogenesis, parasite replication or maintenance of the endosymbiotic organelles in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Experimental Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Janessa Grech
- Experimental Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Felix Stortz
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Glasgow Biomedical Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Matthew Gow
- Experimental Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Javier Periz
- Experimental Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Meissner
- Experimental Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, LMU, Munich, Germany. .,Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Glasgow Biomedical Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Elena Jimenez-Ruiz
- Experimental Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, LMU, Munich, Germany.
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19
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Vahokoski J, Calder LJ, Lopez AJ, Molloy JE, Kursula I, Rosenthal PB. High-resolution structures of malaria parasite actomyosin and actin filaments. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010408. [PMID: 35377914 PMCID: PMC9037914 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is responsible for half a million deaths annually and poses a huge economic burden on the developing world. The mosquito-borne parasites (Plasmodium spp.) that cause the disease depend upon an unconventional actomyosin motor for both gliding motility and host cell invasion. The motor system, often referred to as the glideosome complex, remains to be understood in molecular terms and is an attractive target for new drugs that might block the infection pathway. Here, we present the high-resolution structure of the actomyosin motor complex from Plasmodium falciparum. The complex includes the malaria parasite actin filament (PfAct1) complexed with the class XIV myosin motor (PfMyoA) and its two associated light-chains. The high-resolution core structure reveals the PfAct1:PfMyoA interface in atomic detail, while at lower-resolution, we visualize the PfMyoA light-chain binding region, including the essential light chain (PfELC) and the myosin tail interacting protein (PfMTIP). Finally, we report a bare PfAct1 filament structure at improved resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juha Vahokoski
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lesley J. Calder
- Structural Biology of Cells and Viruses Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea J. Lopez
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Justin E. Molloy
- Structural Biology of Cells and Viruses Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Inari Kursula
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Peter B. Rosenthal
- Structural Biology of Cells and Viruses Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
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20
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Structure and function of an atypical homodimeric actin capping protein from the malaria parasite. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:125. [PMID: 35132495 PMCID: PMC8821504 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04032-0] [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: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites, such as Plasmodium spp., rely on an unusual actomyosin motor, termed glideosome, for motility and host cell invasion. The actin filaments are maintained by a small set of essential regulators, which provide control over actin dynamics in the different stages of the parasite life cycle. Actin filament capping proteins (CPs) are indispensable heterodimeric regulators of actin dynamics. CPs have been extensively characterized in higher eukaryotes, but their role and functional mechanism in Apicomplexa remain enigmatic. Here, we present the first crystal structure of a homodimeric CP from the malaria parasite and compare the homo- and heterodimeric CP structures in detail. Despite retaining several characteristics of a canonical CP, the homodimeric Plasmodium berghei (Pb)CP exhibits crucial differences to the canonical heterodimers. Both homo- and heterodimeric PbCPs regulate actin dynamics in an atypical manner, facilitating rapid turnover of parasite actin, without affecting its critical concentration. Homo- and heterodimeric PbCPs show partially redundant activities, possibly to rescue actin filament capping in life cycle stages where the β-subunit is downregulated. Our data suggest that the homodimeric PbCP also influences actin kinetics by recruiting lateral actin dimers. This unusual function could arise from the absence of a β-subunit, as the asymmetric PbCP homodimer lacks structural elements essential for canonical barbed end interactions suggesting a novel CP binding mode. These findings will facilitate further studies aimed at elucidating the precise actin filament capping mechanism in Plasmodium.
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21
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Wagner TR, Rothbauer U. Nanobodies - Little helpers unravelling intracellular signaling. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 176:46-61. [PMID: 34536541 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The identification of diagnostic and therapeutic targets requires a comprehensive understanding of cellular processes, for which advanced technologies in biomedical research are needed. The emergence of nanobodies (Nbs) derived from antibody fragments of camelid heavy chain-only antibodies as intracellular research tools offers new possibilities to study and modulate target antigens in living cells. Here we summarize this rapidly changing field, beginning with a brief introduction of Nbs, followed by an overview of how target-specific Nbs can be generated, and introduce the selection of intrabodies as research tools. Intrabodies, by definition, are intracellular functional Nbs that target ectopic or endogenous intracellular antigens within living cells. Such binders can be applied in various formats, e.g. as chromobodies for live cell microscopy or as biosensors to decipher complex intracellular signaling pathways. In addition, protein knockouts can be achieved by target-specific Nbs, while modulating Nbs have the potential as future therapeutics. The development of fine-tunable and switchable Nb-based systems that simultaneously provide spatial and temporal control has recently taken the application of these binders to the next level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa R Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany; NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Rothbauer
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany; NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany.
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22
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Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium falciparum, are the cause of many important human and animal diseases. While T. gondii tachyzoites replicate through endodyogeny, during which two daughter cells are formed within the parental cell, P. falciparum replicates through schizogony, where up to 32 parasites are formed in a single infected red blood cell and even thousands of daughter cells during mosquito- or liver-stage development. These processes require a tightly orchestrated division and distribution over the daughter parasites of one-per-cell organelles such as the mitochondrion and apicoplast. Although proper organelle segregation is highly essential, the molecular mechanism and the key proteins involved remain largely unknown. In this review, we describe organelle dynamics during cell division in T. gondii and P. falciparum, summarize the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying organelle fission in these parasites, and introduce candidate fission proteins.
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23
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Das S, Stortz JF, Meissner M, Periz J. The multiple functions of actin in apicomplexan parasites. Cell Microbiol 2021; 23:e13345. [PMID: 33885206 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The cytoskeletal protein actin is highly abundant and conserved in eukaryotic cells. It occurs in two different states- the globular (G-actin) form, which can polymerise into the filamentous (F-actin) form, fulfilling various critical functions including cytokinesis, cargo trafficking and cellular motility. In higher eukaryotes, there are several actin isoforms with nearly identical amino acid sequences. Despite the high level of amino acid identity, they display regulated expression patterns and unique non-redundant roles. The number of actin isoforms together with conserved sequences may reflect the selective pressure exerted by scores of actin binding proteins (ABPs) in higher eukaryotes. In contrast, in many protozoans such as apicomplexan parasites which possess only a few ABPs, the regulatory control of actin and its multiple functions are still obscure. Here, we provide a summary of the regulation and biological functions of actin in higher eukaryotes and compare it with the current knowledge in apicomplexans. We discuss future experiments that will help us understand the multiple, critical roles of this fascinating system in apicomplexans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujaan Das
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Experimental Parasitology, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Felix Stortz
- Department Metabolism of Infection, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Markus Meissner
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Experimental Parasitology, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Javier Periz
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Experimental Parasitology, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
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24
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Morano AA, Dvorin JD. The Ringleaders: Understanding the Apicomplexan Basal Complex Through Comparison to Established Contractile Ring Systems. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:656976. [PMID: 33954122 PMCID: PMC8089483 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.656976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The actomyosin contractile ring is a key feature of eukaryotic cytokinesis, conserved across many eukaryotic kingdoms. Recent research into the cell biology of the divergent eukaryotic clade Apicomplexa has revealed a contractile ring structure required for asexual division in the medically relevant genera Toxoplasma and Plasmodium; however, the structure of the contractile ring, known as the basal complex in these parasites, remains poorly characterized and in the absence of a myosin II homolog, it is unclear how the force required of a cytokinetic contractile ring is generated. Here, we review the literature on the basal complex in Apicomplexans, summarizing what is known about its formation and function, and attempt to provide possible answers to this question and suggest new avenues of study by comparing the Apicomplexan basal complex to well-studied, established cytokinetic contractile rings and their mechanisms in organisms such as S. cerevisiae and D. melanogaster. We also compare the basal complex to structures formed during mitochondrial and plastid division and cytokinetic mechanisms of organisms beyond the Opisthokonts, considering Apicomplexan diversity and divergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A Morano
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jeffrey D Dvorin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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25
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Sun B, Qu R, Fan T, Yang Y, Jiang X, Khan AU, Zhou Z, Zhang J, Wei K, Ouyang J, Dai J. Actin polymerization state regulates osteogenic differentiation in human adipose-derived stem cells. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2021; 26:15. [PMID: 33858321 PMCID: PMC8048231 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-021-00259-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Actin is an essential cellular protein that assembles into microfilaments and regulates numerous processes such as cell migration, maintenance of cell shape, and material transport. METHODS In this study, we explored the effect of actin polymerization state on the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs). The hASCs were treated for 7 days with different concentrations (0, 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 nM) of jasplakinolide (JAS), a reagent that directly polymerizes F-actin. The effects of the actin polymerization state on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and the maturity of focal adhesion-related proteins were assessed. In addition, western blotting and alizarin red staining assays were performed to assess osteogenic differentiation. RESULTS Cell proliferation and migration in the JAS (0, 1, 5, 10, and 20 nM) groups were higher than in the control group and the JAS (50 nM) group. The FAK, vinculin, paxillin, and talin protein expression levels were highest in the JAS (20 nM) group, while zyxin expression was highest in the JAS (50 nM) group. Western blotting showed that osteogenic differentiation in the JAS (0, 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 nM) group was enhanced compared with that in the control group, and was strongest in the JAS (50 nM) group. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our data suggest that the actin polymerization state may promote the osteogenic differentiation of hASCs by regulating the protein expression of focal adhesion-associated proteins in a concentration-dependent manner. Our findings provide valuable information for exploring the mechanism of osteogenic differentiation in hASCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongmei Qu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingyu Fan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuchao Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Asmat Ullah Khan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhitao Zhou
- Central Laboratory, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingliao Zhang
- Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Henan Luoyang Orthopedic Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kuanhai Wei
- Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of Orthopaedics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regeneration Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Ouyang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jingxing Dai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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26
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Carmeille R, Schiano Lomoriello P, Devarakonda PM, Kellermeier JA, Heaslip AT. Actin and an unconventional myosin motor, TgMyoF, control the organization and dynamics of the endomembrane network in Toxoplasma gondii. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1008787. [PMID: 33529198 PMCID: PMC7880465 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that relies on three distinct secretory organelles, the micronemes, rhoptries, and dense granules, for parasite survival and disease pathogenesis. Secretory proteins destined for these organelles are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and sequentially trafficked through a highly polarized endomembrane network that consists of the Golgi and multiple post-Golgi compartments. Currently, little is known about how the parasite cytoskeleton controls the positioning of the organelles in this pathway, or how vesicular cargo is trafficked between organelles. Here we show that F-actin and an unconventional myosin motor, TgMyoF, control the dynamics and organization of the organelles in the secretory pathway, specifically ER tubule movement, apical positioning of the Golgi and post-Golgi compartments, apical positioning of the rhoptries, and finally, the directed transport of Rab6-positive and Rop1-positive vesicles. Thus, this study identifies TgMyoF and actin as the key cytoskeletal components that organize the endomembrane system in T. gondii. Endomembrane trafficking is a vital cellular process in all eukaryotic cells. In most cases the molecular motors myosin, kinesin, and dynein transport cargo including vesicles, organelles and transcripts along actin and microtubule filaments in a manner analogous to a train moving on its tracks. For the unicellular eukaryote Toxoplasma gondii, the accurate trafficking of proteins through the endomembrane system is vital for parasite survival and pathogenicity. However, the mechanisms of cargo transport in this parasite are poorly understood. In this study, we fluorescently labeled multiple endomembrane organelles and imaged their movements using live cell microscopy. We demonstrate that filamentous actin and an unconventional myosin motor named TgMyoF control both the positioning of organelles in this pathway and the movement of transport vesicles throughout the parasite cytosol. This data provides new insight into the mechanisms of cargo transport in this important pathogen and expands our understanding of the biological roles of actin in the intracellular phase of the parasite’s growth cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Carmeille
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Porfirio Schiano Lomoriello
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Parvathi M. Devarakonda
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Jacob A. Kellermeier
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Aoife T. Heaslip
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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27
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Soetens E, Ballegeer M, Saelens X. An Inside Job: Applications of Intracellular Single Domain Antibodies. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10121663. [PMID: 33322697 PMCID: PMC7764588 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sera of camelid species contain a special kind of antibody that consists only of heavy chains. The variable antigen binding domain of these heavy chain antibodies can be expressed as a separate entity, called a single domain antibody that is characterized by its small size, high solubility and oftentimes exceptional stability. Because of this, most single domain antibodies fold correctly when expressed in the reducing environment of the cytoplasm, and thereby retain their antigen binding specificity. Single domain antibodies can thus be used to target a broad range of intracellular proteins. Such intracellular single domain antibodies are also known as intrabodies, and have proven to be highly useful tools for basic research by allowing visualization, disruption and even targeted degradation of intracellular proteins. Furthermore, intrabodies can be used to uncover prospective new therapeutic targets and have the potential to be applied in therapeutic settings in the future. In this review we provide a brief overview of recent advances in the field of intracellular single domain antibodies, focusing on their use as research tools and potential therapeutic applications. Special attention is given to the available methods that allow delivery of single domain antibodies into cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Soetens
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium; (E.S.); (M.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marlies Ballegeer
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium; (E.S.); (M.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xavier Saelens
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium; (E.S.); (M.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence:
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28
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Blake TCA, Haase S, Baum J. Actomyosin forces and the energetics of red blood cell invasion by the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1009007. [PMID: 33104759 PMCID: PMC7644091 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
All symptoms of malaria disease are associated with the asexual blood stages of development, involving cycles of red blood cell (RBC) invasion and egress by the Plasmodium spp. merozoite. Merozoite invasion is rapid and is actively powered by a parasite actomyosin motor. The current accepted model for actomyosin force generation envisages arrays of parasite myosins, pushing against short actin filaments connected to the external milieu that drive the merozoite forwards into the RBC. In Plasmodium falciparum, the most virulent human malaria species, Myosin A (PfMyoA) is critical for parasite replication. However, the precise function of PfMyoA in invasion, its regulation, the role of other myosins and overall energetics of invasion remain unclear. Here, we developed a conditional mutagenesis strategy combined with live video microscopy to probe PfMyoA function and that of the auxiliary motor PfMyoB in invasion. By imaging conditional mutants with increasing defects in force production, based on disruption to a key PfMyoA phospho-regulation site, the absence of the PfMyoA essential light chain, or complete motor absence, we define three distinct stages of incomplete RBC invasion. These three defects reveal three energetic barriers to successful entry: RBC deformation (pre-entry), mid-invasion initiation, and completion of internalisation, each requiring an active parasite motor. In defining distinct energetic barriers to invasion, these data illuminate the mechanical challenges faced in this remarkable process of protozoan parasitism, highlighting distinct myosin functions and identifying potential targets for preventing malaria pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C. A. Blake
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, United Kingdom
| | - Silvia Haase
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jake Baum
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, United Kingdom
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29
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Del Rosario M, Periz J, Pavlou G, Lyth O, Latorre‐Barragan F, Das S, Pall GS, Stortz JF, Lemgruber L, Whitelaw JA, Baum J, Tardieux I, Meissner M. Apicomplexan F-actin is required for efficient nuclear entry during host cell invasion. EMBO Rep 2019; 20:e48896. [PMID: 31584242 PMCID: PMC6893294 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201948896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The obligate intracellular parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium spp. invade host cells by injecting a protein complex into the membrane of the targeted cell that bridges the two cells through the assembly of a ring-like junction. This circular junction stretches while the parasites apply a traction force to pass through, a step that typically concurs with transient constriction of the parasite body. Here we analyse F-actin dynamics during host cell invasion. Super-resolution microscopy and real-time imaging highlighted an F-actin pool at the apex of pre-invading parasite, an F-actin ring at the junction area during invasion but also networks of perinuclear and posteriorly localised F-actin. Mutant parasites with dysfunctional acto-myosin showed significant decrease of junctional and perinuclear F-actin and are coincidently affected in nuclear passage through the junction. We propose that the F-actin machinery eases nuclear passage by stabilising the junction and pushing the nucleus through the constriction. Our analysis suggests that the junction opposes resistance to the passage of the parasite's nucleus and provides the first evidence for a dual contribution of actin-forces during host cell invasion by apicomplexan parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Del Rosario
- Wellcome Centre For Integrative ParasitologyInstitute of InfectionImmunity & Inflammation, Glasgow Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Javier Periz
- Wellcome Centre For Integrative ParasitologyInstitute of InfectionImmunity & Inflammation, Glasgow Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Georgios Pavlou
- Institute for Advanced BiosciencesCNRS, UMR5309, INSERM U1209Université Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
| | - Oliver Lyth
- Department of Life SciencesImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Fernanda Latorre‐Barragan
- Wellcome Centre For Integrative ParasitologyInstitute of InfectionImmunity & Inflammation, Glasgow Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
- Faculty of Science, Food Engineering and BiotechnologyTechnical University of AmbatoAmbatoEcuador
| | - Sujaan Das
- Wellcome Centre For Integrative ParasitologyInstitute of InfectionImmunity & Inflammation, Glasgow Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Gurman S Pall
- Wellcome Centre For Integrative ParasitologyInstitute of InfectionImmunity & Inflammation, Glasgow Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Johannes Felix Stortz
- Wellcome Centre For Integrative ParasitologyInstitute of InfectionImmunity & Inflammation, Glasgow Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Leandro Lemgruber
- Wellcome Centre For Integrative ParasitologyInstitute of InfectionImmunity & Inflammation, Glasgow Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | | | - Jake Baum
- Department of Life SciencesImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Isabelle Tardieux
- Institute for Advanced BiosciencesCNRS, UMR5309, INSERM U1209Université Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
| | - Markus Meissner
- Wellcome Centre For Integrative ParasitologyInstitute of InfectionImmunity & Inflammation, Glasgow Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
- Experimental ParasitologyDepartment for Veterinary SciencesLudwig‐Maximilians‐University Munich MunichGermany
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30
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Hammarton TC. Who Needs a Contractile Actomyosin Ring? The Plethora of Alternative Ways to Divide a Protozoan Parasite. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:397. [PMID: 31824870 PMCID: PMC6881465 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00397] [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: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytokinesis, or the division of the cytoplasm, following the end of mitosis or meiosis, is accomplished in animal cells, fungi, and amoebae, by the constriction of an actomyosin contractile ring, comprising filamentous actin, myosin II, and associated proteins. However, despite this being the best-studied mode of cytokinesis, it is restricted to the Opisthokonta and Amoebozoa, since members of other evolutionary supergroups lack myosin II and must, therefore, employ different mechanisms. In particular, parasitic protozoa, many of which cause significant morbidity and mortality in humans and animals as well as considerable economic losses, employ a wide diversity of mechanisms to divide, few, if any, of which involve myosin II. In some cases, cell division is not only myosin II-independent, but actin-independent too. Mechanisms employed range from primitive mechanical cell rupture (cytofission), to motility- and/or microtubule remodeling-dependent mechanisms, to budding involving the constriction of divergent contractile rings, to hijacking host cell division machinery, with some species able to utilize multiple mechanisms. Here, I review current knowledge of cytokinesis mechanisms and their molecular control in mammalian-infective parasitic protozoa from the Excavata, Alveolata, and Amoebozoa supergroups, highlighting their often-underappreciated diversity and complexity. Billions of people and animals across the world are at risk from these pathogens, for which vaccines and/or optimal treatments are often not available. Exploiting the divergent cell division machinery in these parasites may provide new avenues for the treatment of protozoal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tansy C Hammarton
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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31
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Hunt A, Russell MRG, Wagener J, Kent R, Carmeille R, Peddie CJ, Collinson L, Heaslip A, Ward GE, Treeck M. Differential requirements for cyclase-associated protein (CAP) in actin-dependent processes of Toxoplasma gondii. eLife 2019; 8:e50598. [PMID: 31577230 PMCID: PMC6785269 DOI: 10.7554/elife.50598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii contains a limited subset of actin binding proteins. Here we show that the putative actin regulator cyclase-associated protein (CAP) is present in two different isoforms and its deletion leads to significant defects in some but not all actin dependent processes. We observe defects in cell-cell communication, daughter cell orientation and the juxtanuclear accumulation of actin, but only modest defects in synchronicity of division and no defect in the replication of the apicoplast. 3D electron microscopy reveals that loss of CAP results in a defect in formation of a normal central residual body, but parasites remain connected within the vacuole. This dissociates synchronicity of division and parasite rosetting and reveals that establishment and maintenance of the residual body may be more complex than previously thought. These results highlight the different spatial requirements for F-actin regulation in Toxoplasma which appear to be achieved by partially overlapping functions of actin regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Hunt
- Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Jeanette Wagener
- Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Robyn Kent
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Vermont Larner College of MedicineBurlingtonUnited States
| | - Romain Carmeille
- Department of Molecular and Cell BiologyUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsUnited States
| | - Christopher J Peddie
- Electron Microscopy Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Lucy Collinson
- Electron Microscopy Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Aoife Heaslip
- Department of Molecular and Cell BiologyUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsUnited States
| | - Gary E Ward
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Vermont Larner College of MedicineBurlingtonUnited States
| | - Moritz Treeck
- Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
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32
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Unusual dynamics of the divergent malaria parasite PfAct1 actin filament. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:20418-20427. [PMID: 31548388 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1906600116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliding motility and host cell invasion by the apicomplexan parasite Plasmodium falciparum (Pf), the causative agent of malaria, is powered by a macromolecular complex called the glideosome that lies between the parasite plasma membrane and the inner membrane complex. The glideosome core consists of a single-headed class XIV myosin PfMyoA and a divergent actin PfAct1. Here we use total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy to visualize growth of individual unstabilized PfAct1 filaments as a function of time, an approach not previously used with this actin isoform. Although PfAct1 was thought to be incapable of forming long filaments, filaments grew as long as 30 µm. Polymerization occurs via a nucleation-elongation mechanism, but with an ∼4 µM critical concentration, an order-of-magnitude higher than for skeletal actin. Protomers disassembled from both the barbed and pointed ends of the actin filament with similar fast kinetics of 10 to 15 subunits/s. Rapid treadmilling, where the barbed end of the filament grows and the pointed end shrinks while maintaining an approximately constant filament length, was visualized near the critical concentration. Once ATP has been hydrolyzed to ADP, the filament becomes very unstable, resulting in total dissolution in <40 min. Dynamics at the filament ends are suppressed in the presence of inorganic phosphate or more efficiently by BeFX A chimeric PfAct1 with a mammalian actin D-loop forms a more stable filament. These unusual dynamic properties distinguish PfAct1 from more canonical actins, and likely contribute to the difficultly in visualizing PfAct1 filaments in the parasite.
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