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Dos Santos NSA, Estevez-Castro CF, Macedo JP, Chame DF, Castro-Gomes T, Santos-Cardoso M, Burle-Caldas GA, Covington CN, Steel PG, Smith TK, Denny PW, Teixeira SMR. Disruption of the inositol phosphorylceramide synthase gene affects Trypanosoma cruzi differentiation and infection capacity. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011646. [PMID: 37729272 PMCID: PMC10545103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids (SLs) are essential components of all eukaryotic cellular membranes. In fungi, plants and many protozoa, the primary SL is inositol-phosphorylceramide (IPC). Trypanosoma cruzi is a protozoan parasite that causes Chagas disease (CD), a chronic illness for which no vaccines or effective treatments are available. IPC synthase (IPCS) has been considered an ideal target enzyme for drug development because phosphoinositol-containing SL is absent in mammalian cells and the enzyme activity has been described in all parasite forms of T. cruzi. Furthermore, IPCS is an integral membrane protein conserved amongst other kinetoplastids, including Leishmania major, for which specific inhibitors have been identified. Using a CRISPR-Cas9 protocol, we generated T. cruzi knockout (KO) mutants in which both alleles of the IPCS gene were disrupted. We demonstrated that the lack of IPCS activity does not affect epimastigote proliferation or its susceptibility to compounds that have been identified as inhibitors of the L. major IPCS. However, disruption of the T. cruzi IPCS gene negatively affected epimastigote differentiation into metacyclic trypomastigotes as well as proliferation of intracellular amastigotes and differentiation of amastigotes into tissue culture-derived trypomastigotes. In accordance with previous studies suggesting that IPC is a membrane component essential for parasite survival in the mammalian host, we showed that T. cruzi IPCS null mutants are unable to establish an infection in vivo, even in immune deficient mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nailma S A Dos Santos
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Carlos F. Estevez-Castro
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Juan P. Macedo
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Daniela F. Chame
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Thiago Castro-Gomes
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Mariana Santos-Cardoso
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Gabriela A. Burle-Caldas
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Courtney N. Covington
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Global Infectious Disease, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick G. Steel
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Global Infectious Disease, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Terry K. Smith
- BSRC School of Biology, Biomolecular Science Building, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Paul W. Denny
- Department of Biosciences and Centre for Global Infectious Diseases, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Santuza M. R. Teixeira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Kuhlmann FM, Key PN, Hickerson SM, Turk J, Hsu FF, Beverley SM. Inositol phosphorylceramide synthase null Leishmania are viable and virulent in animal infections where salvage of host sphingomyelin predominates. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102522. [PMID: 36162499 PMCID: PMC9637897 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Many pathogens synthesize inositol phosphorylceramide (IPC) as the major sphingolipid (SL), differing from the mammalian host where sphingomyelin (SM) or more complex SLs predominate. The divergence between IPC synthase and mammalian SL synthases has prompted interest as a potential drug target. However, in the trypanosomatid protozoan Leishmania, cultured insect stage promastigotes lack de novo SL synthesis (Δspt2-) and SLs survive and remain virulent, as infective amastigotes salvage host SLs and continue to produce IPC. To further understand the role of IPC, we generated null IPCS mutants in Leishmania major (Δipcs-). Unexpectedly and unlike fungi where IPCS is essential, Δipcs- was remarkably normal in culture and highly virulent in mouse infections. Both IPCS activity and IPC were absent in Δipcs- promastigotes and amastigotes, arguing against an alternative route of IPC synthesis. Notably, salvaged mammalian SM was highly abundant in purified amastigotes from both WT and Δipcs-, and salvaged SLs could be further metabolized into IPC. SM was about 7-fold more abundant than IPC in WT amastigotes, establishing that SM is the dominant amastigote SL, thereby rendering IPC partially redundant. These data suggest that SM salvage likely plays key roles in the survival and virulence of both WT and Δipcs- parasites in the infected host, confirmation of which will require the development of methods or mutants deficient in host SL/SM uptake in the future. Our findings call into question the suitability of IPCS as a target for chemotherapy, instead suggesting that approaches targeting SM/SL uptake or catabolism may warrant further emphasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Matthew Kuhlmann
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA,Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Phillip N. Key
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Suzanne M. Hickerson
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - John Turk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Fong-Fu Hsu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Stephen M. Beverley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA,For correspondence: Stephen M. Beverley
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Grundner M, Munjaković H, Tori T, Sepčić K, Gašperšič R, Oblak Č, Seme K, Guella G, Trenti F, Skočaj M. Ceramide Phosphoethanolamine as a Possible Marker of Periodontal Disease. Membranes 2022; 12:membranes12070655. [PMID: 35877858 PMCID: PMC9324278 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12070655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Periodontal disease is a chronic oral inflammatory disorder initiated by pathobiontic bacteria found in dental plaques—complex biofilms on the tooth surface. The disease begins as an acute local inflammation of the gingival tissue (gingivitis) and can progress to periodontitis, which eventually leads to the formation of periodontal pockets and ultimately results in tooth loss. The main problem in periodontology is that the diagnosis is based on the assessment of the already obvious tissue damage. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the current diagnostics used to assess periodontal disease. Using lipidomic analyses, we show that both crucial periodontal pathogens, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia, synthesize ceramide phosphoethanolamine (CPE) species, membrane sphingolipids not typically found in vertebrates. Previously, it was shown that this particular lipid can be specifically detected by an aegerolysin protein, erylysin A (EryA). Here, we show that EryA can specifically bind to CPE species from the total lipid extract from P. gingivalis. Furthermore, using a fluorescently labelled EryA-mCherry, we were able to detect CPE species in clinical samples of dental plaque from periodontal patients. These results demonstrate the potential of specific periodontal pathogen-derived lipids as biomarkers for periodontal disease and other chronic inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Grundner
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.G.); (H.M.); (T.T.); (K.S.)
| | - Haris Munjaković
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.G.); (H.M.); (T.T.); (K.S.)
| | - Tilen Tori
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.G.); (H.M.); (T.T.); (K.S.)
| | - Kristina Sepčić
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.G.); (H.M.); (T.T.); (K.S.)
| | - Rok Gašperšič
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (R.G.); (Č.O.); (K.S.)
| | - Čedomir Oblak
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (R.G.); (Č.O.); (K.S.)
| | - Katja Seme
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (R.G.); (Č.O.); (K.S.)
| | - Graziano Guella
- Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 14, 38123 Trento, Italy; (G.G.); (F.T.)
| | - Francesco Trenti
- Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 14, 38123 Trento, Italy; (G.G.); (F.T.)
| | - Matej Skočaj
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.G.); (H.M.); (T.T.); (K.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +386-1-3203-395
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Parreira de Aquino G, Mendes Gomes MA, Köpke Salinas R, Laranjeira-Silva MF. Lipid and fatty acid metabolism in trypanosomatids. Microb Cell 2021; 8:262-275. [PMID: 34782859 PMCID: PMC8561143 DOI: 10.15698/mic2021.11.764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosomiases and leishmaniases are neglected tropical diseases that have been spreading to previously non-affected areas in recent years. Identification of new chemotherapeutics is needed as there are no vaccines and the currently available treatment options are highly toxic and often ineffective. The causative agents for these diseases are the protozoan parasites of the Trypanosomatidae family, and they alternate between invertebrate and vertebrate hosts during their life cycles. Hence, these parasites must be able to adapt to different environments and compete with their hosts for several essential compounds, such as amino acids, vitamins, ions, carbohydrates, and lipids. Among these nutrients, lipids and fatty acids (FAs) are essential for parasite survival. Trypanosomatids require massive amounts of FAs, and they can either synthesize FAs de novo or scavenge them from the host. Moreover, FAs are the major energy source during specific life cycle stages of T. brucei, T. cruzi, and Leishmania. Therefore, considering the distinctive features of FAs metabolism in trypanosomatids, these pathways could be exploited for the development of novel antiparasitic drugs. In this review, we highlight specific aspects of lipid and FA metabolism in the protozoan parasites T. brucei, T. cruzi, and Leishmania spp., as well as the pathways that have been explored for the development of new chemotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Roberto Köpke Salinas
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Fogeron ML, Lecoq L, Cole L, Harbers M, Böckmann A. Easy Synthesis of Complex Biomolecular Assemblies: Wheat Germ Cell-Free Protein Expression in Structural Biology. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:639587. [PMID: 33842544 PMCID: PMC8027086 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.639587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) systems are gaining more importance as universal tools for basic research, applied sciences, and product development with new technologies emerging for their application. Huge progress was made in the field of synthetic biology using CFPS to develop new proteins for technical applications and therapy. Out of the available CFPS systems, wheat germ cell-free protein synthesis (WG-CFPS) merges the highest yields with the use of a eukaryotic ribosome, making it an excellent approach for the synthesis of complex eukaryotic proteins including, for example, protein complexes and membrane proteins. Separating the translation reaction from other cellular processes, CFPS offers a flexible means to adapt translation reactions to protein needs. There is a large demand for such potent, easy-to-use, rapid protein expression systems, which are optimally serving protein requirements to drive biochemical and structural biology research. We summarize here a general workflow for a wheat germ system providing examples from the literature, as well as applications used for our own studies in structural biology. With this review, we want to highlight the tremendous potential of the rapidly evolving and highly versatile CFPS systems, making them more widely used as common tools to recombinantly prepare particularly challenging recombinant eukaryotic proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Laure Fogeron
- Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, Labex Ecofect, UMR 5086 CNRS/Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Lauriane Lecoq
- Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, Labex Ecofect, UMR 5086 CNRS/Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Laura Cole
- Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, Labex Ecofect, UMR 5086 CNRS/Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Matthias Harbers
- CellFree Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS), Yokohama, Japan
| | - Anja Böckmann
- Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, Labex Ecofect, UMR 5086 CNRS/Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
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Abstract
The cellular membranes of Trypanosoma cruzi, like all eukaryotes, contain varying amounts of phospholipids, sphingolipids, neutral lipids and sterols. A multitude of pathways exist for the de novo synthesis of these lipid families but Trypanosoma cruzi has also become adapted to scavenge some of these lipids from the host. Completion of the TriTryp genomes has led to the identification of many putative genes involved in lipid synthesis, revealing some interesting differences to higher eukaryotes. Although many enzymes involved in lipid synthesis have yet to be characterised, completed experiments have shown the indispensability of some lipid metabolic pathways. Furthermore, the bioactive lipids of Trypanosoma cruzi and their effects on the host are becoming increasingly studied. Further studies on lipid metabolism in Trypanosoma cruzi will no doubt reveal some attractive targets for therapeutic intervention as well as reveal the interplay between parasite lipids, host response and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh-Ann Booth
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Scotland, KY16 9ST, United Kingdom
| | - Terry K Smith
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Scotland, KY16 9ST, United Kingdom.
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Lacabanne D, Fogeron ML, Wiegand T, Cadalbert R, Meier BH, Böckmann A. Protein sample preparation for solid-state NMR investigations. Prog Nucl Magn Reson Spectrosc 2019; 110:20-33. [PMID: 30803692 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnmrs.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Preparation of a protein sample for solid-state NMR is in many aspects similar to solution-state NMR approaches, mainly with respect to the need for stable isotope labeling. But the possibility of using solid-state NMR to investigate membrane proteins in (native) lipids adds the important requirement of adapted membrane-reconstitution schemes. Also, dynamic nuclear polarization and paramagnetic NMR in solids need specific schemes using metal ions and radicals. Sample sedimentation has enabled structural investigations of objects inaccessible to other structural techniques, but rotor filling using sedimentation has become increasingly complex with smaller and smaller rotors, as needed for higher and higher magic-angle spinning (MAS) frequencies. Furthermore, solid-state NMR can investigate very large proteins and their complexes without the concomitant increase in line widths, motivating the use of selective labeling and unlabeling strategies, as well as segmental labeling, to decongest spectra. The possibility of investigating sub-milligram amounts of protein today using advanced fast MAS techniques enables alternative protein synthesis schemes such as cell-free expression. Here we review these specific aspects of solid-state NMR sample preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Lacabanne
- Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, Labex Ecofect, UMR 5086 CNRS/Université de Lyon, 69367 Lyon, France; Physical Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marie-Laure Fogeron
- Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, Labex Ecofect, UMR 5086 CNRS/Université de Lyon, 69367 Lyon, France
| | - Thomas Wiegand
- Physical Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Beat H Meier
- Physical Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Anja Böckmann
- Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, Labex Ecofect, UMR 5086 CNRS/Université de Lyon, 69367 Lyon, France.
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Abstract
The kinetoplastid parasite Trypanosoma brucei causes African trypanosomiasis in both humans and animals. Infections place a significant health and economic burden on developing nations in sub-Saharan Africa, but few effective anti-parasitic treatments are currently available. Hence, there is an urgent need to identify new leads for drug development. The T. brucei neutral sphingomyelinase (TbnSMase) was previously established as essential to parasite survival, consequently being identified as a potential drug target. This enzyme may catalyse the single route to sphingolipid catabolism outside the T. brucei lysosome. To obtain new insight into parasite sphingolipid catabolism, the substrate specificity of TbnSMase was investigated using electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). Recombinant TbnSMase was shown to degrade sphingomyelin, inositol-phosphoceramide and ethanolamine-phosphoceramide sphingolipid substrates, consistent with the sphingolipid complement of the parasites. TbnSMase also catabolized ceramide-1-phosphate, but was inactive towards sphingosine-1-phosphate. The broad-range specificity of this enzyme towards sphingolipid species is a unique feature of TbnSMase. Additionally, ESI-MS/MS analysis revealed previously uncharacterized activity towards lyso-phosphatidylcholine despite the enzyme's inability to degrade phosphatidylcholine. Collectively, these data underline the enzyme's importance in choline homoeostasis and the turnover of sphingolipids in T. brucei.
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Lu M, Zhao X, Xing H, Xun Z, Yang T, Cai C, Wang D, Ding P. Liposome-chaperoned cell-free synthesis for the design of proteoliposomes: Implications for therapeutic delivery. Acta Biomater 2018; 76:1-20. [PMID: 29625253 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.03.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cell-free (CF) protein synthesis has emerged as a powerful technique platform for efficient protein production in vitro. Liposomes have been widely studied as therapeutic carriers due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity, flexible surface manipulation, easy preparation, and higher cargo encapsulation capability. However, rapid immune clearance, insufficient targeting capacity, and poor cytoplasmic delivery efficiency substantially restrict their clinical application. The incorporation of functional membrane proteins (MPs) or peptides allows the transfer of biological properties to liposomes and imparts them with improved circulation, increased targeting, and efficient intracellular delivery. Liposome-chaperoned CF synthesis enables production of proteoliposomes in one-step reaction, which not only substantially simplifies the production procedure but also keeps protein functionality intact. Building off these observations, proteoliposomes with integrated MPs represent an excellent candidate for therapeutic delivery. In this review, we describe recent advances in CF synthesis with emphasis on detailing key factors for improving CF expression efficiency. Furthermore, we provide insights into strategies for rational design of proteoliposomal nanodelivery systems via CF synthesis. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Liposome-chaperoned CF synthesis has emerged as a powerful approach for the design of recombinant proteoliposomes in one-step reaction. The incorporation of bioactive MPs or peptides into liposomes via CF synthesis can facilitate the development of proteoliposomal nanodelivery systems with improved circulation, increased targeting, and enhanced cellular delivery capacity. Moreover, by adapting lessons learned from natural delivery vehicles, novel bio-inspired proteoliposomes with enhanced delivery properties could be produced in CF systems. In this review, we first give an overview of CF synthesis with focus on enhancing protein expression in liposome-chaperoned CF systems. Furthermore, we intend to provide insight into harnessing CF-synthesized proteoliposomes for efficient therapeutic delivery.
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Kong P, Lehmann MJ, Helms JB, Brouwers JF, Gupta N. Lipid analysis of Eimeria sporozoites reveals exclusive phospholipids, a phylogenetic mosaic of endogenous synthesis, and a host-independent lifestyle. Cell Discov 2018; 4:24. [PMID: 29844921 PMCID: PMC5964319 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-018-0023-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful inter-host transmission of most apicomplexan parasites requires the formation of infective sporozoites within the oocysts. Unlike all other infective stages that are strictly intracellular and depend on host resources, the sporozoite stage develops outside the host cells, but little is known about its self-governing metabolism. This study deployed Eimeria falciformis, a parasite infecting the mouse as its natural host, to investigate the process of phospholipid biogenesis in sporozoites. Lipidomic analyses demonstrated the occurrence of prototypical phospholipids along with abundant expression of at least two exclusive lipids, phosphatidylthreonine (PtdThr) and inositol phosphorylceramide with a phytosphingosine backbone, in sporozoites. To produce them de novo, the parasite harbors nearly the entire biogenesis network, which is an evolutionary mosaic of eukaryotic-type and prokaryotic-type enzymes. Notably, many have no phylogenetic counterpart or functional equivalent in the mammalian host. Using Toxoplasma gondii as a gene-tractable surrogate to examine Eimeria enzymes, we show a highly compartmentalized network of lipid synthesis spread primarily in the apicoplast, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondrion, and Golgi complex. Likewise, trans-genera complementation of a Toxoplasma mutant with the PtdThr synthase from Eimeria reveals a convergent role of PtdThr in fostering the lytic cycle of coccidian parasites. Taken together, our work establishes a model of autonomous membrane biogenesis involving significant inter-organelle cooperation and lipid trafficking in sporozoites. Phylogenetic divergence of certain pathways offers attractive drug targets to block the sporulation and subsequent transmission. Not least, our results vindicate the possession of an entire de novo lipid synthesis network in a representative protist adapted to an obligate intracellular parasitic lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Kong
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt University, Berlin, 10115 Germany
| | - Maik J. Lehmann
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt University, Berlin, 10115 Germany
- Present Address: Department of Life Sciences and Engineering, University of Applied Sciences, Bingen, 55411 Germany
| | - J. Bernd Helms
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584CM The Netherlands
| | - Jos F. Brouwers
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584CM The Netherlands
| | - Nishith Gupta
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt University, Berlin, 10115 Germany
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11
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Mina JGM, Denny PW. Everybody needs sphingolipids, right! Mining for new drug targets in protozoan sphingolipid biosynthesis. Parasitology 2018; 145:134-147. [PMID: 28637533 PMCID: PMC5964470 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017001081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Sphingolipids (SLs) are an integral part of all eukaryotic cellular membranes. In addition, they have indispensable functions as signalling molecules controlling a myriad of cellular events. Disruption of either the de novo synthesis or the degradation pathways has been shown to have detrimental effects. The earlier identification of selective inhibitors of fungal SL biosynthesis promised potent broad-spectrum anti-fungal agents, which later encouraged testing some of those agents against protozoan parasites. In this review we focus on the key enzymes of the SL de novo biosynthetic pathway in protozoan parasites of the Apicomplexa and Kinetoplastidae, outlining the divergence and interconnection between host and pathogen metabolism. The druggability of the SL biosynthesis is considered, alongside recent technology advances that will enable the dissection and analyses of this pathway in the parasitic protozoa. The future impact of these advances for the development of new therapeutics for both globally threatening and neglected infectious diseases is potentially profound.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G M Mina
- Department of Biosciences,Lower Mountjoy,Stockton Road,Durham DH1 3LE,UK
| | - P W Denny
- Department of Biosciences,Lower Mountjoy,Stockton Road,Durham DH1 3LE,UK
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12
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Guan XL, Mäser P. Comparative sphingolipidomics of disease-causing trypanosomatids reveal unique lifecycle- and taxonomy-specific lipid chemistries. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13617. [PMID: 29051559 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13931-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosomatids are parasitic protozoa which cause a spectrum of diseases, including trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis, affecting millions of humans and animals worldwide. The surface of most protozoan parasites is heavily decorated with lipids and lipid-anchored molecules, forming protective barriers and acting as virulence factors during infection. Sphingolipids (SP) are major components of eukaryotic biomembranes, which play important roles in structural integrity, energy homeostasis and signaling. However, the precise chemical composition of SP in pathogens as well as their biochemical pathways and functions remain poorly characterized. Here, we present the first system-scale analyses of SP found in a panel of 7 trypanosomatids, including Leishmania donovani, Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma cruzi. We characterized the structure of aminoethylphosphonate-containing ceramides, which are found exclusively in stercorarian Trypanosoma. Employing the sensitive and semi-quantitative sphingolipidomics approach that we developed, we report the detection of over 300 molecular species of SP, and identified unique metabolic signatures which serve as discriminants of the pathogens based on their taxonomy and lifecycle stages. The deep sphingolipidome presented here is an important biochemical and technological resource for future works to dissect SP metabolism and functions in these medically and agriculturally relevant systems.
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De Castro Levatti EV, Toledo MS, Watanabe Costa R, Bahia D, Mortara RA, Takahashi HK, Straus AH. Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis Inositol Phosphorylceramide: Distinctive Sphingoid Base Composition. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1453. [PMID: 28824583 PMCID: PMC5543781 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inositol phosphorylceramide (IPC), the major sphingolipid in the genus Leishmania but not found in mammals, is considered a potentially useful target for chemotherapy against leishmaniasis. Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis is endemic in Latin America and causes American tegumentary leishmaniasis. We demonstrated that IPCs are localized internally in parasites, using a specific monoclonal antibody. Treatment with 5 μM myriocin (a serine palmitoyltransferase inhibitor) rendered promastigotes 8-fold less infective than controls in experimental hamster infection, as determined by number of parasites per inguinal lymph node after 8 weeks infection, suggesting the importance of parasite IPC or sphingolipid derivatives in parasite infectivity or survival in the host. IPC was isolated from promastigotes of three L. (V.) braziliensis strains and analyzed by positive- and negative-ion ESI-MS. The major IPC ions were characterized as eicosasphinganine and eicosasphingosine. Negative-ion ESI-MS revealed IPC ion species at m/z 778.6 (d20:1/14:0), 780.6 (d20:0/14:0), 796.6 (t20:0/14:0), 806.6 (d20:1/16:0), and 808.6 (d20:0/16:0). IPCs isolated from L. (V.) braziliensis and L. (L.) major showed significant differences in IPC ceramide composition. The major IPC ion from L. (L.) major, detected in negative-ion ESI-MS at m/z 780.6, was composed of ceramide d16:1/18:0. Our results suggest that sphingosine synthase (also known as serine palmitoyltransferase; SPT) in L. (V.) braziliensis is responsible for synthesis of a long-chain base of 20 carbons (d20), whereas SPT in L. (L.) major synthesizes a 16-carbon long-chain base (d16). A phylogenetic tree based on SPT proteins was constructed by analysis of sequence homologies in species of the Leishmania and Viannia subgenera. Results indicate that SPT gene position in L. (V.) braziliensis is completely separated from that of members of subgenus Leishmania, including L. (L.) major, L. (L.) infantum, and L. (L.) mexicana. Our findings clearly demonstrate sphingoid base differences between L. (V.) braziliensis and members of subgenus Leishmania, and are relevant to future development of more effective targeted anti-leishmaniasis drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica V De Castro Levatti
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos S Toledo
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata Watanabe Costa
- Departmento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
| | - Diana Bahia
- Departmento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil.,Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisBelo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Renato A Mortara
- Departmento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helio K Takahashi
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anita H Straus
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
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Butala M, Novak M, Kraševec N, Skočaj M, Veranič P, Maček P, Sepčić K. Aegerolysins: Lipid-binding proteins with versatile functions. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 72:142-151. [PMID: 28506897 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Proteins of the aegerolysin family span many kingdoms of life. They are relatively widely distributed in bacteria and fungi, but also appear in plants, protozoa and insects. Despite being produced in abundance in cells at specific developmental stages and present in secretomes, only a few aegerolysins have been studied in detail. In particular, their organism-specific physiological roles are intriguing. Here, we review published findings to date on the distribution, molecular interactions and biological activities of this family of structurally and functionally versatile proteins, the aegerolysins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matej Butala
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maruša Novak
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nada Kraševec
- National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matej Skočaj
- Institute of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Peter Veranič
- Institute of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Peter Maček
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Kristina Sepčić
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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15
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Kol M, Panatala R, Nordmann M, Swart L, van Suijlekom L, Cabukusta B, Hilderink A, Grabietz T, Mina JGM, Somerharju P, Korneev S, Tafesse FG, Holthuis JCM. Switching head group selectivity in mammalian sphingolipid biosynthesis by active-site-engineering of sphingomyelin synthases. J Lipid Res 2017; 58:962-973. [PMID: 28336574 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m076133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
SM is a fundamental component of mammalian cell membranes that contributes to mechanical stability, signaling, and sorting. Its production involves the transfer of phosphocholine from phosphatidylcholine onto ceramide, a reaction catalyzed by SM synthase (SMS)1 in the Golgi and SMS2 at the plasma membrane. Mammalian cells also synthesize trace amounts of the SM analog, ceramide phosphoethanolamine (CPE), but the physiological relevance of CPE production is unclear. Previous work revealed that SMS2 is a bifunctional enzyme producing both SM and CPE, whereas a closely related enzyme, SMS-related protein (SMSr)/SAMD8, acts as a monofunctional CPE synthase in the endoplasmic reticulum. Using domain swapping and site-directed mutagenesis on enzymes expressed in defined lipid environments, we here identified structural determinants that mediate the head group selectivity of SMS family members. Notably, a single residue adjacent to the catalytic histidine in the third exoplasmic loop profoundly influenced enzyme specificity, with Glu permitting SMS-catalyzed CPE production and Asp confining the enzyme to produce SM. An exchange of exoplasmic residues with SMSr proved sufficient to convert SMS1 into a bulk CPE synthase. This allowed us to establish mammalian cells that produce CPE rather than SM as the principal phosphosphingolipid and provide a model of the molecular interactions that impart catalytic specificity among SMS enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthijs Kol
- Molecular Cell Biology Division, Department of Biology/Chemistry, University of Osnabrück, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany .,Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics, Bijvoet Center and Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Radhakrishnan Panatala
- Molecular Cell Biology Division, Department of Biology/Chemistry, University of Osnabrück, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany.,Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics, Bijvoet Center and Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjana Nordmann
- Molecular Cell Biology Division, Department of Biology/Chemistry, University of Osnabrück, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Leoni Swart
- Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics, Bijvoet Center and Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Leonie van Suijlekom
- Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics, Bijvoet Center and Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Birol Cabukusta
- Molecular Cell Biology Division, Department of Biology/Chemistry, University of Osnabrück, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Angelika Hilderink
- Molecular Cell Biology Division, Department of Biology/Chemistry, University of Osnabrück, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Tanja Grabietz
- Molecular Cell Biology Division, Department of Biology/Chemistry, University of Osnabrück, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - John G M Mina
- Molecular Cell Biology Division, Department of Biology/Chemistry, University of Osnabrück, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Pentti Somerharju
- Medical Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Sergei Korneev
- Molecular Cell Biology Division, Department of Biology/Chemistry, University of Osnabrück, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Fikadu G Tafesse
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Joost C M Holthuis
- Molecular Cell Biology Division, Department of Biology/Chemistry, University of Osnabrück, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany .,Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics, Bijvoet Center and Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
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16
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Kol M, Panatala R, Nordmann M, Swart L, van Suijlekom L, Cabukusta B, Hilderink A, Grabietz T, Mina JGM, Somerharju P, Korneev S, Tafesse FG, Holthuis JCM. Switching head group selectivity in mammalian sphingolipid biosynthesis by active-site engineering of sphingomyelin synthases. J Lipid Res 2016; 57:1273-85. [PMID: 27165857 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m068692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
SM is a fundamental component of mammalian cell membranes that contributes to mechanical stability, signaling, and sorting. Its production involves the transfer of phosphocholine from phosphatidylcholine onto ceramide, a reaction catalyzed by SM synthase (SMS) 1 in the Golgi and SMS2 at the plasma membrane. Mammalian cells also synthesize trace amounts of the SM analog ceramide phosphoethanolamine (CPE), but the physiological relevance of CPE production is unclear. Previous work revealed that SMS2 is a bifunctional enzyme producing both SM and CPE, whereas a closely related enzyme, sphingomyelin synthase-related protein (SMSr)/SAMD8, acts as a monofunctional CPE synthase in the endoplasmatic reticulum. Using domain swapping and site-directed mutagenesis on enzymes expressed in defined lipid environments, we here identified structural determinants that mediate head group selectivity of SMS family members. Notably, a single residue adjacent to the catalytic histidine in the third exoplasmic loop profoundly influenced enzyme specificity, with glutamic acid permitting SMS-catalyzed CPE production and aspartic acid confining the enzyme to produce SM. An exchange of exoplasmic residues with SMSr proved sufficient to convert SMS1 into a bulk CPE synthase. This allowed us to establish mammalian cells that produce CPE rather than SM as the principal phosphosphingolipid and provide a model of the molecular interactions that impart catalytic specificity among SMS enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthijs Kol
- Molecular Cell Biology Division, Department of Biology/Chemistry, University of Osnabrück, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany Membrane Biochemistry & Biophysics, Bijvoet Center and Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Radhakrishnan Panatala
- Molecular Cell Biology Division, Department of Biology/Chemistry, University of Osnabrück, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany Membrane Biochemistry & Biophysics, Bijvoet Center and Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjana Nordmann
- Molecular Cell Biology Division, Department of Biology/Chemistry, University of Osnabrück, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Leoni Swart
- Membrane Biochemistry & Biophysics, Bijvoet Center and Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Leonie van Suijlekom
- Membrane Biochemistry & Biophysics, Bijvoet Center and Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Birol Cabukusta
- Molecular Cell Biology Division, Department of Biology/Chemistry, University of Osnabrück, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Angelika Hilderink
- Molecular Cell Biology Division, Department of Biology/Chemistry, University of Osnabrück, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Tanja Grabietz
- Molecular Cell Biology Division, Department of Biology/Chemistry, University of Osnabrück, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - John G M Mina
- Molecular Cell Biology Division, Department of Biology/Chemistry, University of Osnabrück, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Pentti Somerharju
- Medical Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Sergei Korneev
- Molecular Cell Biology Division, Department of Biology/Chemistry, University of Osnabrück, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Fikadu G Tafesse
- Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Joost C M Holthuis
- Molecular Cell Biology Division, Department of Biology/Chemistry, University of Osnabrück, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany Membrane Biochemistry & Biophysics, Bijvoet Center and Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
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17
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Yamaji-Hasegawa A, Hullin-Matsuda F, Greimel P, Kobayashi T. Pore-forming toxins: Properties, diversity, and uses as tools to image sphingomyelin and ceramide phosphoethanolamine. Biochim Biophys Acta 2016; 1858:576-92. [PMID: 26498396 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2015.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2015] [Revised: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Pore-forming toxins (PFTs) represent a unique class of highly specific lipid-binding proteins. The cytotoxicity of these compounds has been overcome through crystallographic structure and mutation studies, facilitating the development of non-toxic lipid probes. As a consequence, non-toxic PFTs have been utilized as highly specific probes to visualize the diversity and dynamics of lipid nanostructures in living and fixed cells. This review is focused on the application of PFTs and their non-toxic analogs as tools to visualize sphingomyelin and ceramide phosphoethanolamine, two major phosphosphingolipids in mammalian and insect cells, respectively. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Pore-Forming Toxins edited by Mauro Dalla Serra and Franco Gambale.
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18
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Popot J. Folding membrane proteins in vitro: A table and some comments. Arch Biochem Biophys 2014; 564:314-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2014.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Revised: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Abstract
Cell-free protein expression plays an important role in biochemical research. However, only recent developments led to new methods to rapidly synthesize preparative amounts of protein that make cell-free protein expression an attractive alternative to cell-based methods. In particular the wheat germ system provides the highest translation efficiency among eukaryotic cell-free protein expression approaches and has a very high success rate for the expression of soluble proteins of good quality. As an open in vitro method, the wheat germ system is a preferable choice for many applications in protein research including options for protein labeling and the expression of difficult-to-express proteins like membrane proteins and multiple protein complexes. Here I describe wheat germ cell-free protein expression systems and give examples how they have been used in genome-wide expression studies, preparation of labeled proteins for structural genomics and protein mass spectroscopy, automated protein synthesis, and screening of enzymatic activities. Future directions for the use of cell-free expression methods are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Harbers
- RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan; CellFree Sciences Co., Ltd., 75-1, Ono-cho, Leading Venture Plaza 201, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0046, Japan.
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20
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Ramakrishnan S, Serricchio M, Striepen B, Bütikofer P. Lipid synthesis in protozoan parasites: a comparison between kinetoplastids and apicomplexans. Prog Lipid Res 2013; 52:488-512. [PMID: 23827884 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2013.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2013] [Revised: 06/16/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Lipid metabolism is of crucial importance for pathogens. Lipids serve as cellular building blocks, signalling molecules, energy stores, posttranslational modifiers, and pathogenesis factors. Parasites rely on a complex system of uptake and synthesis mechanisms to satisfy their lipid needs. The parameters of this system change dramatically as the parasite transits through the various stages of its life cycle. Here we discuss the tremendous recent advances that have been made in the understanding of the synthesis and uptake pathways for fatty acids and phospholipids in apicomplexan and kinetoplastid parasites, including Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, Cryptosporidium, Trypanosoma and Leishmania. Lipid synthesis differs in significant ways between parasites from both phyla and the human host. Parasites have acquired novel pathways through endosymbiosis, as in the case of the apicoplast, have dramatically reshaped substrate and product profiles, and have evolved specialized lipids to interact with or manipulate the host. These differences potentially provide opportunities for drug development. We outline the lipid pathways for key species in detail as they progress through the developmental cycle and highlight those that are of particular importance to the biology of the pathogens and/or are the most promising targets for parasite-specific treatment.
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21
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Castro EV, Yoneyama KG, Haapalainen EF, Toledo MS, Takahashi HK, Straus AH. Myriocin, a Serine Palmitoyltransferase Inhibitor, Blocks Cytokinesis in Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis
Promastigotes. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2013; 60:377-87. [DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Revised: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Erica V. Castro
- Department of Biochemistry; Escola Paulista de Medicina; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; Rua Botucatu 862 São Paulo SP 04023-900 Brazil
| | - Kelly G. Yoneyama
- Department of Biochemistry; Escola Paulista de Medicina; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; Rua Botucatu 862 São Paulo SP 04023-900 Brazil
| | - Edna F. Haapalainen
- Electron Microscopy Center; Escola Paulista de Medicina; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; Rua Botucatu 862 São Paulo SP 04023-900 Brazil
| | - Marcos S. Toledo
- Department of Biochemistry; Escola Paulista de Medicina; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; Rua Botucatu 862 São Paulo SP 04023-900 Brazil
| | - Helio K. Takahashi
- Department of Biochemistry; Escola Paulista de Medicina; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; Rua Botucatu 862 São Paulo SP 04023-900 Brazil
| | - Anita H. Straus
- Department of Biochemistry; Escola Paulista de Medicina; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; Rua Botucatu 862 São Paulo SP 04023-900 Brazil
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22
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Jarecki BW, Makino SI, Beebe ET, Fox BG, Chanda B. Function of Shaker potassium channels produced by cell-free translation upon injection into Xenopus oocytes. Sci Rep 2013; 3:1040. [PMID: 23301161 PMCID: PMC3539143 DOI: 10.1038/srep01040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2012] [Accepted: 12/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated ion channels are a class of membrane proteins that temporally orchestrate the ion flux critical for chemical and electrical signaling in excitable cells. Current methods to investigate the function of these channels rely on heterologous expression in living systems or reconstitution into artificial membranes; however these approaches have inherent drawbacks which limit potential biophysical applications. Here, we describe a new integrated approach combining cell-free translation of membrane proteins and in vivo expression using Xenopus laevis oocytes. In this method, proteoliposomes containing Shaker potassium channels are synthesized in vitro and injected into the oocytes, yielding functional preparations as shown by electrophysiological and fluorescence measurements within few hours. This strategy for studying eukaryotic ion channels is contrasted with existing, laborious procedures that require membrane protein extraction and reconstitution into synthetic lipid systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian W Jarecki
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Aly KA, Beebe ET, Chan CH, Goren MA, Sepúlveda C, Makino SI, Fox BG, Forest KT. Cell-free production of integral membrane aspartic acid proteases reveals zinc-dependent methyltransferase activity of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa prepilin peptidase PilD. Microbiologyopen 2012; 2:94-104. [PMID: 23255525 PMCID: PMC3584216 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2012] [Revised: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Integral membrane aspartic acid proteases are receiving growing recognition for their fundamental roles in cellular physiology of eukaryotes and prokaryotes, and may be medically important pharmaceutical targets. The Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa PilD and the archaeal Methanococcus voltae FlaK were synthesized in the presence of unilamellar liposomes in a cell-free translation system. Cosynthesis of PilD with its full-length substrate, PilA, or of FlaK with its full-length substrate, FlaB2, led to complete cleavage of the substrate signal peptides. Scaled-up synthesis of PilD, followed by solubilization in dodecyl-β-d-maltoside and chromatography, led to a pure enzyme that retained both of its known biochemical activities: cleavage of the PilA signal peptide and S-adenosyl methionine-dependent methylation of the mature pilin. X-ray fluorescence scans show for the first time that PilD is a zinc-binding protein. Zinc is required for the N-terminal methylation of the mature pilin, but not for signal peptide cleavage. Taken together, our work identifies the P. aeruginosa prepilin peptidase PilD as a zinc-dependent N-methyltransferase and provides a new platform for large-scale synthesis of PilD and other integral membrane proteases important for basic microbial physiology and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled A Aly
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Long AR, O'Brien CC, Alder NN. The cell-free integration of a polytopic mitochondrial membrane protein into liposomes occurs cotranslationally and in a lipid-dependent manner. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46332. [PMID: 23050015 PMCID: PMC3457961 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2012] [Accepted: 08/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The ADP/ATP Carrier (AAC) is the most abundant transporter of the mitochondrial inner membrane. The central role that this transporter plays in cellular energy production highlights the importance of understanding its structure, function, and the basis of its pathologies. As a means of preparing proteoliposomes for the study of membrane proteins, several groups have explored the use of cell-free translation systems to facilitate membrane protein integration directly into preformed unilamellar vesicles without the use of surfactants. Using AAC as a model, we report for the first time the detergent-free reconstitution of a mitochondrial inner membrane protein into liposomes using a wheat germ-based in vitro translation system. Using a host of independent approaches, we demonstrate the efficient integration of AAC into vesicles with an inner membrane-mimetic lipid composition and, more importantly, that the integrated AAC is functionally active in transport. By adding liposomes at different stages of the translation reaction, we show that this direct integration is obligatorily cotranslational, and by synthesizing stable ribosome-bound nascent chain intermediates, we show that the nascent AAC polypeptide interacts with lipid vesicles while ribosome-bound. Finally, we show that the presence of the phospholipid cardiolipin in the liposomes specifically enhances AAC translation rate as well as the efficiency of vesicle association and integration. In light of these results, the possible mechanisms of liposome-assisted membrane protein integration during cell-free translation are discussed with respect to the mode of integration and the role of specific lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley R. Long
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Catherine C. O'Brien
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Nathan N. Alder
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
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Roos C, Kai L, Proverbio D, Ghoshdastider U, Filipek S, Dötsch V, Bernhard F. Co-translational association of cell-free expressed membrane proteins with supplied lipid bilayers. Mol Membr Biol 2012; 30:75-89. [PMID: 22716775 DOI: 10.3109/09687688.2012.693212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Routine strategies for the cell-free production of membrane proteins in the presence of detergent micelles and for their efficient co-translational solubilization have been developed. Alternatively, the expression in the presence of rationally designed lipid bilayers becomes interesting in particular for biochemical studies. The synthesized membrane proteins would be directed into a more native-like environment and cell-free expression of transporters, channels or other membrane proteins in the presence of supplied artificial membranes could allow their subsequent functional analysis without any exposure to detergents. In addition, lipid-dependent effects on activity and stability of membrane proteins could systematically be studied. However, in contrast to the generally efficient detergent solubilization, the successful stabilization of membrane proteins with artificial membranes appears to be more difficult. A number of strategies have therefore been explored in order to optimize the co-translational association of membrane proteins with different forms of supplied lipid bilayers including liposomes, bicelles, microsomes or nanodiscs. In this review, we have compiled the current state-of-the-art of this technology and we summarize parameters which have been indicated as important for the co-translational association of cell-free synthesized membrane proteins with supplied membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Roos
- Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe-University of Frankfurt/Main, Germany
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Gonzalez-Salgado A, Steinmann ME, Greganova E, Rauch M, Mäser P, Sigel E, Bütikofer P. myo-Inositol uptake is essential for bulk inositol phospholipid but not glycosylphosphatidylinositol synthesis in Trypanosoma brucei. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:13313-23. [PMID: 22351763 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.344812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
myo-Inositol is an essential precursor for the production of inositol phosphates and inositol phospholipids in all eukaryotes. Intracellular myo-inositol is generated by de novo synthesis from glucose 6-phosphate or is provided from the environment via myo-inositol symporters. We show that in Trypanosoma brucei, the causative pathogen of human African sleeping sickness and nagana in domestic animals, myo-inositol is taken up via a specific proton-coupled electrogenic symport and that this transport is essential for parasite survival in culture. Down-regulation of the myo-inositol transporter using RNA interference inhibited uptake of myo-inositol and blocked the synthesis of the myo-inositol-containing phospholipids, phosphatidylinositol and inositol phosphorylceramide; in contrast, it had no effect on glycosylphosphatidylinositol production. This together with the unexpected localization of the myo-inositol transporter in both the plasma membrane and the Golgi demonstrate that metabolism of endogenous and exogenous myo-inositol in T. brucei is strictly segregated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaia Gonzalez-Salgado
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Young SA, Mina JG, Denny PW, Smith TK. Sphingolipid and ceramide homeostasis: potential therapeutic targets. Biochem Res Int 2012; 2012:248135. [PMID: 22400113 DOI: 10.1155/2012/248135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2011] [Accepted: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids are ubiquitous in eukaryotic cells where they have been attributed a plethora of functions from the formation of structural domains to polarized cellular trafficking and signal transduction. Recent research has identified and characterised many of the key enzymes involved in sphingolipid metabolism and this has led to a heightened interest in the possibility of targeting these processes for therapies against cancers, Alzheimer's disease, and numerous important human pathogens. In this paper we outline the major pathways in eukaryotic sphingolipid metabolism and discuss these in relation to disease and therapy for both chronic and infectious conditions.
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Figueiredo JM, Rodrigues DC, Silva RCMC, Koeller CM, Jiang JC, Jazwinski SM, Previato JO, Mendonça-Previato L, Urményi TP, Heise N. Molecular and functional characterization of the ceramide synthase from Trypanosoma cruzi. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2011; 182:62-74. [PMID: 22226824 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2011.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2011] [Revised: 12/14/2011] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we characterized ceramide synthase (CerS) of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi at the molecular and functional levels. TcCerS activity was detected initially in a cell-free system using the microsomal fraction of epimastigote forms of T. cruzi, [(3)H]dihydrosphingosine or [(3)H]sphingosine, and fatty acids or acyl-CoA derivatives as acceptor or donor substrates, respectively. TcCerS utilizes both sphingoid long-chain bases, and its activity is exclusively dependent on acyl-CoAs, with palmitoyl-CoA being preferred. In addition, Fumonisin B(1), a broad and well-known acyl-CoA-dependent CerS inhibitor, blocked the parasite's CerS activity. However, unlike observations in fungi, the CerS inhibitors Australifungin and Fumonisin B(1) did not affect the proliferation of epimastigotes in culture, even after exposure to high concentrations or after extended periods of treatment. A search of the parasite genome with the conserved Lag1 motif from Lag1p, the yeast acyl-CoA-dependent CerS, identified a T. cruzi candidate gene (TcCERS1) that putatively encodes the parasite's CerS activity. The TcCERS1 gene was able to functionally complement the lethality of a lag1Δ lac1Δ double deletion yeast mutant in which the acyl-CoA-dependent CerS is not detectable. The complemented strain was capable of synthesizing normal inositol-containing sphingolipids and is 10 times more sensitive to Fumonisin B(1) than the parental strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana M Figueiredo
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro de Ciências da Saúde Bloco G-019, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
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Goren MA, Fox BG, Bangs JD. Amino acid determinants of substrate selectivity in the Trypanosoma brucei sphingolipid synthase family. Biochemistry 2011; 50:8853-61. [PMID: 21899277 DOI: 10.1021/bi200981a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The substrate selectivity of four Trypanosoma brucei sphingolipid synthases was examined. TbSLS1, an inositol phosphorylceramide (IPC) synthase, and TbSLS4, a bifunctional sphingomyelin (SM)/ethanolamine phosphorylceramide (EPC) synthase, were inactivated by Ala substitutions of a conserved triad of residues His210, His253, and Asp257 thought to form part of the active site. TbSLS4 also catalyzed the reverse reaction, production of ceramide from sphingomyelin, but none of the Ala substitutions of the catalytic triad in TbSLS4 were able to do so. Site-directed mutagenesis identified residues proximal to the conserved triad that were responsible for the discrimination between charge and size of the different head groups. For discrimination between anionic (phosphoinositol) and zwitterionic (phosphocholine, phosphoethanolamine) head groups, doubly mutated V172D/S252F TbSLS1 and D172V/F252S TbSLS3 showed reciprocal conversion between IPC and bifunctional SM/EPC synthases. For differentiation of zwitterionic headgroup size, N170A TbSLS1 and A170N/N187D TbSLS4 showed reciprocal conversion between EPC and bifunctional SM/EPC synthases. These studies provide a mapping of the SLS active site and demonstrate that differences in catalytic specificity of the T. brucei enzyme family are controlled by natural variations in as few as three residue positions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Goren
- Department of Biochemistry,School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
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Koeller CM, Heise N. The Sphingolipid Biosynthetic Pathway Is a Potential Target for Chemotherapy against Chagas Disease. Enzyme Res 2011; 2011:648159. [PMID: 21603271 PMCID: PMC3092604 DOI: 10.4061/2011/648159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2010] [Revised: 02/17/2011] [Accepted: 02/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative agent of human Chagas disease, for which there currently is no cure. The life cycle of T. cruzi is complex, including an extracellular phase in the triatomine insect vector and an obligatory intracellular stage inside the vertebrate host. These phases depend on a variety of surface glycosylphosphatidylinositol-(GPI-) anchored glycoconjugates that are synthesized by the parasite. Therefore, the surface expression of GPI-anchored components and the biosynthetic pathways of GPI anchors are attractive targets for new therapies for Chagas disease. We identified new drug targets for chemotherapy by taking the available genome sequence information and searching for differences in the sphingolipid biosynthetic pathways (SBPs) of mammals and T. cruzi. In this paper, we discuss the major steps of the SBP in mammals, yeast and T. cruzi, focusing on the IPC synthase and ceramide remodeling of T. cruzi as potential therapeutic targets for Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Macedo Koeller
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Bloco G-019, Cidade Universitária-Ilha do Fundão, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brazil
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31
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Abstract
Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and is endemic to North, Central and South American countries. Current therapy against this disease is only partially effective and produces adverse side effects. Studies on the metabolic pathways of T. cruzi, in particular those with no equivalent in mammalian cells, might identify targets for the development of new drugs. Ceramide is metabolized to inositolphosphoceramide (IPC) in T. cruzi and other kinetoplastid protists whereas in mammals it is mainly incorporated into sphingomyelin. In T. cruzi, in contrast to Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania spp., IPC functions as lipid anchor constituent of glycoproteins and free glycosylinositolphospholipids (GIPLs). Inhibition of IPC and GIPLs biosynthesis impairs differentiation of trypomastigotes into the intracellular amastigote forms. The gene encoding IPC synthase in T. cruzi has been identified and the enzyme has been expressed in a cell-free system. The enzyme involved in IPC degradation and the remodelases responsible for the incorporation of ceramide into free GIPLs or into the glycosylphosphatidylinositols anchoring glycoproteins, and in fatty acid modifications of these molecules of T. cruzi have been understudied. Inositolphosphoceramide metabolism and remodeling could be exploited as targets for Chagas disease chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa M De Lederkremer
- CHIDECAR, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Park KH, Billon-Denis E, Dahmane T, Lebaupain F, Pucci B, Breyton C, Zito F. In the cauldron of cell-free synthesis of membrane proteins: playing with new surfactants. N Biotechnol 2010; 28:255-61. [PMID: 20800706 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2010.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2010] [Revised: 07/22/2010] [Accepted: 08/18/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cell-free protein synthesis is a well-known technique for the roles it has played in deciphering the genetic code and in the beginnings of signal sequence studies. Since then, many efforts have been made to optimise this technique and, recently, to adapt it to membrane protein production with yields compatible with structural investigations. The versatility of the method allows membrane proteins to be obtained directly stabilised in surfactant micelles or inserted in a lipidic environment (proteoliposome, bicelle, and nanodisc) at the end of synthesis. Among the surfactants used, non-detergent ones such as fluorinated surfactants proved to be a good alternative in terms of colloidal stability and preservation of the integrity of membrane proteins, as shown for Escherichia coli homo-pentameric channel, MscL (Park et al., Biochem. J., 403: 183-187). Here we report cell-free expression of Escherichia coli leader peptidase (a transmembrane protease), Halobacterium salinarium bacteriorhodopsin (a transmembrane protein binding a hydrophobic cofactor) and E. coli MscL in the presence of non-detergent surfactants, amphipols and fluorinated surfactants in comparison to their expression in classical detergents. The results confirm the potentialities of fluorinated surfactants and, although pointing to limitations in using the first generations amphipols, results are discussed in the light of membrane protein refolding, especially in the case of bacteriorhodopsin. Preliminary experiments using new generations of amphipols supports choices made in developing new molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu-Ho Park
- Laboratoire de Biologie Physico-Chimique des Protéines Membranaires, UMR 7099, CNRS and Université Paris-7, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, CNRS FRC 550, F-75005 Paris, France
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Beebe ET, Makino SI, Nozawa A, Matsubara Y, Frederick RO, Primm JG, Goren MA, Fox BG. Robotic large-scale application of wheat cell-free translation to structural studies including membrane proteins. N Biotechnol 2010; 28:239-49. [PMID: 20637905 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2010.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2010] [Accepted: 07/03/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The use of the Protemist XE, an automated discontinuous-batch protein synthesis robot, in cell-free translation is reported. The soluble Galdieria sulphuraria protein DCN1 was obtained in greater than 2mg total synthesis yield per mL of reaction mixture from the Protemist XE, and the structure was subsequently solved by X-ray crystallography using material from one 10 mL synthesis (PDB ID: 3KEV). The Protemist XE was also capable of membrane protein translation. Thus human sigma-1 receptor was translated in the presence of unilamellar liposomes and bacteriorhodopsin was translated directly into detergent micelles in the presence of all-trans-retinal. The versatility, ease of use, and compact size of the Protemist XE robot demonstrate its suitability for large-scale synthesis of many classes of proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily T Beebe
- Center for Eukaryotic Structural Genomics, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 445 Henry Mall, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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