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Oladosu OJ, Correia BSB, Grafl B, Liebhart D, Metges CC, Bertram HC, Daş G. 1H-NMR based-metabolomics reveals alterations in the metabolite profiles of chickens infected with ascarids and concurrent histomonosis infection. Gut Pathog 2023; 15:56. [PMID: 37978563 PMCID: PMC10655416 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-023-00584-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gut infections of chickens caused by Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum are associated with impaired host performance, particularly in high-performing genotypes. Heterakis gallinarum is also a vector of Histomonas meleagridis that is often co-involved with ascarid infections. Here, we provide a first insight into the alteration of the chicken plasma and liver metabolome as a result of gastrointestinal nematode infections with concomitant histomonosis. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) based-metabolomics coupled with a bioinformatics analysis was applied to explore the variation in the metabolite profiles of the liver (N = 105) and plasma samples from chickens (N = 108) experimentally infected with A. galli and H. gallinarum (+H. meleagridis). This was compared with uninfected chickens at different weeks post-infection (wpi 2, 4, 6, 10, 14, 18) representing different developmental stages of the worms. RESULTS A total of 31 and 54 metabolites were quantified in plasma and aqueous liver extracts, respectively. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) in any of the 54 identified liver metabolites between infected and uninfected hens. In contrast, 20 plasma metabolites including, amino acids, sugars, and organic acids showed significantly elevated concentrations in the infected hens (P < 0.05). Alterations of plasma metabolites occurred particularly in wpi 2, 6 and 10, covering the pre-patent period of worm infections. Plasma metabolites with the highest variation at these time points included glutamate, succinate, trimethylamine-N-oxide, myo-inositol, and acetate. Differential pathway analysis suggested that infection induced changes in (1) phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan metabolism, (2) alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism; and 3) arginine and proline metabolism (Pathway impact > 0.1 with FDR adjusted P-value < 0.05). CONCLUSION In conclusion, 1H-NMR based-metabolomics revealed significant alterations in the plasma metabolome of high performing chickens infected with gut pathogens-A. galli and H. gallinarum. The alterations suggested upregulation of key metabolic pathways mainly during the patency of infections. This approach extends our understanding of host interactions with gastrointestinal nematodes at the metabolic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyekunle John Oladosu
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Nutritional Physiology 'Oskar Kellner', Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | | | - Beatrice Grafl
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dieter Liebhart
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cornelia C Metges
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Nutritional Physiology 'Oskar Kellner', Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | | | - Gürbüz Daş
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Nutritional Physiology 'Oskar Kellner', Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany.
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Funkhouser-Jones LJ, Xu R, Wilke G, Fu Y, Schriefer LA, Makimaa H, Rodgers R, Kennedy EA, VanDussen KL, Stappenbeck TS, Baldridge MT, Sibley LD. Microbiota-produced indole metabolites disrupt mitochondrial function and inhibit Cryptosporidium parvum growth. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112680. [PMID: 37384526 PMCID: PMC10530208 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is a leading cause of life-threatening diarrhea in young children in resource-poor settings. To explore microbial influences on susceptibility, we screened 85 microbiota-associated metabolites for their effects on Cryptosporidium parvum growth in vitro. We identify eight inhibitory metabolites in three main classes: secondary bile salts/acids, a vitamin B6 precursor, and indoles. Growth restriction of C. parvum by indoles does not depend on the host aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway. Instead, treatment impairs host mitochondrial function and reduces total cellular ATP, as well as directly reducing the membrane potential in the parasite mitosome, a degenerate mitochondria. Oral administration of indoles, or reconstitution of the gut microbiota with indole-producing bacteria, delays life cycle progression of the parasite in vitro and reduces the severity of C. parvum infection in mice. Collectively, these findings indicate that microbiota metabolites impair mitochondrial function and contribute to colonization resistance to Cryptosporidium infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa J Funkhouser-Jones
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Rui Xu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Georgia Wilke
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yong Fu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lawrence A Schriefer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Heyde Makimaa
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Rachel Rodgers
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Kennedy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kelli L VanDussen
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Thaddeus S Stappenbeck
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Megan T Baldridge
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - L David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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Funkhouser-Jones LJ, Xu R, Wilke G, Fu Y, Shriefer LA, Makimaa H, Rodgers R, Kennedy EA, VanDussen KL, Stappenbeck TS, Baldridge MT, Sibley LD. Microbiota produced indole metabolites disrupt host cell mitochondrial energy production and inhibit Cryptosporidium parvum growth. bioRxiv 2023:2023.05.25.542157. [PMID: 37292732 PMCID: PMC10245909 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.25.542157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is a leading cause of life-threatening diarrhea in young children in resource-poor settings. Susceptibility rapidly declines with age, associated with changes in the microbiota. To explore microbial influences on susceptibility, we screened 85 microbiota- associated metabolites enriched in the adult gut for their effects on C. parvum growth in vitro. We identified eight inhibitory metabolites in three main classes: secondary bile salts/acids, a vitamin B 6 precursor, and indoles. Growth restriction of C. parvum by indoles did not depend on the host aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway. Instead, treatment impaired host mitochondrial function and reduced total cellular ATP, as well as directly reduced the membrane potential in the parasite mitosome, a degenerate mitochondria. Oral administration of indoles, or reconstitution of the gut microbiota with indole producing bacteria, delayed life cycle progression of the parasite in vitro and reduced severity of C. parvum infection in mice. Collectively, these findings indicate that microbiota metabolites contribute to colonization resistance to Cryptosporidium infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa J. Funkhouser-Jones
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Rui Xu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Georgia Wilke
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yong Fu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lawrence A. Shriefer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Heyde Makimaa
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Rachel Rodgers
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Kennedy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kelli L. VanDussen
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Thaddeus S. Stappenbeck
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Megan T. Baldridge
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - L. David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
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Fustaino V, Gimmelli R, Guidi A, Lentini S, Saccoccia F, Petrella G, Cicero DO, Ruberti G. Comparative metabolic profiling by 1H-NMR spectroscopy analysis reveals the adaptation of S. mansoni from its host to in vitro culture conditions: a pilot study with ex vivo and GSH-supplemented medium-cultured parasites. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1191-1198. [PMID: 35024953 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07426-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic flatworms (blood fluke) of the genus Schistosoma. Parasites acquire most nutrients for their development and sustainment within the definitive host either by ingestion into the gut or across the body surface. Over the years, the best conditions for long-term maintenance of parasites in vitro have been thoroughly established. In our hands, 1H-NMR spectroscopy represents a powerful tool to characterize the metabolic changes in S. mansoni in response to culturing condition perturbations. In order to compare the metabolic fingerprint of ex vivo and parasites cultured in vitro with or without the supplement of reduced glutathione, we conducted a pilot study applying the 1H-NMR spectroscopy-based metabolomics. We obtained new insight into specific metabolic pathways modulated under these different experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Fustaino
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - Roberto Gimmelli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - Alessandra Guidi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - Sara Lentini
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Fulvio Saccoccia
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Rome), Italy.
| | - Greta Petrella
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Daniel Oscar Cicero
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovina Ruberti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
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Betts EL, Newton JM, Thompson GS, Sarzhanov F, Jinatham V, Kim MJ, Popluechai S, Dogruman-Al F, Won EJ, Gentekaki E, Tsaousis AD. Metabolic Fluctuations in the Human Stool Obtained from Blastocystis Carriers and Non-Carriers. Metabolites 2021; 11:883. [PMID: 34940641 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11120883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is an obligate anaerobic microbial eukaryote that frequently inhabits the gastrointestinal tract. Despite this prevalence, very little is known about the extent of its genetic diversity, pathogenicity, and interaction with the rest of the microbiome and its host. Although the organism is morphologically static, it has no less than 28 genetically distinct subtypes (STs). Reports on the pathogenicity of Blastocystis are conflicting. The association between Blastocystis and intestinal bacterial communities is being increasingly explored. Nonetheless, similar investigations extending to the metabolome are non-existent.Using established NMR metabolomics protocols in 149 faecal samples from individuals from South Korea (n = 38), Thailand (n = 44) and Turkey (n = 69), we have provided a snapshot of the core metabolic compounds present in human stools with (B+) and without (B−) Blastocystis. Samples included hosts with gastrointestinal symptoms and asymptomatics. A total of nine, 62 and 98 significant metabolites were associated with Blastocystis carriage in the South Korean, Thai and Turkish sample sets respectively, with a number of metabolites increased in colonised groups. The metabolic profiles of B+ and B− samples from all countries were distinct and grouped separately in the partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Typical inflammation-related metabolites negatively associated with Blastocystis positive samples. This data will assist in directing future studies underlying the involvement of Blastocystis in physiological processes of both the gut microbiome and the host. Future studies using metabolome and microbiome data along with host physiology and immune responses information will contribute significantly towards elucidating the role of Blastocystis in health and disease.
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Vélez J, Silva LMR, Gärtner U, Daugschies A, Mazurek S, Hermosilla C, Taubert A. First Metabolic Insights into Ex Vivo Cryptosporidium parvum-Infected Bovine Small Intestinal Explants Studied under Physioxic Conditions. Biology (Basel) 2021; 10:963. [PMID: 34681062 DOI: 10.3390/biology10100963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary As the most relevant zoonotic cause of cryptosporidiosis, C. parvum infects cattle worldwide. In vitro studies on C. parvum are absent on the most important animal host under physiological oxygen conditions of the intestine. The aim of this study was to rectify this lack of knowledge, and to deliver a practical model to study C. parvum–host cell–intestinal microbiome interactions in the metabolic context. The present metabolic analyses of C. parvum-infected bovine small intestinal (BSI)-explants revealed a parasite-dependent reduction in important metabolic activities (e.g., glycolysis, glutaminolysis) at 3 hpi (hours post-infection) followed by striking increases in the same metabolic functions at 6 hpi, thus paralleling previously reported metabolic impacts of C. parvum on humans. In addition, PCA analysis confirmed physiological oxygen concentrations as a driving factor of metabolic responses in infected BSI explants. The present model allows the study of C. parvum-triggered metabolic modulation of intestinal cells. Moreover, this realistic platform offers the possibility to address pending questions regarding C. parvum–host cell–intestinal microbiome interactions. Thus, the present approach may deliver important insights into how to promote the innate immune system–intestinal microbiome alliances, which maintain the epithelial integrity of the gut thereby supporting human and animal health. Abstract The apicomplexan Cryptosporidium parvum causes thousands of human deaths yearly. Since bovines represent the most important reservoir of C. parvum, the analysis of infected bovine small intestinal (BSI) explants cultured under physioxia offers a realistic model to study C. parvum–host cell–microbiome interactions. Here, C. parvum-infected BSI explants and primary bovine small intestinal epithelial cells were analysed for parasite development and metabolic reactions. Metabolic conversion rates in supernatants of BSI explants were measured after infection, documenting an immediate parasite-driven metabolic interference. Given that oxygen concentrations affect cellular metabolism, measurements were performed at both 5% O2 (physiological intestinal conditions) and 21% O2 (commonly used, hyperoxic lab conditions). Overall, analyses of C. parvum-infected BSI explants revealed a downregulation of conversion rates of key metabolites—such as glucose, lactate, pyruvate, alanine, and aspartate—at 3 hpi, followed by a rapid increase in the same conversion rates at 6 hpi. Moreover, PCA revealed physioxia as a driving factor of metabolic responses in C. parvum-infected BSI explants. Overall, the ex vivo model described here may allow scientists to address pending questions as to how host cell–microbiome alliances influence intestinal epithelial integrity and support the development of protective intestinal immune reactions against C. parvum infections in a realistic scenario under physioxic conditions.
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Wu XM, Yang X, Fan XC, Chen X, Wang YX, Zhang LX, Song JK, Zhao GH. Serum metabolomics in chickens infected with Cryptosporidium baileyi. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:336. [PMID: 34174965 PMCID: PMC8235856 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04834-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptosporidium baileyi is an economically important zoonotic pathogen that causes serious respiratory symptoms in chickens for which no effective control measures are currently available. An accumulating body of evidence indicates the potential and usefulness of metabolomics to further our understanding of the interaction between pathogens and hosts, and to search for new diagnostic or pharmacological biomarkers of complex microorganisms. The aim of this study was to identify the impact of C. baileyi infection on the serum metabolism of chickens and to assess several metabolites as potential diagnostic biomarkers for C. baileyi infection. Methods Ultraperformance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) and subsequent multivariate statistical analysis were applied to investigate metabolomics profiles in the serum samples of chickens infected with C. baileyi, and to identify potential metabolites that can be used to distinguish chickens infected with C. baileyi from non-infected birds. Results Multivariate statistical analysis identified 138 differential serum metabolites between mock- and C. baileyi-infected chickens at 5 days post-infection (dpi), including 115 upregulated and 23 downregulated compounds. These metabolites were significantly enriched into six pathways, of which two pathways associated with energy and lipid metabolism, namely glycerophospholipid metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism, respectively, were the most enriched. Interestingly, some important immune-related pathways were also significantly enriched, including the intestinal immune network for IgA production, autophagy and cellular senescence. Nine potential C. baileyi-responsive metabolites were identified, including choline, sirolimus, all-trans retinoic acid, PC(14:0/22:1(13Z)), PC(15:0/22:6(4Z,7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z,19Z)), PE(16:1(9Z)/24:1(15Z)), phosphocholine, SM(d18:0/16:1(9Z)(OH)) and sphinganine. Conclusions This is the first report on serum metabolic profiling of chickens with early-stage C. baileyi infection. The results provide novel insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of C. baileyi in chickens. Graphic abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04834-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Mei Wu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Xian-Cheng Fan
- Center of Animal Disease Prevention and Control of Huyi District, Xi'an, 710300, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Xin Wang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Long-Xian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Ke Song
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Guang-Hui Zhao
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, People's Republic of China.
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Yin YL, Wang Y, Lai P, Yao Q, Li Y, Zhang LX, Yang X, Song JK, Zhao GH. Establishment and preliminary application of nanoparticle-assisted PCR assay for detection of Cryptosporidium spp. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:1837-1844. [PMID: 33649965 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07101-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is an important intestinal protozoan parasite that causes diarrhoea in humans and animals. To rapidly and specifically detect Cryptosporidium spp., we designed a pair of primers based on the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene of Cryptosporidium spp. to be used in a new nanoparticle-assisted PCR (nano-PCR) assay. The minimum detectable concentration (1.02 pg) of this nano-PCR was 10 times more sensitive than conventional PCR using the same primer pair. The DNA samples of C. parvum, C. baileyi, C. xiaoi, C. ryanae, and C. andersoni were successfully detected by the nano-PCR. No amplifications were evident with DNA samples of some common intestinal pathogens, including Eimeria tenella, Blastocystis sp., Giardia lamblia, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Balantidium coli. To validate the clinical usefulness of the novel nano-PCR, a total of 40 faecal samples from goats, camels, calves, and chickens were examined. The positive rate of Cryptosporidium spp. was 27.5% (11/40), which was consistent with that of an established nested PCR. These results indicate that the novel nano-PCR assay enables the rapid, specific, and accurate detection of Cryptosporidium infection in animals. The findings provide a technical basis for the clinical diagnosis, prevention, and control of cryptosporidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ling Yin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Lai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Yao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Long-Xian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Ke Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guang-Hui Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China.
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Abstract
The human gut microbiota is a diverse and complex ecosystem that is involved in beneficial physiological functions as well as disease pathogenesis. Blastocystis is a common protistan parasite and is increasingly recognized as an important component of the gut microbiota. The correlations between Blastocystis and other communities of intestinal microbiota have been investigated, and, to a lesser extent, the role of this parasite in maintaining the host immunological homeostasis. Despite recent studies suggesting that Blastocystis decreases the abundance of beneficial bacteria, most reports indicate that Blastocystis is a common component of the healthy gut microbiome. This review covers recent finding on the potential interactions between Blastocystis and the gut microbiota communities and its roles in regulating host immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Deng
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, Healthy Aging Programme and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lukasz Wojciech
- Immunology Programme and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nicholas R. J. Gascoigne
- Immunology Programme and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Guangneng Peng
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Kevin S. W. Tan
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, Healthy Aging Programme and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Vélez J, Velasquez Z, Silva LMR, Gärtner U, Failing K, Daugschies A, Mazurek S, Hermosilla C, Taubert A. Metabolic Signatures of Cryptosporidium
parvum-Infected HCT-8 Cells and Impact of Selected Metabolic Inhibitors on C. parvum Infection under Physioxia and Hyperoxia. Biology (Basel) 2021; 10:biology10010060. [PMID: 33467500 PMCID: PMC7831031 DOI: 10.3390/biology10010060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium parvum is an apicomplexan zoonotic parasite recognized as the second leading-cause of diarrhoea-induced mortality in children. In contrast to other apicomplexans, C.
parvum has minimalistic metabolic capacities which are almost exclusively based on glycolysis. Consequently, C. parvum is highly dependent on its host cell metabolism. In vivo (within the intestine) infected epithelial host cells are typically exposed to low oxygen pressure (1-11% O2, termed physioxia). Here, we comparatively analyzed the metabolic signatures of C. parvum-infected HCT-8 cells cultured under both, hyperoxia (21% O2), representing the standard oxygen condition used in most experimental settings, and physioxia (5% O2), to be closer to the in vivo situation. The most pronounced effect of C. parvum infection on host cell metabolism was, on one side, an increase in glucose and glutamine uptake, and on the other side, an increase in lactate release. When cultured in a glutamine-deficient medium, C. parvum infection led to a massive increase in glucose consumption and lactate production. Together, these results point to the important role of both glycolysis and glutaminolysis during C. parvum intracellular replication. Referring to obtained metabolic signatures, we targeted glycolysis as well as glutaminolysis in C. parvum-infected host cells by using the inhibitors lonidamine [inhibitor of hexokinase, mitochondrial carrier protein (MCP) and monocarboxylate transporters (MCT) 1, 2, 4], galloflavin (lactate dehydrogenase inhibitor), syrosingopine (MCT1- and MCT4 inhibitor) and compound 968 (glutaminase inhibitor) under hyperoxic and physioxic conditions. In line with metabolic signatures, all inhibitors significantly reduced parasite replication under both oxygen conditions, thereby proving both energy-related metabolic pathways, glycolysis and glutaminolysis, but also lactate export mechanisms via MCTs as pivotal for C. parvum under in vivo physioxic conditions of mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Vélez
- Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University-Giessen, Schubert Str. 81, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (Z.V.); (L.M.R.S.); (C.H.); (A.T.)
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University-Giessen, Frankfurter Str. 100, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
- Correspondence:
| | - Zahady Velasquez
- Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University-Giessen, Schubert Str. 81, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (Z.V.); (L.M.R.S.); (C.H.); (A.T.)
| | - Liliana M. R. Silva
- Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University-Giessen, Schubert Str. 81, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (Z.V.); (L.M.R.S.); (C.H.); (A.T.)
| | - Ulrich Gärtner
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University-Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Klaus Failing
- Unit for Biomathematics and Data Processing, Justus Liebig University-Giessen, Frankfurter Str. 95, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Arwid Daugschies
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 35, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Sybille Mazurek
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University-Giessen, Frankfurter Str. 100, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Carlos Hermosilla
- Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University-Giessen, Schubert Str. 81, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (Z.V.); (L.M.R.S.); (C.H.); (A.T.)
| | - Anja Taubert
- Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University-Giessen, Schubert Str. 81, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (Z.V.); (L.M.R.S.); (C.H.); (A.T.)
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Abstract
Introduction: Two landmark epidemiological studies identified Cryptosporidium spp. as a significant cause of diarrheal disease in pediatric populations in resource-limited countries. Notably, nitazoxanide is the only approved drug for treatment of cryptosporidiosis but shows limited efficacy. As a result, many drug discovery efforts have commenced to find improved treatments. The unique biology of Cryptosporidium presents challenges for traditional drug discovery methods, which has inspired new assay platforms to study parasite biology and drug screening. Areas covered: The authors review historical advancements in phenotypic-based assays and techniques for Cryptosporidium drug discovery, as well as recent advances that will define future drug discovery. The reliance on phenotypic-based screens and repositioning of phenotypic hits from other pathogens has quickly created a robust pipeline of potential cryptosporidiosis therapeutics. The latest advances involve new in vitro culture methods for oocyst generation, continuous culturing capabilities, and more physiologically relevant assays for testing compounds. Expert opinion: Previous phenotypic screening techniques have laid the groundwork for recent cryptosporidiosis drug discovery efforts. The resulting improved methodologies characterize compound activity, identify, and validate drug targets, and prioritize new compounds for drug development. The most recent improvements in phenotypic assays are poised to help advance compounds into clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa S Love
- Calibr, a division of The Scripps Research Institute , La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Case W McNamara
- Calibr, a division of The Scripps Research Institute , La Jolla, CA, USA
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Ruiz VG, Czyzyk DJ, Kumar VP, Jorgensen WL, Anderson KS. Targeting the TS dimer interface in bifunctional Cryptosporidium hominis TS-DHFR from parasitic protozoa: Virtual screening identifies novel TS allosteric inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2020; 30:127292. [PMID: 32631514 PMCID: PMC7376443 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Effective therapies are lacking to treat gastrointestinal infections caused by the genus Cryptosporidium, which can be fatal in the immunocompromised. One target of interest is Cryptosporidium hominis (C. hominis) thymidylate synthase-dihydrofolate reductase (ChTS-DHFR), a bifunctional enzyme necessary for DNA biosynthesis. Targeting the TS-TS dimer interface is a novel strategy previously used to identify inhibitors against the related bifunctional enzyme in Toxoplasma gondii. In the present study, we target the ChTS dimer interface through homology modeling and high-throughput virtual screening to identifying allosteric, ChTS-specific inhibitors. Our work led to the discovery of methylenedioxyphenyl-aminophenoxypropanol analogues which inhibit ChTS activity in a manner that is both dose-dependent and influenced by the conformation of the enzyme. Preliminary results presented here include an analysis of structure activity relationships and a ChTS-apo crystal structure of ChTS-DHFR supporting the continued development of inhibitors that stabilize a novel pocket formed in the open conformation of ChTS-TS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor G Ruiz
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Daniel J Czyzyk
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Vidya P Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Chemistry, Yale University, 225 Prospect Street, PO Box 208107, New Haven, CT 06520-8107, USA; Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - William L Jorgensen
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, 225 Prospect Street, PO Box 208107, New Haven, CT 06520-8107, USA
| | - Karen S Anderson
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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Piper P, Begres B, Snider M, Fraga D. Two cryptosporidia species encode active creatine kinases that are not seen in other apicomplexa species. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 246-247:110459. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2020.110459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Holubová N, Sak B, Schulzová T, Konečný R, Rost M, Tůmová L, McEvoy J, Kváč M. A chicken embryo model for the maintenance and amplification of Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium baileyi oocysts. Eur J Protistol 2020; 75:125718. [PMID: 32604041 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2020.125718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a genus of apicomplexan parasites that inhabit the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts of vertebrates. Research of these parasites is limited by a lack of model hosts. This study aimed to determine the extent to which infection at the embryo stage can enhance the propagation of Cryptosporidium oocysts in chickens. Nine-day-old chicken embryos and one-day-old chickens were experimentally infected with different doses of Cryptosporidium baileyi and Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts. Post hatching, all chickens had demonstrable infections, and the infection dose had no effect on the course of infection. Chickens infected as embryos shed oocysts immediately after hatching and shed significantly more oocysts over the course of the infection than chickens infected as one-day-olds. In chickens infected as embryos, C. baileyi was found in all organs except the brain whereas, C. parvum was only found in the gastrointestinal tract and trachea. In chickens infected as one-day-olds, C. baileyi was only found in the gastrointestinal tract and trachea. Chickens infected as embryos with C. baileyi died within 16 days of hatching. All other chickens cleared the infection. Infection of chickens as embryos could be used as an effective and simple model for the propagation of C. baileyi and C. parvum.
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Czyzyk DJ, Valhondo M, Deiana L, Tirado-Rives J, Jorgensen WL, Anderson KS. Structure activity relationship towards design of cryptosporidium specific thymidylate synthase inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 183:111673. [PMID: 31536894 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is a human gastrointestinal disease caused by protozoans of the genus Cryptosporidium, which can be fatal in immunocompromised individuals. The essential enzyme, thymidylate synthase (TS), is responsible for de novo synthesis of deoxythymidine monophosphate. The TS active site is relatively conserved between Cryptosporidium and human enzymes. In previous work, we identified compound 1, (2-amino-4-oxo-4,7-dihydro-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-methyl-phenyl-l-glutamic acid), as a promising selective Cryptosporidium hominis TS (ChTS) inhibitor. In the present study, we explore the structure-activity relationship around 1 glutamate moiety by synthesizing and biochemically evaluating the inhibitory activity of analogues against ChTS and human TS (hTS). X-Ray crystal structures were obtained for compounds bound to both ChTS and hTS. We establish the importance of the 2-phenylacetic acid moiety methylene linker in optimally positioning compounds 23, 24, and 25 within the active site. Moreover, through the comparison of structural data for 5, 14, 15, and 23 bound in both ChTS and hTS identified that active site rigidity is a driving force in determining inhibitor selectivity.
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Rueckert S, Betts EL, Tsaousis AD. The Symbiotic Spectrum: Where Do the Gregarines Fit? Trends Parasitol 2019; 35:687-694. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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