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Crispim M, Verdaguer IB, Hernández A, Kronenberger T, Fenollar À, Yamaguchi LF, Alberione MP, Ramirez M, de Oliveira SS, Katzin AM, Izquierdo L. Beyond the MEP Pathway: A novel kinase required for prenol utilization by malaria parasites. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1011557. [PMID: 38277417 PMCID: PMC10849223 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011557] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A proposed treatment for malaria is a combination of fosmidomycin and clindamycin. Both compounds inhibit the methylerythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway, the parasitic source of farnesyl and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (FPP and GGPP, respectively). Both FPP and GGPP are crucial for the biosynthesis of several essential metabolites such as ubiquinone and dolichol, as well as for protein prenylation. Dietary prenols, such as farnesol (FOH) and geranylgeraniol (GGOH), can rescue parasites from MEP inhibitors, suggesting the existence of a missing pathway for prenol salvage via phosphorylation. In this study, we identified a gene in the genome of P. falciparum, encoding a transmembrane prenol kinase (PolK) involved in the salvage of FOH and GGOH. The enzyme was expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and its FOH/GGOH kinase activities were experimentally validated. Furthermore, conditional knockout parasites (Δ-PolK) were created to investigate the biological importance of the FOH/GGOH salvage pathway. Δ-PolK parasites were viable but displayed increased susceptibility to fosmidomycin. Their sensitivity to MEP inhibitors could not be rescued by adding prenols. Additionally, Δ-PolK parasites lost their capability to utilize prenols for protein prenylation. Experiments using culture medium supplemented with whole/delipidated human plasma in transgenic parasites revealed that human plasma has components that can diminish the effectiveness of fosmidomycin. Mass spectrometry tests indicated that both bovine supplements used in culture and human plasma contain GGOH. These findings suggest that the FOH/GGOH salvage pathway might offer an alternate source of isoprenoids for malaria parasites when de novo biosynthesis is inhibited. This study also identifies a novel kind of enzyme related to isoprenoid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcell Crispim
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ignasi Bofill Verdaguer
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Agustín Hernández
- Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Integrated Unit for Research in Biodiversity (BIOTROP-CCBS), Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Thales Kronenberger
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry and Tuebingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Excellence Cluster "Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections" (CMFI), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Àngel Fenollar
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - María Pía Alberione
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miriam Ramirez
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Alejandro Miguel Katzin
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luis Izquierdo
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Barcelona, Spain
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Zafra CA, Crispim M, Verdaguer IB, Ríos AG, Moura GC, Katzin AM, Hernández A. Plasmodium falciparum COQ2 gene encodes a functional 4-hydroxybenzoate polyprenyltransferase. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2023:7192428. [PMID: 37291700 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnad050] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquinone is a fundamental mitochondrial electron transport chain component. This compound is synthesized as the condensation of a p-substituted benzoic acid and a polyisoprenic moiety catalyzed by the enzyme 4-hydroxybenzoate polyprenyltransferase (EC 2.5.1.39). In Plasmodium spp., this enzyme is still uncharacterized. In this work, we expressed the sequence of the Plasmodium falciparum PF3D7_0607500 gene (abbreviated as PfCOQ2) in a coq2Δ mutant strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and studied the functionality of its gene product. This open reading frame could complement S. cerevisiae coq2Δ mutant growth defect on media with glycerol as a carbon source. Further, ubiquinone was unequivocally identified in lipid extracts from this coq2Δ mutant when expressing PfCOQ2. Remarkably, ubiquinone was detected under those conditions when S. cerevisiae cells were metabolically labeled with either [ring-14C(U)]-p-aminobenzoic acid or [ring-14C(U)]-4-hydroxybenzoic acid. However, no ubiquinone was detected in P. falciparum if labeled with p-aminobenzoic acid. These results indicate that PfCOQ2 is a 4-hydroxybenzoate polyprenyltransferase. Further, its substrate profile seems not dissimilar to that of S. cerevisiae, but, as in other organisms, p-aminobenzoic acid does not act as an aromatic precursor in ubiquinone biosynthesis in P. falciparum. The reason for this last feature remains to be established, but may lie upstream of PfCOQ2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Andrea Zafra
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcell Crispim
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ignasi Bofill Verdaguer
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alejandro García Ríos
- Environmental Bioinorganic Chemistry and Metallodrugs, Institute of Chemistry at the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Chemistry Program, University of Quindío, Quindío, Colombia
| | - Gabriel Cándido Moura
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alejandro Miguel Katzin
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Agustín Hernández
- Unit for Integrated Research on Tropical Biodiversity -BIOTROP., Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
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Verdaguer IB, Crispim M, Hernández A, Katzin AM. The Biomedical Importance of the Missing Pathway for Farnesol and Geranylgeraniol Salvage. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27248691. [PMID: 36557825 PMCID: PMC9782597 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Isoprenoids are the output of the polymerization of five-carbon, branched isoprenic chains derived from isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) and its isomer, dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP). Isoprene units are consecutively condensed to form longer structures such as farnesyl and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (FPP and GGPP, respectively), necessary for the biosynthesis of several metabolites. Polyprenyl transferases and synthases use polyprenyl pyrophosphates as their natural substrates; however, it is known that free polyprenols, such as farnesol (FOH), and geranylgeraniol (GGOH) can be incorporated into prenylated proteins, ubiquinone, cholesterol, and dolichols. Furthermore, FOH and GGOH have been shown to block the effects of isoprenoid biosynthesis inhibitors such as fosmidomycin, bisphosphonates, or statins in several organisms. This phenomenon is the consequence of a short pathway, which was observed for the first time more than 25 years ago: the polyprenol salvage pathway, which works via the phosphorylation of FOH and GGOH. Biochemical studies in bacteria, animals, and plants suggest that this pathway can be carried out by two enzymes: a polyprenol kinase and a polyprenyl-phosphate kinase. However, to date, only a few genes have been unequivocally identified to encode these enzymes in photosynthetic organisms. Nevertheless, pieces of evidence for the importance of this pathway abound in studies related to infectious diseases, cancer, dyslipidemias, and nutrition, and to the mitigation of the secondary effects of several drugs. Furthermore, nowadays it is known that both FOH and GGOH can be incorporated via dietary sources that produce various biological effects. This review presents, in a simplified but comprehensive manner, the most important data on the FOH and GGOH salvage pathway, stressing its biomedical importance The main objective of this review is to bring to light the need to discover and characterize the kinases associated with the isoprenoid salvage pathway in animals and pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignasi Bofill Verdaguer
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, Av. Lineu Prestes 1374, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Marcell Crispim
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, Av. Lineu Prestes 1374, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Agustín Hernández
- Integrated Unit for Research in Biodiversity (BIOTROP-CCBS), Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Alejandro Miguel Katzin
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, Av. Lineu Prestes 1374, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-3091-7330; Fax: +55-11-3091-7417
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Bofill Verdaguer I, Sussmann RAC, Santiago VF, Palmisano G, Moura GC, Mesquita JT, Yamaguchi LF, Kato MJ, Katzin AM, Crispim M. Isoprenoid alcohols utilization by malaria parasites. Front Chem 2022; 10:1035548. [PMID: 36531309 PMCID: PMC9751614 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.1035548] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum is the etiological agent of human malaria, one of the most widespread diseases in tropical and subtropical regions. Drug resistance is one of the biggest problems in controlling the disease, which leads to the need to discover new antimalarial compounds. One of the most promissory drugs purposed is fosmidomycin, an inhibitor of the biosynthesis of isoprene units by the methylerythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway, which in some cases failed in clinical studies. Once formed, isoprene units are condensed to form longer structures such as farnesyl and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, which are necessary for Heme O and A formation, ubiquinone, and dolichyl phosphate biosynthesis as well as for protein isoprenylation. Even though the natural substrates of polyprenyl transferases and synthases are polyprenyl pyrophosphates, it was already demonstrated that isoprenoid alcohols (polyprenols) such as farnesol (FOH) and geranylgeraniol (GGOH) can rescue parasites from fosmidomycin. This study better investigated how this rescue phenomenon occurs by performing drug-rescue assays. Similarly, to FOH and GGOH, it was observed that phytol (POH), a 20-carbon plant isoprenoid, as well as unsaponifiable lipid extracts from foods rescue parasites from the antimalarial effect of fosmidomycin. Contrarily, neither dolichols nor nonaprenol rescue parasites from fosmidomycin. Considering this, here we characterized the transport of FOH, GGOH, and POH. Once incorporated, it was observed that these substances are phosphorylated, condensed into longer isoprenoid alcohols, and incorporated into proteins and dolichyl phosphates. Through proteomic and radiolabelling approaches, it was found that prenylated proteins are naturally attached to several isoprenoids, derived from GGOH, dolichol, and POH if exogenously added. Furthermore, the results suggest the presence of at least two promiscuous protein prenyltransferases in the parasite: one enzyme which can use FPP among other unidentified substrates and another enzyme that can use GGPP, phytyl pyrophosphate (PPP), and dolichols, among other substrates not identified here. Thus, further evidence was obtained for dolichols and other isoprenoid products attached to proteins. This study helps to better understand the apicoplast-targeting antimalarial mechanism of action and a novel post-translational modification of proteins in P. falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignasi Bofill Verdaguer
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo A C Sussmann
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Institute of Humanities, Arts and Sciences, Federal University of Southern Bahia, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Verônica Feijoli Santiago
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giuseppe Palmisano
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Cândido Moura
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana Tonini Mesquita
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lydia Fumiko Yamaguchi
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Massuo Jorge Kato
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alejandro Miguel Katzin
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcell Crispim
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Crispim M, Verdaguer IB, Silva SF, Katzin AM. Suitability of methods for Plasmodium falciparum cultivation in atmospheric air. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2022; 117:e210331. [PMID: 35857970 PMCID: PMC9296140 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760210331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the most controversial factors about malaria parasite culture is the
gaseous composition used. The most commonly used one consists of a mixture
poor in O2 and rich in CO2. OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to share standard methods from our research group
simplifying Plasmodium falciparum cultures by employing
atmospheric air (ATM) and reusable glass bottles under agitation. METHODS Here, it was compared the parasite viability, free oxygen in media, and drug
sensitivity between different strains and isolates maintained for long
periods under ATM or classic conditions. FINDINGS The oxygen concentration in media under ATM was slightly superior to that
observed in human blood and the media under the classic gaseous mixture.
However, ATM or the use of glass bottles did not affect parasitic
proliferation after several years of culture. Noticeably, the introduction
of ATM altered reversibly the efficacy of several antimalarials. This
influence was different between the strains and isolate. CONCLUSIONS ATM conditions and shaken flasks could be used as a standard method
condition for culture manutention since they do not differ greatly from
classical 5% O2 gas mixtures in terms of parasite proliferation
and do not impose non-reversible changes to P. falciparum
physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcell Crispim
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Ignasi Bofill Verdaguer
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Sofia Ferreira Silva
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Alejandro Miguel Katzin
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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Saito AY, Sussmann RAC, Kimura EA, Cassera MB, Katzin AM. Quantification of nerolidol in mouse plasma using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2015; 111:100-3. [PMID: 25880240 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2015.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 01/30/2015] [Revised: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Nerolidol is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene found in the essential oils of many types of flowers and plants. It is frequently used in cosmetics, as a food flavoring agent, and in cleaning products. In addition, nerolidol is used as a skin penetration enhancer for transdermal delivery of therapeutic drugs. However, nerolidol is hemolytic at low concentrations. A simple and fast GC-MS method was developed for preliminary quantification and assessment of biological interferences of nerolidol in mouse plasma after oral dosing. Calibration curves were linear in the concentration range of 0.010-5 μg/mL nerolidol in mouse plasma with correlation coefficients (r) greater than 0.99. Limits of detection and quantification were 0.0017 and 0.0035 μg/mL, respectively. The optimized method was successfully applied to the quantification of nerolidol in mouse plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Yukio Saito
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1374, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Antonio Ceschini Sussmann
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1374, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Emilia Akemi Kimura
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1374, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Maria Belen Cassera
- Department of Biochemistry and Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery, M/C 0308, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - Alejandro Miguel Katzin
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1374, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
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Jordão FM, Kimura EA, Katzin AM. Isoprenoid biosynthesis in the erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2012; 106 Suppl 1:134-41. [PMID: 21881768 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762011000900018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2011] [Accepted: 06/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of new drugs is one strategy for malaria control. Biochemical pathways localised in the apicoplast of the parasite, such as the synthesis of isoprenic precursors, are excellent targets because they are different or absent in the human host. Isoprenoids are a large and highly diverse group of natural products with many functions and their synthesis is essential for the parasite's survival. During the last few years, the genes, enzymes, intermediates and mechanisms of this biosynthetic route have been elucidated. In this review, we comment on some aspects of the methylerythritol phosphate pathway and discuss the presence of diverse isoprenic products such as dolichol, ubiquinone, carotenoids, menaquinone and isoprenylated proteins, which are biosynthesised during the intraerythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Morandi Jordão
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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Abstract
Direct analysis of polyisoprenoid alcohols by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) often produces poor results requiring off-line time- and sample-consuming derivatization techniques. In this chapter, we describe a simple ESI-MS approach for the direct analysis of polyisoprenoid alcohols from biological samples. Lithium iodide is used to promote cationization by intense formation of [M+Li](+) adducts. Detection of polyisoprenoids with mass determination can thus be performed with high sensitivity (LOD near 100 pM), whereas characteristic collision-induced dissociations observed for both dolichols and polyprenols permit investigation of their structure. We also describe a simple ESI-MS approach for the direct analysis of carotenoids in biological samples using lithium iodide to promote their ionization and the analysis of several carotenoids as proof-of-principle cases. Finally, we applied ESI(Li(+))-MS and ESI(Li(+))-MS/MS to investigate the presence of carotenoids in Plasmodium falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Luiz D'Alexandri
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Physiological Chemistry II, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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D'Alexandri FL, Kimura EA, Peres VJ, Katzin AM. Protein dolichylation in Plasmodium falciparum. FEBS Lett 2006; 580:6343-8. [PMID: 17084391 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2006.10.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2006] [Revised: 10/18/2006] [Accepted: 10/19/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We performed reverse-phase thin-layer chromatography and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis of polyisoprenoids released by sulfonium-salt cleavage with methyl iodide from Plasmodium falciparum proteins labeled with [3H]FPP or [3H]GGPP and showed that a dolichol of 11 isoprene units is bound to 21-28-kDa protein clusters from trophozoite and schizont stages. The dolichol structure was confirmed by electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry analysis. Treatment with protein synthesis inhibitors and RP-HPLC analysis of the proteolytic digestion products from parasite proteins labeled with [35S]cysteine and [3H]FPP showed that the attachment of dolichol to protein is a post-translational event and probably occurs via a covalent bond to cysteine residues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Luiz D'Alexandri
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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D'Alexandri FL, Gozzo FC, Eberlin MN, Katzin AM. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analysis of polyisoprenoid alcohols via Li+ cationization. Anal Biochem 2006; 355:189-200. [PMID: 16842733 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2006.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2006] [Accepted: 06/12/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Direct analysis of polyisoprenoids by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) often produces poor results requiring off-line time and sample-consuming derivatization techniques. We describe a simple ESI-MS approach for the direct analysis of polyisoprenoids using several dolichols and polyprenols with different chain sizes as proof-of-principle cases. Lithium iodide is used to promote cationization by intense formation of [M+Li]+ adducts. Thus, detection of polyisoprenoids with mass determination can be performed with high sensitivity (limit of detection [LOD] approximately 100 rhoM), whereas characteristic collision-induced dissociations observed for both dolichols and polyprenols permit investigation of their structure. Using ESI(Li+)-MS and ESI(Li+)-MS/MS analysis, we screened for polyprenol products of an octaprenyl pyrophosphate synthase of Plasmodium falciparum and dolichols in a complex mixture of compounds produced by Leishmania amazonensis and P. falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Luiz D'Alexandri
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Abstract
Little is known about isoprenoid biosynthesis in parasitic protozoa. The presence of dolichol and isoprenylated proteins has been detected in Plasmodium falciparum, but no studies are available about the biosynthesis of the isoprenic side chain attached to the benzoquinone ring of coenzyme Q. In the present study, using metabolic labelling with different intermediates, we demonstrated the presence of an active isoprenoid pathway for the biosynthesis of the isoprenic chain of coenzyme Q. Our results show that P. falciparum is able to synthesize different homologs (coenzyme Q(8) and coenzyme Q(9)), depending on the given intermediate. Parasites treated with nerolidol at doses 2.2 times below the IC(50) showed a decreased ability to synthesize the isoprenic chain attached to coenzyme Q at all intraerythrocytic stages. Treatment with nerolidol arrested development of the intraerythrocytic stages of the parasites, indicating that the drug may have an antimalarial potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana Santos de Macedo
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 1374, CEP 05508-900, SP, Brazil
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Moura IC, Wunderlich G, Uhrig ML, Couto AS, Peres VJ, Katzin AM, Kimura EA. Limonene arrests parasite development and inhibits isoprenylation of proteins in Plasmodium falciparum. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2001; 45:2553-8. [PMID: 11502528 PMCID: PMC90691 DOI: 10.1128/aac.45.9.2553-2558.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2000] [Accepted: 06/18/2001] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Isoprenylation is an essential protein modification in eukaryotic cells. Herein, we report that in Plasmodium falciparum, a number of proteins were labeled upon incubation of intraerythrocytic forms with either [(3)H]farnesyl pyrophosphate or [(3)H]geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate. By thin-layer chromatography, we showed that attached isoprenoids are partially modified to dolichol and other, uncharacterized, residues, confirming active isoprenoid metabolism in this parasite. Incubation of blood-stage P. falciparum treated with the isoprenylation inhibitor limonene significantly decreased the parasites' progression from the ring stage to the trophozoite stage and at 1.22 mM, 50% of the parasites died after the first cycle. Using Ras- and Rap-specific monoclonal antibodies, putative Rap and Ras proteins of P. falciparum were immunoprecipitated. Upon treatment with 0.5 mM limonene, isoprenylation of these proteins was significantly decreased, possibly explaining the observed arrest of parasite development.
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Affiliation(s)
- I C Moura
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Lopes NP, Kato MJ, Andrade EH, Maia JG, Yoshida M, Planchart AR, Katzin AM. Antimalarial use of volatile oil from leaves of Virola surinamensis (Rol.) Warb. by Waiãpi Amazon Indians. J Ethnopharmacol 1999; 67:313-319. [PMID: 10617066 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-8741(99)00072-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The Amazon Indians Waiãpi living in the West of Amapá State of Brazil, treat malaria with an inhalation of vapor obtained from leaves of Viola surinamensis. The essential oil obtained from adult and plantlet leaves was analyzed by GC/MS and 11 monoterpenes, 11 sesquiterpenes and three phenylpropanoids were identified. Plantlet essential oil caused 100% of growth inhibition after 48 h in the development of the young trophozoite to schizont stage and the sesquiterpene nerolidol (100 microg/ml) was identified as one of the active constituents (100% of growth inhibition was obtained). In addition, examination of [U14C]-glucose incorporation showed that activity of nerolidol is related to the inhibition of glycoprotein biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- N P Lopes
- Departamento de Fisica e Química, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil.
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15
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Da Silveira LA, Dorta ML, Kimura EA, Katzin AM, Kawamoto F, Tanabe K, Ferreira MU. Allelic diversity and antibody recognition of Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 1 during hypoendemic malaria transmission in the Brazilian amazon region. Infect Immun 1999; 67:5906-16. [PMID: 10531247 PMCID: PMC96973 DOI: 10.1128/iai.67.11.5906-5916.1999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The polymorphic merozoite surface protein (MSP-1) of Plasmodium falciparum is a major asexual blood-stage malaria vaccine candidate. The impact of allelic diversity on recognition of MSP-1 during the immune response remains to be investigated in areas of hypoendemicity such as the Brazilian Amazon region. In this study, PCR was used to type variable regions, blocks 2, 4, and 10, of the msp-1 gene and to characterize major gene types (unique combinations of allelic types in variable blocks) in P. falciparum isolates collected across the Amazon basin over a period of 12 years. Twelve of the 24 possible gene types were found among 181 isolates, and 68 (38%) of them had more than one gene type. Temporal, but not spatial, variation was found in the distribution of MSP-1 gene types in the Amazon. Interestingly, some gene types occurred more frequently than expected from random assortment of allelic types in different blocks, as previously found in other areas of endemicity. We also compared the antibody recognition of polymorphic (block 2), dimorphic (block 6), and conserved (block 3) regions of MSP-1 in Amazonian malaria patients and clinically immune Africans, using a panel of recombinant peptides. Results were summarized as follows. (i) All blocks were targeted by naturally acquired cytophilic antibodies of the subclasses IgG1 and IgG3, but the balance between IgG1 and IgG3 depended on the subjects' cumulative exposure to malaria. (ii) The balance between IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses and the duration of antibody responses differed in relation to distinct MSP-1 peptides. (iii) Antibody responses to variable blocks 2 and 6 were predominantly type specific, but variant-specific antibodies that target isolate-specific repetitive motifs within block 2 were more frequent in Amazonian patients than in previously studied African populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Da Silveira
- Department of Parasitology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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16
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Couto AS, Kimura EA, Peres VJ, Uhrig ML, Katzin AM. Active isoprenoid pathway in the intra-erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum: presence of dolichols of 11 and 12 isoprene units. Biochem J 1999; 341 ( Pt 3):629-37. [PMID: 10417326 PMCID: PMC1220400] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
N-glycosylation of proteins is required for the intra-erythrocytic schizogony of Plasmodium falciparum. In eukaryotic cells, this process involves the transfer of oligosaccharides from a dolichyl pyrophosphate derivative to asparagine residues. We have identified dolichol, dolichyl phosphate and dolichyl pyrophosphate species of 11 and 12 isoprenoid residues by metabolic labelling with [(3)H]farnesyl pyrophosphate, [(3)H]geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate and [(14)C]acetate in the different intra-erythrocytic stages of P. falciparum. This is the first demonstration of short-chain dolichols in the phylum Apicomplexa. The results demonstrate the presence of an active isoprenoid pathway in the intra-erythrocytic stages of P. falciparum. Parasites treated with mevastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitor, show depressed biosynthesis of dolichol, dolichyl phosphate and isoprenoid pyrophosphate. This effect is observed in all intra-erythrocytic stages of the parasite life cycle, but is most pronounced in the ring stage. N-linked glycosylation of proteins was inhibited in the ring and young-trophozoite stages after mevastatin treatment of parasite cultures. Therefore the isoprenoid pathway may represent a different approach to the development of new anti-malarial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Couto
- CIHIDECAR, Departamento de Qu approximately ímica Orgánica, Pabellón II, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina
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17
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Ferreira MU, Liu Q, Kaneko O, Kimura M, Tanabe K, Kimura EA, Katzin AM, Isomura S, Kawamoto F. Allelic diversity at the merozoite surface protein-1 locus of Plasmodium falciparum in clinical isolates from the southwestern Brazilian Amazon. Am J Trop Med Hyg 1998; 59:474-80. [PMID: 9749647 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.1998.59.474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleotide sequences of each variable block in the Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein-1 gene (PfMSP-1) may be grouped into one of two or three possible allelic types, named after the reference isolates MAD20, K1, and RO33. Allelic diversity at this locus basically results from different combinations of allelic types in variable blocks. We used a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based strategy to type the variable blocks 2, 4a, 4b, and 10 of the PfMSP-1 gene of P. falciparum isolates from 54 symptomatic malaria patients living in Rondonia, a hypoendemic area in the southwestern Brazilian Amazon. Ten different PfMSP-1 gene types, defined as unique combinations of allelic types in variable blocks, were identified among the 54 isolates. Twenty-one isolates (39%) harbored more than one gene type and two had at least three genetically distinct clones. Hybrid sequences, with a MAD20-type sequence in the 5' segment (4a) and a K1-type sequence in the 3' segment (4b), were quite common in block 4. Direct sequencing of block 4 PCR products revealed a new putative recombination site in four isolates. In contrast with previous studies, the observed distribution of gene types does not deviate significantly from that expected under the null hypothesis of random association between allelic types detected in each variable block. These contradictory data are discussed with reference to the immunoepidemiologic features prevailing in distinct malaria-endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- M U Ferreira
- Department of Parasitology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
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18
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Bertot GM, Corral RS, Fresno M, Rodríguez C, Katzin AM, Grinstein S. Trypanosoma cruzi tubulin eliminated in the urine of the infected host. J Parasitol 1998. [PMID: 9645865 DOI: 10.2307/3284731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In previous studies we have identified and characterized an 80-kDa Trypanosoma cruzi urinary antigen (UAg) eliminated during acute infection. Polyclonal antibodies raised against this antigen revealed by western blotting and immunoprecipitation analyses showed the existence of another antigenic component of 50-55 kDa in the UAg preparation. The antiserum was also used for screening of a T. cruzi expression library. Sequencing of inserts from selected cDNA clones showed high homology with the 3' end of the T.cruzi beta-tubulin gene sequence encoding for the C-terminus of the protein. The presence of T. cruzi tubulin in the UAg was confirmed by immunoprecipitation of a 50-55-kDa protein from 125I-labeled UAg with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to human alpha/beta-tubulin. Interestingly, MAbs recognized radiolabeled T. cruzi tubulin eliminated in the urine of infected mice 24 hr postinoculation of [35S]methionine-labeled viable trypomastigotes. Tubulin found in the urine proved to be of T. cruzi origin because this protein could not be identified in urinary specimens from uninfected animals or mice acutely infected with Leishmania infantum or Toxoplasma gondii. We conclude that tubulin is one of the parasite antigens eliminated in the urine of T. cruzi-infected hosts. This finding may be used to develop a noninvasive procedure for early diagnosis of Chagas' disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Bertot
- Laboratorio de Virologia, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutierrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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19
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Ferreira MU, Kimura EA, Katzin AM, Santos-Neto LL, Ferrari JO, Villalobos JM, de Carvalho ME. The IgG-subclass distribution of naturally acquired antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum, in relation to malaria exposure and severity. Ann Trop Med Parasitol 1998; 92:245-56. [PMID: 9713539 DOI: 10.1080/00034989859807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A critical role has been proposed for the switch from non-cytophilic IgG2 to cytophilic antibodies of IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses observed in the humoral immune responses to Plasmodium falciparum of some Africans. These Africans have acquired clinically immunity naturally, after several years of exposure to holo-endemic malaria. In the present study, the possibility that life-long exposure to low levels of malarial endemicity may be associated with changes in the IgG-subclass composition of antibodies to P. falciparum was investigated in a native Amazonian community. The subjects were 138 malaria-exposed but non-infected Karitiana Indians. In a separate investigation, the concentrations of IgG-subclass antibodies in acutely ill patients with severe malaria (N = 22) were compared with those in age- and sex-matched controls who had uncomplicated malaria (N = 44). Plasma concentrations of IgG against a detergent-soluble extract of P. falciparum schizonts were measured by quantitative ELISA, using indirect standardization. Among the Karitiana, the concentrations of anti-parasite antibodies of all subclasses increased with age, and there was no correlation between age and the proportion of such antibodies which was cytophilic. The predominance of cytophilic IgG1 and non-cytophilic IgG2 antibodies in all age-groups of the Karitiana provides an example of an intermediate pattern of immune responses to P. falciparum which contrasts with those previously described in both clinically immune and non-immune populations. Although mean concentrations of cytophilic IgG1 against P. falciparum were significantly higher in the controls than in the patients with severe malaria, there were no significant differences in other IgG subclasses. Lack of exposure to malaria in the past was associated with disease severity (odds ratio = 4.75; 95% confidence interval = 1.31-17.42), and may explain, at least partially, the occurrence of defective, low-IgG1 antibody responses to P. falciparum in those subjects who had severe malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- M U Ferreira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil.
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20
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Alexandre CO, Camargo LM, Mattei D, Ferreira MU, Katzin AM, Camargo EP, da Silva LH. Humoral immune response to the 72 kDa heat shock protein from Plasmodium falciparum in populations at hypoendemic areas of malaria in western Brazilian Amazon. Acta Trop 1997; 64:155-66. [PMID: 9107363 DOI: 10.1016/s0001-706x(96)00644-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The heat-shock protein Pf72/Hsp70-1 from the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum has been suggested as a potential candidate antigen for a multivalent vaccine. We have investigated the prevalence and levels of IgG antibodies to the recombinant protein PfR44, derived from Pf72/Hsp70-1, in individuals from different age groups living in Candeias do Jamari, an Amazonian town characterized by unstable and hypoendemic malaria transmission. Blood were collected from a household-based random sample comprising 241 people and the sera were comparatively tested against recombinant antigen PfR44 and a detergent-soluble extract of P. falciparum (PfAg-T). The prevalence and levels of IgG antibodies to both recombinant and total P. falciparum antigens were positively correlated with cumulative exposure to malaria, as estimated by the age of the individuals and the duration of their stay in the study area. Nevertheless, correlations between antibody responses to Pf72/Hsp70-1 and the acquisition of protective anti-malarial immunity could not be derived from our data.
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Affiliation(s)
- C O Alexandre
- Departmento de Parasitologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
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21
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Ferreira MU, Kimura EA, De Souza JM, Katzin AM. The isotype composition and avidity of naturally acquired anti-Plasmodium falciparum antibodies: differential patterns in clinically immune Africans and Amazonian patients. Am J Trop Med Hyg 1996; 55:315-23. [PMID: 8842122 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.1996.55.315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A critical role has been proposed for cytophilic IgG1 and IgG3 subclass antibodies and monocytes and macrophages in antimalarial immunity. Here we compared the isotype composition and avidity of naturally acquired antibodies, as measured by enzyme immunoassay against a detergent-soluble extract of Plasmodium falciparum schizonts, in clinically immune Senegalese adults (n = 33) and semi-immune, adult Amazonian patients (n = 25). Plasma were collected during an acute symptomatic P. falciparum attack and two months later, and in the absence of recrudescence or reinfection. Specific IgG, IgM, IgA, and IgG subclass antibodies were assessed. The results are summarized as follows: 1) high-avidity cytophilic antibodies predominated in clinically immune Senegalese subjects; 2) acutely ill Amazonian patients produced high levels of low-avidity cytophilic antibody; 3) such a response was shortlived, since two months later, the concentrations of cytophilic antibodies were significantly lower; 4) however, affinity maturation of IgG antibodies was observed in Amazonian patients two months after the acute malaria attack. A considerable proportion (35-46%) of anti-P. falciparum IgG1 antibodies produced by African and Amazonian patients was shown to recognize periodate-sensitive carbohydrate epitopes. The potential impact of these findings on the design and evaluation of antimalarial vaccines is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M U Ferreira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidad de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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22
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Corral RS, Altcheh J, Alexandre SR, Grinstein S, Freilij H, Katzin AM. Detection and characterization of antigens in urine of patients with acute, congenital, and chronic Chagas' disease. J Clin Microbiol 1996; 34:1957-62. [PMID: 8818890 PMCID: PMC229162 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.34.8.1957-1962.1996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies raised against purified Trypanosoma cruzi urinary antigens were used in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) capture test for parasite antigens present in urine specimens of Argentinean and Brazilian patients with Chagas' disease. At diagnosis, antigenuria was demonstrated by ELISA in all acutely and congenitally infected infants studied. Moreover, T. cruzi urinary antigens were detected in samples from three of five patients with acute infections and four of five patients with congenital infections following chemotherapy. At least one ELISA-positive urine specimen from each individual was recorded in a longitudinal survey of 12 chronic chagasic patients. The same parasitic antigens (90 to 80 kDa, pI 5.7 to 6.0; 70 to 65 kDa, pI 4.9 to 4.5; 50 to 45 kDa, pI 5.3 to 5.1; and 40 to 35 kDa, pI 4.8 to 4.5) were identified by immunoprecipitation and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of urine samples from patients with different forms of chagasic infection. The 90- to 80-kDa urinary protein resembles a trypomastigote-shed antigen. Determination of antigenuria proved valuable for early diagnosis of Chagas' disease and also for diagnosis of chronic cases with conflicting serology.
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Affiliation(s)
- R S Corral
- Virology Laboratory, Ricardo Gutierrez Children's Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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23
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Kimura EA, Couto AS, Peres VJ, Casal OL, Katzin AM. N-linked glycoproteins are related to schizogony of the intraerythrocytic stage in Plasmodium falciparum. J Biol Chem 1996; 271:14452-61. [PMID: 8662869 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.271.24.14452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the existence of O-linked oligosaccharide residues in glycoproteins of Plasmodium falciparum has been shown, the existence of N-linked glycoproteins is still a matter of controversy and skepticism. This report demonstrates the unequivocal presence of N-linked glycoproteins in P. falciparum, principally in the ring and young trophozoite stages of the intraerythrocytic cycle. These glycoproteins lose their capacity to bind to concanavalin A-Sepharose after treatment of cultures with tunicamycin under conditions that do not affect protein synthesis. When the glycoproteins were treated with N-Glycanase(R), oligosaccharides were released. It was possible to identify an N-linked glycoprotein of >200 kDa in the ring stage and also N-linked glycoproteins in the range of 200-30 kDa in the trophozoite stage. Treatment of trophozoites with 12 microM tunicamycin inhibited differentiation to the schizont stage. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature unequivocally showing N-linked glycoproteins in trophozoites of P. falciparum as well as their importance for the differentiation of the intraerythrocytic stages of this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Kimura
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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24
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Abstract
We describe a simple dose-response approach to assess the affinity distribution of polyclonal antibodies. The proportion of antigen-specific antibodies dissociated by increasing concentrations of the mild chaotropic agent ammonium thiocyanate (NH4SCN) was measured by enzyme immunoassay, and the distribution of tolerances to this agent was presented in a histogram form. Such 'tolerance distribution', which is analogous to that described in classical dose-response bioassays, is proposed as a representation of the actual antibody affinity distribution. To test this approach, we assessed affinity maturation patterns of anti-Plasmodium falciparum IgG antibodies in paired sera obtained from 22 malaria patients during the acute infection and convalescence. We obtained patterns of antibody affinity distributions consistent with those previously described in immunization experiments with the aid of more complex laboratory and computational approaches. Therefore, we suggest the thiocyanate elution technique as an alternative method for rapid assessment of affinity distributions of polyclonal antibodies elicited against complex antigens, readily applicable to large number of serum samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- M U Ferreira
- Department of Parasitology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
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25
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Solana ME, Katzin AM, Umezawa ES, Miatello CS. High specificity of Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigote ribonucleoprotein as antigen in serodiagnosis of Chagas' disease. J Clin Microbiol 1995; 33:1456-60. [PMID: 7650167 PMCID: PMC228195 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.33.6.1456-1460.1995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
We assessed the performance of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with the Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigote ribosomal fraction (Tulahuen and Y strains) in order to improve the diagnostic specificity of the test. A total of 100 serum samples from patients with chronic Chagas' disease from Brazil and Argentina were studied. Sera from 116 patients, without Chagas' disease, including 10 with active mucocutaneous leishmaniasis and 20 with visceral leishmaniasis, were used as controls. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against the ribosomal fraction (ribonucleoproteins [RNPs]) in the ELISA were found in 97% of samples from patients with Chagas' disease. A total of 99% of the sera from patients without the disease were negative, including sera from patients with mucocutaneous and visceral leishmaniases. The distribution of IgG isotypes in randomly chosen serum samples was determined by ELISA; IgG1 and IgG3 were predominant (100% exhibited IgG1 and 85% exhibited IgG3, and 50% also presented the IgG2 isotype. The distribution of the IgG subclasses was confirmed by the Western blot (immunoblot) technique. When total IgG was assayed by Western blot assay, no correlation was found between the pattern of serum reactivity and the clinical features of the patients with Chagas' disease. Therefore, no typical profile of polypeptide recognition could be associated with any clinical form of Chagas' disease (cardiomyopathy or megaviscera). Our results showed that sera from patients with Chagas' disease react with ribosomal antigens and display a typical profile of IgG isotypes (IgG1 plus IgG3). The RNP ELISA seems to have improved specificity compared with those of routine techniques such as the indirect immunofluorescence assay and hemagglutination because it better discriminates between patients with Chagas' disease and patients without the disease. Since sera from patients with leishmaniasis failed to show cross-reactivity with this antigen, the ELISA seems useful for detecting Chagas' disease as well as confirming the nature of sera, when it is doubtful whether the patients has Chagas' disease, by the isotype distribution of IgG.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Solana
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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26
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Piazza RM, de Andrade Júnior HF, Umezawa ES, Katzin AM, Stolf AM. In situ immunoassay for the assessment of Trypanosoma cruzi interiorization and growth in cultured cells. Acta Trop 1994; 57:301-6. [PMID: 7810386 DOI: 10.1016/0001-706x(94)90075-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Interiorization and multiplication of Trypanosoma cruzi within its host cells are usually assessed by counting parasites in fixed and stained cover slip preparations, a subjective and time-consuming method. Here we describe an immunoenzymatic assay (ELISA) for assessing the number of internalized parasites in infected LLC-MK2 seed on chamber slides (NUNC). ELISA was performed employing a rabbit polyclonal serum against trypomastigote components (MOP) and anti-rabbit IgG conjugated to peroxidase. The bottom of the chamber slide was then detached and processed for quantification of internalized parasites by the conventional method. Data analysis showed a linear relationship between optical densities and number of internalized parasites (r2 = 93.99, p < 0.001). The assay was also efficient to assess inhibition of parasite interiorization induced by the monosaccharide NAc-D-glucosamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Piazza
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
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27
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Ferreira MU, Kimura ES, Camargo LM, Alexandre CO, da Silva LH, Katzin AM. Antibody response against Plasmodium falciparum exoantigens and somatic antigens: a longitudinal survey in a rural community in Rondônia, western Brazilian Amazon. Acta Trop 1994; 57:35-46. [PMID: 7942353 DOI: 10.1016/0001-706x(94)90091-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Three clinical and sero-epidemiological cross-sectional surveys involving 50 subjects were performed at six-month intervals in Urupá, a rural community characterized by unstable malaria transmission, situated in Rondônia State, Western Brazilian Amazon. Between the surveys, a clinically and parasitologically passive surveillance was established in this community and 48 malaria attacks (28 due to Plasmodium falciparum and 20 due to Plasmodium vivax) were recorded in this cohort of 50 subjects. Serum samples were collected at each survey and tested by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) for IgG, IgG subclass and IgM antibodies against P. falciparum exoantigens isolated from culture supernatants and detergent-soluble somatic antigens. As expected, both anti-malarial IgG and IgM antibody titres were shown to rise after a malaria outbreak observed during the follow-up period. Nevertheless, in marked contrast with the profile of anti-malarial IgG subclasses described for semi-immune Africans, in this Amazonian community IgG2 antibodies (that are non-cytophilic) against both antigens were shown to predominate over other IgG subclasses. Such overall predominance of IgG2 subclass titres was statistically significant concerning exoantigens, but was of borderline significance in relation to IgG1 antibodies against somatic antigens (p = 0.052). Moreover, highly variable patterns of boosting were observed in antibody responses against both antigens among the patients who suffered P. falciparum malaria attack during the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- M U Ferreira
- Department of Parasitology, University of São Paulo (ICB II), Brazil
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28
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Umezawa ES, Shikanai-Yasuda MA, da Silveira JF, Cotrim PC, Paranhos G, Katzin AM. Trypanosoma cruzi: detection of a circulating antigen in urine of chagasic patients sharing common epitopes with an immunodominant repetitive antigen. Exp Parasitol 1993; 76:352-7. [PMID: 7685708 DOI: 10.1006/expr.1993.1043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
A monospecific antiserum raised to a Trypanosoma cruzi recombinant antigen, with tandem repeat of 68 amino acids, was used to screen urine samples of chagasic and nonchagasic patients. The antiserum detected a specific 150-160 kDa antigen in urine of 60% of chronic chagasic patients, but not in urine samples from nonchagasic patients and healthy control individuals. The reactivity to 150-160 kDa urinary antigen could be abolished by adsorption with the recombinant repetitive antigen. These results suggest that 150-160 kDa urinary antigen is a T. cruzi-derived antigen and specific for Chagas' disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- E S Umezawa
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Brazil
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29
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Abstract
Plasmodium antigens were detected by dot-blot assay in the urine of 50 patients infected with Plasmodium vivax. Antigens also were detected in 12/15 patients who no longer had detectable parasitemia, 3 weeks after chemotherapy. Antigenuria was negative 6 weeks after treatment. By Western blotting, four predominant protein antigens were identified in the urine of patients infected with P. vivax: 200, 180, 150, and 110 kDa. The dot-blot technique may prove to be a rapid and inexpensive method for diagnosing malaria in field studies and for clinical evaluation during chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D N Militão
- Department of Parasitology, University of São Paulo, Brazil
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30
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Ferreira MU, Stolf AM, Ferreira CS, Katzin AM, Ramos AM, Kimura E, Di Santi SM, Camargo LM. Using a microplate reader to quantify dot immunobinding assays. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 1991; 86:467-8. [PMID: 1842439 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02761991000400017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M U Ferreira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, ICB USP, São Paulo, Brasil
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31
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Katzin AM, Kimura ES, Alexandre CO, Ramos AM. Detection of antigens in urine of patients with acute falciparum and vivax malaria infections. Am J Trop Med Hyg 1991; 45:453-62. [PMID: 1951853 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.1991.45.453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Using an antigen-capture, dot-blot assay, antigens were detected in the urine of 50 patients infected with Plasmodium falciparum. Antigens were also detected in 12/15 patients who had no detectable parasitemias 1-2 weeks after chemotherapy. By Western blotting and immunoprecipitation, four predominant antigens were identified with the following molecular masses (Mr) and isoelectric points (pI): antigen 1, 200 kDa, pI 6.4-6.27; antigen 2, 180 kDa, pI 5.2-4.8; antigen 3, 150 kDa, pI 5.5; antigen 4, 96 kDa, pI 5.1-4.8. These antigens were heat stable to 100 degrees C for 5 min. Antigens were also detected in the urine of 35 patients with acute P. vivax infections by Western blotting and dot-blot analysis and 10/10 patients three weeks following chemotherapy. The antigens had Mr of 200, 170, and 130 kDa.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Katzin
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidad de Sao Paulo, Brazil
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32
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Gonçalves MF, Umezawa ES, Katzin AM, de Souza W, Alves MJ, Zingales B, Colli W. Trypanosoma cruzi: shedding of surface antigens as membrane vesicles. Exp Parasitol 1991; 72:43-53. [PMID: 1993464 DOI: 10.1016/0014-4894(91)90119-h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [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: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Tissue culture-derived trypomastigotes from Trypanosoma cruzi spontaneously shed surface antigens into the culture medium. The shedding is a temperature- and time-dependent phenomenon and is independent of the presence of proteins or immune serum in the medium. The analysis of this process in four strains (Y, YuYu, CA1, and RA) showed differences in the amounts of polypeptides released. However, for all strains the liberation of the entire set of surface polypeptides ranging in molecular mass from 70 to 150 kDa was observed. Biochemical and electron microscopic data strongly suggest that most of the surface antigens are released as plasma membrane vesicles, ranging from 20 to 80 nm in diameter.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Gonçalves
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
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33
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Katzin AM, Marcipar A, Freilij H, Corral R, Yanovsky JF. Rapid determination of Trypanosoma cruzi urinary antigens in human chronic Chagas disease by agglutination test. Exp Parasitol 1989; 68:208-15. [PMID: 2494054 DOI: 10.1016/0014-4894(89)90099-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Detection of Trypanosoma cruzi in man becomes particularly difficult during the chronic stage of Chagas disease because of the low parasitemia. We were able to develop a simple and straightforward method for determining the concentration of T. cruzi antigens in urine using nitrocellulose micellar suspension (Nitrocell-Mr, Polychaco Argentina) and for their subsequent detection through a "latex" type agglutination test. The latex used was an esferocell nitrocellulose suspension (Esferocell-Mr, Polychaco). Specific antigens for T. cruzi were detected in 54 of 58 urine samples from chronic chagasic patients. The antigens characterized by affinity chromatography and SDS-PAGE were glycoproteins with apparent molecular weights (and pIs) of 100 kDa (pI 5 to 5.5), 80 kDa (pI 6.0), and 50 kDa (pI 6.5 to 7.0). This method is practical and fulfills the requirement of large-scale epidemiological studies. It is also helpful in cases of conflictive serology.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Katzin
- Catedra de Microbiologia, Parasitologia e Inmunologia, Facultad de Medicina, UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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34
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Katzin AM. Detection of parasite antigens in different biological fluids. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 1988; 83 Suppl 1:478-81. [PMID: 3151006 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02761988000500052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A M Katzin
- Dpto de Parasitologia, ICB, USP, Sao Paulo, Brasil
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35
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Couto AS, Katzin AM, Colli W, de Lederkremer RM. Sialic acid in a complex oligosaccharide chain of the Tc-85 surface glycoprotein from the trypomastigote stage of Trypanosoma cruzi. Mol Biochem Parasitol 1987; 26:145-53. [PMID: 3323904 DOI: 10.1016/0166-6851(87)90138-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The carbohydrate moiety of the Tc-85 surface glycoprotein from the infective trypomastigote form of Trypanosoma cruzi was analysed. Tc-85 could be metabolically labeled by incubation of the cells with D-[14C]mannose or D-[14C]glucose. Degradation techniques were performed directly on the polyacrylamide gel band containing labeled Tc-85. A mannobiose was cleaved by beta-elimination and further treatment of the remaining material under conditions which liberate N-asparaginyl linkages, released a complex oligosaccharide. The presence of sialic acid was demonstrated by: mild acid hydrolysis, neuraminidase treatment and periodate oxidation under mild conditions followed by NaB3H4 reduction, hydrolysis, and detection of NANA7 by paper electrophoresis. In addition, the chromatographic behavior of the asialooligosaccharide was significantly different from that of the original sample. Galactose, mannose and glucosamine are the other monosaccharide components of the sialooligosaccharide.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Couto
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
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36
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Abstract
Detection and partial characterization of Trypanosoma cruzi soluble antigens (SAg) in urine, as well as demonstration of parasite circulating antigens (CAg) in serum from pediatric patients with acute (10 patients) and congenital (10 patients) Chagas' disease, are reported. Classical techniques for parasite detection and antibody serology were also conducted in both groups. Samples collected before the onset of parasiticidal drug treatment were tested by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for SAg and CAg demonstration. The control population consisted of 6 children with acute toxoplasmosis, 6 with cutaneous leishmaniasis, and 20 healthy individuals. Patients with acute cases were 100% positive for both SAg and CAg, whereas patients with congenital disease were 80% CAg positive and 100% SAg positive. Controls yielded negative results in all cases. Partial characterization of SAg from two patients with acute disease was performed by iodination, affinity chromatography, immunoprecipitation, and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Two different antigenic glycoproteins (80 kilodaltons, pI 6 to 6.5 and 55 kilodaltons, pI 6.5 to 7) were identified by these methods. Traditional serology and classical parasitologic tests failed, each in a different way, to provide an accurate diagnosis in the total of our patients. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for SAg detection proved to be the most effective procedure for achieving early and precise proof of infection in acute and congenital cases of Chagas' disease.
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37
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Isola EL, Lammel EM, Giovanniello O, Katzin AM, González Cappa SM. Trypanosoma cruzi morphogenesis: preliminary purification of an active fraction from hemolymph and intestinal homogenate of Triatoma infestans. J Parasitol 1986; 72:467-9. [PMID: 3528446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
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38
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Zingales B, Katzin AM, Arruda MV, Colli W. Correlation of tunicamycin-sensitive surface glycoproteins from Trypanosoma cruzi with parasite interiorization into mammalian cells. Mol Biochem Parasitol 1985; 16:21-34. [PMID: 3929084 DOI: 10.1016/0166-6851(85)90046-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi lose infectivity to cultured mammalian cells when exposed to tunicamycin. Upon reincubation into fresh medium, parasites recover their full penetration capacity. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of [35S]methionine-labeled polypeptides showed that tunicamycin-treated parasites present several components with altered electrophoretic mobility when compared with controls. Immunoprecipitation with rabbit hyperimmune and human chagasic sera indicated that the surface antigens of approximate molecular masses of 175-180, 120-125, 90-95 and 85 kDa are not encountered in tunicamycin-treated trypomastigotes. By affinity chromatography on wheat germ agglutinin-Sepharose, it was observed that the trypomastigote-specific 85 kDa glycoprotein (Tc-85) is affected by the drug. The other affected components are glycoproteins with affinity for concanavalin A. The results suggest that tunicamycin-sensitive surface glycoproteins from T. cruzi are involved in the parasite interiorization into mammalian cells.
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Goldenberg S, Salles JM, Contreras VT, Lima Franco MP, Katzin AM, Colli W, Morel CM. Characterization of messenger RNA from epimastigotes and metacyclic trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi. FEBS Lett 1985; 180:265-70. [PMID: 2857136 DOI: 10.1016/0014-5793(85)81083-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The cell-free translation products of polyribosomal and post-polyribosomal mRNAs from the non-infective epimastigotes and the infective metacyclic trypomastigotes of the parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi were compared by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The result show that although many polypeptides are conserved, quantitative and qualitative differences are observed between both differentiation stages. The results also indicate the existence of post-polyribosomal mRNAs in equilibrium with polyribosomal counterparts. The immunoprecipitation of the in vitro synthesized polypeptides with chagasic human serum and the serum raised against an 85-kDa glycoprotein (P2-WGA), potentially involved in the process of T. cruzi penetration into mammalian cells, shows that while the chagasic serum recognizes the same 72-kDa, 68-kDa and 46-kDa polypeptides in both differentiation stages, the anti-P2-WGA serum immunoprecipitates a single 48-kDa polypeptide from in vitro translation products of metacyclic trypomastigotes.
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40
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Andrews NW, Katzin AM, Colli W. Mapping of surface glycoproteins of Trypanosoma cruzi by two-dimensional electrophoresis. A correlation with the cell invasion capacity. Eur J Biochem 1984; 140:599-604. [PMID: 6373254 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-1033.1984.tb08144.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The cell-surface iodinatable proteins of Trypanosoma cruzi have been analyzed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under equilibrium conditions. Antigenic polypeptides were characterized after immunoprecipitation and glycoproteins were identified by means of lectin-affinity chromatography. Two glycoproteins, with affinity for concanavalin A, were found to be common to both infective (trypomastigote) and non-infective (epimastigote) forms: protein 1 (90 kDa, pI 5.5-6.5) and protein 2 (80 kDa, pI 5.3-6.3). In epimastigotes a specific concanavalin-A-binding surface glycoprotein (70 kDa, pI 5.5) was identified. Trypomastigote forms, on the other hand, presented several specific iodinatable surface components: glycoproteins 3(85 kDa, pI 5.5), 4 (85 kDa, pI 5.0), 6 (100 kDa, pI 6.5), 7 (120 kDa, pI 6.3), 8 (68 kDa, pI 6.7) and several minor high-molecular-mass acid proteins, all containing glucose and/or mannose, and glycoprotein 5 (85 kDa, pI 6.3-7.5), containing N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (Tc-85). Proteins 1, 2 and 5 were the only ones which gave clear evidence of charge heterogeneity. Most of the surface proteins of trypomastigote forms, the exception being proteins 3, 4 and 8, were removed by treatment with trypsin. This proteolytic treatment results in 90% inhibition of the in vitro vertebrate-cell-invasion capacity of the parasites. Upon reincubation in culture medium for 4 h, the trypsin-removed glycoproteins are again detected, an observation that correlates well with the recovery of the cell-penetration capacity observed in the same period.
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Abrahamsohn IA, Katzin AM, Milder RV. A method for isolating Trypanosoma cruzi amastigotes from spleen and liver using two-step discontinuous gradient centrifugation. J Parasitol 1983; 69:437-9. [PMID: 6343578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
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42
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Katzin AM, Colli W. Lectin receptors in Trypanosoma cruzi. An N-acetyl-D-glucosamine-containing surface glycoprotein specific for the trypomastigote stage. Biochim Biophys Acta 1983; 727:403-11. [PMID: 6340740 DOI: 10.1016/0005-2736(83)90425-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
We have investigated the interaction of three lectins, differing in their sugar specificities, with the surface of the three differentiation stages of Trypanosoma cruzi. The Scatchard constants for each lectin and parasite stage imply that differentiation of T. cruzi is accompanied by changes in the cell surface saccharides. Trypomastigotes obtained from two different sources do not differ appreciably as to the number and affinity of binding sites for the three lectins employed, suggesting a similar cell-surface saccharide composition. These conclusions are reinforced by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis of the 131I-labeled surface glycoproteins, following isolation by affinity chromatography. The surface membrane of trypomastigotes, the infective stage to T. cruzi for mammalian cells, possesses a specific glycoprotein of apparent Mr 85000 (Tc-85) which is absent from the other two stages and can be isolated by affinity chromatography on wheat germ agglutinin-Sepharose columns. This glycoprotein also binds to concanavalin A, but not to Lens culinaris lectin. The binding of Tc-85 to wheat germ agglutinin is unaffected by treatment of either the isolated glycoprotein or intact living trypomastigotes with neuraminidase. Since N-acetyl-D-glucosamine inhibits internalization of trypomastigotes by cultured mammalian cells, it is suggested that Tc-85 might be involved in adhesion and/or interiorization of T. cruzi into mammalian cells, possibly via recognition of an ubiquitous host-cell surface N-acetyl-D-glucosamine-specific receptor activity.
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Docampo R, Moreno SN, Turrens JF, Katzin AM, Gonzalez-Cappa SM, Stoppani AO. Biochemical and ultrastructural alterations produced by miconazole and econazole in Trypanosoma cruzi. Mol Biochem Parasitol 1981; 3:169-80. [PMID: 6265775 DOI: 10.1016/0166-6851(81)90047-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Miconazole and econazole, two fungicide imidazole derivatives, completely inhibited growth of Trypanosoma cruzi (Tulahuen strain) at concentrations of about 20 muM. Culturing of T. cruzi in the presence of lower doses of imidazole derivatives produced: decrease of 5,7-diene sterol content in epimastigotes (including ergosterol); disappearance of the nuclear chromatin, vacuolization and decrease in the electron density of the cytoplasm; selective surface alterations as revealed by an increased response to wheat-germ- and phytohemagglutinin. At variance with the effect of miconazole on Candida (De Nollin et al. (1977) Antimicrobial. Agents Chemother. 11, 500-513), miconazole and econazole, under the experimental conditions used, did not increase the rate of hydrogen peroxide generation by T. cruzi.
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Villalta F, Katzin AM, Leon W, Gonzales-Cappa S. Concanavalin A binding receptors on Trypanosoma cruzi amastigotes. J Parasitol 1980; 66:1053-5. [PMID: 7012290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
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45
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Gonzalez Cappa SM, Bronzina A, Katzin AM, Golfera H, De Martini GW, Segura EL. Antigens of subcellular fractions of Trypanosoma cruzi. III. Humoral immune response and histopathology of immunized mice. J Protozool 1980; 27:467-71. [PMID: 6783746 DOI: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.1980.tb05399.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The relation of humoral antibody response to protection was evaluated in mice immunized with whole homogenates of Trypanosoma cruzi or with its flagellar fraction by direct agglutination and indirect fluorescent antibody test as well as by lytic and neutralizing activity against blood trypomastigotes. The results indicated that lytic antibodies were not implicated directly in protection against these trypanosomes. It was evident from histopathologic examination that the higher the degree of protection achieved, the lower the tissue damage observed in the challenged mice. Serum-neutralizing activity was highest in the groups protected most effectively.
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González-Cappa SM, Kloetzel J, Katzin AM, dos Santos RR. Trypanosoma cruzi: activity of immune sera on surface antigens. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 1980; 22:275-80. [PMID: 7017883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
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47
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González Cappa SM, Katzin AM, Lajmanovich S. [Trypanosoma cruzi: activity of mouse immune sera on the tyrpomastigote stage]. Medicina (B Aires) 1979; 39:187-92. [PMID: 116105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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48
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Katzin AM, Del Pino EJ, Cunio RM, Raisman JS, Olmos J, Lajmanovich S, González Cappa SM. [Lectin receptors on the surface of Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes]. Medicina (B Aires) 1979; 39:76-84. [PMID: 393950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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49
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Katzin AM, Lajmanovich S, González Cappa SM. Comparative stability of epimastigotes and trypomastigotes in different wash solutions. J Parasitol 1977; 63:925-7. [PMID: 335037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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