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Fernandez-Rojo MA, Pearen MA, Burgess AG, Ikonomopoulou MP, Hoang-Le D, Genz B, Saggiomo SL, Nawaratna SSK, Poli M, Reissmann R, Gobert GN, Deutsch U, Engelhardt B, Brooks AJ, Jones A, Arosio P, Ramm GA. The heavy subunit of ferritin stimulates NLRP3 inflammasomes in hepatic stellate cells through ICAM-1 to drive hepatic inflammation. Sci Signal 2024; 17:eade4335. [PMID: 38564492 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.ade4335] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Serum ferritin concentrations increase during hepatic inflammation and correlate with the severity of chronic liver disease. Here, we report a molecular mechanism whereby the heavy subunit of ferritin (FTH) contributes to hepatic inflammation. We found that FTH induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and secretion of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in primary rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) through intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). FTH-ICAM-1 stimulated the expression of Il1b, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and the processing and secretion of IL-1β in a manner that depended on plasma membrane remodeling, clathrin-mediated endocytosis, and lysosomal destabilization. FTH-ICAM-1 signaling at early endosomes stimulated Il1b expression, implying that this endosomal signaling primed inflammasome activation in HSCs. In contrast, lysosomal destabilization was required for FTH-induced IL-1β secretion, suggesting that lysosomal damage activated inflammasomes. FTH induced IL-1β production in liver slices from wild-type mice but not in those from Icam1-/- or Nlrp3-/- mice. Thus, FTH signals through its receptor ICAM-1 on HSCs to activate the NLRP3 inflammasome. We speculate that this pathway contributes to hepatic inflammation, a key process that stimulates hepatic fibrogenesis associated with chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel A Fernandez-Rojo
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- Hepatic Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies in Food, Madrid 28049, Spain
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Michael A Pearen
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Anita G Burgess
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Maria P Ikonomopoulou
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- Translational Venomics Laboratory, Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies in Food, Madrid 28049, Spain
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Diem Hoang-Le
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Berit Genz
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Silvia L Saggiomo
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | | | - Maura Poli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Regina Reissmann
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Freiestrasse 1, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Urban Deutsch
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 1, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Britta Engelhardt
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 1, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew J Brooks
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Alun Jones
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Paolo Arosio
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Grant A Ramm
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
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McCann P, McFarland C, Megaw J, Siu-Ting K, Cantacessi C, Rinaldi G, Gobert GN. Assessing the microbiota of the snail intermediate host of trematodes, Galba truncatula. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:31. [PMID: 38263069 PMCID: PMC10807216 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06118-7] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The microbiome is known to play key roles in health and disease, including host susceptibility to parasite infections. The freshwater snail Galba truncatula is the intermediate host for many trematode species, including the liver and rumen flukes Fasciola hepatica and Calicophoron daubneyi, respectively. The snail-parasite system has previously been investigated. However, the specific interaction between the snail-associated microbiota and intra-snail developmental stages of trematodes has yet to be explored. METHODS Galba truncatula snails were collected from farms in Northern Ireland and trematode infection was diagnosed using PCR. High-throughput sequencing analysis of the bacterial 16S ribosomal DNA V3-V4 hypervariable regions was subsequently applied to characterise the microbiota of both uninfected and infected snails. RESULTS We first showed that the snail harboured microbiota that was distinct for its environment. The microbiota of infected snails was found to differ significantly from that of uninfected snails. In particular, the bacterial genera Mycoplasma and Methylotenera were significantly more abundant in infected snails, while genera Sphingomonas and Nocardioides were predominantly associated with uninfected snails. CONCLUSION These findings pave the way to future studies on the functional roles of bacteria in host-parasite relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter McCann
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | | | - Julianne Megaw
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Karen Siu-Ting
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gabriel Rinaldi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Aberystwyth, Aberystwyth, UK
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
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Amer AS, Othman AA, Dawood LM, El-Nouby KA, Gobert GN, Abou Rayia DM. The interaction of Schistosoma mansoni infection with diabetes mellitus and obesity in mice. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9417. [PMID: 37296126 PMCID: PMC10256771 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36112-5] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases worldwide. Various host factors can affect the host-parasite interactions. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to determine the parasitological, histopathological, biochemical, and immunological status of Schistosoma mansoni-infected hosts with metabolic disorders to identify the underlying possible mechanisms of these comorbidities. The study animals were divided into four groups. Group I represented the control groups, namely, the normal control group, the S. mansoni-infected control group, and the noninfected type 1 diabetes (T1DM), type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and obesity groups. The mice of the other three groups underwent induction of T1DM (Group II), T2DM (Group III) and obesity (Group IV) before being infected with S. mansoni. All mice were subjected to body weight measurement, blood glucose and insulin assessment, parasitological evaluation of adult worm count, tissue egg count and intestinal oogram. Histopathological and immunohistochemical study using anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and image analysis of Masson's trichrome-stained liver sections using ImageJ (Fiji) software were carried out. Additionally, immunological analysis of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) beta, interleukin-5 (IL-5), IL-10, Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) and pentraxin 3 (PTX3) levels besides biochemical study of total lipid profile were evaluated. The present study revealed a significant increase in the adult worm count and tissue egg output in the obesity group compared to the infected control group. The oogram of counted eggs showed prevalence of immature eggs in T1DM group, while T2DM and obese groups showed prevalence of mature eggs. The fibrosis area percentage showed significant increase in T2DM and obese groups while it was decreased in T1DM group in comparison to infected control group. Our data also showed significant increase in the levels of TNF-β, IL-5, PTX3 in T1DM, T2DM and obesity groups in comparison to infected control group, whilst the levels of FOXP3 and IL-10 were increased in the infected groups in comparison to their noninfected controls. Moreover, infected T1DM, T2DM and obesity groups showed higher blood glucose and lipid profile in comparison to the infected control group. However, these parameters were improved in comparison to their noninfected controls. In sum, induction of T2DM and obesity increased tissue egg counts, mature egg percentage, and fibrosis density, while schistosome infection induced changes in the lipid profile and blood glucose levels in infected diabetic and obese groups and impacted favorably insulin levels in obese mice. By better understanding the complexities of host-parasite interactions, efforts to reduce the burden of these debilitating diseases can be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa S Amer
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt.
| | - Ahmad A Othman
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
| | - Lamees M Dawood
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
| | - Kholoud A El-Nouby
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- School of Biological Science, Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Dina M Abou Rayia
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
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Phuphisut O, Poodeepiyasawat A, Yoonuan T, Watthanakulpanich D, Chotsiri P, Reamtong O, Mousley A, Gobert GN, Adisakwattana P. Transcriptome profiling of male and female Ascaris lumbricoides reproductive tissues. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:477. [PMID: 36539906 PMCID: PMC9768952 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05602-2] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ascaris lumbricoides causes human ascariasis, the most prevalent helminth disease, infecting approximately 1 billion individuals globally. In 2019 the global disease burden was estimated to be 754,000 DALYs and resulted in 2090 deaths. In the absence of a vaccination strategy, treatment of ascariasis has relied on anthelminthic chemotherapy, but drug resistance is a concern. The propensity for reinfection is also a major challenge to disease control; female worms lay up to 200,000 eggs daily, which contaminate surrounding environments and remain viable for years, resulting in high transmission rates. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of reproductive processes, including control of egg production, spermatogenesis, oogenesis and embryogenesis, will drive the development of new drugs and/or vaccine targets for future ascariasis control. METHODS Transcriptome profiles of discrete reproductive and somatic tissue samples were generated from adult male and female worms using Illumina HiSeq with 2 × 150 bp paired-end sequencing. Male tissues included: testis germinal zone, testis part of vas deferens, seminal vesicle and somatic tissue. Female tissues included: ovary germinal zone, ovary part of the oviduct, uterus and somatic tissue. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from the fragments per kilobases per million reads (FPKM) profiles. Hierarchical analysis was performed to identify tissue-specific genes. Furthermore, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were employed to identify significant terms and pathways for the DEGs. RESULTS DEGs involved in protein phosphorylation and adhesion molecules were indicated to play a crucial role in spermatogenesis and fertilization, respectively. Those genes associated with the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling pathway and small GTPase-mediated signal transduction pathway play an essential role in cytoskeleton organization during oogenesis. Additionally, DEGs associated with the SMA genes and TGF-β signaling pathway are crucial in adult female embryogenesis. Some genes associated with particular biological processes and pathways that were identified in this study have been linked to defects in germline development, embryogenesis and reproductive behavior. In the enriched KEGG pathway analysis, Hippo signaling, oxytocin signaling and tight junction pathways were identified to play a role in Ascaris male and female reproductive systems. CONCLUSIONS This study has provided comprehensive transcriptome profiles of discrete A. lumbricoides reproductive tissue samples, revealing the molecular basis of these functionally important tissues. The data generated from this study will provide fundamental knowledge on the reproductive biology of Ascaris and will inform future target identification for anti-ascariasis drugs and/or vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orawan Phuphisut
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Akkarin Poodeepiyasawat
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Tippayarat Yoonuan
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Dorn Watthanakulpanich
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Palang Chotsiri
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Onrapak Reamtong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Angela Mousley
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Poom Adisakwattana
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
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Carson JP, Robinson MW, Ramm GA, Gobert GN. Synthetic peptides derived from the Schistosoma mansoni secretory protein Sm16 induce contrasting responses in hepatic stellate cells. Exp Parasitol 2022; 236-237:108255. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Gobert GN, McManus DP, McMullan G, Creevey CJ, Carson J, Jones MK, Nawaratna SSK, Weerakoon KG, You H. Adult schistosomes have an epithelial bacterial population distinct from the surrounding mammalian host blood. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263188. [PMID: 35085360 PMCID: PMC8794206 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263188] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical parasitic and chronic disease affecting hundreds of millions of people. Adult schistosomes reside in the blood stream of the definitive mammalian host. These helminth parasites possess two epithelial surfaces, the tegument and the gastrodermis, both of which interact with the host during immune evasion and in nutrient uptake.
Methods
Female ARC Swiss mice (4–6 weeks old) were infected percutaneously with Schistosoma japonicum cercariae freshly shed from Oncomelania hupensis quadrasi snails (Philippines strain). Fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) was performed by using fresh adult S. japonicum perfused from those infected mice. Adult S. japonicum worms were processed to isolate the tegument from the carcass containing the gastrodermis; blood and bile were collected individually from infected and uninfected mice. Total DNA extracted from all those samples were used for microbiome profiling.
Results
FISH and microbiome profiling showed the presence of bacterial populations on two epithelial surfaces of adult worms, suggesting they were distinct not only from the host blood but also from each other. Whereas microbial diversity was reduced overall in the parasite epithelial tissues when compared with that of host blood, specific bacterial taxa, including Anoxybacillus and Escherichia, were elevated on the tegument. Minimal differences were evident in the microbiome of host blood during an active infection, compared with that of control uninfected blood. However, sampling of bile from infected animals identified some differences compared with controls, including elevated levels of Limnohabitans, Clostridium and Curvibacter.
Conclusions
Using FISH and microbial profiling, we were able to demonstrate, for the first time, that bacteria are presented on the epithelial surfaces of adult schistosomes. These schistosome surface-associated bacteria, which are distinct from the host blood microenvironment, should be considered as a new and important component of the host-schistosome interaction. The importance of individual bacterial species in relation to schistosome parasitism needs further elucidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey N. Gobert
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (HY); (GNG)
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Geoff McMullan
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jack Carson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm K. Jones
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sujeevi S. K. Nawaratna
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Kosala G. Weerakoon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka
| | - Hong You
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- * E-mail: (HY); (GNG)
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Gobert GN. Electronic teaching resources for university cell biology supports improved student learning outcomes. Biochem Mol Biol Educ 2022; 50:91-98. [PMID: 34851008 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.21595] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
An optional electronic resource (e-resource) that requiring subscription was offered to 2nd year students studying university cell biology. An online survey attitudes identified cost, the relative (lack) ease of use, and a "general preference", as primary reasons for not utilizing the e-resource. The ability to access graphics, videos, and animations, as well as practice questions, was all seen as positive features. Of the 44 e-resource students, a performance increase of 10% (73%, and 63%, p-value = 0.004) was seen compared to those that did not (90). Within the e-resource cohort, academic performance in the previous year, when other online resources were not optional, less of a differentiation was apparent, suggesting difference were not attributable to individual academic aptitudes. Overall, an increase in academic performance was seen in students that used the optional e-resource. These findings will be presented to assist new students in deciding how to approach their learning in cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey N Gobert
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
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Carson JP, Robinson MW, Ramm GA, Gobert GN. RNA sequencing of LX-2 cells treated with TGF-β1 identifies genes associated with hepatic stellate cell activation. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:7677-7688. [PMID: 34648138 PMCID: PMC8604886 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06774-3] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are liver-resident myofibroblast precursors responsible for the production of collagen and maintenance of the hepatic extracellular matrix (ECM). As such, they are generally associated with fibrotic liver diseases. HSCs become “activated” in response to tissue damage or pathogen invasion, a process most commonly driven by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Despite this, the full extent of TGF-β1 signalling in these cells is poorly understood. Clarifying the range and diversity of this signalling will further improve our understanding of the process of HSC activation. Methods and results RNA sequencing was used to quantitate the transcriptomic changes induced in LX-2 cells, an activated human HSC line, following TGF-b1 treatment. In total, 5,258 genes were found to be significantly differentially expressed with a false discovery rate cut-off of < 0.1. The topmost deregulated of these genes included those with no currently characterised role in either HSC activation or fibrotic processes, including CIITA and SERPINB2. In silico analysis revealed the prominent signalling pathways downstream of TGF-β1 in LX-2 cells. Conclusions In this study, we describe the genes and signalling pathways significantly deregulated in LX-2 cells following TGF-β1 treatment. We identified several highly deregulated genes with no currently characterised role in HSC activation, which may represent novel mediators of fibrotic responses in HSCs or the liver macroenvironment. This work may be of use in the identification of new markers of liver fibrosis and could provide insight into prospective genes or pathways that might be targeted for the amelioration of fibrotic liver disease in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack P. Carson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, BT9 5DL Belfast, UK
| | - Mark W. Robinson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, BT9 5DL Belfast, UK
| | - Grant A. Ramm
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Locked Bag 2000, QLD 4029 Brisbane, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Level 6, Oral Health Centre (Building), Herston Road, 4006 Herston, QLD Australia
| | - Geoffrey N. Gobert
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, BT9 5DL Belfast, UK
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Carson JP, Gobert GN. Modulation of the Host Immune Response by Schistosome Egg-Secreted Proteins Is a Critical Avenue of Host-Parasite Communication. Pathogens 2021; 10:863. [PMID: 34358013 PMCID: PMC8308880 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
During a schistosome infection, the interactions that occur between the mammalian host and the parasite change rapidly once egg laying begins. Both juvenile and adult schistosomes adapt to indefinitely avoid the host immune system. In contrast, the survival of eggs relies on quickly traversing from the host. Following the commencement of egg laying, the host immune response undergoes a shift from a type 1 helper (Th1) inflammatory response to a type 2 helper (Th2) granulomatous response. This change is driven by immunomodulatory proteins within the egg excretory/secretory products (ESPs), which interact with host cells and alter their behaviour to promote egg translocation. However, in parallel, these ESPs also provoke the development of chronic schistosomiasis pathology. Recent studies using high-throughput proteomics have begun to characterise the components of schistosome egg ESPs, particularly those of Schistosoma mansoni, S. japonicum and S. haematobium. Future application of this knowledge may lead to the identification of proteins with novel immunomodulatory activity or pathological importance. However, efforts in this area are limited by a lack of in situ or in vivo functional characterisation of these proteins. This review will highlight the current knowledge of the content and demonstrated functions of schistosome egg ESPs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Geoffrey N. Gobert
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK;
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King M, Carson J, Stewart MT, Gobert GN. Revisiting the Schistosoma japonicum life cycle transcriptome for new insights into lung schistosomula development. Exp Parasitol 2021; 223:108080. [PMID: 33548219 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2021.108080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Schistosome parasites are complex trematode blood flukes responsible for the disease schistosomiasis; a global health concern prevalent in many tropical and sub-tropical countries. While established transcriptomic databases are accessed ad hoc to facilitate studies characterising specific genes or gene families, a more comprehensive systematic updating of gene annotation and survey of the literature to aid in annotation and context is rarely addressed. We have reanalysed an online transcriptomic dataset originally published in 2009, where seven life cycle stages of Schistosoma japonicum were examined. Using the online pathway analysis tool Reactome, we have revisited key data from the original study. A key focus of this study was to improve the interpretation of the gene expression profile of the developmental lung-stage schistosomula, since it is one of the principle targets for worm elimination. Highly enriched transcripts, associated with lung schistosomula, were related to a number of important biological pathways including host immune evasion, energy metabolism and parasitic development. Revisiting large transcriptomic databases should be considered in the context of substantial new literature. This approach could aid in the improved understanding of the molecular basis of parasite biology. This may lead to the identification of new targets for diagnosis and therapies for schistosomes, and other helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meághan King
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Jack Carson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Michael T Stewart
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK.
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Carson JP, Robinson MW, Hsieh MH, Cody J, Le L, You H, McManus DP, Gobert GN. A comparative proteomics analysis of the egg secretions of three major schistosome species. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2020; 240:111322. [PMID: 32961206 PMCID: PMC8059868 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2020.111322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Morbidity associated with hepatic and urogenital schistosomiasis stems primarily from the host immune response directed against schistosome eggs. When eggs become entrapped in host tissues, the development of fibrotic plaques drives downstream pathology. These events occur due to the antigenic nature of egg excretory/secretory products (ESPs). Both Schistosoma mansoni and S. japonicum ESPs have been shown to interact with several cell populations in the host liver including hepatocytes, macrophages, and hepatic stellate cells, with both immunomodulatory and pathological consequences. Several protein components of the ESPs of S. mansoni and S. japonicum eggs have been characterised; however, studies into the collective contents of schistosome egg ESPs are lacking. Utilising shotgun mass spectrometry and an array of in silico analyses, we identified 266, 90 and 50 proteins within the S. mansoni, S. japonicum and S. haematobium egg secretomes respectively. We identified numerous proteins with already established immunomodulatory activities, vaccine candidates and vesicle markers. Relatively few common orthologues within the ESPs were identified by BLAST, indicating that the three egg secretomes differ in content significantly. Having a clearer understanding of these components may lead to the identification of new proteins with uncharacterised immunomodulatory potential or pathological relevance. This will enhance our understanding of host-parasite interactions, particularly those occurring during chronic schistosomiasis, and pave the way towards novel therapeutics and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack P Carson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Mark W Robinson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Michael H Hsieh
- Division of Urology, Children's National Hospital, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, USA
| | | | | | - Hong You
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.
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12
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Adisakwattana P, Yoonuan T, Phuphisut O, Poodeepiyasawat A, Homsuwan N, Gordon CA, McManus DP, Atkinson LE, Mousley A, Gobert GN. Clinical helminthiases in Thailand border regions show elevated prevalence levels using qPCR diagnostics combined with traditional microscopic methods. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:416. [PMID: 32787935 PMCID: PMC7425172 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04290-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Under-regulated national borders in Southeast Asia represent potential regions for enhanced parasitic helminth transmission and present barriers to helminthiasis disease control. METHODS Three Thailand border regions close to Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia were surveyed for clinical parasitic helminth disease. In-field microscopy was performed on stools from 567 individuals. Sub-samples were transported to Bangkok for molecular analysis comprising three multiplex qPCR assays. RESULTS The overall helminth infection prevalence was 17.99% as assessed by Kato-Katz and 24.51% by qPCR. The combined prevalence of the two methods was 28.57%; the most predominant species detected were Opisthorchis viverrini (18.34%), hookworm (6.88%; Ancylostoma spp. and Necator americanus), Ascaris lumbricoides (2.29%) and Trichuris trichiura (1.76%). CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate the value of molecular diagnostics for determining more precise prevalence levels of helminthiases in Southeast Asia. Availability of such accurate prevalence information will help guide future public health initiatives and highlights the need for more rigorous surveillance and timely intervention in these regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poom Adisakwattana
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| | - Tippayarat Yoonuan
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Orawan Phuphisut
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Akkarin Poodeepiyasawat
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Nirundorn Homsuwan
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia
| | - Louise E Atkinson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Angela Mousley
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK.
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13
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Pearen MA, Lim HK, Gratte FD, Fernandez-Rojo MA, Nawaratna SK, Gobert GN, Olynyk JK, Tirnitz-Parker JEE, Ramm GA. Murine Precision-Cut Liver Slices as an Ex Vivo Model of Liver Biology. J Vis Exp 2020. [PMID: 32225165 DOI: 10.3791/60992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms of liver injury, hepatic fibrosis, and cirrhosis that underlie chronic liver diseases (i.e., viral hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, metabolic liver disease, and liver cancer) requires experimental manipulation of animal models and in vitro cell cultures. Both techniques have limitations, such as the requirement of large numbers of animals for in vivo manipulation. However, in vitro cell cultures do not reproduce the structure and function of the multicellular hepatic environment. The use of precision-cut liver slices is a technique in which uniform slices of viable mouse liver are maintained in laboratory tissue culture for experimental manipulation. This technique occupies an experimental niche that exists between animal studies and in vitro cell culture methods. The presented protocol describes a straightforward and reliable method to isolate and culture precision-cut liver slices from mice. As an application of this technique, ex vivo liver slices are treated with bile acids to simulate cholestatic liver injury and ultimately assess the mechanisms of hepatic fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Pearen
- Hepatic Fibrosis Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute
| | - Hong Kiat Lim
- Hepatic Fibrosis Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute
| | - Francis D Gratte
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University; School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University
| | - Manuel A Fernandez-Rojo
- Hepatic Fibrosis Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute; School of Medicine, The University of Queensland; Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies (IMDEA) in Food, CEI UAM+CSIC
| | | | | | - John K Olynyk
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Fiona Stanley and Fremantle Hospital Group; School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University
| | - Janina E E Tirnitz-Parker
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University; Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia
| | - Grant A Ramm
- Hepatic Fibrosis Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute; School of Medicine, The University of Queensland;
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14
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Gordon CA, Krause L, McManus DP, Morrison M, Weerakoon KG, Connor MC, Olveda RM, Ross AG, Gobert GN. Helminths, polyparasitism, and the gut microbiome in the Philippines. Int J Parasitol 2020; 50:217-225. [PMID: 32135180 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2019.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Polyparasitism, involving soil-transmitted helminths. and Schistosoma blood flukes, is common in low to middle income countries. These helminths impact on the gut environment and can cause changes to the gut microbiome composition. Here we examined the gut microbiome in individuals with polyparasitism from two human cohorts in the Philippines utilising DNA sequencing-based profiling. Multiple helminth species infections were high with 70.3% of study participants harbouring at least two parasite species, and 16% harbouring at least five species. Increased numbers of helminth co-infections, in particular with the gut-resident soil-transmitted helminths, were significantly associated with increased bacterial diversity; however no significant parasite-gut microbiome associations were evident for individuals infected only with Schistosoma japonicum. In general, a healthy gut is associated with high bacterial diversity, which in these human cohorts may be the result of helminth-mediated immune modulation, or due to changes in the gut environment caused by these parasitic helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Immunology Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Lutz Krause
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Immunology Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mark Morrison
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kosala G Weerakoon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Immunology Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia; School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka
| | - Mairead C Connor
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Remigio M Olveda
- Department of Immunology, Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, Manilla, Philippines
| | - Allen G Ross
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.
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15
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Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical parasitic disease caused by the trematode flatworms of the genus Schistosoma, affects approximately 207 million people worldwide. Among the five main species infecting humans, Schistosoma mansoni and S. japonicum are responsible for the majority of hepatointestinal schistosomiasis. Human settlements near fresh water sites that lack proper sanitary systems often contribute to the transmission of disease. This risk particularly impacts on travellers or immigrants who come into contact with larvae-contaminated water. This review discusses the central features of schistosomiasis; including clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatments, and the preventive measures available for the control of this disease. The description of the Malaysian schistosome species Schistosoma malayensis and the current status of schistosomiasis in Malaysia including the compilation of cases diagnosed from 1904 to 2015 are also discussed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candy Chuah
- School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Baha Latif
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, 47000, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chong Chin Heo
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, 47000, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia; Institute of Pathology, Laboratory & Forensic Medicine (I-PPerForM), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Level 4, Academic Building, Faculty of Medicine, 47000, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chiuan Yee Leow
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
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16
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Oey H, Zakrzewski M, Gravermann K, Young ND, Korhonen PK, Gobert GN, Nawaratna S, Hasan S, Martínez DM, You H, Lavin M, Jones MK, Ragan MA, Stoye J, Oleaga A, Emery AM, Webster BL, Rollinson D, Gasser RB, McManus DP, Krause L. Whole-genome sequence of the bovine blood fluke Schistosoma bovis supports interspecific hybridization with S. haematobium. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1007513. [PMID: 30673782 PMCID: PMC6361461 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenteric infection by the parasitic blood fluke Schistosoma bovis is a common veterinary problem in Africa and the Middle East and occasionally in the Mediterranean Region. The species also has the ability to form interspecific hybrids with the human parasite S. haematobium with natural hybridisation observed in West Africa, presenting possible zoonotic transmission. Additionally, this exchange of alleles between species may dramatically influence disease dynamics and parasite evolution. We have generated a 374 Mb assembly of the S. bovis genome using Illumina and PacBio-based technologies. Despite infecting different hosts and organs, the genome sequences of S. bovis and S. haematobium appeared strikingly similar with 97% sequence identity. The two species share 98% of protein-coding genes, with an average sequence identity of 97.3% at the amino acid level. Genome comparison identified large continuous parts of the genome (up to several 100 kb) showing almost 100% sequence identity between S. bovis and S. haematobium. It is unlikely that this is a result of genome conservation and provides further evidence of natural interspecific hybridization between S. bovis and S. haematobium. Our results suggest that foreign DNA obtained by interspecific hybridization was maintained in the population through multiple meiosis cycles and that hybrids were sexually reproductive, producing viable offspring. The S. bovis genome assembly forms a highly valuable resource for studying schistosome evolution and exploring genetic regions that are associated with species-specific phenotypic traits. In this article we detail the assembly and functional annotation of the Schistosoma bovis genome. S. bovis is a parasitic flatworm that primarily infects bovines, with important economic consequences in affected countries. However, it is also a close relative of the human carcinogenic parasite Schistosoma haematobium which is a serious health issue in many endemic countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The close relationship and overlapping geographical distribution of S. bovis and S. haematobium allows these to hybridise in the wild increasing their genetic diversity and presenting the risk of zoonotic transmission, i.e. the transmission from animals to humans. The hybridization between human and ruminant schistosomes is of particular interest as interspecific hybridization may have dramatic impacts on transmission rates, disease dynamics, control interventions and parasite evolution. By whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomics we present evidence that fertile hybrids are indeed present in the wild, presenting the potential risk of transmission from animal reservoirs to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Oey
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Martha Zakrzewski
- Genetics & Computational Biology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kerstin Gravermann
- Faculty of Technology and Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Neil D. Young
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Pasi K. Korhonen
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N. Gobert
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Sujeevi Nawaratna
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Shihab Hasan
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Genetics & Computational Biology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - David M. Martínez
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Hong You
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Martin Lavin
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Malcolm K. Jones
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, Australia
| | - Mark A. Ragan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jens Stoye
- Faculty of Technology and Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Ana Oleaga
- Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Aidan M. Emery
- Natural History Museum, Life Sciences Department, Parasites and Vectors Division, Cromwell Road, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bonnie L. Webster
- Natural History Museum, Life Sciences Department, Parasites and Vectors Division, Cromwell Road, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Rollinson
- Natural History Museum, Life Sciences Department, Parasites and Vectors Division, Cromwell Road, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Lutz Krause
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Genetics & Computational Biology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- * E-mail:
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17
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Oey H, Zakrzewski M, Narain K, Devi KR, Agatsuma T, Nawaratna S, Gobert GN, Jones MK, Ragan MA, McManus DP, Krause L. Whole-genome sequence of the oriental lung fluke Paragonimus westermani. Gigascience 2019; 8:5232231. [PMID: 30520948 PMCID: PMC6329441 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giy146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Foodborne infections caused by lung flukes of the genus Paragonimus are a significant and widespread public health problem in tropical areas. Approximately 50 Paragonimus species have been reported to infect animals and humans, but Paragonimus westermani is responsible for the bulk of human disease. Despite their medical and economic importance, no genome sequence for any Paragonimus species is available. Results We sequenced and assembled the genome of P. westermani, which is among the largest of the known pathogen genomes with an estimated size of 1.1 Gb. A 922.8 Mb genome assembly was generated from Illumina and Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) sequence data, covering 84% of the estimated genome size. The genome has a high proportion (45%) of repeat-derived DNA, particularly of the long interspersed element and long terminal repeat subtypes, and the expansion of these elements may explain some of the large size. We predicted 12,852 protein coding genes, showing a high level of conservation with related trematode species. The majority of proteins (80%) had homologs in the human liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini, with an average sequence identity of 64.1%. Assembly of the P. westermani mitochondrial genome from long PacBio reads resulted in a single high-quality circularized 20.6 kb contig. The contig harbored a 6.9 kb region of non-coding repetitive DNA comprised of three distinct repeat units. Our results suggest that the region is highly polymorphic in P. westermani, possibly even within single worm isolates. Conclusions The generated assembly represents the first Paragonimus genome sequence and will facilitate future molecular studies of this important, but neglected, parasite group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Oey
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, 37 Kent St, Translational Research Institute (TRI), Wooloongabba, QLD 4102
- Correspondence address. Harald Oey, Address: The university of Queensland Diamantina Institute, 37 Kent St, Translational Research Institute (TRI), Wooloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia. E-mail:
| | - Martha Zakrzewski
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Kanwar Narain
- ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Dibrugarh - 786010, Assam, India
| | - K Rekha Devi
- ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Dibrugarh - 786010, Assam, India
| | - Takeshi Agatsuma
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Kochi University, Kohasu, Oko, Nankoku City 783–8505, Japan
| | - Sujeevi Nawaratna
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, QLD 4006, Australia
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, QLD 4006, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm K Jones
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
| | - Mark A Ragan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Lutz Krause
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, 37 Kent St, Translational Research Institute (TRI), Wooloongabba, QLD 4102
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, QLD 4006, Australia
- Correspondence address. Lutz Krause, Address: The university of Queensland Diamantina Institute, 37 Kent St, Translational Research Institute (TRI), Wooloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia. E-mail:
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18
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Weerakoon KG, Gordon CA, Williams GM, Cai P, Gobert GN, Olveda RM, Ross AG, Olveda DU, McManus DP. Co-parasitism of intestinal protozoa and Schistosoma japonicum in a rural community in the Philippines. Infect Dis Poverty 2018; 7:121. [PMID: 30526666 PMCID: PMC6287361 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-018-0504-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Co-parasitism is a frequent occurrence in impoverished communities in the tropics resulting in a considerable disease burden. While there are extensive reports of intestinal helminthiases, including schistosomiasis japonica, the occurrence and extent of diseases caused by intestinal protozoa (IP) have yet to be investigated in depth in the Philippines. We present a detailed analysis of polyparasitism in a rural community of Northern Samar, focusing on co-infections of IP with Schistosoma japonicum. Methods A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in 2015 across 18 barangays (villages) endemic for S. japonicum in Northern Samar, the Philippines to assess the burden of human schistosomiasis and IP infections. Faecal samples collected from 412 participants from the 18 barangays were included in the final molecular analysis. A multiplex quantitative PCR assay was developed and used for the detection of Blastocystis spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in stool samples. The findings were combined with previous results of droplet digital PCR diagnosis of individuals from the same 18 barangays infected with S. japonicum determined using the same stool samples for analysis. Results Mean age of the study participants was 40.3 years (95% CI: 38.8–41.8) with 53% (n = 218) being males. Prevalence of S. japonicum (74.5%) and Blastocystis spp. (58.7%) was significantly higher compared to other infections, with E. histolytica having the lowest prevalence (12.1%). A majority of individuals were infected with more than one parasite with two infections being most common (n = 175, 42.5%). The prevalence of individuals with two parasites was significantly higher than all others with 27.9% (n = 115) subjects harbouring a single parasite species. Of individuals with two infections, S. japonicum and Blastocystis spp. were the most common combination (n = 110, 62.9%). Examining age within the population, 58.5% (n = 38) of school-aged children and 60.1% (n = 14) of women of child bearing age harboured at least two parasite species. Conclusions The study revealed that polyparasitism with IP infections and schistosomiasis japonica is highly prevalent in individuals in Northern Samar which likely contributes to the significant public health and socio-economic burden suffered by this population. More generally, the findings are of relevance when considering implementation of integrated control strategies for intestinal parasites. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40249-018-0504-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosala Gayan Weerakoon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia. .,School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4006, Australia. .,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, 50008, Sri Lanka.
| | - Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia
| | - Gail M Williams
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4006, Australia
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Remigio M Olveda
- Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Department of Health, Manila, 1781, Philippines
| | - Allen G Ross
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 4222, Australia
| | - David U Olveda
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 4222, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia.
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19
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Zhang T, Mo XJ, Xu B, Yang Z, Gobert GN, Yan S, Feng Z, Hu W. Enzyme activity of Schistosoma japonicum cercarial elastase SjCE-2b ascertained by in vitro refolded recombinant protein. Acta Trop 2018; 187:15-22. [PMID: 30017495 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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: 02/04/2018] [Revised: 06/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Cercarial elastase (CE) secreted from cercariae is evinced to play a pivotal role in initial skin penetration of mammalian host. SjCE-2b, a Schistosoma japonicum CE orthologous to SmCE-2b in S. mansoni, was previously found present in cercarial stage to aid skin invasion, but its enzyme activity has not been validated due to the insolubility and altered conformation when expressed recombinantly in bacteria as inclusion bodies. We report here for the first time a bioactive and soluble recombinant SjCE-2b recovered successfully from inclusion bodies by refolding approaches, enabling our biochemical and immunological investigation of this enzyme. Using a "two-step-denaturing and refolding" method, we recovered an 83% yield with 90% purity of refolded protein. Proteolytic activity of rSjCE-2b was demonstrated and characterized by enzymatic assay, showing a Km of 0.116 mM and a specific activity of 1900 nmol p-nitroaniline/min/mg protein. A significant immunoprotective response was evidenced in mice immunized with refolded rSjCE-2b. The result of immunoprotection test is at apparent variance with previously reported findings using S. mansoni CE preparation, which was poorly immunogenic in immunized animals. This work extends the knowledge of schistosome cercarial protease, and presents a bioactive form of S. japonicum recombinant CE with high yield and good quality. This will allow further biochemical and biological investigations to explore schistosome CE activity and better understand the molecular mechanisms associated with cercarial skin invasion of the mammalian host.
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Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a common pathology in various liver diseases. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the main cell type responsible for collagen deposition and fibrosis formation in the liver. Schistosomiasis is characterised by granulomatous fibrosis around parasite eggs trapped within the liver and other host tissues. This response is facilitated by the recruitment of immune cells and the activation of HSCs. The interactions between HSCs and schistosome eggs are complex and diverse, and a better understanding of these interactions could lead to improved resolution of fibrotic liver disease, including that associated with schistosomiasis. Here, we discuss recent advances in HSC biology and the role of HSCs in hepatic schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack P Carson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Grant A Ramm
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Locked Bag 2000, Royal Brisbane Hospital QLD 4029, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Level 6, Oral Health Centre (Building), Herston Road, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Mark W Robinson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Donald P McManus
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Locked Bag 2000, Royal Brisbane Hospital QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK.
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21
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Weerakoon KG, Gordon CA, Williams GM, Cai P, Gobert GN, Olveda RM, Ross AG, Olveda DU, McManus DP. Droplet Digital PCR Diagnosis of Human Schistosomiasis: Parasite Cell-Free DNA Detection in Diverse Clinical Samples. J Infect Dis 2017; 216:1611-1622. [DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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22
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Sanchez MC, Krasnec KV, Parra AS, von Cabanlong C, Gobert GN, Umylny B, Cupit PM, Cunningham C. Effect of praziquantel on the differential expression of mouse hepatic genes and parasite ATP binding cassette transporter gene family members during Schistosoma mansoni infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017. [PMID: 28650976 PMCID: PMC5501684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a chronic parasitic disease caused by sexually dimorphic blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the only drug widely available to treat the disease but does not kill juvenile parasites. Here we report the use of next generation sequencing to study the transcriptional effect of PZQ on murine hepatic inflammatory, immune and fibrotic responses to Schistosoma mansoni worms and eggs. An initial T helper cell 1 (Th1) response is induced against schistosomes in mice treated with drug vehicle (Vh) around the time egg laying begins, followed by a T helper cell 2 (Th2) response and the induction of genes whose action leads to granuloma formation and fibrosis. When PZQ is administered at this time, there is a significant reduction in egg burden yet the hepatic Th1, Th2 and fibrotic responses are still observed in the absence of granuloma formation suggesting some degree of gene regulation may be induced by antigens released from the dying adult worms. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to examine the relative expression of 16 juvenile and adult S. mansoni genes during infection and their response to Vh and PZQ treatment in vivo. While the response of stress genes in adult parasites suggests the worms were alive immediately following exposure to PZQ, they were unable to induce transcription of any of the 9 genes encoding ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters tested. In contrast, juvenile schistosomes were able to significantly induce the activities of ABCB, C and G family members, underscoring the possibility that these efflux systems play a major role in drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa C. Sanchez
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Katina V. Krasnec
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Amalia S. Parra
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Christian von Cabanlong
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Geoffrey N. Gobert
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Boris Umylny
- National Center for Genome Resources, Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Pauline M. Cupit
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Charles Cunningham
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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23
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You H, Gobert GN, Du X, Pali G, Cai P, Jones MK, McManus DP. Functional characterisation of Schistosoma japonicum acetylcholinesterase. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:328. [PMID: 27283196 PMCID: PMC4901427 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1615-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an important metabolic enzyme of schistosomes present in the musculature and on the surface of the blood stage where it has been implicated in the modulation of glucose scavenging from mammalian host blood. As both a target for the antischistosomal drug metrifonate and as a potential vaccine candidate, AChE has been characterised in the schistosome species Schistosoma mansoni, S. haematobium and S. bovis, but not in S. japonicum. Recently, using a schistosome protein microarray, a predicted S. japonicum acetylcholinesterase precursor was significantly targeted by protective IgG1 immune responses in S. haematobium-exposed individuals that had acquired drug-induced resistance to schistosomiasis after praziquantel treatment. RESULTS We report the full-length cDNA sequence and describe phylogenetic and molecular structural analysis to facilitate understanding of the biological function of AChE (SjAChE) in S. japonicum. The protein has high sequence identity (88 %) with the AChEs in S. mansoni, S. haematobium and S. bovis and has 25 % sequence similarity with human AChE, suggestive of a highly specialised role for the enzyme in both parasite and host. We immunolocalized SjAChE and demonstrated its presence on the surface of adult worms and schistosomula, as well as its lower expression in parenchymal regions. The relatively abundance of AChE activity (90 %) present on the surface of adult S. japonicum when compared with that reported in other schistosomes suggests SjAChE may be a more effective drug or immunological target against this species. We also demonstrate that the classical inhibitor of AChE, BW285c51, inhibited AChE activity in tegumental extracts of paired worms, single males and single females by 59, 22 and 50 %, respectively, after 24 h incubation with 200 μM BW284c51. CONCLUSIONS These results build on previous studies in other schistosome species indicating major differences in the enzyme between parasite and mammalian host, and provide further support for the design of an anti-schistosome intervention targeting AChE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong You
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Xiaofeng Du
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gabor Pali
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Malcolm K Jones
- School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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Cai P, Liu S, Piao X, Hou N, Gobert GN, McManus DP, Chen Q. Comprehensive Transcriptome Analysis of Sex-Biased Expressed Genes Reveals Discrete Biological and Physiological Features of Male and Female Schistosoma japonicum. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004684. [PMID: 27128440 PMCID: PMC4851400 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a chronic and debilitating disease caused by blood flukes (digenetic trematodes) of the genus Schistosoma. Schistosomes are sexually dimorphic and exhibit dramatic morphological changes during a complex lifecycle which requires subtle gene regulatory mechanisms to fulfil these complex biological processes. In the current study, a 41,982 features custom DNA microarray, which represents the most comprehensive probe coverage for any schistosome transcriptome study, was designed based on public domain and local databases to explore differential gene expression in S. japonicum. We found that approximately 1/10 of the total annotated genes in the S. japonicum genome are differentially expressed between adult males and females. In general, genes associated with the cytoskeleton, and motor and neuronal activities were readily expressed in male adult worms, whereas genes involved in amino acid metabolism, nucleotide biosynthesis, gluconeogenesis, glycosylation, cell cycle processes, DNA synthesis and genome fidelity and stability were enriched in females. Further, miRNAs target sites within these gene sets were predicted, which provides a scenario whereby the miRNAs potentially regulate these sex-biased expressed genes. The study significantly expands the expressional and regulatory characteristics of gender-biased expressed genes in schistosomes with high accuracy. The data provide a better appreciation of the biological and physiological features of male and female schistosome parasites, which may lead to novel vaccine targets and the development of new therapeutic interventions. Schistosomiasis is a persistent but neglected parasitic disease, afflicting more than 200 million people worldwide. Complex gene regulatory mechanisms are equipped by its causative reagents, parasites of the genus Schistosoma. Dissecting these mechanisms thus will be beneficial for better control of the disease. DNA microarrays are flexible tools for profiling gene expression. Here, a custom printed microarray with a comprehensive coverage of the Schistosoma japonicum transcriptome, was utilised to decipher gender-associated genes of that species. A total of 685 and 430 mRNA transcripts were shown to be highly expressed in adult males and females, respectively. Genes enriched in the male adults were associated with cytoskeleton, motor and neuronal activities, whereas genes expressed more highly in female parasites were involved in amino acid metabolism, nucleotide biosynthesis, gluconeogenesis, glycosylation, cell cycle processes, DNA synthesis and genome fidelity and stability. A general scenario on how miRNAs potentially modulate these gender-associated genes is provided. The results here further highlight the transcriptomic differences between male and female parasites and provide a stepping-stone for identifying new vaccine and drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Cai
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail: (PC); (DPM); (QC)
| | - Shuai Liu
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xianyu Piao
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Nan Hou
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Geoffrey N. Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail: (PC); (DPM); (QC)
| | - Qijun Chen
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang, P.R. China
- * E-mail: (PC); (DPM); (QC)
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Weerakoon KG, Gordon CA, Gobert GN, Cai P, McManus DP. Optimisation of a droplet digital PCR assay for the diagnosis of Schistosoma japonicum infection: A duplex approach with DNA binding dye chemistry. J Microbiol Methods 2016; 125:19-27. [PMID: 27021661 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2016.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a chronically debilitating helminth infection with a significant socio-economic and public health impact. Accurate diagnostics play a pivotal role in achieving current schistosomiasis control and elimination goals. However, many of the current diagnostic procedures, which rely on detection of schistosome eggs, have major limitations including lack of accuracy and the inability to detect pre-patent infections. DNA-based detection methods provide a viable alternative to the current tests commonly used for schistosomiasis diagnosis. Here we describe the optimisation of a novel droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) duplex assay for the diagnosis of Schistosoma japonicum infection which provides improved detection sensitivity and specificity. The assay involves the amplification of two specific and abundant target gene sequences in S. japonicum; a retrotransposon (SjR2) and a portion of a mitochondrial gene (nad1). The assay detected target sequences in different sources of schistosome DNA isolated from adult worms, schistosomules and eggs, and exhibits a high level of specificity, thereby representing an ideal tool for the detection of low levels of parasite DNA in different clinical samples including parasite cell free DNA in the host circulation and other bodily fluids. Moreover, being quantitative, the assay can be used to determine parasite infection intensity and, could provide an important tool for the detection of low intensity infections in low prevalence schistosomiasis-endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosala G Weerakoon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia; School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka.
| | - Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
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26
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Gordon CA, McManus DP, Jones MK, Gray DJ, Gobert GN. The Increase of Exotic Zoonotic Helminth Infections: The Impact of Urbanization, Climate Change and Globalization. Adv Parasitol 2016; 91:311-97. [PMID: 27015952 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2015.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Zoonotic parasitic diseases are increasingly impacting human populations due to the effects of globalization, urbanization and climate change. Here we review the recent literature on the most important helminth zoonoses, including reports of incidence and prevalence. We discuss those helminth diseases which are increasing in endemic areas and consider their geographical spread into new regions within the framework of globalization, urbanization and climate change to determine the effect these variables are having on disease incidence, transmission and the associated challenges presented for public health initiatives, including control and elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Malcolm K Jones
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Darren J Gray
- Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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27
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Cai P, Gobert GN, You H, McManus DP. The Tao survivorship of schistosomes: implications for schistosomiasis control. Int J Parasitol 2016; 46:453-63. [PMID: 26873753 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma, is a major public health problem which contributes substantially to the economic and financial burdens of many nations in the developing world. An array of survival strategies, such as the unique structure of the tegument which acts as a major host-parasite interface, immune modulation mechanisms, gene regulation, and apoptosis and self-renewal have been adopted by schistosome parasites over the course of long-term evolution with their mammalian definitive hosts. Recent generation of complete schistosome genomes together with numerous biological, immunological, high-throughput "-omics" and gene function studies have revealed the Tao or strategies that schistosomes employ not only to promote long-term survival, but also to ensure effective life cycle transmission. New scenarios for the future control of this important neglected tropical disease will present themselves as our understanding of these Tao increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hong You
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia.
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28
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Chuah C, Jones MK, McManus DP, Nawaratna SK, Burke ML, Owen HC, Ramm GA, Gobert GN. Characterising granuloma regression and liver recovery in a murine model of schistosomiasis japonica. Int J Parasitol 2016; 46:239-52. [PMID: 26812024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
For hepatic schistosomiasis the egg-induced granulomatous response and the development of extensive fibrosis are the main pathologies. We used a Schistosoma japonicum-infected mouse model to characterise the multi-cellular pathways associated with the recovery from hepatic fibrosis following clearance of the infection with the anti-schistosomal drug, praziquantel. In the recovering liver splenomegaly, granuloma density and liver fibrosis were all reduced. Inflammatory cell infiltration into the liver was evident, and the numbers of neutrophils, eosinophils and macrophages were significantly decreased. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the up-regulation of fatty acid metabolism genes and the identification of Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha as the upstream regulator of liver recovery. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor signalling pathway which regulates xenobiotic metabolism was also differentially up-regulated. These findings provide a better understanding of the mechanisms associated with the regression of hepatic schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candy Chuah
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld 4006, Australia; School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Malcolm K Jones
- School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld 4006, Australia
| | | | - Melissa L Burke
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld 4006, Australia
| | - Helen C Owen
- School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
| | - Grant A Ramm
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld 4006, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld 4006, Australia.
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Cai P, Gobert GN, McManus DP. MicroRNAs in Parasitic Helminthiases: Current Status and Future Perspectives. Trends Parasitol 2016; 32:71-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Revised: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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30
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Ranasinghe SL, Fischer K, Zhang W, Gobert GN, McManus DP. Cloning and Characterization of Two Potent Kunitz Type Protease Inhibitors from Echinococcus granulosus. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004268. [PMID: 26645974 PMCID: PMC4672886 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus is responsible for cystic echinococcosis (CE), a cosmopolitan disease which imposes a significant burden on the health and economy of affected communities. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms whereby E. granulosus is able to survive in the hostile mammalian host environment, avoiding attack by host enzymes and evading immune responses, but protease inhibitors released by the parasite are likely implicated. We identified two nucleotide sequences corresponding to secreted single domain Kunitz type protease inhibitors (EgKIs) in the E. granulosus genome, and their cDNAs were cloned, bacterially expressed and purified. EgKI-1 is highly expressed in the oncosphere (egg) stage and is a potent chymotrypsin and neutrophil elastase inhibitor that binds calcium and reduced neutrophil infiltration in a local inflammation model. EgKI-2 is highly expressed in adult worms and is a potent inhibitor of trypsin. As powerful inhibitors of mammalian intestinal proteases, the EgKIs may play a pivotal protective role in preventing proteolytic enzyme attack thereby ensuring survival of E. granulosus within its mammalian hosts. EgKI-1 may also be involved in the oncosphere in host immune evasion by inhibiting neutrophil elastase and cathepsin G once this stage is exposed to the mammalian blood system. In light of their key roles in protecting E. granulosus from host enzymatic attack, the EgKI proteins represent potential intervention targets to control CE. This is important as new public health measures against CE are required, given the inefficiencies of available drugs and the current difficulties in its treatment and control. In addition, being a small sized highly potent serine protease inhibitor, and an inhibitor of neutrophil chemotaxis, EgKI-1 may have clinical potential as a novel anti-inflammatory therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwanthi L. Ranasinghe
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Katja Fischer
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Wenbao Zhang
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
- Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Geoffrey N. Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
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Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease of clinical significance that, despite years of research, still requires an effective vaccine and improved diagnostics for surveillance, control and potential elimination. Furthermore, the causes of host pathology during schistosomiasis are still not completely understood. The recent sequencing of the genomes of the three key schistosome species has enabled the discovery of many new possible vaccine and drug targets, as well as diagnostic biomarkers, using high-throughput and sensitive proteomics methods. This review focuses on the literature of the last 5 years that has reported on the use of proteomics to both better understand the biology of the schistosome parasites and the disease they cause in definitive mammalian hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Driguez
- a QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Infectious Disease Division , Brisbane , Queensland , Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- a QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Infectious Disease Division , Brisbane , Queensland , Australia
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- a QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Infectious Disease Division , Brisbane , Queensland , Australia
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32
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Nawaratna SSK, Gobert GN, Willis C, Mulvenna J, Hofmann A, McManus DP, Jones MK. Lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein (LAMP)--preliminary study on a hidden antigen target for vaccination against schistosomiasis. Sci Rep 2015; 5:15069. [PMID: 26472258 PMCID: PMC4607944 DOI: 10.1038/srep15069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previously reported gene atlasing of schistosome tissues revealed transcripts that were highly enriched in the digestive tract of Schistosoma mansoni. From these, we selected two candidates, Sm-LAMP and Sm-NPC2 for testing as vaccine targets. The two molecules were selected on the basis of relatively high expression in the gastrodermis, their potentially important biological function, divergence from homologous molecules of the host and possible apical membrane expression in the gastrodermis. Bacterially expressed recombinant peptides corresponding to regions excluding trans-membrane domains of the selected vaccine targets were used in blinded vaccine trials in CBA mice using alum-CpG as adjuvant. Vaccine trials using the recombinant insoluble Sm-LAMP protein showed 16-25% significant reduction in total worm burden. Faecal egg count reduction was 52% and 60% in two trials, respectively, with similar results for the solubly expressed protein. Liver egg burden was reduced significantly (20% and 38%) with an insoluble recombinant Sm-LAMP in two trials, but not with the soluble recombinant form. Parasite fecundity was not affected by either Sm-LAMP protein preparations in the trials. It is concluded that Sm-LAMP may provide limited protection towards S. mansoni infections but could be used in combination with other vaccine candidates, to provide more comprehensive protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujeevi S. K. Nawaratna
- School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, Gatton Qld, 4343, Australia
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Qld, 4006, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N. Gobert
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Qld, 4006, Australia
| | - Charlene Willis
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Qld, 4006, Australia
| | - Jason Mulvenna
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Qld, 4006, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Structural Chemistry Program, Eskitis Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Qld 4111, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Qld, 4006, Australia
| | - Malcolm K. Jones
- School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, Gatton Qld, 4343, Australia
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Qld, 4006, Australia
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Toh SQ, Gobert GN, Malagón Martínez D, Jones MK. Haem uptake is essential for egg production in the haematophagous blood fluke of humans, Schistosoma mansoni. FEBS J 2015; 282:3632-46. [PMID: 26153121 DOI: 10.1111/febs.13368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 01/20/2015] [Revised: 05/31/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomes ingest host erythrocytes, liberating large quantities of haem. Despite its toxicity, haem is an essential factor for numerous biological reactions, and may be an important iron source for these helminths. We used a fluorescence haem analogue, palladium mesoporphyrin, to investigate pathways of haem acquisition, and showed that palladium mesoporphyrin accumulates in the vitellaria (eggshell precursor glands) and ovary of female Schistosoma mansoni. Furthermore, incubation of adult females in 10-100 μm cyclosporin A (IC50 = 2.3 μm) inhibits the uptake of palladium mesoporphyrin to these tissues, with tenfold reductions in fluorescence intensity of the ovary. In vitro exposure to cyclosporin A resulted in significant perturbation of egg production, reducing egg output from 34 eggs per female to 5.7 eggs per female over the incubation period, and retardation of egg development. We characterized a S. mansoni homologue of the haem-responsive genes of Caenorhabditis elegans. The gene (Smhrg-1) encodes a protein with a molecular weight of approximately 17 kDa. SmHRG-1 was able to rescue growth in haem transport-deficient HEM1Δ yeast. Transcriptional suppression of Smhrg-1 in adult S. mansoni worms resulted in significant delay in egg maturation, with 47% of eggs from transcriptionally suppressed worms being identified as immature compared with only 27% of eggs laid by control worms treated with firefly luciferase. Our findings indicate the presence of transmembrane haem transporters in schistosomes, with a high abundance of these molecules being present in tissues involved in oogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Qin Toh
- School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia.,QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Malcolm K Jones
- School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia.,QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
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Ranasinghe SL, Fischer K, Gobert GN, McManus DP. Functional expression of a novel Kunitz type protease inhibitor from the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:408. [PMID: 26238343 PMCID: PMC4524284 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1022-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomes are able to survive for prolonged periods in the blood system, despite continuous contact with coagulatory factors and mediators of the host immune system. Protease inhibitors likely play a critical role in host immune modulation thereby promoting parasite survival in this extremely hostile environment. Even though Kunitz type serine protease inhibitors have been shown to play important physiological functions in a range of organisms these proteins are less well characterised in parasitic helminths. METHODS We have cloned one gene sequence from S. mansoni, Smp_147730 (SmKI-1) which is coded for single domain Kunitz type protease inhibitor, E. coli-expressed and purified. Immunolocalisation and western blotting was carried out using affinity purified polyclonal anti-SmKI-1 murine antibodies to determine SmKI-1 expression in the parasite. Protease inhibitor assays and coagulation assays were performed to evaluate the functional roles of SmKI-1. RESULTS SmKI-1 is localised in the tegument of adult worms and the sub-shell region of eggs. Furthermore, this Kunitz protein is secreted into the host in the ES products of the adult worm. Recombinant SmKI-1 inhibited mammalian trypsin, chymotrypsin, neutrophil elastase, FXa and plasma kallikrein with IC50 values of 35 nM, 61 nM, 56 nM, 142 nM and 112 nM, respectively. However, no inhibition was detected for pancreatic elastase or cathepsin G. SmKI-1 (4 μM) delayed blood clot formation, reflected in an approximately three fold increase in activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time. CONCLUSIONS We have functionally characterised the first Kunitz type protease inhibitor (SmKI-1) from S. mansoni and show that it has anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant properties. SmKI-1 is one of a number of putative Kunitz proteins in schistosomes that have presumably evolved as an adaptation to protect these parasites from the defence mechanisms of their mammalian hosts. As such they may represent novel vaccine candidates and/or drug targets for schistosomiasis control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwanthi L Ranasinghe
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia. .,School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Katja Fischer
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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Driguez P, Li Y, Gaze S, Pearson MS, Nakajima R, Trieu A, Doolan DL, Felgner PL, Hou X, Cardoso FC, Jasinskas A, Gobert GN, Loukas A, McManus DP. Antibody Signatures Reflect Different Disease Pathologies in Patients With Schistosomiasis Due to Schistosoma japonicum. J Infect Dis 2015; 213:122-30. [PMID: 26150545 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiv356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with Schistosoma japonicum causes high levels of pathology that is predominantly determined by the cellular and humoral response of the host. However, the specific antibody response that arises during the development of disease is largely undescribed in Asian schistosomiasis-endemic populations. A schistosome protein microarray was used to compare the antibody profiles of subjects with acute infection, with early or advanced disease associated with severe pathology, with chronic infection, and subjects exposed but stool negative for S. japonicum eggs to the antibody profiles of nonexposed controls. Twenty-five immunodominant antigens were identified, including vaccine candidates, tetraspanin-related proteins, transporter molecules, and unannotated proteins. Additionally, individuals with severe pathology had a limited specific antibody response, suggesting that individuals with mild disease may use a broad and strong antibody response, particularly against surface-exposed proteins, to control pathology and/or infection. Our study has identified specific antigens that can discriminate between S. japonicum-exposed groups with different pathologies and may also allow the host to control disease pathology and provide resistance to parasite infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuesheng Li
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Yueyang, China
| | - Soraya Gaze
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, Queensland Tropical Health Alliance Laboratory, James Cook University, Cairns Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mark S Pearson
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, Queensland Tropical Health Alliance Laboratory, James Cook University, Cairns
| | | | - Angela Trieu
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane
| | | | | | - Xunya Hou
- Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Yueyang, China
| | - Fernanda C Cardoso
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane Institute for Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | | | | | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, Queensland Tropical Health Alliance Laboratory, James Cook University, Cairns
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Gobert GN, Nawaratna SK, Harvie M, Ramm GA, McManus DP. An ex vivo model for studying hepatic schistosomiasis and the effect of released protein from dying eggs. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003760. [PMID: 25965781 PMCID: PMC4428699 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We report the use of an ex vivo precision cut liver slice (PCLS) mouse model for studying hepatic schistosomiasis. In this system, liver tissue is unfixed, unfrozen, and alive for maintenance in culture and subsequent molecular analysis. METHODS AND FINDINGS Using thick naive mouse liver tissue and sterile culture conditions, the addition of soluble egg antigen (SEA) derived from Schistosoma japonicum eggs, followed 4, 24 and 48 hrs time points. Tissue was collected for transcriptional analysis and supernatants collected to quantitate liver enzymes, cytokines and chemokines. No significant hepatotoxicity was demonstrated by supernatant liver enzymes due to the presence of SEA. A proinflammatory response was observed both at the transcriptional level and at the protein level by cytokine and chemokine bead assay. Key genes observed elevated transcription in response to the addition of SEA included: IL1-α and IL1-β, IL6, all associated with inflammation. The recruitment of antigen presenting cells was reflected in increases in transcription of CD40, CCL4 and CSF1. Indications of tissue remodeling were seen in elevated gene expression of various Matrix MetalloProteinases (MMP3, 9, 10, 13) and delayed increases in TIMP1. Collagen deposition was significantly reduced in the presence of SEA as shown in COL1A1 expression by qPCR after 24 hrs culture. Cytokine and chemokine analysis of the culture supernatants confirmed the elevation of proteins including IL6, CCL3, CCL4 and CXCL5. CONCLUSIONS This ex vivo model system for the synchronised delivery of parasite antigen to liver tissue provides an insight into the early phase of hepatic schistosomiasis, corresponding with the release of soluble proteins from dying schistosome eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey N. Gobert
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Marina Harvie
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Grant A. Ramm
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
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You H, Gobert GN, Cai P, Mou R, Nawaratna S, Fang G, Villinger F, McManus DP. Suppression of the Insulin Receptors in Adult Schistosoma japonicum Impacts on Parasite Growth and Development: Further Evidence of Vaccine Potential. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003730. [PMID: 25961574 PMCID: PMC4427307 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
To further investigate the importance of insulin signaling in the growth, development, sexual maturation and egg production of adult schistosomes, we have focused attention on the insulin receptors (SjIRs) of Schistosoma japonicum, which we have previously cloned and partially characterised. We now show, by Biolayer Interferometry, that human insulin can bind the L1 subdomain (insulin binding domain) of recombinant (r)SjIR1 and rSjIR2 (designated SjLD1 and SjLD2) produced using the Drosophila S2 protein expression system. We have then used RNA interference (RNAi) to knock down the expression of the SjIRs in adult S. japonicum in vitro and show that, in addition to their reduced transcription, the transcript levels of other important downstream genes within the insulin pathway, associated with glucose metabolism and schistosome fecundity, were also impacted substantially. Further, a significant decrease in glucose uptake was observed in the SjIR-knockdown worms compared with luciferase controls. In vaccine/challenge experiments, we found that rSjLD1 and rSjLD2 depressed female growth, intestinal granuloma density and faecal egg production in S. japonicum in mice presented with a low dose challenge infection. These data re-emphasize the potential of the SjIRs as veterinary transmission blocking vaccine candidates against zoonotic schistosomiasis japonica in China and the Philippines. Schistosomiasis affects over 200 million people globally. An anti-schistosome vaccine is not currently available. Schistosome eggs play a critical role in host pathology and the transmission of schistosomiasis; thus a vaccine targeting parasite fecundity and/or egg viability represents a realistic strategy for blocking transmission, promoting disease control in endemic areas. Based on our previous studies on the insulin receptors (SjIRs) of Schistosoma japonicum, as potential vaccine candidates, we have now further investigated the impact of insulin signaling on the growth, development, sexual maturation and egg production of adult schistosomes. Protein binding assays and RNAi strongly support our hypothesis that the insulin pathway in schistosomes is activated by the binding between host insulin and the parasite IRs, regulating the transcription of downstream genes integrally involved in glucose uptake and fecundity in these parasites. This feature was reflected in the striking decreased glucose levels of worms when the SjIRs were knocked down. Furthermore, the importance of the SjIRs in the growth and fecundity of adult S. japonicum was further demonstrated in murine vaccine trials using a low dose cercarial challenge which resulted in depressed female growth and faecal egg production in mice vaccinated with the recombinant L1 subdomains of SjIR1 and SjIR2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong You
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail: (HY); (DPM)
| | - Geoffrey N. Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rong Mou
- Department of Parasitology, Guiyang Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Sujeevi Nawaratna
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Guofu Fang
- Emory Vaccine Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Francois Villinger
- Emory Vaccine Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail: (HY); (DPM)
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Gordon CA, McManus DP, Acosta LP, Olveda RM, Williams GM, Ross AG, Gray DJ, Gobert GN. Multiplex real-time PCR monitoring of intestinal helminths in humans reveals widespread polyparasitism in Northern Samar, the Philippines. Int J Parasitol 2015; 45:477-83. [PMID: 25858090 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2015.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The global socioeconomic importance of helminth parasitic disease is underpinned by the considerable clinical impact on millions of people. While helminth polyparasitism is considered common in the Philippines, little has been done to survey its extent in endemic communities. High morphological similarity of eggs between related species complicates conventional microscopic diagnostic methods which are known to lack sensitivity, particularly in low intensity infections. Multiplex quantitative PCR diagnostic methods can provide rapid, simultaneous identification of multiple helminth species from a single stool sample. We describe a multiplex assay for the differentiation of Ascaris lumbricoides, Necator americanus, Ancylostoma, Taenia saginata and Taenia solium, building on our previously published findings for Schistosoma japonicum. Of 545 human faecal samples examined, 46.6% were positive for at least three different parasite species. High prevalences of S. japonicum (90.64%), A. lumbricoides (58.17%), T. saginata (42.57%) and A. duodenale (48.07%) were recorded. Neither T. solium nor N. americanus were found to be present. The utility of molecular diagnostic methods for monitoring helminth parasite prevalence provides new information on the extent of polyparasitism in the Philippines municipality of Palapag. These methods and findings have potential global implications for the monitoring of neglected tropical diseases and control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia; Discipline of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Luz P Acosta
- Department of Immunology, Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Remigio M Olveda
- Department of Immunology, Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Gail M Williams
- Discipline of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Allen G Ross
- Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
| | - Darren J Gray
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia; Discipline of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
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Gordon CA, Acosta LP, Gobert GN, Jiz M, Olveda RM, Ross AG, Gray DJ, Williams GM, Harn D, Li Y, McManus DP. High prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum and Fasciola gigantica in bovines from Northern Samar, the Philippines. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003108. [PMID: 25643317 PMCID: PMC4313937 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The cause of zoonotic schistosomiasis in the Philippines is Schistosoma japonicum, which infects up to 46 mammalian hosts, including humans and bovines. In China, water buffaloes have been identified as major reservoir hosts for schistosomiasis japonica, contributing up to 75% of human transmission. In the Philippines, water buffaloes (carabao; Bubalus bubalis carabanesis) have, historically, been considered unimportant reservoirs. We therefore revisited the possible role of bovines in schistosome transmission in the Philippines, using the recently described formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation (FEA-SD) technique and a qPCR assay to examine fecal samples from 153 bovines (both carabao and cattle) from six barangays in Northern Samar. A high prevalence of S. japonicum was found using qPCR and FEA-SD in both cattle (87.50% and 77.08%, respectively) and carabao (80.00% and 55.24%, respectively). The average daily egg output for each bovine was calculated at 195,000. High prevalence and infection intensity of F. gigantica was also found in the bovines by qPCR and FEA-SD (95.33% and 96.00%, respectively). The identification of bovines as major reservoir hosts for S. japonicum transmission suggests that bovine treatment and/or vaccination, as one becomes available, should be included in any future control program that aims to reduce the disease burden due to schistosomiasis in the Philippines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A. Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- * E-mail: (CAG); (DPM)
| | - Luz P. Acosta
- Department of Immunology, Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Geoffrey N. Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mario Jiz
- Department of Immunology, Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Remigio M. Olveda
- Department of Immunology, Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Allen G. Ross
- Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Darren J. Gray
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Research School of Population Health, the Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Gail M. Williams
- Discipline of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Donald Harn
- University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Yuesheng Li
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia
- * E-mail: (CAG); (DPM)
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Gordon CA, Acosta LP, Gobert GN, Olveda RM, Ross AG, Williams GM, Gray DJ, Harn D, Li Y, McManus DP. Real-time PCR demonstrates high prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum in the Philippines: implications for surveillance and control. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003483. [PMID: 25606851 PMCID: PMC4301913 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Philippines has a population of approximately 103 million people, of which 6.7 million live in schistosomiasis-endemic areas with 1.8 million people being at risk of infection with Schistosoma japonicum. Although the country-wide prevalence of schistosomiasis japonica in the Philippines is relatively low, the prevalence of schistosomiasis can be high, approaching 65% in some endemic areas. Of the currently available microscopy-based diagnostic techniques for detecting schistosome infections in the Philippines and elsewhere, most exhibit varying diagnostic performances, with the Kato-Katz (KK) method having particularly poor sensitivity for detecting low intensity infections. This suggests that the actual prevalence of schistosomiasis japonica may be much higher than previous reports have indicated. Methodology/Principal Findings Six barangay (villages) were selected to determine the prevalence of S. japonicum in humans in the municipality of Palapag, Northern Samar. Fecal samples were collected from 560 humans and examined by the KK method and a validated real-time PCR (qPCR) assay. A high S. japonicum prevalence (90.2%) was revealed using qPCR whereas the KK method indicated a lower prevalence (22.9%). The geometric mean eggs per gram (GMEPG) determined by the qPCR was 36.5 and 11.5 by the KK. These results, particularly those obtained by the qPCR, indicate that the prevalence of schistosomiasis in this region of the Philippines is much higher than historically reported. Conclusions/Significance Despite being more expensive, qPCR can complement the KK procedure, particularly for surveillance and monitoring of areas where extensive schistosomiasis control has led to low prevalence and intensity infections and where schistosomiasis elimination is on the horizon, as for example in southern China. Schistosomiasis is caused by infection with trematode blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma. Schistosoma japonicum is the causative agent of schistosomiasis in the Philippines, China and parts of Indonesia. In the Philippines, 6.7 million people live in endemic areas and 1.8 million are at risk of infection whereas concerted control efforts over the past 50 years in China have reduced the number of infected individuals considerably. Currently used microscopic techniques for diagnosis, notably the Kato-Katz (KK) technique, lack sensitivity in areas with low intensity schistosome infections. We have used a molecular diagnostic approach (qPCR), to assess the prevalence of S. japonicum in humans from six barangays in Northern Samar, the Philippines. The qPCR performed considerably better than the KK as a diagnostic procedure and could be an important tool in the future for surveillance and monitoring of areas where extensive schistosomiasis control has led to low prevalence and intensity infections and where schistosomiasis elimination is possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine. A. Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- Discipline of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- * E-mail: (CAG); (DPM)
| | - Luz P. Acosta
- Department of Immunology, Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Geoffrey N. Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Remigio M. Olveda
- Department of Immunology, Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Allen G. Ross
- Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gail M. Williams
- Discipline of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Darren J. Gray
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- Discipline of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Research School of Population Health, College of Medicine, Biology and Environment, the Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Donald Harn
- University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Yuesheng Li
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- * E-mail: (CAG); (DPM)
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Nawaratna SSK, Gobert GN, Willis C, Chuah C, McManus DP, Jones MK. Transcriptional profiling of the oesophageal gland region of male worms of Schistosoma mansoni. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2014; 196:82-9. [PMID: 25149559 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2014.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 01/29/2014] [Revised: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The intestinal tract of schistosomes opens at the mouth and leads into the foregut or oesophageal region that is lined with syncytium continuous with the apical cytoplasm of the tegument. The oesophagus is surrounded by a specialised gland, the oesophageal gland. This gland releases materials into the lumen of the oesophagus and the region is thought to initiate the lysis of erythrocytes and neutralisation of immune effectors of the host. The oesophageal region is present in the early invasive schistosomulum, a stage potentially targetable by anti-schistosome vaccines. We used a 44k oligonucleotide microarray to identify highly up-regulated genes in microdissected frozen sections of the oesophageal gland of male worms of S. mansoni. We show that 122 genes were up-regulated 2-fold or higher in the oesophageal gland compared with a whole male worm tissue control. The enriched genes included several associated with lipid metabolism and transmembrane transport as well as some micro-exon genes. Since the oesophageal gland is important in the initiation of digestion and the fact that it develops early after invasion of the mammalian host, further study of selected highly up-regulated functionally important genes in this tissue may reveal new anti-schistosome intervention targets for schistosomiasis control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujeevi S K Nawaratna
- School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Qld 4006, Australia.
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Qld 4006, Australia
| | - Charlene Willis
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Qld 4006, Australia
| | - Candy Chuah
- School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Qld 4006, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Donald P McManus
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Qld 4006, Australia
| | - Malcolm K Jones
- School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Qld 4006, Australia
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Gobert GN, You H, McManus DP. Gaining biological perspectives from schistosome genomes. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2014; 196:21-8. [PMID: 25076011 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2014.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Characterization of the genomic basis underlying schistosome biology is an important strategy for the development of future treatments and interventions. Genomic sequence is now available for the three major clinically relevant schistosome species, Schistosoma mansoni, S. japonicum and S. haematobium, and this information represents an invaluable resource for the future control of human schistosomiasis. The identification of a biologically important, but distinct from the host, schistosome gene product is the ultimate goal for many research groups. While the initial elucidation of the genome of an organism is critical for most biological research, continued improvement or curation of the genome construction should be an ongoing priority. In this review we will discuss prominent recent findings utilizing a systems approach to schistosome biology, as well as the increased use of interference RNA (RNAi). Both of these research strategies are aiming to place parasite genes into a more meaningful biological perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey N Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Hong You
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Molehin AJ, Gobert GN, Driguez P, McManus DP. Characterisation of a secretory serine protease inhibitor (SjB6) from Schistosoma japonicum. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:330. [PMID: 25023829 PMCID: PMC4223420 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proteins belonging to the serine protease inhibitor (serpin) superfamily play essential physiological roles in many organisms. In pathogens, serpins are thought to have evolved specifically to limit host immune responses by interfering with the host immune-stimulatory signals. Serpins are less well characterised in parasitic helminths, although some are thought to be involved in mechanisms associated with host immune modulation. In this study, we cloned and partially characterised a secretory serpin from Schistosoma japonicum termed SjB6, these findings provide the basis for possible functional roles. METHODS SjB6 gene was identified through database mining of our previously published microarray data, cloned and detailed sequence and structural analysis and comparative modelling carried out using various bioinformatics and proteomics tools. Gene transcriptional profiling was determined by real-time PCR and the expression of native protein determined by immunoblotting. An immunological profile of the recombinant protein produced in insect cells was determined by ELISA. RESULTS SjB6 contains an open reading frame of 1160 base pairs that encodes a protein of 387 amino acid residues. Detailed sequence analysis, comparative modelling and structural-based alignment revealed that SjB6 contains the essential structural motifs and consensus secondary structures typical of inhibitory serpins. The presence of an N-terminal signal sequence indicated that SjB6 is a secretory protein. Real-time data indicated that SjB6 is expressed exclusively in the intra-mammalian stage of the parasite life cycle with its highest expression levels in the egg stage (p < 0.0001). The native protein is approximately 60 kDa in size and recombinant SjB6 (rSjB6) was recognised strongly by sera from rats experimentally infected with S. japonicum. CONCLUSIONS The significantly high expression of SjB6 in schistosome eggs, when compared to other life cycle stages, suggests a possible association with disease pathology, while the strong reactivity of sera from experimentally infected rats against rSjB6 suggests that native SjB6 is released into host tissue and induces an immune response. This study presents a comprehensive demonstration of sequence and structural-based analysis of a secretory serpin from a trematode and suggests SjB6 may be associated with important functional roles in S. japonicum, particularly in parasite modulation of the host microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adebayo J Molehin
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston 4006, Australia.
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Chuah C, Jones MK, Burke ML, McManus DP, Owen HC, Gobert GN. Defining a pro-inflammatory neutrophil phenotype in response to schistosome eggs. Cell Microbiol 2014; 16:1666-77. [PMID: 24898449 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [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] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neutrophils contribute to the pathological processes of a number of inflammatory disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, sepsis and cystic fibrosis. Neutrophils also play prominent roles in schistosomiasis japonica liver fibrosis, being central mediators of inflammation following granuloma formation. In this study, we investigated the interaction between Schistosoma japonicum eggs and neutrophils, and the effect of eggs on the inflammatory phenotype of neutrophils. Our results showed significant upregulated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-8) and chemokines (CCL3, CCL4 and CXCL2) in neutrophils after 4 h in vitro stimulation with S. japonicum eggs. Furthermore, mitochondrial DNA was released by stimulated neutrophils, and induced the production of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), a protease involved in inflammation and associated tissue destruction. We also found that intact live eggs and isolated soluble egg antigen (SEA) triggered the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), but, unlike those reported in bacterial or fungal infection, NETs did not kill schistosome eggs in vitro. Together these show that S. japonicum eggs can induce the inflammatory phenotype of neutrophils, and further our understanding of the host-parasite interplay that takes place within the in vivo microenvironment of schistosome-induced granuloma. These findings represent novel findings in a metazoan parasite, and confirm characteristics of NETs that have until now, only been observed in response to protozoan pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candy Chuah
- Parasite Cell Biology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld, 4006, Australia; School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld, 4343, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia
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You H, Stephenson RJ, Gobert GN, McManus DP. Revisiting glucose uptake and metabolism in schistosomes: new molecular insights for improved schistosomiasis therapies. Front Genet 2014; 5:176. [PMID: 24966871 PMCID: PMC4052099 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms required for schistosomes to take up glucose, the major nutritional source exploited by these blood flukes from their mammalian hosts and the subsequent metabolism required to fuel growth and fecundity, can provide new avenues for developing novel interventions for the control of schistosomiasis. This aspect of parasitism is particularly important to paired adult schistosomes, due to their considerable requirements for the energy needed to produce the extensive numbers of eggs laid daily by the female worm. This review describes recent advances in characterizing glucose metabolism in adult schistosomes. Potential intervention targets are discussed within the insulin signaling and glycolysis pathways, both of which play critical roles in the carbohydrate and energy requirements of schistosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong You
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteBrisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Rachel J. Stephenson
- Faculty of Science, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of QueenslandBrisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N. Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteBrisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteBrisbane, QLD, Australia
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Gaze S, Driguez P, Pearson MS, Mendes T, Doolan DL, Trieu A, McManus DP, Gobert GN, Periago MV, Correa Oliveira R, Cardoso FC, Oliveira G, Nakajima R, Jasinskas A, Hung C, Liang L, Pablo J, Bethony JM, Felgner PL, Loukas A. An immunomics approach to schistosome antigen discovery: antibody signatures of naturally resistant and chronically infected individuals from endemic areas. PLoS Pathog 2014; 10:e1004033. [PMID: 24675823 PMCID: PMC3968167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that is responsible for almost 300,000 deaths annually. Mass drug administration (MDA) is used worldwide for the control of schistosomiasis, but chemotherapy fails to prevent reinfection with schistosomes, so MDA alone is not sufficient to eliminate the disease, and a prophylactic vaccine is required. Herein, we take advantage of recent advances in systems biology and longitudinal studies in schistosomiasis endemic areas in Brazil to pilot an immunomics approach to the discovery of schistosomiasis vaccine antigens. We selected mostly surface-derived proteins, produced them using an in vitro rapid translation system and then printed them to generate the first protein microarray for a multi-cellular pathogen. Using well-established Brazilian cohorts of putatively resistant (PR) and chronically infected (CI) individuals stratified by the intensity of their S. mansoni infection, we probed arrays for IgG subclass and IgE responses to these antigens to detect antibody signatures that were reflective of protective vs. non-protective immune responses. Moreover, probing for IgE responses allowed us to identify antigens that might induce potentially deleterious hypersensitivity responses if used as subunit vaccines in endemic populations. Using multi-dimensional cluster analysis we showed that PR individuals mounted a distinct and robust IgG1 response to a small set of newly discovered and well-characterized surface (tegument) antigens in contrast to CI individuals who mounted strong IgE and IgG4 responses to many antigens. Herein, we show the utility of a vaccinomics approach that profiles antibody responses of resistant individuals in a high-throughput multiplex approach for the identification of several potentially protective and safe schistosomiasis vaccine antigens. Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that kills as many as 300,000 people each year. Mass drug administration is widely used to control schistosomiasis, but fails to prevent rapid reinfection in endemic areas. There is a desperate need for a prophylactic vaccine; however, very few candidates have been developed. Herein, we take advantage of recent advances in systems biology and longitudinal studies in schistosomiasis endemic areas to pilot an immunomics approach to the discovery of vaccine antigens. The emerging field of immunomics enables the determination of an “antibody signature” to a pathogen proteome for both resistant and susceptible individuals. We constructed the first protein microarray for a multi-cellular pathogen and probed it with sera from naturally resistant vs. susceptible individuals from a high transmission area in Northeastern Brazil. Using multi-dimensional cluster analysis, we showed that resistant individuals mounted a distinct and robust IgG1 antibody signature to a small set of newly discovered and well-characterized surface antigens in contrast to infected individuals. This antigen discovery strategy can lead to identification of several potentially protective and safe schistosomiasis vaccine antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Gaze
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, Queensland Tropical Health Alliance Laboratory, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Instituto Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Patrick Driguez
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark S. Pearson
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, Queensland Tropical Health Alliance Laboratory, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tiago Mendes
- Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Denise L. Doolan
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Angela Trieu
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N. Gobert
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Maria Victoria Periago
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Instituto Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Correa Oliveira
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Instituto Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda C. Cardoso
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Guilherme Oliveira
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Instituto Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rie Nakajima
- University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Al Jasinskas
- University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Chris Hung
- University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Li Liang
- University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Jozelyn Pablo
- University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey M. Bethony
- George Washington University, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Philip L. Felgner
- University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, Queensland Tropical Health Alliance Laboratory, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Jia X, Schulte L, Loukas A, Pickering D, Pearson M, Mobli M, Jones A, Rosengren KJ, Daly NL, Gobert GN, Jones MK, Craik DJ, Mulvenna J. Solution structure, membrane interactions, and protein binding partners of the tetraspanin Sm-TSP-2, a vaccine antigen from the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:7151-7163. [PMID: 24429291 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.531558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The tetraspanins (TSPs) are a family of integral membrane proteins that are ubiquitously expressed at the surface of eukaryotic cells. TSPs mediate a range of processes at the surface of the plasma membrane by providing a scaffold for the assembly of protein complexes known as tetraspanin-enriched microdomains (TEMs). We report here the structure of the surface-exposed EC2 domain from Sm-TSP-2, a TSP from Schistosoma mansoni and one of the better prospects for the development of a vaccine against schistosomiasis. This is the first solution structure of this domain, and our investigations of its interactions with lipid micelles provide a general model for interactions between TSPs, membranes, and other proteins. Using chemical cross-linking, eight potential protein constituents of Sm-TSP-2-mediated TEMs were also identified. These include proteins important for membrane maintenance and repair, providing further evidence for the functional role of Sm-TSP-2- and Sm-TSP-2-mediated TEMs. The identification of calpain, Sm29, and fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, themselves potential vaccine antigens, suggests that the Sm-TSP-2-mediated TEMs could be disrupted via multiple targets. The identification of further Sm-TSP-2-mediated TEM proteins increases the available candidates for multiplex vaccines and/or novel drugs targeting TEMs in the schistosome tegument.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinying Jia
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Leigh Schulte
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia; The University of Queensland, School of Veterinary Sciences, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Queensland Tropical Health Alliance, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Darren Pickering
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Queensland Tropical Health Alliance, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Mark Pearson
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Queensland Tropical Health Alliance, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Mehdi Mobli
- The University of Queensland, Centre for Advanced Imaging, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Alun Jones
- The University of Queensland, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Karl J Rosengren
- The University of Queensland, School of Biomedical Sciences, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Norelle L Daly
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Queensland Tropical Health Alliance, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Malcolm K Jones
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia; The University of Queensland, School of Veterinary Sciences, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- The University of Queensland, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jason Mulvenna
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia; The University of Queensland, School of Biomedical Sciences, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Chuah C, Jones MK, Burke ML, McManus DP, Gobert GN. Cellular and chemokine-mediated regulation in schistosome-induced hepatic pathology. Trends Parasitol 2014; 30:141-50. [PMID: 24433721 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2013.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [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: 11/22/2013] [Revised: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In hepatic schistosomiasis, pathology arises when schistosome eggs become lodged in the host liver, evoking an interleukin 4 (IL-4)- and IL-13-mediated dominant CD4(+) Th2 immune response. This response leads to the development of granulomas and fibrosis, with eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, hepatic stellate cells, and lymphocytes all identified as major cellular contributors to these events. This review outlines the cellular and molecular mechanisms of hepatic schistosomiasis, with an emphasis on the major cellular components and their release of chemokines. The differences between Schistosoma mansoni- and Schistosoma japonicum-induced hepatic granuloma are also discussed. This comprehensive overview of the processes associated with hepatic schistosomiasis may provide new insights into improved treatment for both schistosomiasis and other granulofibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candy Chuah
- Parasite Cell Biology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia; School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4343, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Malcolm K Jones
- Parasite Cell Biology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia; School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4343, Australia
| | - Melissa L Burke
- Division of Mycobacterial Research, National Institute for Medical Research, London, NW7 1AA, UK
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia.
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Schulte L, Lovas E, Green K, Mulvenna J, Gobert GN, Morgan G, Jones MK. Tetraspanin-2 localisation in high pressure frozen and freeze-substituted Schistosoma mansoni adult males reveals its distribution in membranes of tegumentary vesicles. Int J Parasitol 2013; 43:785-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2013.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2013] [Revised: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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