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Sutipatanasomboon A, Wongsantichon J, Sakdee S, Naksith P, Watthanadirek A, Anuracpreeda P, Blacksell SD, Saisawang C. RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a assay for the diagnosis of bovine Anaplasma marginale infection. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7820. [PMID: 38570576 PMCID: PMC10991388 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58169-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma marginale infection is one of the most common tick-borne diseases, causing a substantial loss in the beef and dairy production industries. Once infected, the pathogen remains in the cattle for life, allowing the parasites to spread to healthy animals. Since clinical manifestations of anaplasmosis occur late in the disease, a sensitive, accurate, and affordable pathogen identification is crucial in preventing and controlling the infection. To this end, we developed an RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a assay specific to A. marginale infection in bovines targeting the msp4 gene. Our assay is performed at one moderately high temperature, producing fluorescent signals or positive readout of a lateral flow dipstick, which is as sensitive as conventional PCR-based DNA amplification. This RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a assay can detect as few as 4 copies/μl of Anaplasma using msp4 marker without cross-reactivity to other common bovine pathogens. Lyophilized components of the assay can be stored at room temperature for an extended period, indicating its potential for field diagnosis and low-resource settings of anaplasmosis in bovines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpaporn Sutipatanasomboon
- Molecular Biosciences Cluster, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Salaya, Thailand
| | - Jantana Wongsantichon
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Somsri Sakdee
- Center for Advanced Therapeutics, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, 25/25 Phuttamonthon 4 Road, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Piyaporn Naksith
- Center for Advanced Therapeutics, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, 25/25 Phuttamonthon 4 Road, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Amaya Watthanadirek
- Molecular Biosciences Cluster, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Salaya, Thailand
| | - Panat Anuracpreeda
- Molecular Biosciences Cluster, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Salaya, Thailand
| | - Stuart D Blacksell
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Chonticha Saisawang
- Center for Advanced Therapeutics, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, 25/25 Phuttamonthon 4 Road, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand.
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Zhang M, Htun NSN, Islam S, Sen A, Islam A, Neogi AK, Tripura R, Dysoley L, Perrone C, Chew R, Batty EM, Thongpiam W, Wongsantichon J, Menggred C, Zaman SI, Waithira N, Blacksell S, Liverani M, Lee S, Maude RJ, Day NPJ, Lubell Y, Peto TJ. Defining the hidden burden of disease in rural communities in Bangladesh, Cambodia and Thailand: a cross-sectional household health survey protocol. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e081079. [PMID: 38521526 PMCID: PMC10961499 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081079] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In low-income and middle-income countries in Southeast Asia, the burden of diseases among rural population remains poorly understood, posing a challenge for effective healthcare prioritisation and resource allocation. Addressing this knowledge gap, the South and Southeast Asia Community-based Trials Network (SEACTN) will undertake a survey that aims to determine the prevalence of a wide range of non-communicable and communicable diseases, as one of the key initiatives of its first project-the Rural Febrile Illness project (RFI). This survey, alongside other RFI studies that explore fever aetiology, leading causes of mortality, and establishing village and health facility maps and profiles, will provide an updated epidemiological background of the rural areas where the network is operational. METHODS AND ANALYSIS During 2022-2023, a cross-sectional household survey will be conducted across three SEACTN sites in Bangladesh, Cambodia and Thailand. Using a two-stage cluster-sampling approach, we will employ a probability-proportional-to-size sample method for village, and a simple random sample for household, selection, enrolling all members from the selected households. Approximately 1500 participants will be enrolled per country. Participants will undergo questionnaire interview, physical examination and haemoglobin point-of-care testing. Blood samples will be collected and sent to central laboratories to test for chronic and acute infections, and biomarkers associated with cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Prevalences will be presented as an overall estimate by country, and stratified and compared across sites and participants' sociodemographic characteristics. Associations between disease status, risk factors and other characteristics will be explored. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study protocol has been approved by the Oxford Tropical Research Ethics Committee, National Research Ethics Committee of Bangladesh Medical Research Council, the Cambodian National Ethics Committee for Health Research, the Chiang Rai Provincial Public Health Research Ethical Committee. The results will be disseminated via the local health authorities and partners, peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05389540.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiwen Zhang
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Shayla Islam
- Communicable Diseases Program, BRAC, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Aninda Sen
- Communicable Diseases Program, BRAC, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Akramul Islam
- Communicable Diseases Program, BRAC, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Rupam Tripura
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Lek Dysoley
- Cambodian National Malaria Control Program, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Carlo Perrone
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rusheng Chew
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elizabeth M Batty
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | | | - Sazid Ibna Zaman
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Naomi Waithira
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Stuart Blacksell
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Marco Liverani
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Sue Lee
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Monash University and Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard James Maude
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Nicholas P J Day
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Yoel Lubell
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Thomas Julian Peto
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Blacksell SD, Le KK, Rungrojn A, Wongsantichon J, Stenos J, Graves SR, Day NPJ. Gaps and inconsistencies in the current knowledge and implementation of biosafety and biosecurity practices for rickettsial pathogens. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:268. [PMID: 38424500 PMCID: PMC10905923 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09151-0] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rickettsia spp. and Orientia spp. are the causes of neglected infections that can lead to severe febrile and systemic illnesses in humans. Implementing proper biosafety practices when handling these pathogens is crucial to ensure a safe and sustainable work environment. It is essential to assess the current knowledge and identify any potential gaps to develop effective measures that minimise the risk of exposure to these pathogens. By doing so, we can establish a comprehensive framework that promotes safety, mitigates hazards, and safeguards the well-being of personnel and the surrounding community. METHODS AND RESULTS This review aimed to synthesise and determine the evidence base for biosafety precautions for Rickettsia spp. and Orientia spp. pathogens. Enhancing our understanding of the relative infectious risk associated with different strains of Rickettsia and Orientia spp. requires identifying the infectious dose of these pathogens that can cause human disease. The application of risk groups for Rickettsia and Orientia spp. is inconsistent across jurisdictions. There is also incomplete evidence regarding decontamination methods for these pathogens. With regards to Orientia spp. most of the available information is derived from experiments conducted with Rickettsia spp. CONCLUSIONS Rickettsia and Orientia spp. are neglected diseases, as demonstrated by the lack of evidence-based and specific biosafety information about these pathogens. In the case of Orientia spp., most of the available information is derived from Rickettsia spp., which may not be appropriate and overstate the risks of working with this pathogen. The advent of effective antibiotic therapy and a better understanding of the true hazards and risks associated with pathogen manipulation should inform decisions, allowing a sustainable and safe work environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart D Blacksell
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Research Medicine Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Department of Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford, Nuffield, Oxford, UK.
| | - Khanh Kim Le
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Research Medicine Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Artharee Rungrojn
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Research Medicine Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jantana Wongsantichon
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Research Medicine Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - John Stenos
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen R Graves
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicholas P J Day
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Research Medicine Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Department of Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford, Nuffield, Oxford, UK
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Looareesuwan P, Aiemjoy K, Charoensakulchai S, Thaipadungpanit J, Wongsantichon J, Tanganuchitcharnchai A, Rungrojn A, Blacksell SD, Matsee W. Diagnostic challenges and antibody kinetics in a paediatric traveller with scrub typhus. J Travel Med 2023; 30:taad143. [PMID: 37952213 PMCID: PMC10755204 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taad143] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Diagnosing scrub typhus in travellers is challenging due to symptom similarities with other travel-related illnesses and limited early diagnostic tools. We present a distinctive case of scrub typhus in a child traveller, providing a comprehensive account of the case, the diagnostic challenges encountered, laboratory findings and the dynamics of antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panita Looareesuwan
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Thai Travel Clinic, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kristen Aiemjoy
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sakarn Charoensakulchai
- Thai Travel Clinic, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Janjira Thaipadungpanit
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jantana Wongsantichon
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ampai Tanganuchitcharnchai
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Artharee Rungrojn
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Stuart D Blacksell
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Wasin Matsee
- Thai Travel Clinic, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Travel Medicine Research Unit, Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Giengkam S, Kullapanich C, Wongsantichon J, Adcox HE, Gillespie JJ, Salje J. Orientia tsutsugamushi: comprehensive analysis of the mobilome of a highly fragmented and repetitive genome reveals the capacity for ongoing lateral gene transfer in an obligate intracellular bacterium. mSphere 2023; 8:e0026823. [PMID: 37850800 PMCID: PMC10732058 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00268-23] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Obligate intracellular bacteria, or those only capable of growth inside other living cells, have limited opportunities for horizontal gene transfer with other microbes due to their isolated replicative niche. The human pathogen Ot, an obligate intracellular bacterium causing scrub typhus, encodes an unusually high copy number of a ~40 gene mobile genetic element that typically facilitates genetic transfer across microbes. This proliferated element is heavily degraded in Ot and previously assumed to be inactive. Here, we conducted a detailed analysis of this element in eight Ot strains and discovered two strains with at least one intact copy. This implies that the element is still capable of moving across Ot populations and suggests that the genome of this bacterium may be even more dynamic than previously appreciated. Our work raises questions about intracellular microbial evolution and sounds an alarm for gene-based efforts focused on diagnosing and combatting scrub typhus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suparat Giengkam
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chitrasak Kullapanich
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jantana Wongsantichon
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Haley E. Adcox
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Joseph J. Gillespie
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeanne Salje
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Tasak N, Apidechkul T, Law ACK, Abdad MY, Srichan P, Perrone C, Tanganuchitcharnchai A, Wongsantichon J, Blacksell SD. Prevalence of and factors associated with scrub typhus exposure among the hill tribe population living in high incidence areas in Thailand: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2394. [PMID: 38041104 PMCID: PMC10693027 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17313-z] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scrub typhus is a significant tropical disease, occurring in rural settings and therefore usually afflicting remote agricultural populations who have lower socioeconomic status and limited access to medical care. A large proportion of the hill tribe people in Thailand are financially poor, have limited education, and do not have adequate health care access. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of and determine factors associated with scrub typhus exposure among the hill tribe population living in high-incidence areas in northern Thailand. METHODS A cross-sectional study design was used to gather information from hill tribe people aged 18 years and over living in ten hill tribe villages in Mae Fah Luang, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. Participants who met the inclusion criteria were invited to participate in the study. A validated questionnaire was used as the research instrument, and 5 mL blood samples were taken. Orientia tsutsugamushi IgM and IgG antibodies were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and then confirmed by immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Logistic regression was used to detect associations between variables at a significance level of α = 0.05. RESULTS A total of 485 hill tribe people participated in the study; 57.1% were female, 29.9% were over 60 years of age, 46.4% were from the Akha tribe, and 74.2% had never attended school. The overall prevalence of scrub typhus exposure was 48.0%. In the multivariate model, five variables were found to be associated with scrub typhus exposure. Participants aged over 60 years had a 4.31-fold increased risk (95% CI = 1.73-10.72) of scrub typhus exposure compared to those who were younger than 30 years. Those who were illiterate had a 3.46-fold increased risk (95% CI = 1.93-6.21) of scrub typhus exposure than those who had at least a primary education level. Participants from the Akha tribe had a 2.20-fold increased risk (95% CI = 1.31-3.72) of scrub typhus exposure than those from the Lahu tribe. Subjects who had a history of cutting grass had a 1.85-fold increased risk (95% CI = 1.20-2.84) of scrub typhus exposure. Those who never wore gloves for farming had a 2.12-fold increased risk (95% CI = 1.28-3.49) of scrub typhus exposure than those who wore gloves daily. CONCLUSIONS There is a high prevalence of scrub typhus exposure among the hill tribe in Thailand. Effective public health interventions to promote scrub typhus awareness and prevention are urgently needed in these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidanuch Tasak
- School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tawatchai Apidechkul
- School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand.
- Center of Excellence, The Hill Tribe Health Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand.
| | - Andrew C K Law
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland & University College Dublin, (Malaysia Campus), Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Yazid Abdad
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Peeradone Srichan
- School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
- Center of Excellence, The Hill Tribe Health Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Carlo Perrone
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Stuart D Blacksell
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Giengkam S, Kullapanich C, Wongsantichon J, Adcox HE, Gillespie JJ, Salje J. Orientia tsutsugamushi: analysis of the mobilome of a highly fragmented and repetitive genome reveals ongoing lateral gene transfer in an obligate intracellular bacterium. bioRxiv 2023:2023.05.11.540415. [PMID: 37215039 PMCID: PMC10197636 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.11.540415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The rickettsial human pathogen Orientia tsutsugamushi (Ot) is an obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium with one of the most highly fragmented and repetitive genomes of any organism. Around 50% of its ~2.3 Mb genome is comprised of repetitive DNA that is derived from the highly proliferated Rickettsiales amplified genetic element (RAGE). RAGE is an integrative and conjugative element (ICE) that is present in a single Ot genome in up to 92 copies, most of which are partially or heavily degraded. In this report, we analysed RAGEs in eight fully sequenced Ot genomes and manually curated and reannotated all RAGE-associated genes, including those encoding DNA mobilisation proteins, P-type (vir) and F-type (tra) type IV secretion system (T4SS) components, Ankyrin repeat- and tetratricopeptide repeat-containing effectors, and other piggybacking cargo. Originally, the heavily degraded Ot RAGEs led to speculation that they are remnants of historical ICEs that are no longer active. Our analysis, however, identified two Ot genomes harbouring one or more intact RAGEs with complete F-T4SS genes essential for mediating ICE DNA transfer. As similar ICEs have been identified in unrelated rickettsial species, we assert that RAGEs play an ongoing role in lateral gene transfer within the Rickettsiales. Remarkably, we also identified in several Ot genomes remnants of prophages with no similarity to other rickettsial prophages. Together these findings indicate that, despite their obligate intracellular lifestyle and host range restricted to mites, rodents and humans, Ot genomes are highly dynamic and shaped through ongoing invasions by mobile genetic elements and viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suparat Giengkam
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chitrasak Kullapanich
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jantana Wongsantichon
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Haley E. Adcox
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Joseph J. Gillespie
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Jeanne Salje
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pathology, Department of Biochemistry, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, UK
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Saisawang C, Reamtong O, Nachampa I, Petcharat P, Priewkhiew S, Sakdee S, Wongsantichon J, J Ketterman A. Effects of Glutathionylation on Guanylyltransferase Activity of NS5 N-terminal Capping Domain from Dengue, Japanese Encephalitis, and Zika Viruses. Protein Pept Lett 2023:PPL-EPUB-131063. [PMID: 37076471 DOI: 10.2174/0929866530666230418101606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glutathionylation is a protein post-translational modification triggered by oxidative stress. The susceptible proteins are modified by the addition of glutathione to specific cysteine residues. Virus infection also induces oxidative stress in the cell, which affects cellular homeostasis. It is not just the cellular proteins but the viral proteins that can also be modified by glutathionylation events, thereby impacting the function of the viral proteins. OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to identify the effects of modification by glutathionylation on the guanylyltransferase activity of NS5 and identify the cysteine residues modified for the three flavivirus NS5 proteins. METHODS The capping domain of NS5 proteins from 3 flaviviruses was cloned and expressed as recombinant proteins. A gel-based assay for guanylyltransferase activity was performed using a GTP analog labeled with the fluorescent dye Cy5 as substrate. The protein modification by glutathionylation was induced by GSSG and evaluated by western blot. The reactive cysteine residues were identified by mass spectrometry. RESULTS It was found that the three flavivirus proteins behaved in a similar fashion with increasing glutathionylation yielding decreased guanylyltransferase activity. The three proteins also possessed conserved cysteines and they appeared to be modified for all three proteins. CONCLUSION The glutathionylation appeared to induce conformational changes that affect enzyme activity. The conformational changes might also create binding sites for host cell protein interactions at later stages of viral propagation with the glutathionylation event, thereby serving as a switch for function change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chonticha Saisawang
- Molecular Medical Biosciences Cluster, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Salaya 73170 Thailand
| | - Onrapak Reamtong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Isara Nachampa
- Molecular Medical Biosciences Cluster, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Salaya 73170 Thailand
| | - Patchareebhorn Petcharat
- Molecular Medical Biosciences Cluster, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Salaya 73170 Thailand
| | - Suphansa Priewkhiew
- Molecular Medical Biosciences Cluster, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Salaya 73170 Thailand
| | - Somsri Sakdee
- Molecular Medical Biosciences Cluster, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Salaya 73170 Thailand
| | - Jantana Wongsantichon
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Albert J Ketterman
- Molecular Medical Biosciences Cluster, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Salaya 73170 Thailand
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Saisawang C, Priewkhiew S, Wongsantichon J, Reamtong O, Nopparat C, Mukda S, Ketterman AJ, Govitrapong P. Characterization of endotoxin free protein production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) for the study of Parkinson model in SH-SY5Y differentiated cells. Protein Expr Purif 2023; 203:106212. [PMID: 36481372 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2022.106212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Human neuronal cells are a more appropriate cell model for neurological disease studies such as Alzheimer and Parkinson's disease. SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells have been widely used for differentiation into a mature neuronal cell phenotype. The cellular differentiation process begins with retinoic acid incubation, followed by incubation with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a recombinant protein produced in E. coli cells. Endotoxin or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is the major component of the outer membrane of bacterial cells that triggers the activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and ultimately cell death. Consequently, any endotoxin contamination of the recombinant BDNF used for cell culture experiments would impact on data interpretation. Therefore, in this study, we expressed the BDNF recombinant protein in bacterial endotoxin-free cells that were engineered to modify the oligosaccharide chain of LPS rendering the LPS unable to trigger the immune response of human cells. The expression of DCX and MAP-2 in differentiated cells indicate that in-house and commercial BDNF are equally effective in inducing differentiation. This suggests that our in-house BDNF protein can be used to differentiate SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells without the need for an endotoxin removal step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chonticha Saisawang
- Molecular Medical Biosciences Cluster, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand.
| | - Suphansa Priewkhiew
- Molecular Medical Biosciences Cluster, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Jantana Wongsantichon
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Onrapak Reamtong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Chutikorn Nopparat
- Innovative Learning Center, Srinakharinwirot University, Sukhumvit 23, Bangkok, 10110, Thailand
| | - Sujira Mukda
- Research Center for Neuroscience, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, 25/25 Putthamonthol Road 4, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Albert J Ketterman
- Molecular Medical Biosciences Cluster, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Piyarat Govitrapong
- Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
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10
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Atwal S, Wongsantichon J, Giengkam S, Saharat K, Pittayasathornthun YJ, Chuenklin S, Wang LC, Chung T, Huh H, Lee SH, Sobota RM, Salje J. The obligate intracellular bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi differentiates into a developmentally distinct extracellular state. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3603. [PMID: 35739103 PMCID: PMC9226355 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31176-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Orientia tsutsugamushi (Ot) is an obligate intracellular bacterium in the family Rickettsiaceae that causes scrub typhus, a severe mite-borne human disease. Its mechanism of cell exit is unusual amongst Rickettsiaceae, as Ot buds off the surface of infected cells enveloped in plasma membrane. Here, we show that Ot bacteria that have budded out of host cells are in a distinct developmental stage compared with intracellular bacteria. We refer to these two stages as intracellular and extracellular bacteria (IB and EB, respectively). These two forms differ in physical properties: IB is both round and elongated, and EB is round. Additionally, IB has higher levels of peptidoglycan and is physically robust compared with EB. The two bacterial forms differentially express proteins involved in bacterial physiology and host-pathogen interactions, specifically those involved in bacterial dormancy and stress response, and outer membrane autotransporter proteins ScaA and ScaC. Whilst both populations are infectious, entry of IB Ot is sensitive to inhibitors of both clathrin-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis, whereas entry of EB Ot is only sensitive to a macropinocytosis inhibitor. Our identification and detailed characterization of two developmental forms of Ot significantly advances our understanding of the intracellular lifecycle of an important human pathogen. Orientia tsutsugamushi (Ot) the causing agent of scrub typhus exits infected cells using a unique mechanism that involves budding off the surface of infected cells. Here, Atwal et al. report that Ots that have budded from their host cells are in a distinct developmental stage than intracellular bacteria and provide the first characterization of this extracellular stage. Both forms are infectious but differ in their physical properties, proteome, and entry mechanism into host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharanjeet Atwal
- Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers the State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Jantana Wongsantichon
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Suparat Giengkam
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kittirat Saharat
- Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers the State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | | | - Suthida Chuenklin
- Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers the State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA.,Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Loo Chien Wang
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore.,SingMass-National Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Taerin Chung
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Hyun Huh
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Sang-Hyuk Lee
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Radoslaw M Sobota
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore.,SingMass-National Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jeanne Salje
- Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers the State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA. .,Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. .,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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11
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Prapharsavat R, Lim C, Sunthornsut P, Wuthiekanun V, Wongsantichon J, Hanpithakpong W, Sonthayanon P, Jaiyen Y, Jeeyapant A, Ekkapongpisit M, Bleho J, Chan XHS, Hernandez-Koutoucheva A, Ashley EA, Dance DAB, Bierhoff M, Kittikongnapang R, Malathum K, Kuduvalli PN, Mathew P, Mathee K, Kiatying-Angsulee N, Sumpradit N, Hsu LY, Day NPJ, Cheah PY, Limmathurotsakul D. The utility of an AMR dictionary as an educational tool to improve public understanding of antimicrobial resistance. Wellcome Open Res 2021. [DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16488.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Communicating about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to the public is challenging. Methods: We developed a dictionary of terms commonly used to communicate about AMR. For each term, we developed learning points to explain AMR and related concepts in plain language. We conducted a pilot evaluation in 374 high school students in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. In three 50-minute sessions, students were asked to answer five true/false questions using a paper-based questionnaire. The first session assessed their understanding of AMR at baseline, the second after searching the internet, and the third after the provision of the printed AMR dictionary and its web address. Results: We developed the AMR dictionary as a web-based application (www.amrdictionary.net). The Thai version of the AMR dictionary included 35 terms and associated learning points, seven figures displaying posters promoting AMR awareness in Thailand, and 66 recommended online videos. In the pretest, the proportion of correct responses to each question ranged from 10% to 57%; 10% of the students correctly answered that antibiotics cannot kill viruses and 57% correctly answered that unnecessary use of antibiotics makes them ineffective. After the internet searches, the proportions of correct answers increased, ranging from 62% to 89% (all p<0.001). After providing the AMR dictionary, the proportions of correct answers increased further, ranging from 79% to 89% for three questions (p<0.001), and did not change for one question (p=0.15). Correct responses as to whether taking antibiotics often has side-effects such as diarrhoea reduced from 85% to 74% (p<0.001). The dictionary was revised based on the findings and comments received. Conclusions: Understanding of AMR among Thai high school students is limited. The AMR dictionary can be a useful supportive tool to increase awareness and improve understanding of AMR. Our findings support the need to evaluate the effectiveness of communication tools in the real-world setting.
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12
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Chee SMQ, Wongsantichon J, Yi LS, Sana B, Frosi Y, Robinson RC, Ghadessy FJ. Functional display of bioactive peptides on the vGFP scaffold. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10127. [PMID: 33980885 PMCID: PMC8115314 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89421-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Grafting bioactive peptides into recipient protein scaffolds can often increase their activities by conferring enhanced stability and cellular longevity. Here, we describe use of vGFP as a novel scaffold to display peptides. vGFP comprises GFP fused to a bound high affinity Enhancer nanobody that potentiates its fluorescence. We show that peptides inserted into the linker region between GFP and the Enhancer are correctly displayed for on-target interaction, both in vitro and in live cells by pull-down, measurement of target inhibition and imaging analyses. This is further confirmed by structural studies highlighting the optimal display of a vGFP-displayed peptide bound to Mdm2, the key negative regulator of p53 that is often overexpressed in cancer. We also demonstrate a potential biosensing application of the vGFP scaffold by showing target-dependent modulation of intrinsic fluorescence. vGFP is relatively thermostable, well-expressed and inherently fluorescent. These properties make it a useful scaffold to add to the existing tool box for displaying peptides that can disrupt clinically relevant protein–protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Min Qi Chee
- p53 Laboratory, A*STAR, 8A Biomedical Grove, Singapore, 138648, Singapore
| | - Jantana Wongsantichon
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Lau Sze Yi
- p53 Laboratory, A*STAR, 8A Biomedical Grove, Singapore, 138648, Singapore
| | - Barindra Sana
- p53 Laboratory, A*STAR, 8A Biomedical Grove, Singapore, 138648, Singapore
| | - Yuri Frosi
- p53 Laboratory, A*STAR, 8A Biomedical Grove, Singapore, 138648, Singapore
| | - Robert C Robinson
- School of Biomolecular Science and Engineering (BSE), Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Rayong, 21210, Thailand.,Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Farid J Ghadessy
- p53 Laboratory, A*STAR, 8A Biomedical Grove, Singapore, 138648, Singapore.
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13
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Wongsantichon J, Jaiyen Y, Dittrich S, Salje J. Orientia tsutsugamushi. Trends Microbiol 2020; 28:780-781. [PMID: 32781029 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2020.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jantana Wongsantichon
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yanin Jaiyen
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sabine Dittrich
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Geneva, Switzerland; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jeanne Salje
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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14
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Saisawang C, Wongsantichon J, Robinson RC, Ketterman AJ. Glutathione transferase Omega 1‐1 (GSTO1‐1) modulates Akt and MEK1/2 signaling in human neuroblastoma cell SH‐SY5Y. Proteins 2019; 87:588-595. [DOI: 10.1002/prot.25683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chonticha Saisawang
- Institute of Molecular BiosciencesMahidol University Salaya Nakhon Pathom Thailand
| | - Jantana Wongsantichon
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Singapore Singapore
- Mahidol‐Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU) Bangkok Thailand
| | - Robert C. Robinson
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Singapore Singapore
- Research Institute for Interdisciplinary ScienceOkayama University Okayama Japan
| | - Albert J. Ketterman
- Institute of Molecular BiosciencesMahidol University Salaya Nakhon Pathom Thailand
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15
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Sana B, Chee SMQ, Wongsantichon J, Raghavan S, Robinson RC, Ghadessy FJ. Development and structural characterization of an engineered multi-copper oxidase reporter of protein-protein interactions. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:7002-7012. [PMID: 30770473 PMCID: PMC6497955 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.007141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein–protein interactions (PPIs) are ubiquitous in almost all biological processes and are often corrupted in diseased states. A detailed understanding of PPIs is therefore key to understanding cellular physiology and can yield attractive therapeutic targets. Here, we describe the development and structural characterization of novel Escherichia coli CueO multi-copper oxidase variants engineered to recapitulate protein–protein interactions with commensurate modulation of their enzymatic activities. The fully integrated single-protein sensors were developed through modular grafting of ligand-specific peptides into a highly compliant and flexible methionine-rich loop of CueO. Sensitive detection of diverse ligand classes exemplified by antibodies, an E3 ligase, MDM2 proto-oncogene (MDM2), and protease (SplB from Staphylococcus aureus) was achieved in a simple mix and measure homogeneous format with visually observable colorimetric readouts. Therapeutic antagonism of MDM2 by small molecules and peptides in clinical development for treatment of cancer patients was assayed using the MDM2-binding CueO enzyme. Structural characterization of the free and MDM2-bound CueO variant provided functional insight into signal-transducing mechanisms of the engineered enzymes and highlighted the robustness of CueO as a stable and compliant scaffold for multiple applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barindra Sana
- From the p53 Laboratory, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, Singapore 138648, Singapore
| | - Sharon M Q Chee
- From the p53 Laboratory, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, Singapore 138648, Singapore
| | - Jantana Wongsantichon
- the Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand, and.,the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, A*STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Sarada Raghavan
- From the p53 Laboratory, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, Singapore 138648, Singapore
| | - Robert C Robinson
- the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, A*STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Farid J Ghadessy
- From the p53 Laboratory, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, Singapore 138648, Singapore,
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16
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Chee SMQ, Wongsantichon J, Siau J, Thean D, Ferrer F, Robinson RC, Lane DP, Brown CJ, Ghadessy FJ. Structure-activity studies of Mdm2/Mdm4-binding stapled peptides comprising non-natural amino acids. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0189379. [PMID: 29228061 PMCID: PMC5724825 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As primary p53 antagonists, Mdm2 and the closely related Mdm4 are relevant cancer therapeutic targets. We have previously described a series of cell-permeable stapled peptides that bind to Mdm2 with high affinity, resulting in activation of the p53 tumour suppressor. Within this series, highest affinity was obtained by modification of an obligate tryptophan residue to the non-natural L-6-chlorotryptophan. To understand the structural basis for improved affinity we have solved the crystal structure of this stapled peptide (M011) bound to Mdm2 (residues 6–125) at 1.66 Å resolution. Surprisingly, near identity to the structure of a related peptide (M06) without the 6-chloro modification is observed. Further analysis of linear and stapled peptides comprising 6-Me-tryptophan provides mechanistic insight into dual Mdm2/Mdm4 antagonism and confirms L98 of Mdm4 as a mutable steric gate. The results also highlight a possible role of the flexible hinge region in determining Mdm2/Mdm4 plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Min Qi Chee
- p53Lab, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Jiawei Siau
- p53Lab, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dawn Thean
- p53Lab, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fernando Ferrer
- p53Lab, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Robert C. Robinson
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - David P. Lane
- p53Lab, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Christopher J. Brown
- p53Lab, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- * E-mail: (CJB); (FJG)
| | - Farid J. Ghadessy
- p53Lab, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- * E-mail: (CJB); (FJG)
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17
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Ding WY, Ong HT, Hara Y, Wongsantichon J, Toyama Y, Robinson RC, Nédélec F, Zaidel-Bar R. Plastin increases cortical connectivity to facilitate robust polarization and timely cytokinesis. J Cell Biol 2017; 216:1371-1386. [PMID: 28400443 PMCID: PMC5412556 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201603070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Ding et al. characterize the function of the F-actin bundling protein plastin in the Caenorhabditis elegans zygote. They demonstrate that plastin is important for optimal connectivity in the cortical actomyosin network that drives large-scale contractile processes such as polarization and cytokinesis. The cell cortex is essential to maintain animal cell shape, and contractile forces generated within it by nonmuscle myosin II (NMY-2) drive cellular morphogenetic processes such as cytokinesis. The role of actin cross-linking proteins in cortical dynamics is still incompletely understood. Here, we show that the evolutionarily conserved actin bundling/cross-linking protein plastin is instrumental for the generation of potent cortical actomyosin contractility in the Caenorhabditis elegans zygote. PLST-1 was enriched in contractile structures and was required for effective coalescence of NMY-2 filaments into large contractile foci and for long-range coordinated contractility in the cortex. In the absence of PLST-1, polarization was compromised, cytokinesis was delayed or failed, and 50% of embryos died during development. Moreover, mathematical modeling showed that an optimal amount of bundling agents enhanced the ability of a network to contract. We propose that by increasing the connectivity of the F-actin meshwork, plastin enables the cortex to generate stronger and more coordinated forces to accomplish cellular morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yung Ding
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore
| | - Hui Ting Ong
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore
| | - Yusuke Hara
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore.,Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore
| | - Jantana Wongsantichon
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology, and Research), Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Yusuke Toyama
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore.,Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Robert C Robinson
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology, and Research), Singapore 138673, Singapore.,Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - François Nédélec
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ronen Zaidel-Bar
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583, Singapore
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18
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Go MK, Wongsantichon J, Cheung VWN, Chow JY, Robinson RC, Yew WS. Synthetic Polyketide Enzymology: Platform for Biosynthesis of Antimicrobial Polyketides. ACS Catal 2015. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.5b00477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maybelle Kho Go
- Department of Biochemistry,
Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597,
- NUS
Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation, Life
Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical
Drive, Singapore 117456,
| | - Jantana Wongsantichon
- Institute
of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Biopolis, Singapore 138673
| | - Vivian Wing Ngar Cheung
- Department of Biochemistry,
Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597,
- NUS
Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation, Life
Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical
Drive, Singapore 117456,
| | - Jeng Yeong Chow
- Department of Biochemistry,
Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597,
| | - Robert C. Robinson
- Department of Biochemistry,
Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597,
- Institute
of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Biopolis, Singapore 138673
| | - Wen Shan Yew
- Department of Biochemistry,
Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597,
- NUS
Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation, Life
Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical
Drive, Singapore 117456,
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19
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Van Overbeke W, Wongsantichon J, Everaert I, Verhelle A, Zwaenepoel O, Loonchanta A, Burtnick LD, De Ganck A, Hochepied T, Haigh J, Cuvelier C, Derave W, Robinson RC, Gettemans J. An ER-directed gelsolin nanobody targets the first step in amyloid formation in a gelsolin amyloidosis mouse model. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:2492-507. [PMID: 25601851 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hereditary gelsolin amyloidosis is an autosomal dominantly inherited amyloid disorder. A point mutation in the GSN gene (G654A being the most common one) results in disturbed calcium binding by the second gelsolin domain (G2). As a result, the folding of G2 is hampered, rendering the mutant plasma gelsolin susceptible to a proteolytic cascade. Consecutive cleavage by furin and MT1-MMP-like proteases generates 8 and 5 kDa amyloidogenic peptides that cause neurological, ophthalmological and dermatological findings. To this day, no specific treatment is available to counter the pathogenesis. Using GSN nanobody 11 as a molecular chaperone, we aimed to protect mutant plasma gelsolin from furin proteolysis in the trans-Golgi network. We report a transgenic, GSN nanobody 11 secreting mouse that was used for crossbreeding with gelsolin amyloidosis mice. Insertion of the therapeutic nanobody gene into the gelsolin amyloidosis mouse genome resulted in improved muscle contractility. X-ray crystal structure determination of the gelsolin G2:Nb11 complex revealed that Nb11 does not directly block the furin cleavage site. We conclude that nanobodies can be used to shield substrates from aberrant proteolysis and this approach might establish a novel therapeutic strategy in amyloid diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jantana Wongsantichon
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, A*STAR, Biopolis, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Inge Everaert
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
| | - Adriaan Verhelle
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
| | | | - Anantasak Loonchanta
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Blood Research, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Leslie D Burtnick
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Blood Research, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ariane De Ganck
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
| | - Tino Hochepied
- Department for Molecular Biomedical Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology and
| | - Jody Haigh
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology and Vascular Cell Biology Unit, VIB Inflammation Research Centre, Ghent, Belgium and Mammalian Functional Genetics Laboratory, Division of Blood Cancers, Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Department of Clinical Haematology, Monash University and Alfred Health Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Claude Cuvelier
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wim Derave
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
| | - Robert C Robinson
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, A*STAR, Biopolis, Singapore 138673, Singapore, Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore,
| | - Jan Gettemans
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences,
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Ranok A, Wongsantichon J, Robinson RC, Suginta W. Structural and thermodynamic insights into chitooligosaccharide binding to human cartilage chitinase 3-like protein 2 (CHI3L2 or YKL-39). J Biol Chem 2014; 290:2617-29. [PMID: 25477513 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.588905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Four crystal structures of human YKL-39 were solved in the absence and presence of chitooligosaccharides. The structure of YKL-39 comprises a major (β/α)8 triose-phosphate isomerase barrel domain and a small α + β insertion domain. Structural analysis demonstrates that YKL-39 interacts with chitooligosaccharides through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. The binding of chitin fragments induces local conformational changes that facilitate tight binding. Compared with other GH-18 members, YKL-39 has the least extended chitin-binding cleft, containing five subsites for sugars, namely (-3)(-2)(-1)(+1)(+2), with Trp-360 playing a prominent role in the sugar-protein interactions at the center of the chitin-binding cleft. Evaluation of binding affinities obtained from isothermal titration calorimetry and intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy suggests that YKL-39 binds to chitooligosaccharides with Kd values in the micromolar concentration range and that the binding energies increase with the chain length. There were no significant differences between the Kd values of chitopentaose and chitohexaose, supporting the structural evidence for the five binding subsite topology. Thermodynamic analysis indicates that binding of chitooligosaccharide to YKL-39 is mainly driven by enthalpy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Araya Ranok
- From the Biochemistry-Electrochemistry Research Unit, School of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Jantana Wongsantichon
- the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore, and
| | - Robert C Robinson
- the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore, and the Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Wipa Suginta
- From the Biochemistry-Electrochemistry Research Unit, School of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand,
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Chee SMQ, Wongsantichon J, Soo Tng Q, Robinson R, Joseph TL, Verma C, Lane DP, Brown CJ, Ghadessy FJ. Structure of a stapled peptide antagonist bound to nutlin-resistant Mdm2. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104914. [PMID: 25115702 PMCID: PMC4130638 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
As key negative regulator of the p53 tumour suppressor, Mdm2 is an attractive therapeutic target. Small molecules such as Nutlin have been developed to antagonise Mdm2, resulting in p53-dependent death of tumour cells. We have recently described a mutation in Mdm2 (M62A), which precludes binding of Nutlin, but not p53. This Nutlin-resistant variant is not, however, refractory to binding and inhibition by stapled peptide antagonists targeting the same region of Mdm2. A detailed understanding of how stapled peptides are recalcitrant to Mdm2 mutations conferring Nutlin-resistance will aid in the further development of potent Mdm2 antagonists. Here, we report the 2.00 Å crystal structure of a stapled peptide antagonist bound to Nutlin resistant Mdm2. The stapled peptide relies on an extended network of interactions along the hydrophobic binding cleft of Mdm2 for high affinity binding. Additionally, as seen in other stapled peptide structures, the hydrocarbon staple itself contributes to binding through favourable interactions with Mdm2. The structure highlights the intrinsic plasticity present in both Mdm2 and the hydrocarbon staple moiety, and can be used to guide future iterations of both small molecules and stapled peptides for improved antagonists of Mdm2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Min Qi Chee
- p53Lab, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Quah Soo Tng
- p53Lab, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Robert Robinson
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Chandra Verma
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - David P. Lane
- p53Lab, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Christopher J. Brown
- p53Lab, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- * E-mail: (CJB); (FJG)
| | - Farid J. Ghadessy
- p53Lab, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- * E-mail: (CJB); (FJG)
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Cheung VWN, Go MDK, Robinson R, Wongsantichon J, Yew WS. Developing polyketide‐based anti‐microbial therapeutics using synthetic enzymology. FASEB J 2012. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.756.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Wen Shan Yew
- BiochemistryNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
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Chow JY, Wongsantichon J, Robinson R, Gan YH, Yew WS. Combinatorial biosynthesis of unnatural polyketides using a type III polyketide synthase from
Oryza sativa. FASEB J 2012. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.756.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeng Yeong Chow
- Department of BiochemistryNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | | | | | - Yunn Hwen Gan
- Department of BiochemistryNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Wen Shan Yew
- Department of BiochemistryNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
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Wongtraku J, Wongsantichon J, Vararattanavech A, Leelapat P, Prapanthadara LA, Ketterman A. Molecular Cloning and Expression of Several New Anopheles cracens Epsilon Class Glutathione Transferases. Protein Pept Lett 2009; 16:75-81. [DOI: 10.2174/092986609787049367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Piromjitpong J, Wongsantichon J, Ketterman A. Differences in the subunit interface residues of alternatively spliced glutathione transferases affects catalytic and structural functions. Biochem J 2007; 401:635-44. [PMID: 16938097 PMCID: PMC1770856 DOI: 10.1042/bj20060603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
GSTs (glutathione transferases) are multifunctional widespread enzymes. Currently there are 13 identified classes within this family. Previously most structural characterization has been reported for mammalian Alpha, Mu and Pi class GSTs. In the present study we characterize two enzymes from the insect-specific Delta class, adGSTD3-3 and adGSTD4-4. These two proteins are alternatively spliced products from the same gene and have very similar tertiary structures. Several major contributions to the dimer interface area can be separated into three regions: conserved electrostatic interactions in region 1, hydrophobic interactions in region 2 and an ionic network in region 3. The four amino acid side chains studied in region 1 interact with each other as a planar rectangle. These interactions are highly conserved among the GST classes, Delta, Sigma and Theta. The hydrophobic residues in region 2 are not only subunit interface residues but also active site residues. Overall these three regions provide important contributions to stabilization and folding of the protein. In addition, decreases in yield as well as catalytic activity changes, suggest that the mutations in these regions can disrupt the active site conformation which decreases binding affinity, alters kinetic constants and alters substrate specificity. Several of these residues have only a slight effect on the initial folding of each subunit but have more influence on the dimerization process as well as impacting upon appropriate active site conformation. The results also suggest that even splicing products from the same gene may have specific features in the subunit interface area that would preclude heterodimerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juthamart Piromjitpong
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Jantana Wongsantichon
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Albert J. Ketterman
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
- To whom correspondence should be addressed (email )
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Abstract
Structural investigations of a GST (glutathione transferase), adGSTD4-4, from the malaria vector Anopheles dirus show a novel lock-and-key 'Clasp' motif in the dimer interface of the Delta class enzyme. This motif also appears to be highly conserved across several insect GST classes, but differs from a previously reported mammalian lock-and-key motif. The aromatic 'key' residue not only inserts into a hydrophobic pocket, the 'lock', of the neighbouring subunit, but also acts as part of the 'lock' for the other subunit 'key'. The 'key' residues from both subunits show aromatic ring stacking with each other in a pi-pi interaction, generating a 'Clasp' in the middle of the subunit interface. Enzyme catalytic and structural characterizations revealed that single amino acid replacements in this 'Clasp' motif impacted on catalytic efficiencies, substrate selectivity and stability. Substitutions to the 'key' residue create strong positive co-operativity for glutathione binding, with a Hill coefficient approaching 2. The lock-and-key motif in general and especially the 'Clasp' motif with the pi-pi interaction appear to play a pivotal role in subunit communication between active sites, as well as in stabilizing the quaternary structure. Evidence of allosteric effects suggests an important role for this particular intersubunit architecture in regulating catalytic activity through conformational transitions of subunits. The observation of co-operativity in the mutants also implies that glutathione ligand binding and dimerization are linked. Quaternary structural changes of all mutants suggest that subunit assembly or dimerization basically manipulates subunit communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jantana Wongsantichon
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, 25/25 Phutthamonthol Road 4, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Albert J. Ketterman
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, 25/25 Phutthamonthol Road 4, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
- To whom correspondence should be addressed (email )
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Wongsantichon J, Yuvaniyama J, Ketterman AJ. Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of a highly stable mutant V107A of glutathione transferase from Anopheles dirus in complex with glutathione. Acta Crystallogr Sect F Struct Biol Cryst Commun 2006; 62:310-2. [PMID: 16511331 PMCID: PMC2197175 DOI: 10.1107/s1744309106006580] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2005] [Accepted: 02/22/2006] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
An engineered mutant V107A of the dimeric glutathione transferase enzyme from Anopheles dirus (adgstD4-4) was cocrystallized with glutathione substrate using the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method. The crystal diffracted to 2.47 A resolution in space group P3(2)21 (unit-cell parameters a = b = 49.4, c = 272.4 A). Although the crystal morphology differed from that previously obtained for the wild-type enzyme, the crystal packing was the same. At 318 K, the engineered mutant showed an enzyme stability that was increased by about 32-fold, while possessing a similar catalytic function to the wild type. Structural determination will provide valuable understanding of the role of Val107. This residue is in the dimeric interface and appears to contribute towards enhancing the physical properties of the entire protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jantana Wongsantichon
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Nakorn Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Jirundon Yuvaniyama
- Department of Biochemistry and Center for Excellence in Protein Structure and Function, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Road, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Albert J. Ketterman
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Nakorn Pathom 73170, Thailand
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Udomsinprasert R, Pongjaroenkit S, Wongsantichon J, Oakley A, Prapanthadara LA, Wilce M, Ketterman A. Identification, characterization and structure of a new Delta class glutathione transferase isoenzyme. Biochem J 2005; 388:763-71. [PMID: 15717864 PMCID: PMC1183455 DOI: 10.1042/bj20042015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The insect GST (glutathione transferase) supergene family encodes a varied group of proteins belonging to at least six individual classes. Interest in insect GSTs has focused on their role in conferring insecticide resistance. Previously from the mosquito malaria vector Anopheles dirus, two genes encoding five Delta class GSTs have been characterized for structural as well as enzyme activities. We have obtained a new Delta class GST gene and isoenzyme from A. dirus, which we name adGSTD5-5. The adGSTD5-5 isoenzyme was identified and was only detectably expressed in A. dirus adult females. A putative promoter analysis suggests that this GST has an involvement in oogenesis. The enzyme displayed little activity for classical GST substrates, although it possessed the greatest activity for DDT [1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis-(p-chlorophenyl)ethane] observed for Delta GSTs. However, GST activity was inhibited or enhanced in the presence of various fatty acids, suggesting that the enzyme may be modulated by fatty acids. We obtained a crystal structure for adGSTD5-5 and compared it with other Delta GSTs, which showed that adGSTD5-5 possesses an elongated and more polar active-site topology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rungrutai Udomsinprasert
- *Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, 25/25 Putthamonthol Road 4, Salaya, Nakon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | | | - Jantana Wongsantichon
- *Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, 25/25 Putthamonthol Road 4, Salaya, Nakon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Aaron J. Oakley
- ‡Department of Pharmacology/Crystallography Centre, University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia
| | - La-aied Prapanthadara
- §Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiangmai University, Chiangmai 50200, Thailand
| | - Matthew C. J. Wilce
- ‡Department of Pharmacology/Crystallography Centre, University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia
| | - Albert J. Ketterman
- *Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, 25/25 Putthamonthol Road 4, Salaya, Nakon Pathom 73170, Thailand
- To whom correspondence should be addressed (email )
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Abstract
This chapter discusses the alternative splicing of glutathione S-transferase proteins, including current investigations of enzymatic, nonenzymatic functions, as well as structural differences between the alternatively spliced products. The data demonstrate that the different GST splice forms possess different properties, both in their catalytic function and in the effects of their protein-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jantana Wongsantichon
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Mahidol University, Slaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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Wongsantichon J, Harnnoi T, Ketterman AJ. A sensitive core region in the structure of glutathione S-transferases. Biochem J 2003; 373:759-65. [PMID: 12708968 PMCID: PMC1223525 DOI: 10.1042/bj20030394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2003] [Revised: 04/11/2003] [Accepted: 04/23/2003] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A variant form of an Anopheles dirus glutathione S-transferase (GST), designated AdGSTD4-4, possesses a single amino acid change of leucine to arginine (Leu-103-Arg). Although residue 103 is outside of the active site, it has major effects on enzymic properties. To investigate these structural effects, site-directed mutagenesis was used to generate mutants by changing the non-polar leucine to alanine, glutamate, isoleucine, methionine, asparagine, or tyrosine. All of the recombinant GSTs showed approximately the same expression level at 25 degrees C. Several of the mutants lacked glutathione (GSH)-binding affinity but were purified by S-hexyl-GSH-based affinity chromatography. However the protein yields (70-fold lower), as well as the GST activity (100-fold lower), of Leu-103-Tyr and Leu-103-Arg purifications were surprisingly low and precluded the performance of kinetic experiments. Size-exclusion chromatography showed that both GSTs Leu-103-Tyr and Leu-103-Arg formed dimers. Using 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) and GSH substrates to determine kinetic constants it was demonstrated that the other Leu-103 mutants possessed a greater K (m) towards GSH and a differing K (m) towards CDNB. The V (max) ranged from 44.7 to 87.0 micromol/min per mg (wild-type, 44.7 micromol/min per mg). Substrate-specificity studies showed different selectivity properties for each mutant. The structural residue Leu-103 affects the active site through H-bond and van-der-Waal contacts with six active-site residues in the GSH binding site. Changes in this interior core residue appear to disrupt internal packing, which affects active-site residues as well as residues at the subunit-subunit interface. Finally, the data suggest that Leu-103 is noteworthy as a sensitive residue in the GST structure that modulates enzyme activity as well as stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jantana Wongsantichon
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
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