Lipid metabolism dynamic in Triatomine Rhodnius prolixus during acute Trypanosoma rangeli infection

During its life cycle, Trypanosoma rangeli invades the hemolymph of its invertebrate host and colonizes hemocytes and salivary glands. The parasite cannot synthesize some lipid classes, and during its cycle, it depends on the uptake of these molecules from its vertebrate and invertebrate hosts to meet growth and differentiation requirements. However, until now, knowledge on how the parasite affects the lipid physiology of individual insect organs has been largely unknown. Herein, the biochemical and molecular dynamics of triatomine R. prolixus lipid metabolism in response to acute T. rangeli infection were investigated. Biochemical and microscopic assays revealed the lipid droplet profile and the levels of the different identified lipid classes. In addition, a qRT‒PCR approach was used to determine the expression profile of 6 protein-coding genes involved in the R. prolixus lipid physiology. We observed that triacylglycerol (TAG), monoacylglycerol (MAG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) levels in the fat body decreased in infected insects. On the other hand, high levels of free fatty acids were observed in the hemolymph during infection. Analysis by confocal microscopy revealed a decrease in lipid droplets size from infected fat bodies, and investigations by scanning electron microscopy revealed a significant number of parasites adhered to the surface of the organ. T. rangeli infection upregulated the transcript levels of the protein-coding gene for the acetyl-CoA carboxylase, the first enzyme in the de novo fatty acid synthesis pathway, responsible for the production of malonyl-CoA. On the other hand, downregulation of lipophorin receptor was observed. In conclusion, this study reveals a new set of molecular events that occur within the vector in response to the challenge imposed by the parasite.

Differential expression and activity of arginine kinase between the American trypanosomatids Trypanosoma rangeli and Trypanosoma cruzi

Trypanosoma rangeli is a non-virulent hemoflagellate parasite infecting humans, wild and domestic mammals in Central and Latin America. The share of genotypic, phenotypic, and biological similarities with the virulent, human-infective T. cruzi and T. brucei, allows comparative studies on mechanisms of pathogenesis. In this study, investigation of the T. rangeli Arginine Kinase (TrAK) revealed two highly similar copies of the AK gene in this taxon, and a distinct expression profile and activity between replicative and infective forms. Although TrAK expression seems stable during epimastigotes growth, the enzymatic activity increases during the exponential growth phase and decreases from the stationary phase onwards. No differences were observed in activity or expression levels of TrAK during in vitro differentiation from epimastigotes to infective forms, and no detectable AK expression was observed for blood trypomastigotes. Overexpression of TrAK by T. rangeli showed no effects on the in vitro growth pattern, differentiation to infective forms, or infectivity to mice and triatomines. Although differences in TrAK expression and activity were observed among T. rangeli strains from distinct genetic lineages, our results indicate an up-regulation during parasite replication and putative post-translational myristoylation of this enzyme. We conclude that up-regulation of TrAK activity in epimastigotes appears to improve proliferation fitness, while reduced TrAK expression in blood trypomastigotes may be related to short-term and subpatent parasitemia in mammalian hosts.

Remarkable genetic diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli in two localities of southern Ecuador identified via deep sequencing of mini-exon gene amplicons

BACKGROUND

Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, and T. rangeli are kinetoplastid parasites endemic to Latin America. Although closely related to T. cruzi and capable of infecting humans, T. rangeli is non-pathogenic. Both parasite species are transmitted by triatomine bugs, and the presence of T. rangeli constitutes a confounding factor in the study of Chagas disease prevalence and transmission dynamics. Trypanosoma cruzi possesses high molecular heterogeneity: seven discrete typing units (DTUs) are currently recognized. In Ecuador, T. cruzi TcI and T. rangeli KP1(-) predominate, while other genetic lineages are seldom reported.

METHODS

Infection by T. cruzi and/or T. rangeli in different developmental stages of triatomine bugs from two communities of southern Ecuador was evaluated via polymerase chain reaction product size polymorphism of kinetoplast minicircle sequences and the non-transcribed spacer region of the mini-exon gene (n = 48). Forty-three mini-exon amplicons were also deep sequenced to analyze single-nucleotide polymorphisms within single and mixed infections. Mini-exon products from ten monoclonal reference strains were included as controls.

RESULTS

Trypanosoma cruzi genetic richness and diversity was not significantly greater in adult vectors than in nymphal stages III and V. In contrast, instar V individuals showed significantly higher T. rangeli richness when compared with other developmental stages. Among infected triatomines, deep sequencing revealed one T. rangeli infection (3%), 8 T. cruzi infections (23.5%) and 25 T. cruzi + T. rangeli co-infections (73.5%), suggesting that T. rangeli prevalence has been largely underestimated in the region. Furthermore, deep sequencing detected TcIV sequences in nine samples; this DTU had not previously been reported in Loja Province.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that deep sequencing allows for better parasite identification/typing than amplicon size analysis alone for mixed infections containing both T. cruzi and T. rangeli, or when multiple T. cruzi DTUs are present. Additionally, our analysis showed extensive overlap among the parasite populations present in the two studied localities (c.28 km apart), suggesting active parasite dispersal over the study area. Our results highlight the value of amplicon sequencing methodologies to clarify the population dynamics of kinetoplastid parasites in endemic regions and inform control campaigns in southern Ecuador.

Messenger RNA levels of the Polo-like kinase gene (PLK) correlate with cytokinesis in the Trypanosoma rangeli cell cycle

BACKGROUND

Trypanosoma rangeli is a protozoan parasite that is non-virulent to the mammalian host and is morphologically and genomically related to Trypanosoma cruzi, whose proliferation within the mammalian host is controversially discussed.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate the T. rangeli cell cycle in vitro and in vivo by characterizing the timespan of the parasite life cycle and by proposing a molecular marker to assess cytokinesis.

METHODOLOGY

The morphological events and their timing during the cell cycle of T. rangeli epimastigotes were assessed using DNA staining, flagellum labelling and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation. Messenger RNA levels of four genes previously associated with the cell cycle of trypanosomatids (AUK1, PLK, MOB1 and TRACK) were evaluated in the different T. rangeli forms.

FINDINGS

T. rangeli epimastigotes completed the cell cycle in vitro in 20.8 h. PLK emerged as a potential molecular marker for cell division, as its mRNA levels were significantly increased in exponentially growing epimastigotes compared with growth-arrested parasites or in vitro-differentiated trypomastigotes. PLK expression in T. rangeli can be detected near the flagellum protrusion site, reinforcing its role in the cell cycle. Interestingly, T. rangeli bloodstream trypomastigotes exhibited very low mRNA levels of PLK and were almost entirely composed of parasites in G1 phase.

MAIN CONCLUSIONS

Our work is the first to describe the T. rangeli cell cycle in vitro and proposes that PLK mRNA levels could be a useful tool to investigate the T. rangeli ability to proliferate within the mammalian host bloodstream.

Molecular and biochemical characterization of natural and recombinant phosphoglycerate kinase B from Trypanosoma rangeli

T. rangeli epimastigotes contain only a single detectable phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) enzyme in their cytosol. Analysis of this parasite's recently sequenced genome showed a gene predicted to code for a PGK with the same molecular mass as the natural enzyme, and with a cytosolic localization as well. In this work, we have partially purified the natural PGK from T. rangeli epimastigotes. Furthermore, we cloned the predicted PGK gene and expressed it as a recombinant active enzyme. Both purified enzymes were kinetically characterized and displayed similar substrate affinities, with Km_ATP values of 0.13 mM and 0.5 mM, and Km_3PGA values of 0.28 mM and 0.71 mM, for the natural and recombinant enzyme, respectively. The optimal pH for activity of both enzymes was in the range of 8-10. Like other PGKs, TrPGK is monomeric with a molecular mass of approximately 44 kDa. The enzyme's kinetic characteristics are comparable with those of cytosolic PGK isoforms from related trypanosomatid species, indicating that, most likely, this enzyme is equivalent with the PGKB that is responsible for generating ATP in the cytosol of other trypanosomatids. This is the first report of a glycolytic enzyme characterization from T. rangeli.

DNA content analysis allows discrimination between Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli

Trypanosoma cruzi, a human protozoan parasite, is the causative agent of Chagas disease. Currently the species is divided into six taxonomic groups. The genome of the CL Brener clone has been estimated to be 106.4-110.7 Mb, and DNA content analyses revealed that it is a diploid hybrid clone. Trypanosoma rangeli is a hemoflagellate that has the same reservoirs and vectors as T. cruzi; however, it is non-pathogenic to vertebrate hosts. The haploid genome of T. rangeli was previously estimated to be 24 Mb. The parasitic strains of T. rangeli are divided into KP1(+) and KP1(-). Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the DNA content in different strains of T. cruzi and T. rangeli by flow cytometry. All T. cruzi and T. rangeli strains yielded cell cycle profiles with clearly identifiable G1-0 (2n) and G2-M (4n) peaks. T. cruzi and T. rangeli genome sizes were estimated using the clone CL Brener and the Leishmania major CC1 as reference cell lines because their genome sequences have been previously determined. The DNA content of T. cruzi strains ranged from 87,41 to 108,16 Mb, and the DNA content of T. rangeli strains ranged from 63,25 Mb to 68,66 Mb. No differences in DNA content were observed between KP1(+) and KP1(-) T. rangeli strains. Cultures containing mixtures of the epimastigote forms of T. cruzi and T. rangeli strains resulted in cell cycle profiles with distinct G1 peaks for strains of each species. These results demonstrate that DNA content analysis by flow cytometry is a reliable technique for discrimination between T. cruzi and T. rangeli isolated from different hosts.

Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene as a DNA barcode for discriminating Trypanosoma cruzi DTUs and closely related species

BACKGROUND

The DNA barcoding system using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 mitochondrial gene (cox1 or COI) is highly efficient for discriminating vertebrate and invertebrate species. In the present study, we examined the suitability of cox1 as a marker for Trypanosoma cruzi identification from other closely related species. Additionally, we combined the sequences of cox1 and the nuclear gene glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) to evaluate the occurrence of mitochondrial introgression and the presence of hybrid genotypes.

METHODS

Sixty-two isolates of Trypanosoma spp. obtained from five of the six Brazilian biomes (Amazon Forest, Atlantic Forest, Caatinga, Cerrado and Pantanal) were sequenced for cox1 and GPI gene fragments. Phylogenetic trees were reconstructed using neighbor-joining, maximum likelihood, parsimony and Bayesian inference methods. Molecular species delimitation was evaluated through pairwise intraspecific and interspecific distances, Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery, single-rate Poisson Tree Processes and multi-rate Poisson Tree Processes.

RESULTS

Both cox1 and GPI genes recognized and differentiated T. cruzi, Trypanosoma cruzi marinkellei, Trypanosoma dionisii and Trypanosoma rangeli. Cox1 discriminated Tcbat, TcI, TcII, TcIII and TcIV. Additionally, TcV and TcVI were identified as a single group. Cox1 also demonstrated diversity in the discrete typing units (DTUs) TcI, TcII and TcIII and in T. c. marinkellei and T. rangeli. Cox1 and GPI demonstrated TcI and TcII as the most genetically distant branches, and the position of the other T. cruzi DTUs differed according to the molecular marker. The tree reconstructed with concatenated cox1 and GPI sequences confirmed the separation of the subgenus Trypanosoma (Schizotrypanum) sp. and the T. cruzi DTUs TcI, TcII, TcIII and TcIV. The evaluation of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was informative for DTU differentiation using both genes. In the cox1 analysis, one SNP differentiated heterozygous hybrids from TcIV sequences. In the GPI analysis one SNP discriminated Tcbat from TcI, while another SNP distinguished TcI from TcIII.

CONCLUSIONS

DNA barcoding using the cox1 gene is a reliable tool to distinguish T. cruzi from T. c. marinkellei, T. dionisii and T. rangeli and identify the main T. cruzi genotypes.

Genotyping of Trypanosoma cruzi DTUs and Trypanosoma rangeli genetic groups in experimentally infected Rhodnius prolixus by PCR-RFLP

The specific detection and genetic typing of trypanosomes that infect humans, mammalian reservoirs, and vectors is crucial for diagnosis and epidemiology. We utilized a PCR-RFLP assay that targeted subunit II of cytochrome oxidase and 24Sα-rDNA to simultaneously detect and discriminate six Trypanosoma cruzi discrete typing units (DTUs) and two genetic groups of Trypanosoma rangeli (KP1+/KP1-) in intestinal contents of experimentally infected Rhodnius prolixus. The PCR assays showed that in 23 of 29 (79.4%) mixed infections with the six T. cruzi DTUs and mixed infections with individual DTUs and/or groups KP1+ and KP1-, both parasites were successfully detected. In six mixed infections that involved TcIII, the TcI, TcII, TcV, and TcVI DTUs predominated to the detriment of TcIII, indicating the selection of genetic groups. Interactions between different genetic groups and vectors may lead to genetic selection over TcIII. The elimination of this DTU by the immune system of the vector appears unlikely because TcIII was present in other mixed infections (TcIII/TcIV and TcIII/KP1+). Both molecular markers used in this study were sensitive and specific, demonstrating their usefulness in a wide geographical area where distinct genotypes of these two species are sympatric. Although the cellular and molecular mechanisms that are involved in parasite-vector interactions are still poorly understood, our results indicate a dynamic selection toward specific T. cruzi DTUs in R. prolixus during mixed genotype infections.

Genome of the avirulent human-infective trypanosome--Trypanosoma rangeli

Background

Trypanosoma rangeli is a hemoflagellate protozoan parasite infecting humans and other wild and domestic mammals across Central and South America. It does not cause human disease, but it can be mistaken for the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, Trypanosoma cruzi. We have sequenced the T. rangeli genome to provide new tools for elucidating the distinct and intriguing biology of this species and the key pathways related to interaction with its arthropod and mammalian hosts.

Methodology/Principal Findings

The T. rangeli haploid genome is ∼24 Mb in length, and is the smallest and least repetitive trypanosomatid genome sequenced thus far. This parasite genome has shorter subtelomeric sequences compared to those of T. cruzi and T. brucei; displays intraspecific karyotype variability and lacks minichromosomes. Of the predicted 7,613 protein coding sequences, functional annotations could be determined for 2,415, while 5,043 are hypothetical proteins, some with evidence of protein expression. 7,101 genes (93%) are shared with other trypanosomatids that infect humans. An ortholog of the dcl2 gene involved in the T. brucei RNAi pathway was found in T. rangeli, but the RNAi machinery is non-functional since the other genes in this pathway are pseudogenized. T. rangeli is highly susceptible to oxidative stress, a phenotype that may be explained by a smaller number of anti-oxidant defense enzymes and heat-shock proteins.

Conclusions/Significance

Phylogenetic comparison of nuclear and mitochondrial genes indicates that T. rangeli and T. cruzi are equidistant from T. brucei. In addition to revealing new aspects of trypanosome co-evolution within the vertebrate and invertebrate hosts, comparative genomic analysis with pathogenic trypanosomatids provides valuable new information that can be further explored with the aim of developing better diagnostic tools and/or therapeutic targets.

Comparative genomics is a powerful tool that affords detailed study of the genetic and evolutionary basis for aspects of lifecycles and pathologies caused by phylogenetically related pathogens. The reference genome sequences of three trypanosomatids, T. brucei, T. cruzi and L. major, and subsequent addition of multiple Leishmania and Trypanosoma genomes has provided data upon which large-scale investigations delineating the complex systems biology of these human parasites has been built. Here, we compare the annotated genome sequence of T. rangeli strain SC-58 to available genomic sequence and annotation data from related species. We provide analysis of gene content, genome architecture and key characteristics associated with the biology of this non-pathogenic trypanosome. Moreover, we report striking new genomic features of T. rangeli compared with its closest relative, T. cruzi, such as (1) considerably less amplification on the gene copy number within multigene virulence factor families such as MASPs, trans-sialidases and mucins; (2) a reduced repertoire of genes encoding anti-oxidant defense enzymes; and (3) the presence of vestigial orthologs of the RNAi machinery, which are insufficient to constitute a functional pathway. Overall, the genome of T. rangeli provides for a much better understanding of the identity, evolution, regulation and function of trypanosome virulence determinants for both mammalian host and insect vector.

Rational design of a new Trypanosoma rangeli trans-sialidase for efficient sialylation of glycans

This paper reports rational engineering of Trypanosoma rangeli sialidase to develop an effective enzyme for a potentially important type of reactivity: production of sialylated prebiotic glycans. The Trypanosoma cruzi trans-sialidase and the homologous T. rangeli sialidase has previously been used to investigate the structural requirements for trans-sialidase activity. We observed that the T. cruzi trans-sialidase has a seven-amino-acid motif (197–203) at the border of the substrate binding cleft. The motif differs substantially in chemical properties and substitution probability from the homologous sialidase, and we hypothesised that this motif is important for trans-sialidase activity. The 197–203 motif is strongly positively charged with a marked change in hydrogen bond donor capacity as compared to the sialidase. To investigate the role of this motif, we expressed and characterised a T. rangeli sialidase mutant, Tr13. Conditions for efficient trans-sialylation were determined, and Tr13's acceptor specificity demonstrated promiscuity with respect to the acceptor molecule enabling sialylation of glycans containing terminal galactose and glucose and even monomers of glucose and fucose. Sialic acid is important in association with human milk oligosaccharides, and Tr13 was shown to sialylate a number of established and potential prebiotics. Initial evaluation of prebiotic potential using pure cultures demonstrated, albeit not selectively, growth of Bifidobacteria. Since the 197–203 motif stands out in the native trans-sialidase, is markedly different from the wild-type sialidase compared to previous mutants, and is shown here to confer efficient and broad trans-sialidase activity, we suggest that this motif can serve as a framework for future optimization of trans-sialylation towards prebiotic production.

Sequence analysis of the spliced-leader intergenic region (SL-IR) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) of Trypanosoma rangeli strains isolated from Rhodnius ecuadoriensis, R. colombiensis, R. pallescens and R. prolixus suggests a degree of co-evolution between parasites and vectors

Spliced leader intergenic region (SL-IR) sequences from 23 Trypanosoma rangeli strains isolated from the salivary glands of Rhodnius colombiensis, R. ecuadoriensis, R. pallescens and R. prolixus and two human strains revealed the existence of 4 genotypes with CA, GT, TA, ATT and GTAT microsatellite repeats and the presence of insertions/deletions (INDEL) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) characterizing each genotype. The strains isolated from the same vector species or the same Rhodnius evolutionary line presented the same genotypes, even in cases where strains had been isolated from vectors captured in geographically distant regions. The dendrogram constructed from the SL-IR sequences separated all of them into two main groups, one with the genotypes isolated from R. prolixus and the other group containing three well defined sub-groups with the genotypes isolated from R. pallescens, R. colombiensis and R. ecuadoriensis. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis showed the same two main groups and sub-groups supporting strict T. rangeli genotypes' association with Rhodnius species. Combined with other studies, these results suggest a possible co-evolutionary association between T. rangeli genotypes and their vectors.