RESUMEN

Pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into distinct cell types but the intracellular pathways controlling cell fate choice are not well understood. The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum is a simplified system to study choice preference as proliferating amoebae enter a developmental cycle upon starvation and differentiate into two major cell types, stalk and spores, organised in a multicellular fruiting body. Factors such as acidic vesicle pH predispose amoebae to one fate. Here we show that the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway has a role in cell fate bias in Dictyostelium. Inhibiting the mTORC1 pathway activity by disruption of Rheb (activator Ras homolog enriched in brain), or treatment with the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin prior to development, biases cells to a spore cell fate. Conversely activation of the pathway favours stalk cell differentiation. The Set1 histone methyltransferase, responsible for histone H3 lysine4 methylation, in Dictyostelium cells regulates transcription at the onset of development. Disruption of Set1 leads to high mTORC1 pathway activity and stalk cell predisposition. The ability of the mTORC1 pathway to regulate cell fate bias of cells undergoing differentiation offers a potential target to increase the efficiency of stem cell differentiation into a particular cell type.

Asunto(s)

Diferenciación Celular , Dictyostelium , Diana Mecanicista del Complejo 1 de la Rapamicina , Transducción de Señal , Diana Mecanicista del Complejo 1 de la Rapamicina/metabolismo , Dictyostelium/metabolismo , Dictyostelium/genética , N-Metiltransferasa de Histona-Lisina/metabolismo , N-Metiltransferasa de Histona-Lisina/genética , Sirolimus/farmacología , Proteínas Protozoarias/metabolismo , Proteínas Protozoarias/genética , Proteínas de Unión al GTP Monoméricas/metabolismo , Proteínas de Unión al GTP Monoméricas/genética

RESUMEN

Trypanosoma evansi is a unicellular protozoan responsible for causing a disease known as "surra," which is found in different regions of the world and primarily affects horses and camels. Few information is known about virulence factors released from the parasite within the animals. The organism can secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs), which transport a variety of molecules, including proteins. Before being considered exclusively as a means for eliminating unwanted substances, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as key players in intercellular communication, facilitating interactions between cells, host cells, and parasites, and even between parasites themselves. Thus, they may be used as potential biomarkers. This study aimed to assess the induction of EVs production by Ca+2, conduct a proteomic analysis of the EVs released by T. evansi, and identify epitopes that could serve as biomarkers. The findings indicated that Ca+2 is not an effective promoter of vesiculation in T. evansi. Furthermore, the proteomic analysis has identified multiple proteins that have been investigated as biomarkers or vaccine antigens, previously. A total of 442 proteins were identified, with 7 of them specifically recognizing 9 epitopes that are unique to T. evansi. At least one of these epitopes of TevSTIB805.9.11580 have been previously identified, which increases the possibility of further investigating its potential as a biomarker.

Asunto(s)

Vesículas Extracelulares , Proteómica , Proteínas Protozoarias , Trypanosoma , Trypanosoma/metabolismo , Trypanosoma/genética , Vesículas Extracelulares/metabolismo , Proteínas Protozoarias/genética , Proteínas Protozoarias/metabolismo , Animales , Calcio/metabolismo , Biomarcadores , Tripanosomiasis/parasitología , Proteoma , Epítopos/inmunología

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite in the Apicomplexa controlled by complex signaling pathways. Transcriptional control, an important way to regulate gene expression, has been almost absent in the N. caninum life process. However, to date, research on the transcriptional regulation of the AP2 family factors in N. caninum has been extremely limited. A prior study demonstrated that removing rhoptry protein 5 (ROP5), a significant virulence factor, resulted in abnormal expression levels of predicted NcAP2XII-4 in N. caninum, suggesting that the factor may regulate the function of ROP5. This study aimed to identify NcAP2XII-4 and its function in transcriptional regulation. METHODS: The NcAP2XII-4 gene was identified by analyzing the N. caninum genome. A polyclonal antibody against the protein was prepared and purified, and its expression and localization in the parasite were detected using western blot (WB) and immunofluorescence assay (IFA). The ΔNcAP2XII-4 strain was constructed from the Nc1 strain using CRISPR/Cas9 to study its effect on the growth and development of N. caninum, and DAP-Seq and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) were used to verify the transcriptional regulatory functions of the gene. RESULTS: Bioinformatic analysis showed that NcAP2XII-4 consists of 11,976 bp and encodes 3991 amino acids, with a predicted molecular mass of 410 kDa. The protein has two AP2 domains, 1207aa-1251aa and 3453aa-3500aa, and is predicted to be located in the nucleus. The results of PCR, WB, and IFA were in accordance with the bioinformatics analysis. ΔNcAP2XII-4 was successfully constructed, but the strain could not be released and ultimately succumbed within parasitophorous vacuoles (PVs). Plaque assays demonstrated that parasites lacking this gene could not form plaques. One motif was successfully identified using DAP-Seq technique. Two prokaryotic expression vectors containing the AP2 domain of NcAP2XII-4 were successfully constructed, and two prokaryotic expression proteins, AP2-D1 and AP2-D2, and ROP5 biotinylated probes were prepared. Using EMSA, NcAP2XII-4 was shown to regulate ROP5 transcription by binding to its promoter. CONCLUSIONS: NcAP2XII-4 is an essential gene in N. caninum. This study provides a foundation for further research on transcriptional regulation in N. caninum and identifies a new candidate factor for the development of vaccines against N. caninum.

Asunto(s)

Neospora , Proteínas Protozoarias , Neospora/genética , Neospora/metabolismo , Proteínas Protozoarias/genética , Proteínas Protozoarias/metabolismo , Regulación de la Expresión Génica , Animales , Coccidiosis/parasitología

RESUMEN

The Plasmodium falciparum mitochondrial electron transport chain (mETC) is responsible for essential metabolic pathways such as de novo pyrimidine synthesis and ATP synthesis. The mETC complex III (cytochrome bc1 complex) is responsible for transferring electrons from ubiquinol to cytochrome c and generating a proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane, which is necessary for the function of ATP synthase. Recent studies have revealed that the composition of Plasmodium falciparum complex III (PfCIII) is divergent from humans, highlighting its suitability as a target for specific inhibition. Indeed, PfCIII is the target of the clinically used anti-malarial atovaquone and of several inhibitors undergoing pre-clinical trials, yet its role in parasite biology has not been thoroughly studied. We provide evidence that the universally conserved subunit, PfRieske, and the new parasite subunit, PfC3AP2, are part of PfCIII, with the latter providing support for the prediction of its divergent composition. Using inducible depletion, we show that PfRieske, and therefore, PfCIII as a whole, is essential for asexual blood stage parasite survival, in line with previous observations. We further found that depletion of PfRieske results in gametocyte maturation defects. These phenotypes are linked to defects in mitochondrial functions upon PfRieske depletion, including increased sensitivity to mETC inhibitors in asexual stages and decreased cristae abundance alongside abnormal mitochondrial morphology in gametocytes. This is the first study that explores the direct role of the PfCIII in gametogenesis via genetic disruption, paving the way for a better understanding of the role of mETC in the complex life cycle of these important parasites and providing further support for the focus of antimalarial drug development on this pathway.

Asunto(s)

Antimaláricos , Atovacuona , Complejo III de Transporte de Electrones , Malaria Falciparum , Mitocondrias , Plasmodium falciparum , Plasmodium falciparum/efectos de los fármacos , Plasmodium falciparum/crecimiento & desarrollo , Plasmodium falciparum/metabolismo , Plasmodium falciparum/genética , Atovacuona/farmacología , Complejo III de Transporte de Electrones/metabolismo , Complejo III de Transporte de Electrones/genética , Complejo III de Transporte de Electrones/antagonistas & inhibidores , Antimaláricos/farmacología , Mitocondrias/metabolismo , Mitocondrias/efectos de los fármacos , Malaria Falciparum/parasitología , Malaria Falciparum/tratamiento farmacológico , Humanos , Proteínas Protozoarias/metabolismo , Proteínas Protozoarias/genética , Proteínas Protozoarias/antagonistas & inhibidores , Estadios del Ciclo de Vida/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

Background: Transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) can effectively prevent the community's spread of malaria by targeting the antigens of mosquito sexual stage parasites. At present, only a few candidate antigens have demonstrated transmission-blocking activity (TBA) potential in P. vivax. Quiescin-sulfhydryl oxidase (QSOX) is a sexual stage protein in the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei and is associated with a critical role in protein folding by introducing disulfides into unfolded reduced proteins. Here, we reported the immunogenicity and transmission-blocking potency of the PvQSOX in P. vivax. Methods and findings: The full-length recombinant PvQSOX protein (rPvQSOX) was expressed in the Escherichia coli expression system. The anti-rPvQSOX antibodies were generated following immunization with the rPvQSOX in rabbits. A parasite integration of the pvqsox gene into the P. berghei pbqsox gene knockout genome was developed to express full-length PvQSOX protein in P. berghei (Pv-Tr-PbQSOX). In western blot, the anti-rPvQSOX antibodies recognized the native PvQSOX protein expressed in transgenic P. berghei gametocyte and ookinete. In indirect immunofluorescence assays, the fluorescence signal was detected in the sexual stages, including gametocyte, gamete, zygote, and ookinete. Anti-rPvQSOX IgGs obviously inhibited the ookinetes and oocysts development both in vivo and in vitro using transgenic parasites. Direct membrane feeding assays of anti-rPvQSOX antibodies were conducted using four field P. vivax isolates (named isolates #1-4) in Thailand. Oocyst density in mosquitoes was significantly reduced by 32.00, 85.96, 43.52, and 66.03% with rabbit anti-rPvQSOX antibodies, respectively. The anti-rPvQSOX antibodies also showed a modest reduction of infection prevalence by 15, 15, 20, and 22.22%, respectively, as compared to the control, while the effect was insignificant. The variation in the DMFA results may be unrelated to the genetic polymorphisms. Compared to the P.vivax Salvador (Sal) I strain sequences, the pvqsox in isolate #1 showed no amino acid substitution, whereas isolates #2, #3, and #4 all had the M361I substitution. Conclusions: Our results suggest that PvQSOX could serve as a potential P. vivax TBVs candidate, which warrants further evaluation and optimization.

Asunto(s)

Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios , Vacunas contra la Malaria , Malaria Vivax , Plasmodium berghei , Plasmodium vivax , Proteínas Recombinantes , Plasmodium vivax/inmunología , Plasmodium vivax/genética , Plasmodium vivax/enzimología , Animales , Conejos , Vacunas contra la Malaria/inmunología , Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/inmunología , Malaria Vivax/prevención & control , Malaria Vivax/transmisión , Malaria Vivax/inmunología , Plasmodium berghei/inmunología , Plasmodium berghei/genética , Plasmodium berghei/enzimología , Proteínas Recombinantes/inmunología , Proteínas Recombinantes/genética , Proteínas Recombinantes/metabolismo , Ratones , Escherichia coli/genética , Antígenos de Protozoos/inmunología , Antígenos de Protozoos/genética , Proteínas Protozoarias/inmunología , Proteínas Protozoarias/genética , Proteínas Protozoarias/metabolismo , Femenino , Humanos , Inmunogenicidad Vacunal , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C

RESUMEN

Eukaryotic cilia and flagella are essential for cell motility and sensory functions. Their biogenesis and maintenance rely on the intraflagellar transport (IFT). Several cargo adapters have been identified to aid IFT cargo transport, but how ciliary cargos are discharged from the IFT remains largely unknown. During our explorations of small GTPases ARL13 and ARL3 in Trypanosoma brucei, we found that ODA16, a known IFT cargo adapter present exclusively in motile cilia, is a specific effector of ARL3. In the cilia, active ARL3 GTPases bind to ODA16 and dissociate ODA16 from the IFT complex. Depletion of ARL3 GTPases stabilizes ODA16 interaction with the IFT, leading to ODA16 accumulation in cilia and defects in axonemal assembly. The interactions between human ODA16 homolog HsDAW1 and ARL GTPases are conserved, and these interactions are altered in HsDAW1 disease variants. These findings revealed a conserved function of ARL GTPases in IFT transport of motile ciliary components, and a mechanism of cargo unloading from the IFT.

Asunto(s)

Factores de Ribosilacion-ADP , Cilios , Proteínas Protozoarias , Trypanosoma brucei brucei , Humanos , Factores de Ribosilacion-ADP/metabolismo , Factores de Ribosilacion-ADP/genética , Axonema/metabolismo , Transporte Biológico , Cilios/metabolismo , Flagelos/metabolismo , Unión Proteica , Transporte de Proteínas , Proteínas Protozoarias/metabolismo , Proteínas Protozoarias/genética , Trypanosoma brucei brucei/metabolismo

RESUMEN

The kinesin-9 family comprises two subfamilies specific to ciliated eukaryotic cells, and has recently attracted considerable attention because of its importance in ciliary bending and formation. However, only scattered data are available on the motor properties of kinesin-9 family members; these properties have not been compared under identical experimental conditions using kinesin-9 motors from the same species. Here, we report the comprehensive motor properties of two kinesin-9 molecules of Tetrahymena thermophila, TtK9A (Kif9/Klp1 ortholog) and TtK9B1 (Kif6 ortholog), using microtubule-based in vitro assays, including single-motor and multi-motor assays and microtubule-stimulated ATPase assays. Both subfamilies exhibit microtubule plus-end-directed, extremely slow motor activity, both in single and multiple molecules. TtK9A shows lower processivity than TtK9B1. Our findings indicate that the considerable slow movement of kinesin-9 that corresponds to low ATP hydrolysis rates is a common feature of the ciliary kinesin-9 family.

Asunto(s)

Cinesinas , Microtúbulos , Tetrahymena thermophila , Cinesinas/metabolismo , Cinesinas/genética , Microtúbulos/metabolismo , Tetrahymena thermophila/metabolismo , Tetrahymena thermophila/genética , Proteínas Protozoarias/metabolismo , Proteínas Protozoarias/genética , Adenosina Trifosfato/metabolismo , Cilios/metabolismo , Tetrahymena/metabolismo , Tetrahymena/genética

RESUMEN

Coccidiosis is an important parasitic disease that has serious adverse effects on the global poultry industry. The mechanism by which the pathogenic factors of Eimeria tenella damage host cells is unknown. Some kinases from the rhoptry compartment can regulate apoptosis of host cells. This study focused on revealing the role and critical nodes of E. tenella rhoptry protein (EtROP) 38 in controlling the apoptosis of host cells via the P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. The cells were treated with EtROP38 protein, siRNA p38MAPK, or both. The rate of infection, apoptosis, and the dynamic changes in the expression and activation of key factor genes of the P38MAPK signaling pathway in host cells infected with E. tenella were measured. The results showed that the addition of EtROP38 and/or knockdown of the host cells p38 gene reduced the apoptosis rate of cecal epithelial cells (CECS), decreased the mRNA expressions of p38, p53, c-myc, c-fos, and c-jun and increased the expression of p65, decreased the protein expressions of c-myc, c-fos, and c-jun, decreased the p38 protein phosphorylation level, and increased the p65 protein phosphorylation level in CECS. When E. tenella was inoculated for 4-96 h, the addition of Et ROP38 and/or host cell p38 knockdown both increased the infection rate of host cells, and this effect was more pronounced with the addition of EtROP38 with the host cell p38 knockdown. These observations indicate that E. tenella can inhibits the activation of the p38MAPK signaling pathway in host cells via EtROP38, which suppresses apoptosis in host cells.

Asunto(s)

Apoptosis , Pollos , Eimeria tenella , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos , Eimeria tenella/fisiología , Animales , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos/metabolismo , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos/genética , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/parasitología , Proteínas Protozoarias/metabolismo , Proteínas Protozoarias/genética , Coccidiosis/parasitología , Coccidiosis/veterinaria , Sistema de Señalización de MAP Quinasas , Células Epiteliales/parasitología , Ciego/parasitología , Transducción de Señal

RESUMEN

Cilia are antenna-like organelles protruding from the surface of many cell types in the human body. Defects in ciliary structure or function often lead to diseases that are collectively called ciliopathies. Cilia and flagella-associated protein 410 (CFAP410) localizes at the basal body of cilia/flagella and plays essential roles in ciliogenesis, neuronal development and DNA damage repair. It remains unknown how its specific basal body location is achieved. Multiple single amino acid mutations in CFAP410 have been identified in patients with various ciliopathies. One of the mutations, L224P, is located in the C-terminal domain (CTD) of human CFAP410 and causes severe spondylometaphyseal dysplasia, axial (SMDAX). However, the molecular mechanism for how the mutation causes the disorder remains unclear. Here, we report our structural studies on the CTD of CFAP410 from three distantly related organisms, Homo sapiens, Trypanosoma brucei and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The crystal structures reveal that the three proteins all adopt the same conformation as a tetrameric helical bundle. Our work further demonstrates that the tetrameric assembly of the CTD is essential for the correct localization of CFAP410 in T. brucei, as the L224P mutation that disassembles the tetramer disrupts its basal body localization. Taken together, our studies reveal that the basal body localization of CFAP410 is controlled by the CTD and provide a mechanistic explanation for how the mutation L224P in CFAP410 causes ciliopathies in humans.

Asunto(s)

Cuerpos Basales , Trypanosoma brucei brucei , Cuerpos Basales/metabolismo , Humanos , Trypanosoma brucei brucei/metabolismo , Trypanosoma brucei brucei/genética , Modelos Moleculares , Chlamydomonas reinhardtii/genética , Chlamydomonas reinhardtii/metabolismo , Cilios/metabolismo , Cristalografía por Rayos X , Mutación , Secuencia de Aminoácidos , Multimerización de Proteína , Proteínas Protozoarias/genética , Proteínas Protozoarias/metabolismo , Proteínas Protozoarias/química

RESUMEN

Trichomonas vaginalis causes trichomoniasis, the most common non-viral sexually transmitted disease worldwide. As an extracellular parasite, adhesion to host cells is essential for the development of infection. During attachment, the parasite changes its tear ovoid shape to a flat ameboid form, expanding the contact surface and migrating through tissues. Here, we have identified a novel structure formed at the posterior pole of adherent parasite strains, resembling the previously described uropod, which appears to play a pivotal role as an anchor during the attachment process. Moreover, our research demonstrates that the overexpression of the tetraspanin T. vaginalis TSP5 protein (TvTSP5), which is localized on the cell surface of the parasite, notably enhances the formation of this posterior anchor structure in adherent strains. Finally, we demonstrate that parasites that overexpress TvTSP5 possess an increased ability to adhere to host cells, enhanced aggregation and reduced migration on agar plates. Overall, these findings unveil novel proteins and structures involved in the intricate mechanisms of T. vaginalis interactions with host cells.

Asunto(s)

Proteínas Protozoarias , Trichomonas vaginalis , Trichomonas vaginalis/genética , Humanos , Proteínas Protozoarias/metabolismo , Proteínas Protozoarias/genética , Adhesión Celular , Tetraspaninas/metabolismo , Tetraspaninas/genética , Membrana Celular/metabolismo , Interacciones Huésped-Parásitos , Extensiones de la Superficie Celular/metabolismo , Animales

RESUMEN

The convergence of biotechnology and artificial intelligence has the potential to transform drug development, especially in the field of therapeutic peptide design. Peptides are short chains of amino acids with diverse therapeutic applications that offer several advantages over small molecular drugs, such as targeted therapy and minimal side effects. However, limited oral bioavailability and enzymatic degradation have limited their effectiveness. With advances in deep learning techniques, innovative approaches to peptide design have become possible. In this work, we demonstrate HYDRA, a hybrid deep learning approach that leverages the distribution modeling capabilities of a diffusion model and combines it with a binding affinity maximization algorithm that can be used for de novo design of peptide binders for various target receptors. As an application, we have used our approach to design therapeutic peptides targeting proteins expressed by Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) genes. The ability of HYDRA to generate peptides conditioned on the target receptor's binding sites makes it a promising approach for developing effective therapies for malaria and other diseases.

Asunto(s)

Péptidos , Péptidos/química , Péptidos/metabolismo , Plasmodium falciparum/metabolismo , Difusión , Proteínas Protozoarias/metabolismo , Proteínas Protozoarias/química , Modelos Moleculares , Aprendizaje Profundo

RESUMEN

Immunofluorescence localises proteins via fluorophore-labelled antibodies. However, some proteins evade detection due to antibody-accessibility issues or because they are naturally low abundant or antigen density is reduced by the imaging method. Here, we show that the fusion of the target protein to the biotin ligase TurboID and subsequent detection of biotinylation by fluorescent streptavidin offers an 'all in one' solution to these restrictions. For all proteins tested, the streptavidin signal was significantly stronger than an antibody signal, markedly improving the sensitivity of expansion microscopy and correlative light and electron microscopy. Importantly, proteins within phase-separated regions, such as the central channel of the nuclear pores, the nucleolus, or RNA granules, were readily detected with streptavidin, while most antibodies failed. When TurboID is used in tandem with an HA epitope tag, co-probing with streptavidin and anti-HA can map antibody-accessibility and we created such a map for the trypanosome nuclear pore. Lastly, we show that streptavidin imaging resolves dynamic, temporally, and spatially distinct sub-complexes and, in specific cases, reveals a history of dynamic protein interaction. In conclusion, streptavidin imaging has major advantages for the detection of lowly abundant or inaccessible proteins and in addition, provides information on protein interactions and biophysical environment.

Asunto(s)

Estreptavidina , Estreptavidina/química , Estreptavidina/metabolismo , Proteínas Recombinantes de Fusión/metabolismo , Proteínas Recombinantes de Fusión/genética , Proteínas Recombinantes de Fusión/inmunología , Anticuerpos/metabolismo , Humanos , Biotinilación , Microscopía Fluorescente/métodos , Proteínas Protozoarias/inmunología , Proteínas Protozoarias/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Background: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a widespread, zoonotic protozoan intracellular parasite with a complex life cycle, which can cause toxoplasmosis, a potentially serious disease. During the invasion process, T. gondii proteins first bind to the relevant host cell receptors, such as glycosaminoglycan molecule (GAG-binding motif), which is one of the main receptors for parasites or virus to infect host cells. However, research on TGME49_216510 (T. gondii Trx21), a protein from Toxoplasma gondii, is limited. Methods: Bioinformatics analysis of the Trx21 protein was performed firstly. And specific primers were then designed using the conserved domain and GAG-binding motif to amplify, express, and purify a fragment of the Trx21 protein. The purified Trx21-GST protein was used for antioxidant and cell adhesion experiments. Simultaneously, mice were immunized with Trx21-His to generate specific polyclonal antibodies for subcellular localization analysis. Results: The Trx21 protein, consisting of 774 amino acids, included a transmembrane region, three GAG-binding motifs, and a Thioredoxin-like domain. The recombinant Trx21-His protein had a molecular mass of about 31 kDa, while the Trx21-GST protein had a molecular mass of about 55 kDa, which was analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot. Subcellular localization analysis by IFA revealed that Trx21 is predominantly distributed in the cytoplasm of T. gondii. Furthermore, Trx21 exhibited a protective effect on supercoiled DNA against metal-catalyzed oxidation (MCO) and demonstrated adhesion abilities to Vero cells. Conclusions: These results indicate that Trx21 plays an important role in host cell interaction and oxidative damage.

Asunto(s)

Adhesión Celular , Proteínas Protozoarias , Tiorredoxinas , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasma/metabolismo , Toxoplasma/genética , Tiorredoxinas/metabolismo , Tiorredoxinas/genética , Animales , Ratones , Proteínas Protozoarias/metabolismo , Proteínas Protozoarias/genética , Proteínas Protozoarias/inmunología , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Proteínas Recombinantes/genética , Proteínas Recombinantes/metabolismo , Proteínas Recombinantes/aislamiento & purificación , Biología Computacional , Células Vero , Chlorocebus aethiops , Toxoplasmosis/parasitología , Humanos

RESUMEN

Cryptosporidium is a globally distributed zoonotic protozoan parasite that can cause severe diarrhea in humans and animals. L-type lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins involved in multiple pathways in animals and plants, including protein transportation, secretion, innate immunity, and the unfolded protein response signaling pathway. However, the biological function of the L-type lectins remains unknown in Cryptosporidium parvum. Here, we preliminarily characterized an L-type lectin in C. parvum (CpLTL) that contains a lectin-leg-like domain. Immunofluorescence assay confirmed that CpLTL is located on the wall of oocysts, the surface of the mid-anterior region of the sporozoite and the cytoplasm of merozoites. The involvement of CpLTL in parasite invasion is partly supported by experiments showing that an anti-CpLTL antibody could partially block the invasion of C. parvum sporozoites into host cells. Moreover, the recombinant CpLTL showed binding ability with mannose and the surface of host cells, and competitively inhibited the invasion of C. parvum. Two host cell proteins were identified by proteomics which should be prioritized for future validation of CpLTL-binding. Our data indicated that CpLTL is potentially involved in the adhesion and invasion of C. parvum.

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Title: Une protéine mono-transmembranaire, lectine de type L spécifique du mannose, potentiellement impliquée dans l'adhésion et l'invasion de Cryptosporidium parvum. Abstract: Cryptosporidium est un parasite protozoaire zoonotique répandu dans le monde entier qui peut provoquer de graves diarrhées chez les humains et les animaux. Les lectines de type L sont des protéines liant les glucides impliquées dans de multiples voies chez les animaux et les plantes, notamment le transport des protéines, la sécrétion, l'immunité innée et la voie de signalisation de la réponse protéique dépliée. Cependant, la fonction biologique des lectines de type L reste inconnue chez Cryptosporidium parvum. Ici, nous avons caractérisé de manière préliminaire une lectine de type L chez C. parvum (CpLTL) qui contient un domaine de type jambe de lectine. Le test d'immunofluorescence a confirmé que CpLTL est localisée sur la paroi des oocystes, la surface de la région médio-antérieure du sporozoïte et le cytoplasme des mérozoïtes. L'implication de CpLTL dans l'invasion parasitaire est en partie étayée par des expériences montrant qu'un anticorps anti-CpLTL peut bloquer partiellement l'invasion des sporozoïtes de C. parvum dans les cellules hôtes. De plus, la CpLTL recombinante a montré une capacité de liaison avec le mannose et la surface des cellules hôtes et a inhibé de manière compétitive l'invasion de C. parvum. Deux protéines de cellules hôtes ont été identifiées par protéomique et devraient être prioritaires pour la validation future de la liaison avec CpLTL. Nos données indiquent que CpLTL est potentiellement impliquée dans l'adhésion et l'invasion de C. parvum.

Asunto(s)

Cryptosporidium parvum , Manosa , Proteínas Protozoarias , Esporozoítos , Cryptosporidium parvum/fisiología , Cryptosporidium parvum/metabolismo , Cryptosporidium parvum/genética , Esporozoítos/fisiología , Esporozoítos/metabolismo , Animales , Proteínas Protozoarias/metabolismo , Proteínas Protozoarias/genética , Humanos , Manosa/metabolismo , Oocistos/fisiología , Criptosporidiosis/parasitología , Merozoítos/fisiología , Proteínas de la Membrana/metabolismo , Proteínas de la Membrana/genética , Adhesión Celular , Proteómica

RESUMEN

In the absence of an efficacious vaccine, chemotherapy remains crucial to prevent and treat malaria. Given its key role in haemoglobin degradation, falcilysin constitutes an attractive target. Here, we reveal the mechanism of enzymatic inhibition of falcilysin by MK-4815, an investigational new drug with potent antimalarial activity. Using X-ray crystallography, we determine two binary complexes of falcilysin in a closed state, bound with peptide substrates from the haemoglobin α and ß chains respectively. An antiparallel ß-sheet is formed between the substrate and enzyme, accounting for sequence-independent recognition at positions P2 and P1. In contrast, numerous contacts favor tyrosine and phenylalanine at the P1' position of the substrate. Cryo-EM studies reveal a majority of unbound falcilysin molecules adopting an open conformation. Addition of MK-4815 shifts about two-thirds of falcilysin molecules to a closed state. These structures give atomic level pictures of the proteolytic cycle, in which falcilysin interconverts between a closed state conducive to proteolysis, and an open conformation amenable to substrate diffusion and products release. MK-4815 and quinolines bind to an allosteric pocket next to a hinge region of falcilysin and hinders this dynamic transition. These data should inform the design of potent inhibitors of falcilysin to combat malaria.

Asunto(s)

Antimaláricos , Plasmodium falciparum , Plasmodium falciparum/enzimología , Plasmodium falciparum/efectos de los fármacos , Antimaláricos/farmacología , Antimaláricos/química , Proteínas Protozoarias/metabolismo , Proteínas Protozoarias/química , Proteínas Protozoarias/antagonistas & inhibidores , Cristalografía por Rayos X , Modelos Moleculares , Microscopía por Crioelectrón , Humanos

RESUMEN

Chinese1 is the predominant Toxoplasma gondii lineage in China, and significant phenotypic differences are observed within the lineage. WH3 and WH6 are two representative strains of Chinese 1, which exhibit divergent virulence and pathogenicity in mice. However, virulence determinants and their modulating mechanisms remain elusive. A global genome expression analysis of the WH3 and WH6 transcriptional profiles identified microneme secretory protein 6 (MIC6), which may be associated with the phenotypic difference observed in WH3. In the present study, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 genome-editing technique was used to generate a T. gondii microneme secretory protein (TgMIC6) knockout in WH3. Wild-type mice and different mouse and human cell lines were infected with the WH3, WH3-Δmic6, and WH6 strains. The survival rate of mice, related cytokine levels in serum, and the proliferation of parasites were observed. These results suggested that TgMIC6 is an important effector molecule that determines the differential virulence of WH3 in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, MIC6 may enhance WH3 virulence via inhibition of host cell autophagy and activation of key molecules in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) classical autophagy pathway. CD40L was cleared in vivo by i.p injection of CD40L monoclonal antibody, and it was found that the virulence of WH3-Δmic6 to mice was restored to a certain extent in the absence of CD40L. This study elucidates the virulence determinants and immune escape strategies of Toxoplasma gondii in China. Moreover, these data will aid the development of effective strategies for the prevention and control of toxoplasmosis.

Asunto(s)

Autofagia , Proteínas Protozoarias , Toxoplasma , Animales , Femenino , Humanos , Ratones , Línea Celular , China , Sistemas CRISPR-Cas , Citocinas/metabolismo , Receptores ErbB/metabolismo , Receptores ErbB/genética , Fenotipo , Proteínas Protozoarias/genética , Proteínas Protozoarias/metabolismo , Toxoplasma/patogenicidad , Toxoplasma/inmunología , Toxoplasma/genética , Toxoplasmosis/inmunología , Toxoplasmosis/parasitología , Toxoplasmosis Animal/inmunología , Virulencia

RESUMEN

Thiosemicarbazones and their metal complexes have been studied for their biological activities against bacteria, cancer cells and protozoa. Short-term in vitro treatment with one gold (III) complex (C3) and its salicyl-thiosemicarbazone ligand (C4) selectively inhibited proliferation of T. gondii. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) detected transient structural alterations in the parasitophorous vacuole membrane and the tachyzoite cytoplasm, but the mitochondrial membrane potential appeared unaffected by these compounds. Proteins potentially interacting with C3 and C4 were identified using differential affinity chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (DAC-MS). Moreover, long-term in vitro treatment was performed to investigate parasitostatic or parasiticidal activity of the compounds. DAC-MS identified 50 ribosomal proteins binding both compounds, and continuous drug treatments for up to 6 days caused the loss of efficacy. Parasite tolerance to both compounds was, however, rapidly lost in their absence and regained shortly after re-exposure. Proteome analyses of six T. gondii ME49 clones adapted to C3 and C4 compared to the non-adapted wildtype revealed overexpression of ribosomal proteins, of two transmembrane proteins involved in exocytosis and of an alpha/beta hydrolase fold domain-containing protein. Results suggest that C3 and C4 may interfere with protein biosynthesis and that adaptation may be associated with the upregulated expression of tachyzoite transmembrane proteins and transporters, suggesting that the in vitro drug tolerance in T. gondii might be due to reversible, non-drug specific stress-responses mediated by phenotypic plasticity.

Asunto(s)

Proteínas Ribosómicas , Tiosemicarbazonas , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasma/efectos de los fármacos , Toxoplasma/metabolismo , Tiosemicarbazonas/farmacología , Proteínas Ribosómicas/metabolismo , Proteínas Protozoarias/metabolismo , Proteínas Protozoarias/genética , Adaptación Fisiológica/efectos de los fármacos , Proteínas de la Membrana/metabolismo , Proteínas de la Membrana/genética , Regulación hacia Arriba/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Proteínas de Transporte de Membrana/metabolismo , Proteínas de Transporte de Membrana/genética , Animales

RESUMEN

Maf1, originally described as a repressor of RNA polymerase III (RNAP III) transcription in yeast, participates in multiple functions across eukaryotes. However, the knowledge about Maf1 in protozoan parasites is scarce. To initiate the study of Maf1 in Leishmania major, we generated a cell line that overexpresses this protein. Overexpression of Maf1 led to a significant reduction in the abundance of tRNAs, 5S rRNA, and U4 snRNA, demonstrating that Maf1 regulates RNAP III activity in L. major. To further explore the roles played by Maf1 in this microorganism, global transcriptomic and proteomic changes due to Maf1 overexpression were determined using RNA-sequencing and label-free quantitative mass spectrometry. Compared to wild-type cells, differential expression was observed for 1082 transcripts (615 down-regulated and 467 up-regulated) and 205 proteins (132 down-regulated and 73 up-regulated) in the overexpressing cells. A correlation of 44% was found between transcriptomic and proteomic results. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses revealed that the differentially expressed genes and proteins are mainly involved in transcription, cell cycle regulation, lipid metabolism and transport, ribosomal biogenesis, carbohydrate metabolism, autophagy, and cytoskeleton modification. Thus, our results suggest the involvement of Maf1 in the regulation of all these processes in L. major, as reported in other species, indicating that the functions performed by Maf1 were established early in eukaryotic evolution. Notably, our data also suggest the participation of L. major Maf1 in mRNA post-transcriptional control, a role that, to the best of our knowledge, has not been described in other organisms.

Asunto(s)

Leishmania major , Proteoma , Transcriptoma , Leishmania major/metabolismo , Leishmania major/genética , Proteoma/metabolismo , Humanos , ARN Polimerasa III/metabolismo , ARN Polimerasa III/genética , Proteínas Protozoarias/metabolismo , Proteínas Protozoarias/genética , Proteínas Represoras/metabolismo , Proteínas Represoras/genética , Regulación de la Expresión Génica

RESUMEN

Lung adenocarcinoma is the most prevalent subtype of lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Toxoplasma gondii (T.gondii) Rhoptry protein 16 (ROP16) has been shown to quickly enter the nucleus, and through activate host cell signaling pathways by phosphorylation STAT3 and may affect the survival of tumor cells. This study constructed recombinant lentiviral expression vector of T. gondii ROP16 I/II/III and stably transfected them into A549 cells, and the effects of ROP16 on cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, invasion, and migration of A549 cells were explored by utilizing CCK-8, flow cytometry, qPCR, Western blotting, TUNEL, Transwell assay, and cell scratch assay, and these effects were confirmed in the primary human lung adenocarcinoma cells from postoperative cancer tissues of patients. The type I and III ROP16 activate STAT3 and inhibited A549 cell proliferation, regulated the expression of p21, CDK6, CyclinD1, and induced cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase. ROP16 also regulated the Bax, Bcl-2, p53, cleaved-Caspase3, and Caspase9, inducing cell apoptosis, and reduced the invasion and migration of A549 cells, while type II ROP16 protein had no such effect. Furthermore, in the regulation of ROP16 on primary lung adenocarcinoma cells, type I and III ROP16 showed the same anticancer potential. These findings confirmed the anti-lung adenocarcinoma effect of type I and III ROP16, offering fresh perspectives on the possible application of ROP16 as a target with adjuvant therapy for lung adenocarcinoma and propelling the field of precision therapy research toward parasite treatment of tumors.

Asunto(s)

Adenocarcinoma del Pulmón , Apoptosis , Proliferación Celular , Neoplasias Pulmonares , Proteínas Protozoarias , Toxoplasma , Humanos , Adenocarcinoma del Pulmón/patología , Adenocarcinoma del Pulmón/genética , Adenocarcinoma del Pulmón/metabolismo , Adenocarcinoma del Pulmón/tratamiento farmacológico , Proteínas Protozoarias/genética , Proteínas Protozoarias/metabolismo , Neoplasias Pulmonares/metabolismo , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patología , Neoplasias Pulmonares/genética , Toxoplasma/genética , Toxoplasma/metabolismo , Movimiento Celular , Células A549 , Factor de Transcripción STAT3/metabolismo , Factor de Transcripción STAT3/genética , Proteínas Tirosina Quinasas

RESUMEN

Protein import and genome replication are essential processes for mitochondrial biogenesis and propagation. The J-domain proteins Pam16 and Pam18 regulate the presequence translocase of the mitochondrial inner membrane. In the protozoan Trypanosoma brucei, their counterparts are TbPam16 and TbPam18, which are essential for the procyclic form (PCF) of the parasite, though not involved in mitochondrial protein import. Here, we show that during evolution, the 2 proteins have been repurposed to regulate the replication of maxicircles within the intricate kDNA network, the most complex mitochondrial genome known. TbPam18 and TbPam16 have inactive J-domains suggesting a function independent of heat shock proteins. However, their single transmembrane domain is essential for function. Pulldown of TbPam16 identifies a putative client protein, termed MaRF11, the depletion of which causes the selective loss of maxicircles, akin to the effects observed for TbPam18 and TbPam16. Moreover, depletion of the mitochondrial proteasome results in increased levels of MaRF11. Thus, we have discovered a protein complex comprising TbPam18, TbPam16, and MaRF11, that controls maxicircle replication. We propose a working model in which the matrix protein MaRF11 functions downstream of the 2 integral inner membrane proteins TbPam18 and TbPam16. Moreover, we suggest that the levels of MaRF11 are controlled by the mitochondrial proteasome.

Asunto(s)

Replicación del ADN , ADN Mitocondrial , Proteínas Protozoarias , Trypanosoma brucei brucei , Trypanosoma brucei brucei/metabolismo , Trypanosoma brucei brucei/genética , Proteínas Protozoarias/metabolismo , Proteínas Protozoarias/genética , ADN Mitocondrial/genética , ADN Mitocondrial/metabolismo , Proteínas Mitocondriales/metabolismo , Proteínas Mitocondriales/genética , Mitocondrias/metabolismo , Mitocondrias/genética , Evolución Molecular