Molecular Cloning and Characterization of a Paramyosin from Clonorchis sinensis

Paramyosin is a myofibrillar protein present in helminth parasites and plays multifunctional roles in host-parasite interactions. In this study, we identified the gene encoding paramyosin of Clonorchis sinensis (CsPmy) and characterized biochemical and immunological properties of its recombinant protein. CsPmy showed a high level of sequence identity with paramyosin from other helminth parasites. Recombinant CsPmy (rCsPmy) expressed in bacteria had an approximate molecular weight of 100 kDa and bound both human collagen and complement 9. The protein was constitutively expressed in various developmental stages of the parasite. Imunofluorescence analysis revealed that CsPmy was mainly localized in the tegument, subtegumental muscles, and the muscle layer surrounding the intestine of the parasite. The rCsPmy showed high levels of positive reactions (74.6%, 56/75) against sera from patients with clonorchiasis. Immunization of experimental rats with rCsPmy evoked high levels of IgG production. These results collectively suggest that CsPmy is a multifunctional protein that not only contributes to the muscle layer structure but also to non-muscular functions in host-parasite interactions. Successful induction of host IgG production also suggests that CsPmy can be applied as a diagnostic antigen and/or vaccine candidate for clonorchiasis.     

Identification and Molecular Characterization of Parkin in Clonorchis sinensis

Clonorchis sinensis habitating in the bile duct of mammals causes clonorchiasis endemic in East Asian countries. Parkin is a RING-between-RING protein and has E3-ubiquitin ligase activity catalyzing ubiquitination and degradation of substrate proteins. A cDNA clone of C. sinensis was predicted to encode a polypeptide homologous to parkin (CsParkin) including 5 domains (Ubl, RING0, RING1, IBR, and RING2). The cysteine and histidine residues binding to Zn²⁺ were all conserved and participated in formation of tertiary structural RINGs. Conserved residues were also an E2-binding site in RING1 domain and a catalytic cysteine residue in the RING2 domain. Native CsParkin was determined to have an estimated molecular weight of 45.7 kDa from C. sinensis adults by immunoblotting. CsParkin revealed E3-ubiquitin ligase activity and higher expression in metacercariae than in adults. CsParkin was localized in the locomotive and male reproductive organs of C. sinensis adults, and extensively in metacercariae. Parkin has been found to participate in regulating mitochondrial function and energy metabolism in mammalian cells. From these results, it is suggested that CsParkin play roles in energy metabolism of the locomotive organs, and possibly in protein metabolism of the reproductive organs of C. sinensis.     

Excretory/Secretory Products from Trichinella spiralis Adult Worms Ameliorate DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice

Background

Many evidences show the inverse correlation between helminth infection and allergic or autoimmune diseases. Identification and characterization of the active helminth-derived products responsible for the beneficial effects on allergic or inflammatory diseases will provide another feasible approach to treat these diseases.

Methods and Findings

Colitis was induced in C57BL/6 mice by giving 3% DSS orally for 7 days. During this period, the mice were treated daily with the excretory/secretory products from T. spiralis adult worms (AES) intraperitoneally. The severity of colitis was monitored by measuring body weight, stool consistency or bleeding, colon length and inflammation. To determine the T. spiralis AES product-induced immunological response, Th1, Th2, Th17 and regulatory cytokine profiles were measured in lymphocytes isolated from colon, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), and the spleen of treated mice. The CD4⁺ CD25⁺ FOXP3⁺ regulatory T cells (Tregs) were also measured in the spleens and MLN of treated mice. Mice treated with AES significantly ameliorated the severity of the DSS-induced colitis indicated by the reduced disease manifestations, improved macroscopic and microscopic inflammation correlated with the up-regulation of Treg response (increased regulatory cytokines IL-10, TGF-beta and regulatory T cells) and down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-gamma, IL-6 and IL-17) in the spleens, MLN and colon of treated mice.

Conclusions

Our results provide direct evidences that T. spiralis AES have a therapeutic potential for alleviating inflammatory colitis in mice. This effect is possibly mediated by the immunomodulation of regulatory T cells to produce regulatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines.     

Extracellular Vesicles from Parasitic Helminths Contain Specific Excretory/Secretory Proteins and Are Internalized in Intestinal Host Cells

The study of host-parasite interactions has increased considerably in the last decades, with many studies focusing on the identification of parasite molecules (i.e. surface or excretory/secretory proteins (ESP)) as potential targets for new specific treatments and/or diagnostic tools. In parallel, in the last few years there have been significant advances in the field of extracellular vesicles research. Among these vesicles, exosomes of endocytic origin, with a characteristic size ranging from 30–100 nm, carry several atypical secreted proteins in different organisms, including parasitic protozoa. Here, we present experimental evidence for the existence of exosome-like vesicles in parasitic helminths, specifically the trematodes Echinostoma caproni and Fasciola hepatica. These microvesicles are actively released by the parasites and are taken up by host cells. Trematode extracellular vesicles contain most of the proteins previously identified as components of ESP, as confirmed by proteomic, immunogold labeling and electron microscopy studies. In addition to parasitic proteins, we also identify host proteins in these structures. The existence of extracellular vesicles explains the secretion of atypical proteins in trematodes, and the demonstration of their uptake by host cells suggests an important role for these structures in host-parasite communication, as described for other infectious agents.     

Molecular cloning and characterization of vitelline precursor protein B1 from Clonorchis sinensis

In trematodes, vitelline precursor proteins are required for eggshell formation. A cDNA clone of Clonorchis sinensis (CsVpB1) was selected from an EST pool, encoding a polypeptide of 245 amino acids. The CsVpB1 polypeptide demonstrated homology with vitelline precursor proteins from trematodes with high sequential identities. In a phylogenic tree, CsVpB1 clustered with trematode VpB proteins. The CsVpB1 polypeptide was found to be rich in tyrosine residues, including putative predihydroxyphenyl alanine (DOPA) residues, involved in cross-linking of the precursor proteins. Mouse immune sera were raised against a recombinant CsVpB1 protein. In adult C. sinensis, CsVpB1 protein was exclusively localized in vitelline follicles. Based on these results, the CsVpB1 cDNA is believed to encode a VpB of C. sinensis.     

Molecular cloning and characterization of an antigenic protein with a repeating region from Clonorchis sinensis

In the course of immunoscreening of Clonorchis sinensis cDNA library, a cDNA CsRP12 containing a tandem repeat was isolated. The cDNA CsRP12 encodes two putative peptides of open reading frames (ORFs) 1 and 2 (CsRP12-1 and -2). The repetitive region is composed of 15 repeats of 10 amino acids. Of the two putative peptides, CsRP12-1 was proline-rich and found to have homologues in several organisms. Recombinant proteins of the putative peptides were bacterially produced and purified by an affinity chromatography. Recombinant CsRP12-1 protein was recognized by sera of clonorchiasis patients and experimental rabbits, but recombinant CsRP12-2 was not. One of the putative peptide, CsRP12-1, is designated CsPRA, proline-rich antigen of C. sinensis. Both the C-termini of CsRP12-1 and -2 were bacterially produced and analysed to show no antigenicity. Recombinant CsPRA protein showed high sensitivity and specificity. In experimental rabbits, IgG antibodies to CsPRA was produced between 4 and 8 weeks after the infection and decreased thereafter over one year. These results indicate that CsPRA is equivalent to a natural protein and a useful antigenic protein for serodiagnosis of human clonorchiasis.     

Excretory and Secretory Proteins of Naegleria fowleri Induce Inflammatory Responses in BV‐2 Microglial Cells

Naegleria fowleri, a free‐living amoeba that is found in diverse environmental habitats, can cause a type of fulminating hemorrhagic meningoencephalitis, primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), in humans. The pathogenesis of PAM is not fully understood, but it is likely to be primarily caused by disruption of the host's nervous system via a direct phagocytic mechanism by the amoeba. Naegleria fowleri trophozoites are known to secrete diverse proteins that may indirectly contribute to the pathogenic function of the amoeba, but this factor is not clearly understood. In this study, we analyzed the inflammatory responses in BV‐2 microglial cells induced by excretory and secretory proteins of N. fowleri (NfESP). Treatment of BV‐2 cells with NfESP induced the expression of various cytokines and chemokines, including the proinflammatory cytokines IL‐1α and TNF‐α. NfESP‐induced IL‐1α and TNF‐α expression in BV‐2 cells were regulated by p38, JNK, and ERK MAPKs. NfESP‐induced IL‐1α and TNF‐α production in BV‐2 cells were effectively downregulated by inhibition of NF‐kB and AP‐1. These results collectively suggest that NfESP stimulates BV‐2 cells to release IL‐1α and TNF‐α via NF‐kB‐ and AP‐1‐dependent MAPK signaling pathways. The released cytokines may contribute to inflammatory responses in microglia and other cell types in the brain during N. fowleri infection.     

Molecular Characterization of Brevibacillus laterosporus and Its Potential Use in Biological Control

Thirty-three strains of Brevibacillus laterosporus, including three novel strains isolated from Brazilian soil samples, were examined for genetic variability by the use of different PCR-based methods. Molecular markers that could characterize bacterial strains with regards to their pathogenic potential were investigated. In addition, toxicity was assessed by the use of insects belonging to the orders Lepidoptera and Coleoptera and the mollusk Biomphalaria glabrata. Among the targets tested, Biomphalaria glabrata demonstrated the highest degree of sensitivity to B. laterosporus, with some strains inducing 90 to 100% mortality in snails aged 3 and 12 days posteclosion. Larvae of the coleopteron Anthonomus grandis were also susceptible, presenting mortality levels of between 33 and 63%. Toxicity was also noted towards the lepidopteron Anticarsia gemmatalis. In contrast, no mortality was recorded among test populations of Tenebrio molitor or Spodoptera frugiperda. The application of intergenic transcribed spacer PCR and BOX-PCR generated 15 and 17 different genotypes, respectively. None of the molecular techniques allowed the identification of a convenient marker that was associated with any entomopathogenic phenotype. However, a 1,078-bp amplicon was detected for all strains of B. laterosporus when a primer for amplification of the BOXA1R region was used. Similarly, a 900-bp amplicon was generated from all isolates by use of the primer OPA-11 for randomly amplified polymorphic DNA analysis. These amplicons were not detected for other phenotypically related Brevibacillus species, indicating that they represent markers that are specific for B. laterosporus, which may prove useful for the isolation and identification of new strains of this species.     

Sequence Analysis and Molecular Characterization of Clonorchis sinensis Hexokinase,an Unusual Trimeric 50-kDa Glucose-6-Phosphate-Sensitive Allosteric Enzyme

Clonorchiasis, which is induced by the infection of Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis), is highly associated with cholangiocarcinoma. Because the available examination, treatment and interrupting transmission provide limited opportunities to prevent infection, it is urgent to develop integrated strategies to prevent and control clonorchiasis. Glycolytic enzymes are crucial molecules for trematode survival and have been targeted for drug development. Hexokinase of C. sinensis (CsHK), the first key regulatory enzyme of the glycolytic pathway, was characterized in this study. The calculated molecular mass (Mr) of CsHK was 50.0 kDa. The obtained recombinant CsHK (rCsHK) was a homotrimer with an Mr of approximately 164 kDa, as determined using native PAGE and gel filtration. The highest activity was obtained with 50 mM glycine-NaOH at pH 10 and 100 mM Tris-HCl at pH 8.5 and 10. The kinetics of rCsHK has a moderate thermal stability. Compared to that of the corresponding negative control, the enzymatic activity was significantly inhibited by praziquantel (PZQ) and anti-rCsHK serum. rCsHK was homotropically and allosterically activated by its substrates, including glucose, mannose, fructose, and ATP. ADP exhibited mixed allosteric effect on rCsHK with respect to ATP, while inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) displayed net allosteric activation with various allosteric systems. Fructose behaved as a dose-dependent V activator with the substrate glucose. Glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) displayed net allosteric inhibition on rCsHK with respect to ATP or glucose with various allosteric systems in a dose-independent manner. There were differences in both mRNA and protein levels of CsHK among the life stages of adult worm, metacercaria, excysted metacercaria and egg of C. sinensis, suggesting different energy requirements during different development stages. Our study furthers the understanding of the biological functions of CsHK and supports the need to screen for small molecule inhibitors of CsHK to interfere with glycolysis in C. sinensis.     

丙型肝炎病毒包膜蛋白E1的分泌表达及性质

为了实现HCV包膜蛋白E1在哺乳动物细胞中的分泌表达,选用分泌表达载体pSecTagB,构建了3种E1羧端不同程度缩短的融合表达质粒,并在E1的上游融合乙型肝炎病毒前表面抗原S1中含肝细胞结合位点的免疫表位preS1(21-47）序列作为标识。在HeLa细胞中进行了暂时表达,并对产物的性质进行了鉴定。去除羧端疏水区有利于E1融合蛋白的分泌,其中以S1E1t325分泌最佳。表达的融合蛋白都能被preS1单抗及HCVE1多抗识别,是具有双重抗原性的糖蛋白,其糖链类型为高甘露糖型。建立了稳定表达S1E1t310、S1E1t325、S1E1t340的CHO细胞株,选择其中CHO／pSecS1E1t325对表达的分泌蛋白作了进一步研究。利用亲和纯化方法可由细胞培养液中富集和纯化分泌表达的HCV E1,为进一步开展E1性质的研究创造了条件。     

Advanced Enzymology,Expression Profile and Immune Response of Clonorchis sinensis Hexokinase Show Its Application Potential for Prevention and Control of Clonorchiasis

BackgroundApproximately 35 million people are infected with Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis) globally, of whom 15 million are in China. Glycolytic enzymes are recognized as crucial molecules for trematode survival and have been targeted for vaccine and drug development. Hexokinase of C. sinensis (CsHK), as the first key regulatory enzyme of the glycolytic pathway, was investigated in the current study.Conclusions/SignificanceDue to differences in putative spatial structure and enzymology between CsHK and HK from the host, its extensive distribution in adult worms, and its expression profile as a component of excretory/secretory products, together with its good immunogenicity and immunoreactivity, as a key glycolytic enzyme, CsHK shows potential as a vaccine and as a promising drug target for Clonorchiasis.     

TRAIL 慢病毒载体构建及其在肝癌细胞中的表达

目的:构建携带TRAIL基因的慢病毒表达载体并实现其在肝癌细胞株HepG2中的稳定高表达。方法:构建TRAIL重组慢病毒表达载体pCDH-CMV-TRAIL-EF1-GFP-T2A-Puro,脂质体法将重组慢病毒载体和包装质粒混合物共转染293T细胞,包装产生慢病毒颗粒,纯化并测定病毒滴度。利用Western blotting检测TRAIL蛋白在HepG2中的表达。结果:酶切以及测序证实,成功构建TRAIL基因重组慢病毒载体,纯化的慢病毒滴度为1.02×104ifμ/μL。利用嘌呤霉素筛选获得稳定表达TRAIL的细胞系,经Western blot方法检测到TRAIL蛋白的稳定高表达。结论:成功构建了带有TRAIL基因的慢病毒载体,并实现其在HepG2的稳定高表达。     

Genome-wide identification and comprehensive analysis of Excretory/Secretory proteins in nematodes provide potential drug targets for parasite control

Nematodes are responsible for causing severe diseases in plants, humans and other animals. Infection is associated with the release of Excretory/Secretory (ES) proteins into host cytoplasm and interference with the host immune system which make them attractive targets for therapeutic use. The identification of ES proteins through bioinformatics approaches is cost- and time-effective and could be used for screening of potential targets for parasitic diseases for further experimental studies. Here, we identified and functionally annotated 93,949 ES proteins, in the genome of 73 nematodes using integration of various bioinformatics tools. 30.6% of ES proteins were found to be supported at RNA level. The predicted ES proteins, annotated by Gene Ontology terms, domains, metabolic pathways, proteases and enzyme class analysis were enriched in molecular functions of proteases, protease inhibitors, c-type lectin and hydrolases which are strongly associated with typical functions of ES proteins. We identified a total of 452 ES proteins from human and plant parasitic nematodes, homologues to DrugBank-approved targets and C. elegans RNA interference phenotype genes which could represent potential targets for parasite control and provide valuable resource for further experimental studies to understand host-pathogen interactions.     

FAK/mTOR信号通在肿瘤细胞中的调控作用

粘附斑激酶（focal adhesion kinase,FAK）是一种胞质非受体酪氨酸激酶,是整合素信号通路里一个重要的调节因子,在肿瘤细胞中高表达,与细胞迁移、粘附和侵袭有关。mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin)是非典型性的Ser/Thr激酶,属于PIKK（phosphatidylinositol kinase related kinase）超家族,介导营养信号调控细胞生长、分化及代谢等生理过程。近年的研究发现FAK通过三条途径与mTOR相关联,组成FAK/mTOR信号通路,在肿瘤细胞的增殖、迁移及肿瘤微环境中发挥着重要的调控作用。本文综述了FAK、mTOR和FAK/mTOR信号通路的特点及对肿瘤细胞调控作用的研究概况,为肿瘤治疗提供参考。     

Structural Characterization of an Alkali-Soluble Polysaccharide from Angelica sinensis and Its Antitumor Activity in Vivo

A novel alkali-soluble polysaccharide (AASP) was isolated from Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels under aqueous alkali treatment, and its structural characterization and antitumor activity in Vivo were evaluated in present study. Results of HPGPC and IC revealed that AASP was a neutral polysaccharide containing Ara, Gal and Glc in the mole ratio of 1.00 : 2.26 : 24.43, with the average molecular weight of 4.7 kDa. Periodate oxidation, Smith degradation, methylation, FT-IR, and NMR analyses further demonstrated that a preliminary structure of AASP was proposed as follows: (1→3)-linked arabinose, (1→6)-linked galactose, and (1→), (1→4), (1→6), (1→3,6)-linked glucose with α- and β-configuration. In Vivo antitumor assays, AASP exhibited prominent antitumor effects on H22 hepatoma cells with an inhibitory ratio of 48.57 % and effectively protected thymuses and spleens of tumor-bearing mice. Besides, AASP displayed a proliferation stimulating activity of immunocytes (splenocytes, peritoneal macrophages and natural killer cells), and an auxo-action for cytokines release (TNF-α, IL-2 and IFN-γ), leading to the apoptosis of H22 solid tumors cells via G0/G1 phase arrested. The above data demonstrated that AASP holds great application potential to be a safe and effective antitumor supplement in the future.     

视黄醇结合蛋白4 对血管平滑肌细胞迁移和增殖的影响及机制

目的:研究视黄醇结合蛋白4(Retinol-binding protein 4,RBP4)对血管平滑肌细胞(SMCs)迁移和增殖的影响及分子机制。方法:体外培养大鼠主动脉SMCs,采用划痕实验及Boyden's迁移小室实验观察RBP4对SMCs迁移的影响,采用免疫印迹实验技术检测Akt的磷酸化水平,采用Boyden's小室实验观察PI3K抑制剂LY294002预处理细胞对RBP4促SMCs迁移的影响,应用MTT比色实验结合流式细胞仪技术,检测RBP4对SMCs细胞增殖及细胞周期的影响。结果:RBP4呈剂量依赖性诱导大鼠血管SMCs迁移(P0.05);RBP4处理细胞显著增加了Akt磷酸化;PI3K抑制剂LY294002预处理细胞则显著抑制了RBP4的促迁移作用(P0.05);RBP4处理有增加SMCs数量的趋势,且可轻微阻滞细胞进入S期,但未达到统计学显著性(P0.05)。结论:RBP4通过PI3K-Akt通路诱导大鼠血管SMCs迁移,对细胞增殖及细胞周期则无显著影响。