scholarly journals Gene Expression in Developmental Stages of Schistosoma japonicum Provides Further Insight into the Importance of the Schistosome Insulin-Like Peptide

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (7) ◽  
pp. 1565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaofeng Du ◽  
Malcolm Jones ◽  
Sujeevi Nawaratna ◽  
Shiwanthi Ranasinghe ◽  
Chunrong Xiong ◽  
...  

We showed previously that the Schistosoma japonicum insulin-like peptide (SjILP) binds the worm insulin receptors, thereby, activating the parasite’s insulin pathway and emphasizing its important role in regulating uptake of glucose, a nutrient essential for parasite survival. Here we show that SjILP is differentially expressed in the schistosome life cycle and is especially highly transcribed in eggs, miracidia, and adult female worms. RNA inference was employed to knockdown SjILP in adults in vitro, with suppression confirmed by significantly reduced protein production, declined adenosine diphosphate levels, and reduction in glucose consumption. Immunolocalization showed that SjILP is located to lateral gland cells of mature intra-ovular miracidia in the schistosome egg, and is distributed on the ciliated epithelium and internal cell masses of newly transformed miracidia. In schistosomula, SjILP is present on the tegument in two antero-lateral points, indicating highly polarized expression during cercarial transformation. Analysis of serum from S. japonicum-infected mice by ELISA using a recombinant form of SjILP as an antigen revealed IgG immunoreactivity to this molecule at 7 weeks post-infection indicating it is likely secreted from mature eggs into the host circulation. These findings provide further insights on ILP function in schistosomes and its essential roles in parasite survival and growth in different development stages.

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yalan Tang ◽  
Kerou Zhou ◽  
Qingqing Guo ◽  
Cheng Chen ◽  
Jing Jia ◽  
...  

Abstract Background N-acetyltransferase 13 (NAT13) is a probable catalytic component of the ARD1A-NARG1 complex possessing alpha (N-terminal) acetyltransferase activity. Results In this study, a full-length complementary DNA (cDNA) encoding Schistosoma japonicum NAT13 (SjNAT13) was isolated from schistosome cDNAs. The 621 bp open reading frame of SjNAT13 encodes a polypeptide of 206 amino acids. Real-time PCR analysis revealed SjNAT13 expression in all tested developmental stages. Transcript levels were highest in cercariae and 21-day-old worms, and higher in male adult worms than female adult worms. The rSjNAT13 protein induced high levels of anti-rSjNAT13 IgG antibodies. In two independent immunoprotection trials, rSjNAT13 induced 24.23% and 24.47% reductions in the numbers of eggs in liver. RNA interference (RNAi) results showed that small interfering RNA (siRNA) Sj-514 significantly reduced SjNAT13 transcript levels in worms and decreased egg production in vitro. Conclusions Thus, rSjNAT13 might play an important role in the development and reproduction of schistosomes.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takashi Kumagai ◽  
Rieko Shimogawara ◽  
Koichiro Ichimura ◽  
Shiroh Iwanaga

Abstract Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been reported to be secreted from Schistosoma japonicum at all developmental stages. However, the reproduction and communication mechanisms between the paired adults through the EVs in dioecious Trematoda have not been reported. In this study, EVs containing many exosome-like vesicles and microvesicles were observed in the supernatants of paired adults cultured in vitro, and abundant selected miRNAs were contained in them. In particular, the female-specific miR-bantam was present only in vesicles and was hardly secreted outside the vesicles. In this study, we found that male-female pairing induced secretion of miR-3479 and miR-bantam in EVs, but not of male-specific miR-61. Furthermore, ingestion of mouse erythrocytes also increased the production of miRNAs in paired adult and single female worms. Vesicles were found in the teguments of females treated with erythrocytes under electron microscopy. After the paired worms were treated with several inhibitors against the secretion of EVs, only calpain inhibitor (calpeptin) significantly reduced the amount of miRNA in EVs. Furthermore, the worms treated with only calpeptin inhibited egg production in vitro. Together, these results indicate that qualitative miRNA production through EVs regulated by calpain plays a role in egg production in S. japonicum.


Author(s):  
J. P. Revel

Movement of individual cells or of cell sheets and complex patterns of folding play a prominent role in the early developmental stages of the embryo. Our understanding of these processes is based on three- dimensional reconstructions laboriously prepared from serial sections, and from autoradiographic and other studies. Many concepts have also evolved from extrapolation of investigations of cell movement carried out in vitro. The scanning electron microscope now allows us to examine some of these events in situ. It is possible to prepare dissections of embryos and even of tissues of adult animals which reveal existing relationships between various structures more readily than used to be possible vithout an SEM.


1980 ◽  
Vol 44 (01) ◽  
pp. 006-008 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Bergqvist ◽  
K-E Arfors

SummaryIn a model using an isolated rabbit mesenteric preparation microvessels were transected and the time until haemostatic plugs formed was registered. Perfusion of platelet rich plasma gave no haemostasis whereas whole blood did. Addition of chlorpromazine or adenosine to the whole blood significantly prolonged the time for haemostasis, and addition of ADP to the platelet rich plasma significantly shortened it. It is concluded that red cells are necessary for a normal haemostasis in this model, probably by a combination of a haemodynamic and ADP releasing effect.The fundamental role of platelets in haemostatic plug formation is unquestionable but there are still problems concerning the stimulus for this process to start. Three platelet aggregating substances have been discussed – thrombin, adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and collagen. Evidence speaking in favour of thrombin is, however, very minimal, and the discussion has to be focused on collagen and ADP. In an in vitro system using polyethylene tubings we have shown that "haemostasis" can be obtained without the presence of collagen but against these results can be argued that it is only another in vitro test for platelet aggregation (1).To be able to induce haemostasis in this model, however, the presence of red blood cells is necessary. To further study this problem we have developed a model where haemostatic plug formation can be studied in the isolated rabbit mesentery and we have briefly reported on this (2).Thus, it is possible to perfuse the vessels with whole blood as well as with platelet rich plasma (PRP) and different pharmacological agents of importance.


1977 ◽  
Vol 38 (03) ◽  
pp. 0640-0651 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. V Chater ◽  
A. R Williams

SummaryPlatelets were found to aggregate spontaneously when exposed to ultrasound generated by a commercial therapeutic device. At a given frequency, aggregation was found to be a dose-related phenomenon, increasing intensities of ultrasound inducing more extensive and more rapid aggregation. At any single intensity, the extent aggregation was increased as the frequency of the applied ultrasound was decreased (from 3.0 to 0.75 MHz).Ultrasound-induced platelet aggregation was found to be related to overall platelet sensitivity to adenosine diphosphate. More sensitive platelets were found to aggregate spontaneously at lower intensities of sound, and also the maximum extent of aggregation was found to be greater. Examination of ultrasound-induced platelet aggregates by electron microscopy demonstrated that the platelets had undergone the release reaction.The observation that haemoglobin was released from erythrocytes in whole blood irradiated under identical physical conditions suggests that the platelets are being distrupted by ultrasonic cavitation (violent gas/bubble oscillation).It is postulated that overall platelet aggregation is the result of two distinct effects. Firstly, the direct action of ultrasonic cavitation disrupts a small proportion of the platelet population, resulting in the liberation of active substances. These substances produce aggregation, both directly and indirectly by inducing the physiological release reaction in adjacent undamaged platelets.


1982 ◽  
Vol 47 (02) ◽  
pp. 150-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Han ◽  
C Boatwright ◽  
N G Ardlie

SummaryVarious cardiovascular drugs such as nitrates and propranolol, used in the treatment of coronary artery disease have been shown to have an antiplatelet effect. We have studied the in vitro effects of two antiarrhythmic drugs, verapamil and disopyramide, and have shown their inhibitory effect on platelet function. Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, inhibited the second phase of platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and inhibited aggregation induced by collagen. Disopyramide similarly inhibited the second phase of platelet aggregation caused by ADP and aggregation induced by collagen. Either drug in synergism with propranolol inhibited ADP or collagen-induced platelet aggregation. Disopyramide at high concentrations inhibited arachidonic add whereas verapamil was without effect. Verapamil, but not disopyramide, inhibited aggregation induced by the ionophore A23187.


1985 ◽  
Vol 53 (01) ◽  
pp. 095-098 ◽  
Author(s):  
C R Jones ◽  
R McCabe ◽  
C A Hamilton ◽  
J L Reid

SummaryPaired blood samples were obtained from mothers (venous) and babies (cord venous blood) at the time of delivery by caesarean section under epidural anaesthetic. Fetal platelets failed to aggregate in response to adrenaline in vitro although adrenaline could potentiate the threshold response to adenosine diphosphate (1 μM). Fetal platelet responses to collagen and 8 Arg vasopressin did not differ significantly from maternal responses. Maternal and fetal platelets also showed similar inhibition of aggregation after activation of adenylate cyclase (PGE1 and parathormone), in contrast to the inhibition of adenylate cyclase by adrenaline.Alpha2 adrenoceptors were investigated using [3H] yohimbine binding receptor number and were reduced modestly but significantly on fetal compared to maternal platelets. The failure of fetal platelet aggregation in response to adrenaline appears to be related to a failure of receptor coupling and may represent a delayed maturation of fetal platelet alpha receptors or a response- to increased circulating catecholamines during birth.


1966 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-202
Author(s):  
J. A. Antonioli ◽  
A. Vannotti

ABSTRACT 1. The metabolism of suspensions of circulating leucocytes has been studied after intramuscular injection of a dose of 50 mg/kg of a corticosteroid (cortisone acetate). The suspensions were incubated under aerobic conditions in the presence of a glucose concentration of 5.6 mm. Glucose consumption, lactate production, and variations in intracellular glycogen concentration were measured. After the administration of the corticosteroid, the anabolic processes of granulocyte metabolism were reversibly stimulated. Glucose consumption and lactate production increased 12 hours after the injection, but tended to normalize after 24 hours. The glycogen content of the granulocytes was enhanced, and glycogen synthesis during the course of the incubation was greatly stimulated. The action of the administered corticosteroid is more prolonged in females than in males. The injection of the corticosteroid caused metabolic modifications which resemble in their modulations and in their chronological development those found in circulating granulocytes of guinea-pigs suffering from sterile peritonitis. These results suggest, therefore, that, in the case of acute inflammation, the glucocorticosteroids may play an important role in the regulation of the metabolism of the blood leucocytes.


Author(s):  
Daria Monaldi ◽  
Dante Rotili ◽  
Julien Lancelot ◽  
Martin Marek ◽  
Nathalie Wössner ◽  
...  

The only drug for treatment of Schistosomiasis is Praziquantel, and the possible emergence of resistance makes research on novel therapeutic agents necessary. Targeting of Schistosoma mansoni epigenetic enzymes, which regulate the parasitic life cycle, emerged as promising approach. Due to the strong effects of human Sirtuin inhibitors on parasite survival and reproduction, Schistosoma sirtuins were postulated as therapeutic targets. In vitro testing of synthetic substrates of S. mansoni Sirtuin 2 (SmSirt2) and kinetic experiments on a myristoylated peptide demonstrated lysine long chain deacylation as an intrinsic SmSirt2 activity for the first time. Focused in vitro screening of the GSK Kinetobox library and structure-activity relationships (SAR) of identified hits, led to the first SmSirt2 inhibitors with activity in the low micromolar range. Several SmSirt2 inhibitors showed potency against both larval schistosomes (viability) and adult worms (pairing, egg laying) in culture without general toxicity to human cancer cells.<br>


1985 ◽  
Vol 249 (3) ◽  
pp. H698-H702 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Ezra ◽  
G. Feuerstein ◽  
J. F. Czaja ◽  
F. R. Laurindo ◽  
C. K. Finton ◽  
...  

Coronary blood flow (CBF) and myocardial contractility decrease markedly in response to intracoronary administration of leukotriene D4 (LTD4). With steady infusion, however, both CBF and contractility escape, approaching preinfusion values despite ongoing LTD4 administration. To clarify the mechanism of this escape, we reinfused plasma from the coronary vein draining the myocardial area receiving LTD4. Introducing this plasma into a coronary artery caused a marked rise in coronary flow for the duration of the plasma infusion. Coronary flow reduction with vasopressin or mechanical occlusion matching that caused by LTD4 failed to elicit vasodilator production. Thus a unique coronary vasodilator factor is induced by LTD4. Whole blood or platelet-rich plasma incubated with LTD4 in vitro produced the same pattern of coronary dilation on intracoronary infusion; LTD4 incubation with platelet-poor plasma failed to elicit a vasodilation. The vasodilator factor is stable and is not potassium, a prostaglandin, catecholamine, histamine, serotonin, adenosine, adenosine diphosphate, or platelet-activating factor. Production of this leukotriene-induced vasodilator factor may account for the escape from LTD4-induced coronary constriction.


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