Article
Immunology
Thiago Souza Onofre, Joao Paulo Ferreira Rodrigues, Marina Tiemi Shio, Silene Macedo, Maria Aparecida Juliano, Nobuko Yoshida
Summary: The interaction between MT surface molecule gp82 and host cell receptor LAMP2 leads to the activation of phospholipase C, which in turn promotes the activation of PKC and ERK1/2 in the host cell. This cascade of events results in disruption of actin cytoskeleton and lysosome spreading, facilitating the internalization of MT.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Leonardo Loch, Thiago Souza Onofre, Joao Paulo Ferreira Rodrigues, Nobuko Yoshida
Summary: Metacyclic trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi release stage-specific surface molecules gp82 and gp90 to regulate host cell invasion. The release of vesicles by different strains leads to differences in protein profile and the distribution of gp82 and gp90. Treatments like cholesterol-depleting drugs and phospholipase C inhibitors affect the release of these molecules, impacting host cell invasion.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Joao Paulo Ferreira Rodrigues, Leonardo Loch, Thiago Souza Onofre, Nobuko Yoshida
Summary: The involvement of NHE1 in the internalization of Trypanosoma cruzi metacyclic trypomastigotes was studied. NHE1 plays a role in maintaining the activation status of diverse protein kinases and preventing inappropriate F-actin arrangement, thus affecting lysosome distribution.
Article
Parasitology
Karolina Ribeiro Goncalves, Ana Lia Mazzeti, Alvaro Fernando da Silva Nascimento, Jessica Mara Castro-Lacerda, Nivia Carolina Nogueira-Paiva, Fernando Augusto Siqueira Mathias, Alexandre Barbosa Reis, Sergio Caldas, Maria Terezinha Bahia
Summary: This study compares the effects of different infection routes via oral and blood infection of Trypanosoma cruzi on mice infection outcomes. Oral infection leads to a wide distribution of the parasite, while blood infection results in higher levels of parasitemia. Oral infection is associated with muscle tissue in the gastrointestinal tract, while blood infection leads to higher inflammation levels.
Article
Microbiology
Eden R. Ferreira, Alexis Bonfim-Melo, Barbara A. Burleigh, Jaime A. Costales, Kevin M. Tyler, Renato A. Mortara
Summary: This study provides the first description of the coordinated mechanism by which T. cruzi escapes from host cells, involving remodeling of the host cell cytoskeleton and rupture of the host cell plasma membrane. The degradation of F-actin by parasite proteases plays a key role in triggering egress, which can be a potential target for novel therapeutic interventions.
Article
Microbiology
Bruno Souza Bonifacio, Alexis Bonfim-Melo, Renato Arruda Mortara, Eden Ramalho Ferreira
Summary: This study investigates the invasion mechanism of Trypanosoma cruzi and reveals the crucial role of the host cell actin cytoskeleton in the process.
JOURNAL OF EUKARYOTIC MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Aline Araujo Alves, Philippe Bastin
Summary: The protist Trypanosoma cruzi has a long and motile flagellum and a tiny flagellum in its intracellular stage. Recent research shows that the tiny flagellum can beat, and this commentary explores how it is constructed and its impact on the parasite's survival inside the host.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Christian Espinosa-Bustos, Mariana Ortiz Perez, Alonzo Gonzalez-Gonzalez, Ana Maria Zarate, Gildardo Rivera, Javier A. Belmont-Diaz, Emma Saavedra, Mauricio A. Cuellar, Karina Vazquez, Cristian O. Salas
Summary: In this study, a series of new amino naphthoquinone derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their activity against Trypanosoma cruzi strains. Compounds 2e and 7j showed the lowest IC50 values and 7j exhibited higher activity and selectivity than the reference drug benznidazole. Molecular docking studies revealed that 7j had a good interaction profile on T. cruzi trypanothione reductase (TcTR) and it was predicted to have a favorable pharmacokinetic profile for oral administration.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mauro Cesar Cafundo Morais, Diogo Silva, Matheus Marques Milagre, Maykon Tavares de Oliveira, Thais Pereira, Joao Santana Silva, Luciano da F. Costa, Paola Minoprio, Roberto Marcondes Cesar Junior, Ricardo Gazzinelli, Marta de Lana, Helder Nakaya
Summary: In this study, a machine learning approach based on a random forest algorithm was developed for the detection and counting of T. cruzi trypomastigotes in mobile phone images. The method achieved high precision, sensitivity, and area under the ROC curve when tested on a dataset of blood smear samples captured using a mobile device camera. Automating image analysis acquired with a mobile device can reduce costs and improve efficiency in the use of optical microscopes.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Soledad Natalia Gonzalez, Jonathan J. Mills, Dante Maugeri, Christopher Olaya, Breana L. Laguera, Jeffrey R. Enders, Julian Sherman, Ana Rodriguez, Joshua G. Pierce, Juan Jose Cazzulo, Edward L. D'Antonio
Summary: The study discovered a competitive inhibitor Compound B targeting ribose 5-phosphate isomerase type B (RPI-B), which exhibited significant trypanocidal activity against T. cruzi infective life-stages. By targeting the active site residue Cys-69, this inhibitor provided a proof-of-concept for the development of next generation inhibitors with potential prodrug groups to treat Chagas' disease in the future.
BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Jessica I. de Paula, Eduardo J. Lopes-Torres, Marcelo Jacobs-Lorena, Marcia Cristina Paes, Sung-Jae Cha
Summary: The N3 peptide specifically binds to T. cruzi and inhibits Vero cell infection. Follow-up studies will identify the molecule on the parasite surface to which the N3 peptide binds. This putative T. cruzi ligand may advance chemotherapy design and vaccine development.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexa Prescilla-Ledezma, Fatima Linares, Mariano Ortega-Munoz, Lissette Retana Moreira, Ana Belen Jodar-Reyes, Fernando Hernandez-Mateo, Francisco Santoyo-Gonzalez, Antonio Osuna
Summary: This study utilizes AFM-based single molecule-force spectroscopy to detect and locate functional trans-sialidases on the surface of extracellular vesicles released by tissue-culture cell-derived trypomastigotes. By engineering AFM cantilevers with functionalized tips bearing anti-TS antibodies, molecular recognition of trans-sialidases using antibody-antigen interaction is achieved. The results demonstrate that the extracellular vesicles isolated from tissue-culture cell-derived trypomastigotes are enriched in trans-sialidases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Madalyn M. Won, Aaron Baublis, Barbara A. Burleigh
Summary: Protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi causes Chagas disease, leading to significant morbidity and mortality in South and Central America. It interacts with insect and mammalian hosts through its single flagellum, establishing intimate contact with host membranes. This study identified candidate flagellar proteins in T. cruzi, providing new avenues for investigating host-parasite interactions and developing control strategies.
Article
Immunology
Jessica Rodriguez-Duran, Juan Pablo Gallardo, Catalina Dirney Alba Soto, Karina Andrea Gomez, Mariana Potenza
Summary: This study investigates the role of a hypothetical calcium-binding protein named TcCAL1 in the in vitro life cycle of the pathogen Typanosoma cruzi. The results suggest that TcCAL1 plays a significant role in the differentiation of parasites and their invasion of mammalian cells. This research highlights the importance of studying kinetoplastid-specific proteins with unknown functions in pathogen parasites.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lissette Retana Moreira, Alexa Prescilla-Ledezma, Alberto Cornet-Gomez, Fatima Linares, Ana Belen Jodar-Reyes, Jorge Fernandez, Ana Karina Ibarrola Vannucci, Luis Miguel De Pablos, Antonio Osuna
Summary: This study characterized the proteomes and nanomechanical properties of extracellular vesicles released by different life stages of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease. The findings revealed significant differences in surface molecular cargos of vesicles between trypomastigotes and epimastigotes, with trypomastigotes exhibiting higher adhesion properties. This suggests a remarkable surface remodeling throughout the parasite's life cycle, potentially impacting the ability of extracellular vesicles to participate in cell communication in diverse infection niches.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Camila Macedo Medina, Eden Ramalho Ferreira, Bruno Souza Bonifacio, Renato Arruda Mortara, Alexis Bonfim-Melo
Summary: The study revealed that Trypanosoma cruzi extracellular amastigotes invade cells by relying on the host cell actin cytoskeleton. Rac1 and Cdc42 were found to be involved in the actin-dependent internalization of EAs in RAW 264.7 macrophages, suggesting a phagocytic-like mechanism in the process.
MICROBES AND INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Virology
Joao H. C. Campos, Juliana T. Maricato, Carla T. Braconi, Fernando Antoneli, Luiz Mario R. Janini, Marcelo R. S. Briones
Summary: Research has identified 15 m6A methylated positions in SARS-CoV-2, with six located in ORF N. Additionally, variations in the DRACH motif among different variants may affect methylation, particularly with the C > U change at position 28884b.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ludmila A. Assis, Moezio V. C. Santos Filho, Joao R. da Cruz Silva, Maria J. R. Bezerra, Irassandra R. P. U. C. de Aquino, Kleison C. Merlo, Fabiola B. Holetz, Christian M. Probst, Antonio M. Rezende, Barbara Papadopoulou, Tamara D. C. da Costa Lima, Osvaldo P. de Melo Neto
Summary: Poly(A) Binding Proteins (PABPs) are key eukaryotic RNA-binding proteins with roles in mRNA stability and translation. Leishmania, a flagellated protozoan, has three distinct PABPs with preferential associations to different mRNAs encoding ribosomal proteins. This study identified specific RNA binding partners for each PABP, shedding light on their unique roles in mRNA translation regulation.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Thaise Lara Teixeira, Miguel Angel Chiurillo, Noelia Lander, Cassiano Costa Rodrigues, Thiago Souza Onofre, Eden Ramalho Ferreira, Camila Miyagui Yonamine, Julia de Gouveia Santos, Renato Arruda Mortara, Claudio Vieira da Silva, Jose Franco da Silveira
Summary: P21 is an immunomodulatory protein in Trypanosoma cruzi that plays crucial roles in host cell invasion, internalization, and amastigote proliferation.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Bruno Souza Bonifacio, Alexis Bonfim-Melo, Renato Arruda Mortara, Eden Ramalho Ferreira
Summary: This study investigates the invasion mechanism of Trypanosoma cruzi and reveals the crucial role of the host cell actin cytoskeleton in the process.
JOURNAL OF EUKARYOTIC MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Artur Leonel de Castro Neto, Jose Franco da Silveira, Renato Arruda Mortara
Summary: This article discusses the roles of virulence molecules in insect vectors, showing the similarities and differences in their mode of action compared to humans. It also explores the genetic events that may have led to protein diversity in these vectors.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mylla Spirandelli da Costa, Bruna Cristina Borges, Isabella Teixeira Marques, Rayane Cristina de Oliveira, Thaise Lara Teixeira, Julia de Gouveia Santos, Claudio Vieira da Silva
Summary: PClP treatment is non-toxic to both Trypanosoma cruzi and host cells, but inhibits parasite motility, host cell adhesion, and invasion, affecting fundamental processes necessary for a successful T. cruzi infection.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fernando Menegatti de Melo, Karine Kawasaki, Tarciso Almeida Sellani, Bruno Souza Bonifacio, Renato Arruda Mortara, Henrique Eisi Toma, Filipe Menegatti de Melo, Elaine Guadelupe Rodrigues
Summary: Inflammasomes are cytosolic complexes that play a vital role in host defense against pathogens and tissue damage. This study shows that quantum-dot-based iron oxide nanoparticles can activate the NLRP3 inflammasome and release proinflammatory cytokines. The activation is more pronounced when the nanoparticles are taken up by cells before inflammatory stimulation. These findings have implications for using the nanoparticles as both imaging and therapeutic tools.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Sofia Galvao Feronato, Maria Luiza Matos Silva, Rafael Izbicki, Ticiana D. J. Farias, Patricia Shigunov, Bruno Dallagiovanna, Fabio Passetti, Hellen Geremias Dos Santos
Summary: This study applied a two-step procedure to select SNPs and pairwise interactions associated with ALS. Through the analysis of a large amount of SNP data, we identified seven SNPs and two pairwise interactions potentially involved in nervous system conservation and function. These findings are important for understanding the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapeutic strategies of ALS.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Anna Clara Azevedo Silveira, Rayane Cristina de Oliveira, Cassiano Costa Rodrigues, Samuel Cota Teixeira, Bruna Cristina Borges, Claudio Vieira da Silva
Summary: Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer among women worldwide. Triple negative breast cancer is known for its aggressive nature and poor prognosis. Researchers have found that T. cruzi has a preference for tumor cells, and this study aimed to investigate the impact of T. cruzi infection on the proliferation and migration of the triple negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. The results showed that T. cruzi had a high invasion and multiplication rate in MDA-MB-231 cells. The infection promoted cell multiplication, caused continuous cell lysis during in vitro infection, and impaired cell migration. These findings suggest that T. cruzi molecules may have potential use in preventing metastasis by inhibiting host cell migration.
EXPERIMENTAL PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claudia Maria do Nascimento Moreira, Cristina D. Kelemen, Samson O. Obado, Farnaz Zahedifard, Ning Zhang, Fabiola B. Holetz, Laura Gauglitz, Bruno Dallagiovanna, Mark C. Field, Susanne Kramer, Martin Zoltner
Summary: The characterization of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) is important for understanding protein function. Two popular strategies, affinity capture and BioID, are used to identify PPIs in the cellular environment. A comparison of these methods using different trypanosome proteins as baits showed that BioID had fewer candidate interacting proteins with more confined bait protein localization, produced more false positives, and was less efficient in identifying low molecular weight proteins. These differences indicate the importance of using multiple methods to identify PPIs and suggest that BioID and affinity capture are complementary approaches.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Claudio V. da Silva, Teresiama Velikkakam, Elida C. M. de Oliveira, Anna C. A. Silveira, Joed P. de Lima Junior, Nelsa P. I. Uombe, Paulo H. R. da Silva, Bruna C. Borges
Summary: Under adverse environmental conditions, microorganisms can enter a state of cellular dormancy to ensure their survival and transmission of diseases. Dormancy allows microorganisms to persist in harsh environments and reactivate when favorable conditions are re-established.
JOURNAL OF BASIC MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Samuel Cota Teixeira, Thaise Lara Teixeira, Paula Cristina Brigido Tavares, Rosiane Nascimento Alves, Aline Alves da Silva, Bruna Cristina Borges, Flavia Alves Martins, Marlus Alves dos Santos, Patricia de Castilhos, Rebecca Tavares e Silva Brigido, Ana Flavia Oliveira Notario, Anna Clara Azevedo Silveira, Claudio Vieira da Silva
Summary: Many pathogenic microorganisms need to enter the intracellular compartment or target cell cytoplasm for survival, replication, or evasion of the immune system. They often use endocytic and phagocytic pathways to enter cells, but employ various mechanisms to avoid destruction by lysosomes.
MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Christian Macagnan Probst, Myllena de Fatima Alheiros Dias Melo, Daniela Parada Pavoni, Max Jean de Ornelas Toledo, Tainah Silva Galdino, Adeilton Alves Brandao, Constanca Britto, Marco Aurelio Krieger
Summary: A molecular method for T. cruzi genotyping based on PCR amplification of a single target with multiple copies in the nuclear genome by large scale sequencing was developed. This method classified all samples into sub DTU level and determined the evolutionary relationship between DTUs, suggesting that TcIII and TcIV DTUs are non-hybrid and DTU IV is more similar to the common ancestral. As the TS-LSS method is based on a single PCR reaction with several copies of the target, it is potentially useful for clinical samples and can be increasingly applied for T. cruzi genotyping as large scale sequencing systems become more common.
MEMORIAS DO INSTITUTO OSWALDO CRUZ
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
L. R. Lopes, R. C. Ferreira, F. Antoneli, P. B. Paiva, M. R. S. Briones
Summary: Evolution of mitochondrial genomes plays a crucial role in yeast adaptation to environmental oxygen levels, with the loss of complex I potentially linked to low oxygen conditions. Phylogenomic analysis of 46 mitochondrial genomes suggests that the loss of complex I occurred before whole genome duplication and independently in different yeast lineages. The correlation between mitochondrial molecular clock estimates and atmospheric oxygen variation indicates that complex I loss might have occurred during hypoxic periods in different yeast species.
GENETICS AND MOLECULAR RESEARCH
(2021)
