Article
Immunology
Maria Trelis, Christian M. Sanchez-Lopez, Liz F. Sanchez-Palencia, Victor Ramirez-Toledo, Antonio Marcilla, Dolores Bernal
Summary: The protein cargo of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from different developmental stages of Fasciola hepatica, including embryonated eggs and newly-excysted juvenile (NEJ) flukes, have been analyzed. The analysis revealed qualitative differences in composition, reflecting the intense activity of NEJs at this early stage, with several proteins involved in membrane traffic and cell physiology.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adam P. S. Bennett, Eduardo de la Torre-Escudero, Susan S. E. Dermott, Lawrence T. Threadgold, Robert E. B. Hanna, Mark W. Robinson
Summary: This study used laser microdissection to analyze the proteome of the gastrodermal cells in the liver fluke. The results showed that these cells are the main source of secreted proteins and may release extracellular vesicles. The study also highlighted the importance of the gastrodermal cells in nutrient acquisition and immunomodulation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Mayowa Musah-Eroje, Rebecca C. Hoyle, Ornampai Japa, Jane E. Hodgkinson, David M. Haig, Robin J. Flynn
Summary: The trematode parasite, Fasciola hepatica, utilizes a transforming growth factor-like molecule (FhTLM) to interact with host immune cells, inducing IL-10 and various chemokines, but does not confer a growth advantage in co-culture systems. Despite similarities with other helminth TGF homologues, species-specific divergence was demonstrated.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Santiago Fontenla, Mauricio Langleib, Eduardo de la Torre-escudero, Maria Fernanda Dominguez, Mark W. Robinson, Jose Tort
Summary: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of gene expression. This study investigated the expression patterns of miRNAs during different developmental stages of the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica. The study found variations in miRNA expression across the stages and identified potential target genes. The most highly expressed miRNAs were found to be involved in host immune response and infection establishment and maintenance. Additionally, fragments derived from tRNA processing and vtRNAs were detected, suggesting their involvement in the host-parasite interaction.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Judit Serrat, David Becerro-Recio, Maria Torres-Valle, Fernando Simon, Maria Adela Valero, Maria Dolores Bargues, Santiago Mas-Coma, Mar Siles-Lucas, Javier Gonzalez-Miguel
Summary: This study demonstrates that FhNEJ-Teg contains proteins that interact with plasminogen and stimulate its conversion into its active form, potentially facilitating trans-intestinal migration and successful establishment of the parasite within its mammalian host.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Hannah J. Loghry, Noelle A. Sondjaja, Sarah J. Minkler, Michael J. Kimber
Summary: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a mosquito-borne disease caused by filarial nematodes including Brugia malayi. Current control strategies rely on mass drug administration programs, but established infections are incurable. This study found that parasite-derived galectins have immunomodulatory effects and induce immune phenotypes consistent with chronic LF infection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Alison Ricafrente, Krystyna Cwiklinski, Hieu Nguyen, John P. Dalton, Nham Tran, Sheila Donnelly
Summary: This study describes the miRNAs expressed by different developmental stages of the parasitic worm Fasciola hepatica and identifies new genes and miRNAs involved in parasite development and metabolic pathways. These findings provide novel insight into the regulation of helminth parasite development and have implications for therapeutic development.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Katja Koeppen, Amanda Nymon, Roxanna Barnaby, Laura Bashor, Zhongyou Li, Thomas H. Hampton, Amanda E. Liefeld, Fred W. Kolling, Ian S. LaCroix, Scott A. Gerber, Deborah A. Hogan, Swetha Kasetty, Carey D. Nadell, Bruce A. Stanton
Summary: The study demonstrates that microRNAs in extracellular vesicles secreted by human airway epithelial cells can regulate protein expression, antibiotic sensitivity, and biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This bidirectional interdomain communication provides direct evidence for transfer of miRNAs in EVs from eukaryotic cells to prokaryotes, resulting in phenotypic alterations in the prokaryote. The findings suggest potential clinical applications for using let-7b-5p and a beta-lactam antibiotic in nanoparticles or EVs to benefit patients with antibiotic-resistant P. aeruginosa infections.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Boris Vidal-Veuthey, Damariz Gonzalez, Juan P. Cardenas
Summary: This article reviews the literature on the functions of secreted proteins from the gut microbiota and discusses their impact on host physiology and health, as well as how these effects can be utilized for the development of postbiotic products.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Krishna Chaitanya Pavani, Tim Meese, Osvaldo Bogado Pascottini, Xuefeng Guan, Xiaoyuan Lin, Luc Peelman, Joachim Hamacher, Filip Van Nieuwerburgh, Dieter Deforce, Annekatrien Boel, Bjorn Heindryckx, Kelly Tilleman, Ann Van Soom, Bart M. Gadella, An Hendrix, Katrien Smits
Summary: The miRNA bta-miR-378a-3p in extracellular vesicles plays a crucial role in blastocyst hatching in bovine embryos, improving blastocyst quality and regulating embryo hatching.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Review
Parasitology
Krystyna Cwiklinski, John P. Dalton
Summary: Significant advances have been made in understanding liver fluke biology through omics datasets, which is crucial for developing control strategies and vaccines. Although there are no clear outstanding vaccine candidates, it is important to continue identifying parasite-host interacting molecules and using vaccinology technologies to discover a liver fluke vaccine.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Dovydas Gecys, Arunas Kazlauskas, Emilija Gecyte, Neringa Pauziene, Deimante Kulakauskiene, Indre Lukminaite, Aiste Jekabsone
Summary: This study explores the potential of genetically engineered extracellular vesicles to improve drug delivery in glioblastoma cells. The results show that introducing the RGD ligand significantly increases the internalisation of extracellular vesicles by GBM cells, leading to improved drug delivery efficacy.
Article
Cell Biology
Kaiwen Zhang, Dong Liu, Jianmei Zhao, Si Shi, Xin He, Peng Da, Yiwen You, Bo You
Summary: High expression of HMGB3 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma is associated with micronuclei formation and metastasis, while HMGB3-containing nEXOs from NPC cells can accelerate angiogenesis and correlate positively with tumor metastasis. This study suggests that nEXO HMGB3 could serve as a significant biomarker for NPC metastasis and provide a basis for anti-angiogenesis therapy in clinical metastasis.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Amber Dorey, Krystyna Cwiklinski, James Rooney, Carolina De Marco Verissimo, Jesus Lopez Corrales, Heather Jewhurst, Barbara Fazekas, Nichola Eliza Davies Calvani, Siobhan Hamon, Siobhan Gaughan, John P. Dalton, Richard Lalor
Summary: Research has shown that the Prx1 and Trx1 of Fasciola hepatica play important roles in stress responses, not only acting as antioxidants, but also modulating host immune responses and inflammation.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Kathryn M. Huson, Erwan Atcheson, Nicola A. M. Oliver, Philip Best, Jason P. Barley, Robert E. B. Hanna, Tom N. McNeilly, Yongxiang Fang, Sam Haldenby, Steve Paterson, Mark W. Robinson
Summary: This study revealed important molecular mechanisms during Calicophoron daubneyi infection through transcriptome and secretome analysis, including the regulation of virulence factors and immunomodulators at different developmental and migration stages. The secretion of different proteins by C. daubneyi was found to help establish an immune environment conducive to its survival.
MOLECULAR & CELLULAR PROTEOMICS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Santiago Fontenla, Mauricio Langleib, Eduardo de la Torre-escudero, Maria Fernanda Dominguez, Mark W. Robinson, Jose Tort
Summary: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of gene expression. This study investigated the expression patterns of miRNAs during different developmental stages of the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica. The study found variations in miRNA expression across the stages and identified potential target genes. The most highly expressed miRNAs were found to be involved in host immune response and infection establishment and maintenance. Additionally, fragments derived from tRNA processing and vtRNAs were detected, suggesting their involvement in the host-parasite interaction.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Caoimhe M. Herron, Anna O'Connor, Emily Robb, Erin McCammick, Claire Hill, Nikki J. Marks, Mark W. Robinson, Aaron G. Maule, Paul McVeigh
Summary: This study provides the first data on developmental miRNA regulation and host gene regulation in liver flukes, expanding our understanding of the F. hepatica miRNome.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Maude Dagenais, Jared Q. Gerlach, George R. Wendt, James J. Collins, Louise E. Atkinson, Angela Mousley, Timothy G. Geary, Thavy Long
Summary: Parasitic helminths manipulate host immunity through the release of EVs, with studies showing that Schistosoma mansoni EVs have multiple glycan structures on their surface, including sialic acid which may play a role in infection.
Article
Parasitology
Jack P. Carson, Mark W. Robinson, Grant A. Ramm, Geoffrey N. Gobert
Summary: Sm16 is a protein released by Schistosoma mansoni that modulates inflammatory responses in host cells. This study suggests a potential role for Sm16 in combating fibrotic liver disease.
EXPERIMENTAL PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adam P. S. Bennett, Eduardo de la Torre-Escudero, Susan S. E. Dermott, Lawrence T. Threadgold, Robert E. B. Hanna, Mark W. Robinson
Summary: This study used laser microdissection to analyze the proteome of the gastrodermal cells in the liver fluke. The results showed that these cells are the main source of secreted proteins and may release extracellular vesicles. The study also highlighted the importance of the gastrodermal cells in nutrient acquisition and immunomodulation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Maude Dagenais, Jared Q. Gerlach, Timothy G. Geary, Thavy Long
Summary: S. mansoni EVs are coated with host glycoproteins, which may contribute to immune evasion and cell adhesion.
Editorial Material
Parasitology
Mark W. Robinson, Javier Sotillo
Summary: Foodborne trematodes have a global distribution and infect a large number of people, causing significant health issues. Despite being neglected in terms of research funding, this special issue aims to update our understanding of these infections and highlight future research priorities.
Article
Parasitology
N. H. Rutherford, J. Barley, M. W. Robinson, A. W. Gordon, T. Yan, A. Aubry
Summary: This study demonstrates that a high rumen fluke burden can increase methane emissions, but only when expressed on a body weight basis. The findings highlight the need for further research to better understand the relationship between rumen fluke infection and methane production.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Erwan Atcheson, Bernard Lagan, Ross McCormick, Hilary Edgar, Robert E. B. Hanna, Naomi H. H. Rutherford, Amanda McEvoy, Kathryn M. M. Huson, Alan Gordon, Aurelie Aubry, Mary Vickers, Mark W. W. Robinson, Jason P. P. Barley
Summary: The prevalence of rumen fluke infection in cattle was investigated in England and Northern Ireland, with higher rates found in NI. However, the presence of rumen fluke did not significantly impact carcass weight, conformation, or fat classification. Similarly, rumen fluke infection and treatment with oxyclozanide did not affect daily weight gain, diarrhea score, or welfare in dairy heifers.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Ruby White, Javier Sotillo, Maria Eugenia Ancarola, Anne Borup, Anders Toftegaard Boysen, Paul J. Brindley, Edit Buzas, Serena Cavallero, Sujittra Chaiyadet, Iain W. Chalmers, Marcela A. Cucher, Maude Dagenais, Chelsea N. Davis, Eileen Devaney, Maria A. Duque-Correa, Ramon Marc Eichenberger, Santiago Fontenla, Thomas A. Gasan, Cornelis H. Hokke, Maja Kosanovic, Marije E. Kuipers, Thewarach Laha, Alex Loukas, Rick M. Maizels, Antonio Marcilla, Hynek Mazanec, Russell M. Morphew, Kyriaki Neophytou, Linh Thuy Nguyen, Esther Nolte-'t Hoen, Michael Povelones, Mark W. Robinson, Alicia Rojas, Irma Schabussova, Hermelijn H. Smits, Sivapong Sungpradit, Lucienne Tritten, Bradley Whitehead, Amin Zakeri, Peter Nejsum, Amy H. Buck, Karl F. Hoffmann
Summary: Over the past decade, there has been a growing research interest in studying how extracellular vesicles (EVs) shape cross-species communication. In particular, helminths, which are parasitic worm species, have been found to manipulate the immune function and physiology of their hosts. This article highlights the challenges and best practices for studying helminth-derived EVs, complementing existing guidelines for mammalian EV research.
JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Victor Cana-Bozada, Mark W. Robinson, David Hernandez-Mena, Francisco N. Morales-Serna
Summary: This study examined the phylogenetic relationships within Neodermata using putative orthologous groups of proteins (OGPs) from 11 species of Monogenea, Trematoda, and Cestoda. The analysis showed that monopisthocotylean monogeneans are sister-group to cestodes, and polyopisthocotylean monogeneans are sister-group to trematodes. However, the sister-group relationship between Monopisthocotylea and Cestoda was not statistically supported. The study also revealed a cluster formed by polyopisthocotyleans and trematodes.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Barbara Fazekas, Senthilkumar Alagesan, Luke Watson, Olivia Ng, Callum M. Conroy, Cristina Catala, Maria Velascode Andres, Neema Negi, Jared Q. Gerlach, Sean O. Hynes, Francisco Lozano, Stephen J. Elliman, Matthew D. Griffin
Summary: This study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of a novel MSC product in mouse endotoxemia and polymicrobial sepsis models. The results showed that repeated doses of the MSC product were required to modulate immune/inflammatory events in polymicrobial sepsis and SA-AKI, while single doses had limited efficacy.
STEM CELL REVIEWS AND REPORTS
(2022)
Correction
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marie Le Berre, Jared Q. Gerlach, Catherine Loughrey, Aileen Creavin, Katarzyna Pluta, Mary Gallagher, Stephen D. Carrington, Lokesh Joshi, Michelle Kilcoyne
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marie Le Berre, Jared Q. Gerlach, Catherine Loughrey, Aileen Creavin, Katarzyna Pluta, Mary Gallagher, Stephen D. Carrington, Lokesh Joshi, Michelle Kilcoyne
Summary: Detecting oestrus in cattle through biological measurements of glycosylation changes in cervico-vaginal mucus provides a novel and potentially more accurate strategy for predicting optimal fertilisation intervention points. This method could offer a more cost-effective and efficient approach compared to traditional visual observation methods.