Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Srinivasan Ramakrishnan, Rodrigo P. Baptista, Beejan Asady, Guozhong Huang, Roberto Docampo
Summary: In Trypanosoma brucei, down-regulation of Vps41 expression through RNAi leads to significant inhibition of endocytosis, affecting cell growth, while other functions of Vps41 in mammalian and yeast cells remain unaffected. The essentiality of TbVps41 suggests it as a potential drug target.
Article
Immunology
Yan-Zi Wen, Hao-Tian Tang, Xiao-Li Cai, Na Wu, Jia-Zhen Xu, Bi-Xiu Su, Geoff Hide, Zhao-Rong Lun, De-Hua Lai
Summary: In this study, PAG3 was identified as a key nuclear gene involved in the slender to stumpy differentiation pathway of Trypanosoma brucei in the mammalian host. The loss of this gene might explain the inability of T. evansi and some T. equiperdum to differentiate and the adaptation to transmission cycles that bypass the tsetse vector or mechanical contact.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cecilia Ortiz, Francesca Moraca, Marc Laverriere, Allan Jordan, Niall Hamilton, Marcelo A. Comini
Summary: G6PDH plays a crucial role in cell physiology by catalyzing the synthesis of NADPH(+) and ribose 5-phosphate. The study discovered that 16 alpha-brominated epiandrosterone is the most potent inhibitor of G6PDH in trypanosomatids. Further investigations showed that bromination at position 16 alpha of androstane derivatives yielded more potent T. cruzi G6PDH inhibitors.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mauro Serricchio, Carolina Hierro-Yap, David Schadeli, Hisham Ben Hamidane, Andrew Hemphill, Johannes Graumann, Alena Zikova, Peter Butikofer
Summary: Cardiolipin plays a crucial role in Trypanosoma brucei bloodstream forms, where its depletion leads to decreased ATP levels and mitochondrial membrane potential, affecting respiration and cellular energy metabolism pathways. Additionally, the loss of cardiolipin also impacts protein stability, particularly those associated with oxygen consumption.
Article
Parasitology
I Chantal, C. Minet, D. Berthier
Summary: A novel culture protocol was proposed to support long-term in vitro growth of three Savannah and Forest types of T. congolense strains, including IL1180, allowing sustainable growth for 18 days in axenic conditions and efficient growth within 30 days after thawing with a new freezing/thawing system. These results are encouraging for future gene studies or therapeutic drug assays on T. congolense.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Ethan Ashby, Lucinda Paddock, Hannah L. Betts, Jingwen Liao, Geneva Miller, Anya Porter, Lindsey M. Rollosson, Carrie Saada, Eric Tang, Serenity J. Wade, Johanna Hardin, Danae Schulz
Summary: This study reveals changes in DNA-interacting bromodomain protein 3 (Bdf3) occupancy at its binding sites as the parasite Trypanosoma brucei transitions from the bloodstream to the insect stage. Additionally, a new binding site appears near the locus responsible for remodeling of parasite surface proteins during transition to the insect stage. Understanding the mechanisms behind host adaptation is important for understanding the life cycle of the parasite.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Julius Mulindwa, Geofrey Ssentamu, Enock Matovu, Kevin Kamanyi Marucha, Francisco Aresta-Branco, Claudia Helbig, Christine Clayton
Summary: Most researchers studying protist parasites use a limited number of laboratory-adapted isolates obtained decades ago, with little study on the effects of laboratory passages and in vitro culture adaptation. This study introduces two new strains of Trypanosoma brucei brucei, MAK65 and MAK98, showing changes in gene copy numbers during adaptation to culture. Trisomy and increased chromosome segments were observed in established cultured lines, providing useful strains for research on trypanosome differentiation and pathogenicity.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jude A. Okolie, Alivia Mukherjee, Sonil Nanda, Ajay K. Dalai, Janusz A. Kozinski
Summary: During supercritical water gasification, ZrO2 was found to be the most effective catalyst in improving H-2 yield and selectivity. Cerium as a promoter showed the best performance in promoting H-2 yield for Ni/ZrO2 catalysts. The addition of K, Na, and Ce promoters enhanced Ni dispersion and metallic surface area, leading to improved H-2 yields.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Cecile Minet, Isabelle Chantal, David Berthier
Summary: African Animal Trypanosomosis is a vector-borne disease caused by Trypanosomatidae, mainly transmitted by tsetse flies and other blood-sucking insects. It has a significant impact on livestock and the socio-economic well-being of people in sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, there is no vaccine available and control measures focus on diagnosis, treatment, and vector control.
EXPERIMENTAL PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Stephany M. Ramos de Dios, Jared L. Hass, Danielle L. Graham, Nivesh Kumar, Aina E. Antony, Martha D. Morton, David B. Berkowitz
Summary: The first dual-function assay for human serine racemase (hSR), which is essential for neuronal signaling and elevated in colorectal cancer, has been reported. This new NMR-based assay allows for monitoring of both a-proton exchange chemistry and fi-elimination, and it has been used to identify an inhibitor family that displays allosteric site binding behavior. Mechanistic information for hSR and a different partition ratio in the active site of the enzyme tryptophan synthase have also been revealed through this assay, demonstrating its value for studying enzyme mechanisms.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thibaut Molinie, Elodie Cougouilles, Claudine David, Edern Cahoreau, Jean-Charles Portais, Arnaud Mourier
Summary: The mitochondrial respiratory chain plays a crucial role in metabolic processes by regenerating NAD+ and ATP. Recent studies have shown that complex I can form functional entities called respirasomes, which facilitate NADH oxidation. However, findings demonstrate that complex II is preferred for electron transfer in heart and liver mitochondria. This unexpected result suggests a new regulatory mechanism for mitochondrial respiration in response to NADH/NAD+ redox stress.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Dennis Schulze, Michael Kohlstedt, Judith Becker, Edern Cahoreau, Lindsay Peyriga, Alexander Makowka, Sarah Hildebrandt, Kirstin Gutekunst, Jean-Charles Portais, Christoph Wittmann
MICROBIAL CELL FACTORIES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Margaux Sala, Nathalie Allain, Melanie Moreau, Arnaud Jabouille, Elodie Henriet, Aya Abou-Hammoud, Arnaud Uguen, Sylvaine Di-Tommaso, Cyril Dourthe, Anne-Aurelie Raymond, Jean-William Dupuy, Emilie Gerard, Nathalie Dugot-Senant, Benoit Rousseau, Jean-Phillipe Merlio, Anne Pham-Ledart, Beatrice Vergier, Sophie Tartare-Deckert, Violaine Moreau, Frederic Saltel
Summary: Combined therapy with anti-BRAF plus anti-MEK is the first-line treatment for metastatic melanomas. However, tumor cell resistance is a major issue. This study shows that DDR2 inhibition can reduce AXL expression and stress fiber formation in resistant melanoma cells. Furthermore, DDR2 inhibition can control cell and tumor proliferation through the MAP kinase pathway.
Article
Cell Biology
Pauline Esteves, Benoit Allard, Alexis Celle, Isabelle Dupin, Elise Maurat, Olga Ousova, Matthieu Thumerel, Jean-William Dupuy, Thierry Leste-Lasserre, Roger Marthan, Pierre-Olivier Girodet, Thomas Trian, Patrick Berger
Summary: This study shows that asthmatic bronchial smooth muscle (BSM) cells enhance the replication of rhinovirus (RV) in bronchial epithelium through increased production of CCL20. Additionally, these asthmatic BSM cells downregulate the antiviral pathway PKR, leading to increased susceptibility of the bronchial epithelium to RV infection.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bertrand Chauveau, Anne-Aurelie Raymond, Sylvaine Di Tommaso, Jonathan Visentin, Agathe Vermorel, Nathalie Dugot-Senant, Cyril Dourthe, Jean-William Dupuy, Julie Dechanet-Merville, Jean-Paul Duong Van Huyen, Marion Rabant, Lionel Couzi, Frederic Saltel, Pierre Merville
Summary: This study used proteomics to investigate the glomerular proteome modification in antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) in kidney transplantation. It identified several proteins related to cellular stress, leukocyte activation, and tissue remodeling that were deregulated in ABMR. These findings may have implications for the diagnosis and treatment of ABMR.
Meeting Abstract
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Julie Lavie, Claude Lalou, Jean-William Dupuy, Walid Mahfouf, Agata Ars, Aurelie Lacaule, Hamid Reza Rezvani, Richard Patryk Ngondo, Giovanni Benard
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sabine Bachmaier, Giacomo Giacomelli, Estefania Calvo-Alvarez, Larissa Rezende Vieira, Jan Van Den Abbeele, Aris Aristodemou, Esben Lorentzen, Matthew Gould, Ana Brennand, Jean-Wiliam Dupuy, Ignasi Forne, Axel Imhof, Marc Bramkamp, Didier Salmon, Brice Rotureau, Michael Boshart
Summary: Researchers have discovered that social motility and cAMP signaling are linked to migration of trypanosomes in the salivary glands of tsetse flies. Trypanosomes can sense environmental signals and coordinate their movement by interacting with adenylate cyclases and other proteins. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms of trypanosome migration and transmission in tsetse flies.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Chloe Roumegous, Aya Abou Hammoud, Damien Fuster, Jean-William Dupuy, Corinne Blancard, Benedicte Salin, Derrick R. Robinson, Patricia Renesto, Isabelle Tardieux, Karine Frenal
Summary: This study identified new basal complex components (BCC) of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoite and revealed their localization within different sub-compartments of the basal complex. These components play important roles in cell motility, division, and intravacuolar cell-cell communication. It was found that one BCC is critical for the constriction of the basal complex and gliding motility, while four other BCCs are involved in the formation and/or maintenance of intravacuolar parasite connection.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Matthieu Blandenet, Isabelle R. Goncalves, Christine Rascle, Jean-William Dupuy, Francois-Xavier Gillet, Nathalie Poussereau, Mathias Choquer, Christophe Bruel
Summary: This study investigates the role of the putative polysaccharide synthase Cps1 in the physiology, development, and virulence of the grey mold-causing agent Botrytis cinerea. The deletion of the Bccps1 gene disrupts hyphal expansion, significantly impairs growth, penetration, and colonization of the plant, and affects the formation of survival structures. Loss of the BcCps1 protein leads to a decrease in glucans and glycoproteins in the fungus cell wall and an accumulation of certain proteins in the mutant's exoproteome. These findings highlight the significant role of Cps1 in the cell wall biology and pathogenicity of B. cinerea.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Florian Alonso, Yuechao Dong, Ling Li, Tiya Jahjah, Jean-William Dupuy, Isabelle Fremaux, Dieter P. Reinhardt, Elisabeth Genot
Summary: Fibrillin-1 is a crucial factor in angiogenesis and its mutation disrupts blood vessel formation. Fibrillin-1 is found at the angiogenic front and regulates signaling pathways to promote endothelial cell growth. Administration of a C-terminal fragment of fibrillin-1 corrects the defects in mutant mice.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Ayman Sabra, Nicolas Biteau, Jean-William Dupuy, Christophe Klopp, Thierry Noel, Karine Dementhon
Summary: In this study, it was found that a dpp3 Delta mutants of Candida lusitaniae were impaired in cell separation, pseudohyphal growth, and mating. The defective phenotypes were not restored even after wild-type DPP3 locus reconstruction, indicating the presence of an additional mutation, which was identified as MED15. The inactivation of MED15 was confirmed to be responsible for the defective phenotypes and its role in regulating hyphal growth, cell separation, and mating pathways was revealed.
Article
Microbiology
Amelie De Vallee, Jean-William Dupuy, Christine Moriscot, Benoit Gallet, Solene Vanderperre, Gaetan Guignard, Christine Rascle, Glen Calvar, Bastien Malbert, Francois-Xavier Gillet, Cindy Dieryckx, Mathias Choquer, Vincent Girard, Nathalie Poussereau, Christophe Bruel
Summary: This study identified and characterized extracellular vesicles produced by the plant necrotroph Botrytis cinerea. These vesicles contain proteins involved in various cellular processes and have the ability to target different cells. The study also demonstrated a positive effect of these vesicles on the growth of B. cinerea.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Eugenie Melaine Kemta Magang, Rolin Mitterran Ndefo Kamga, Jenny Telleria, Magali Tichit, Aline Crouzols, Jacques Kabore, David Hardy, Calmes Ursain Tsakeng Bouaka, Vincent Jamonneau, Brice Rotureau, Victor Kuete, Jean-Mathieu Bart, Gustave Simo
Summary: This study revealed the presence of various trypanosome species in the blood and skin of animals in HAT foci of Cameroon. It also identified skin as an anatomical reservoir for trypanosomes. The results highlight the importance of considering animal reservoirs and skin-dwelling trypanosomes in control strategies.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Leo Comperat, Lise Chagot, Sarah Massot, Marie-Laure Stachowicz, Nathalie Dusserre, Chantal Medina, Theo Desigaux, Jean-William Dupuy, Jean-Christophe Fricain, Hugo Oliveira
Summary: Bioinks derived from amnion and chorion have been developed and compared in terms of their extracellular matrix and growth factor compositions. These bioinks can sustain endothelial cell viability and promote vasculogenesis, holding significant potential for tissue engineering applications.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Noemie Butin, Cecilia Berges, Jean-Charles Portais, Floriant Bellvert
Summary: This study aimed to develop and validate a method to optimize automated data processing for untargeted MS-based isotopic tracing investigations of metabolism. The method utilizes a suitable reference material to rationally perform parameter optimization throughout the complete data processing workflow. It was applied in the context of C-13-labelling experiments and with two different software, geoRge and X13CMS. The study of an E. coli mutant impaired for central metabolism was used as an example to illustrate the method.