scholarly journals Metallopeptidases ofToxoplasma gondii:in silicoidentification and gene expression

Parasite ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandie Escotte-Binet ◽  
Antoine Huguenin ◽  
Dominique Aubert ◽  
Anne-Pascaline Martin ◽  
Matthieu Kaltenbach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Divalent Metal ◽  
Nucleophilic Attack ◽  
Comparative Biology ◽  
Peptide Bonds ◽  
Divalent Metal Cation ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Merops Database ◽  
Parasite Biology ◽  
Experimental Expression

Metallopeptidases are a family of proteins with domains that remain highly conserved throughout evolution. These hydrolases require divalent metal cation(s) to activate the water molecule in order to carry out their catalytic action on peptide bonds by nucleophilic attack. Metallopeptidases from parasitic protozoa, includingToxoplasma, are investigated because of their crucial role in parasite biology. In the present study, we screened theT. gondiidatabase using PFAM motifs specific for metallopeptidases in association with the MEROPS peptidase Database (release 10.0). In all, 49 genes encoding proteins with metallopeptidase signatures were identified in theToxoplasmagenome. An Interpro Search enabled us to uncover their domain/motif organization, and orthologs with the highest similarity by BLAST were used for annotation. These 49 Toxoplasmametallopeptidases clustered into 15 families described in the MEROPS database. Experimental expression analysis of their genes in the tachyzoite stage revealed transcription for all genes studied. Further research on the role of these peptidases should increase our knowledge of basicToxoplasmabiology and provide opportunities to identify novel therapeutic targets. This type of study would also open a path towards the comparative biology of apicomplexans.

scholarly journals Role of the divalent metal cation in the pyruvate oxidase reaction.

1982 ◽  
Vol 257 (16) ◽  
pp. 9605-9611
Author(s):  
R Blake ◽  
T A O'Brien ◽  
R B Gennis ◽  
L P Hager
Keyword(s):  
Metal Cation ◽  
Divalent Metal ◽  
Pyruvate Oxidase ◽  
Divalent Metal Cation ◽  
Oxidase Reaction

DNA methylation in satellite repeats disorders

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (6) ◽  
pp. 757-771 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Francastel ◽  
Frédérique Magdinier
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Human Genome ◽  
Repetitive Dna ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Satellite Repeats ◽  
Tremendous Progress ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Dna Elements ◽  
Near Future

Abstract Despite the tremendous progress made in recent years in assembling the human genome, tandemly repeated DNA elements remain poorly characterized. These sequences account for the vast majority of methylated sites in the human genome and their methylated state is necessary for this repetitive DNA to function properly and to maintain genome integrity. Furthermore, recent advances highlight the emerging role of these sequences in regulating the functions of the human genome and its variability during evolution, among individuals, or in disease susceptibility. In addition, a number of inherited rare diseases are directly linked to the alteration of some of these repetitive DNA sequences, either through changes in the organization or size of the tandem repeat arrays or through mutations in genes encoding chromatin modifiers involved in the epigenetic regulation of these elements. Although largely overlooked so far in the functional annotation of the human genome, satellite elements play key roles in its architectural and topological organization. This includes functions as boundary elements delimitating functional domains or assembly of repressive nuclear compartments, with local or distal impact on gene expression. Thus, the consideration of satellite repeats organization and their associated epigenetic landmarks, including DNA methylation (DNAme), will become unavoidable in the near future to fully decipher human phenotypes and associated diseases.

scholarly journals A novel putative microtubule-associated protein is involved in arbuscule development during arbuscular mycorrhiza formation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tania Ho-Plágaro ◽  
Raúl Huertas ◽  
María I Tamayo-Navarrete ◽  
Elison Blancaflor ◽  
Nuria Gavara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Root ◽  
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Root Cells ◽  
Filament Dynamics ◽  
Fungal Structure ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Mycorrhizal Development

Abstract The formation of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis requires plant root host cells to undergo major structural and functional reprogramming in order to house the highly branched AM fungal structure for the reciprocal exchange of nutrients. These morphological modifications are associated with cytoskeleton remodelling. However, molecular bases and the role of microtubules (MTs) and actin filament dynamics during AM formation are largely unknown. In this study, the tomato tsb gene, belonging to a Solanaceae group of genes encoding MT-associated proteins for pollen development, was found to be highly expressed in root cells containing arbuscules. At earlier stages of mycorrhizal development, tsb overexpression enhanced the formation of highly developed and transcriptionally active arbuscules, while tsb silencing hampers the formation of mature arbuscules and represses arbuscule functionality. However, at later stages of mycorrhizal colonization, tsb OE roots accumulate fully developed transcriptionally inactive arbuscules, suggesting that the collapse and turnover of arbuscules might be impaired by TSB accumulation. Imaging analysis of the MT cytoskeleton in cortex root cells overexpressing tsb revealed that TSB is involved in MT-bundling. Taken together, our results provide unprecedented insights into the role of novel MT-associated protein in MT rearrangements throughout the different stages of the arbuscule life cycle.

scholarly journals The Role of Cdh1p in Maintaining Genomic Stability in Budding Yeast

Genetics ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 165 (2) ◽  
pp. 489-503 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen E Ross ◽  
Orna Cohen-Fix
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Spindle Assembly Checkpoint ◽  
Chromosome Loss ◽  
Cyclin Dependent Kinase ◽  
Anaphase Promoting Complex ◽  
Growth Defects ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Specificity Factor

Abstract Cdh1p, a substrate specificity factor for the cell cycle-regulated ubiquitin ligase, the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), promotes exit from mitosis by directing the degradation of a number of proteins, including the mitotic cyclins. Here we present evidence that Cdh1p activity at the M/G1 transition is important not only for mitotic exit but also for high-fidelity chromosome segregation in the subsequent cell cycle. CDH1 showed genetic interactions with MAD2 and PDS1, genes encoding components of the mitotic spindle assembly checkpoint that acts at metaphase to prevent premature chromosome segregation. Unlike cdh1Δ and mad2Δ single mutants, the mad2Δ cdh1Δ double mutant grew slowly and exhibited high rates of chromosome and plasmid loss. Simultaneous deletion of PDS1 and CDH1 caused extensive chromosome missegregation and cell death. Our data suggest that at least part of the chromosome loss can be attributed to kinetochore/spindle problems. Our data further suggest that Cdh1p and Sic1p, a Cdc28p/Clb inhibitor, have overlapping as well as nonoverlapping roles in ensuring proper chromosome segregation. The severe growth defects of both mad2Δ cdh1Δ and pds1Δ cdh1Δ strains were rescued by overexpressing Swe1p, a G2/M inhibitor of the cyclin-dependent kinase, Cdc28p/Clb. We propose that the failure to degrade cyclins at the end of mitosis leaves cdh1Δ mutant strains with abnormal Cdc28p/Clb activity that interferes with proper chromosome segregation.

scholarly journals Potential Role of Phospholipases in Virulence and Fungal Pathogenesis

2000 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 122-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud A. Ghannoum
Keyword(s):  
Virulence Factor ◽  
Cell Damage ◽  
Pathogenic Fungi ◽  
Microbial Pathogens ◽  
Immunogold Electron Microscopy ◽  
Lytic Enzymes ◽  
Fungal Virulence ◽  
Phospholipase B ◽  
Genes Encoding

SUMMARY Microbial pathogens use a number of genetic strategies to invade the host and cause infection. These common themes are found throughout microbial systems. Secretion of enzymes, such as phospholipase, has been proposed as one of these themes that are used by bacteria, parasites, and pathogenic fungi. The role of extracellular phospholipase as a potential virulence factor in pathogenic fungi, including Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Aspergillus, has gained credence recently. In this review, data implicating phospholipase as a virulence factor in C. albicans, Candida glabrata, C. neoformans, and A. fumigatus are presented. A detailed description of the molecular and biochemical approaches used to more definitively delineate the role of phospholipase in the virulence of C. albicans is also covered. These approaches resulted in cloning of three genes encoding candidal phospholipases (caPLP1, caPLB2, and PLD). By using targeted gene disruption, C. albicans null mutants that failed to secrete phospholipase B, encoded by caPLB1, were constructed. When these isogenic strain pairs were tested in two clinically relevant murine models of candidiasis, deletion of caPLB1 was shown to lead to attenuation of candidal virulence. Importantly, immunogold electron microscopy studies showed that C. albicans secretes this enzyme during the infectious process. These data indicate that phospholipase B is essential for candidal virulence. Although the mechanism(s) through which phospholipase modulates fungal virulence is still under investigations, early data suggest that direct host cell damage and lysis are the main mechanisms contributing to fungal virulence. Since the importance of phospholipases in fungal virulence is already known, the next challenge will be to utilize these lytic enzymes as therapeutic and diagnostic targets.

scholarly journals The Double-Edged Sword in Pathogenic Trypanosomatids: The Pivotal Role of Mitochondria in Oxidative Stress and Bioenergetics

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rubem Figueiredo Sadok Menna-Barreto ◽  
Solange Lisboa de Castro
Keyword(s):  
Trypanosoma Brucei ◽  
Cell Signalling ◽  
Oxygen Species ◽  
Kinetoplast Dna ◽  
Excellent Candidate ◽  
Causative Agents ◽  
Parasite Biology ◽  
Oxidative Regulation ◽  
Single Mitochondrion

The pathogenic trypanosomatidsTrypanosoma brucei,Trypanosoma cruzi, andLeishmaniaspp. are the causative agents of African trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis, respectively. These diseases are considered to be neglected tropical illnesses that persist under conditions of poverty and are concentrated in impoverished populations in the developing world. Novel efficient and nontoxic drugs are urgently needed as substitutes for the currently limited chemotherapy. Trypanosomatids display a single mitochondrion with several peculiar features, such as the presence of different energetic and antioxidant enzymes and a specific arrangement of mitochondrial DNA (kinetoplast DNA). Due to mitochondrial differences between mammals and trypanosomatids, this organelle is an excellent candidate for drug intervention. Additionally, during trypanosomatids’ life cycle, the shape and functional plasticity of their single mitochondrion undergo profound alterations, reflecting adaptation to different environments. In an uncoupling situation, the organelle produces high amounts of reactive oxygen species. However, these species role in parasite biology is still controversial, involving parasite death, cell signalling, or even proliferation. Novel perspectives on trypanosomatid-targeting chemotherapy could be developed based on better comprehension of mitochondrial oxidative regulation processes.

scholarly journals “Newton’s cradle” proton relay with amide–imidic acid tautomerization in inverting cellulase visualized by neutron crystallography

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (7) ◽  
pp. e1500263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akihiko Nakamura ◽  
Takuya Ishida ◽  
Katsuhiro Kusaka ◽  
Taro Yamada ◽  
Shinya Fushinobu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Glycoside Hydrolases ◽  
Side Chain ◽  
Enzymatic Reactions ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Peptide Bonds ◽  
Proton Relay ◽  
Newton’S Cradle ◽  
Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Hydrolysis Of

Hydrolysis of carbohydrates is a major bioreaction in nature, catalyzed by glycoside hydrolases (GHs). We used neutron diffraction and high-resolution x-ray diffraction analyses to investigate the hydrogen bond network in inverting cellulase PcCel45A, which is an endoglucanase belonging to subfamily C of GH family 45, isolated from the basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Examination of the enzyme and enzyme-ligand structures indicates a key role of multiple tautomerizations of asparagine residues and peptide bonds, which are finally connected to the other catalytic residue via typical side-chain hydrogen bonds, in forming the “Newton’s cradle”–like proton relay pathway of the catalytic cycle. Amide–imidic acid tautomerization of asparagine has not been taken into account in recent molecular dynamics simulations of not only cellulases but also general enzyme catalysis, and it may be necessary to reconsider our interpretation of many enzymatic reactions.

Role of PtrXTH1 and PnXTH1 Genes Encoding Xyloglucan Endo-Transglycosylases in Regulation of Growth and Adaptation of Plants to Stress Factors

2018 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-48
Author(s):  
B. R. Kuluev ◽  
Z. A. Berezhneva ◽  
A. V. Knyazev ◽  
Yu. M. Nikonorov ◽  
A. V. Chemeris
Keyword(s):  
Stress Factors ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Regulation Of Growth

scholarly journals The Transcription Factor Con7-1 Is a Master Regulator of Morphogenesis and Virulence in Fusarium oxysporum

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Ruiz-Roldán ◽  
Yolanda Pareja-Jaime ◽  
José Antonio González-Reyes ◽  
M. Isabel G. Roncero
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Fusarium Oxysporum ◽  
Gene Expression Analysis ◽  
Wall Structure ◽  
Targeted Deletion ◽  
Signal Perception ◽  
Cell Wall Biogenesis ◽  
Primary And Secondary Metabolism ◽  
Genes Encoding

Previous studies have demonstrated the essential role of morphogenetic regulation in Fusarium oxysporum pathogenesis, including processes such as cell-wall biogenesis, cell division, and differentiation of infection-like structures. We identified three F. oxysporum genes encoding predicted transcription factors showing significant identities to Magnaporthe oryzae Con7p, Con7-1, plus two identical copies of Con7-2. Targeted deletion of con7-1 produced nonpathogenic mutants with altered morphogenesis, including defects in cell wall structure, polar growth, hyphal branching, and conidiation. By contrast, simultaneous inactivation of both con7-2 copies caused no detectable defects in the resulting mutants. Comparative microarray-based gene expression analysis indicated that Con7-1 modulates the expression of a large number of genes involved in different biological functions, including host–pathogen interactions, morphogenesis and development, signal perception and transduction, transcriptional regulation, and primary and secondary metabolism. Taken together, our results point to Con7-1 as general regulator of morphogenesis and virulence in F. oxysporum.

scholarly journals Engineering Mesoporous NiO with Enriched Electrophilic Ni3+ and O− toward Efficient Oxygen Evolution

Catalysts ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiu Liu ◽  
Zhi-Yuan Zhai ◽  
Zhou Chen ◽  
Li-Zhong Zhang ◽  
Xiu-Feng Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Area ◽  
Oxygen Evolution ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Large Surface Area ◽  
Nucleophilic Attack ◽  
Title Reaction ◽  
Highly Active ◽  
Decomposition Of Water ◽  
Uniform Mesopores

Tremendous efforts have been devoted to develop low-cost and highly active electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Here, we report the synthesis of mesoporous nickel oxide by the template method and its application in the title reaction. The as-prepared mesoporous NiO possesses a large surface area, uniform mesopores, and rich surface electrophilic Ni3+ and O− species. The overpotential of meso-NiO in alkaline medium is 132 mV at 10 mA cm−1 and 410 mV at 50 mA cm−1, which is much smaller than that of the other types of NiO samples. The improvement in the OER activity can be ascribed to the synergy of the large surface area and uniform mesopores for better mass transfer and high density of Ni3+ and O− species favoring the nucleophilic attack by OH− to form a NiOOH intermediate. The reaction process and the role of electrophilic Ni3+ and O− were discussed in detail. This results are more conducive to the electrochemical decomposition of water to produce hydrogen fuel as a clean and renewable energy.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document