Parasites & Vectors最新文献

{"title":"The microRNA landscape and regulatory network in Clonorchis sinensis-infected hepatocellular carcinoma: implications for tumor progression.","authors":"Caibiao Wei, Junxian Chen, Taijun Huang, Lingling Zhou, Yulong Xu, Qiumei Lin, Yuling Qin, Zeli Tang, Weilong Yang, Min Fang","doi":"10.1186/s13071-025-06689-z","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-025-06689-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally, and its progression is associated with various factors, including parasitic infections such as Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis). Although C. sinensis infection has been implicated in HCC, the molecular mechanisms, particularly the role of microRNAs (miRNAs), remain poorly understood. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the miRNA expression profiles in C. sinensis⁺ and C. sinensis^- HCC tissues.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We performed miRNA sequencing on HCC tissues from C. sinensis⁺ and C. sinensis^- patients, followed by bioinformatics analyses to identify differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and their target genes. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was conducted to explore relevant biological processes, while a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed to investigate the interactions among miRNAs, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Additionally, we performed survival analysis using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2 (GEPIA2) based on the The Cancer Genome Atlas-Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (TCGA-LIHC) cohort and assessed the clinical relevance of DEMs. Key miRNAs identified from this analysis were further validated through quantitative real‑time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays to confirm their expression in MHCC97H.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our research identified significant miRNA dysregulation in C. sinensis⁺ HCC tumors compared with C. sinensis^- HCC tumors. Notably, miR-143-3p, miR-10a-5p, and miR-100-5p were upregulated in C. sinensis⁺ HCC, contributing to immune responses and tumor progression, while let-7 family members and miR-221-3p were downregulated, affecting metabolic pathways. GO enrichment analysis highlighted the involvement of developmental processes, immune system regulation, and metabolic reprogramming in C. sinensis⁺ HCC. The construction of a ceRNA network revealed key interactions between miRNAs, lncRNAs, and mRNAs in C. sinensis⁺ HCC, suggesting regulatory mechanisms that could be potential therapeutic targets. Additionally, validation through qRT-PCR confirmed these findings, highlighting miRNA dysregulation as a critical factor in C. sinensis⁺ HCC progression.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study provides novel insights into the role of miRNAs in C. sinensis-infected HCC progression. The findings highlight the critical role of miRNA dysregulation in the progression of C. sinensis-associated HCC, emphasizing the potential for therapeutic interventions targeting these molecular alterations in affected patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"18 1","pages":"68"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11846337/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143472785","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correction: Spatial and temporal distribution of Ixodes scapularis and tick-borne pathogens across the northeastern United States.","authors":"Lucas E Price, Jonathan M Winter, Jamie L Cantoni, Duncan W Cozens, Megan A Linske, Scott C Williams, Griffin M Dill, Allison M Gardner, Susan P Elias, Thomas F Rounsville, Robert P Smith, Michael W Palace, Christina Herrick, Melissa A Prusinski, Patti Casey, Eliza M Doncaster, Joseph D T Savage, Dorothy I Wallace, Xun Shi","doi":"10.1186/s13071-024-06625-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-024-06625-7","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"18 1","pages":"65"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11846361/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143472783","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Haemoproteus tartakovskyi and Plasmodium relictum (Haemosporida, Apicomplexa) differentially express distinct 18S rRNA gene variants in bird hosts and dipteran vectors.","authors":"Josef Harl, Tanja Himmel, Mikas Ilgūnas, Carolina Romeiro Fernandes Chagas, Julia Matt, Nora Nedorost, Tatjana A Iezhova, Gediminas Valkiūnas, Herbert Weissenböck","doi":"10.1186/s13071-025-06696-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-025-06696-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Most mammalian Plasmodium species possess distinct 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene copies, which are differentially expressed in vertebrate hosts and mosquito vectors. Although similar sequence patterns were found in avian haemosporidian parasites, expression patterns have not been studied yet. This study aimed to test whether 18S variants of Plasmodium relictum SGS1 and Haemoproteus tartakovskyi SISKIN1 are expressed differentially in bird hosts and dipteran vectors using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Eurasian siskins (Spinus spinus) experimentally infected with P. relictum SGS1 and naturally infected with H. tartakovskyi SISKIN1 were used. Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes (SGS1) and Culicoides nubeculosus biting midges (SISKIN1) were fed on the blood of infected birds and maintained for several days to allow for the development of oocysts and sporozoites. Total RNA was extracted from bird blood and a subset of the dipteran vectors during each stage of parasite development, followed by qPCRs specifically targeting distinct 18S variants of the two parasites. Organs of the donor birds and whole bodies of the vectors were examined histologically using CISH by targeting different 18S variants of the parasites.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Plasmodium relictum SGS1 expressed two 18S variants in bird blood and mosquitoes, but their expression levels were reversed in birds and vectors, with one variant being preferentially expressed over the other. Using CISH, oocysts were stained with probes targeting both 18S variants, but sporozoites could not be detected, suggesting a suboptimal development of the parasites. Haemoproteus tartakovskyi SISKIN1, which features three distinct 18S variants, expressed one 18S variant in bird blood and two variants in the biting midges, while no signals were detected for the third variant. The results were corroborated by CISH, but surprisingly, some oocysts were also stained by the probe targeting the third variant.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The results indicate that distinct 18S variants of the two parasite species are differentially expressed in bird hosts and vectors. Moreover, for the first time, we provide visualizations of avian haemosporidian oocysts in tissue sections of the vectors, with the discovery of extraintestinal development of oocysts in SISKIN1-infected biting midges.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"18 1","pages":"63"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11844136/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143468764","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enzymes involved in trehalose-chitin synthesis in Haemonchus contortus could be vaccine candidates for goats.","authors":"Zhaohai Wen, Jilata Amu, Kalibixiati Aimulajiang, Jiajun Feng, Cheng Chen, Yongde Xu, Mingmin Lu, Lixin Xu, Xiaokai Song, Xiangrui Li, Ruofeng Yan","doi":"10.1186/s13071-025-06703-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-025-06703-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (HcTPS) and trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase (HcGOB) are key enzymes for trehalose synthesis in Haemonchus contortus. In addition, previous studies have also demonstrated that HcTPS and HcGOB can regulate the function of host immune cells in vitro, and are important immunosuppressive molecules. Therefore, this study evaluated the potential of HcTPS and HcGOB as vaccine candidates through in vitro and in vivo experiments.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>To evaluate the inhibitory effects of polyclonal antibodies on egg hatching and larval development, anti-rHcTPS and anti-rHcGOB antibodies were incubated separately with eggs and first-stage larvae (L1s) under controlled in vitro conditions. For immunization studies, recombinant proteins (rHcTPS and rHcGOB) were formulated with Quil-A adjuvant, and administered to goats through subcutaneous injection. Vaccine efficacy against Haemonchus contortus infection was determined through comprehensive analysis of multiple parasitological parameters, including: (1) egg abnormality rate, (2) hatching success rate, (3) reduction egg output rates, and (4) reduction in adult worm burden.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results of in vitro experiments showed that polyclonal antibodies against HcTPS and HcGOB had no effect on the hatching rate of eggs, but significantly affected the development from L1s to infectious third stage larvae (L3s). After immunization with recombinant HcTPS protein (rHcTPS) and recombinant HcGOB protein (rHcGOB), high levels of antigen-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) were produced in goats, and remained till the end of the experiment. Compared with the Quil-A adjuvant control group, the number of deformed eggs in the rHcTPS protein- immunized group and the rHcGOB protein- immunized group were significantly increased. In the rHcTPS protein-immunized group and the rHcGOB protein-immunized group, the deformity rate of eggs was 9.59% and 17.30%, respectively, and the hatching rate of eggs was reduced by 11.27% and 13.71%, respectively. Moreover, compared with the Quil-A adjuvant control group, the number of eggs and adults in the HcTPS protein- immunized group decreased by 64.47% and 60.93%, respectively, and the number of eggs and adults in the rHcGOB protein- immunized group decreased by 63.97% and 69.54%, respectively. Furthermore, compared with the control group (Quil-A adjuvant), the trehalose content in the rHcTPS protein- immunized group and the rHcGOB protein- immunized group was also significantly reduced.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings indicate that rHcTPS and rHcGOB exhibit superior immune protective effects, rendering them promising candidates for vaccine development.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"18 1","pages":"61"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11841196/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143468763","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sustainable management of tick infestations in cattle: a tropical perspective.","authors":"Eyabana Mollong, Marius Lébri, Carine Marie-Magdeleine, Stéphanie Marianne Lagou, Michel Naves, Jean-Christophe Bambou","doi":"10.1186/s13071-025-06684-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-025-06684-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The increasing challenge of tick infestations in cattle production systems calls for innovative and sustainable solutions. This article explores the diverse ethnoveterinary practices and livestock farming systems prevalent in tropical regions, capitalizing on the characteristic biodiversity, to provide valuable insights and lessons for tick management at a global scale. Additionally, leveraging the genetic diversity of indigenous cattle breeds presents a promising approach for reducing reliance on chemical acaricides and fostering eco-friendly practices. While genomic selection is the cornerstone for addressing the polygenic nature of tick resistance, complementary genomic tools such as marker-assisted selection (MAS) can still play a valuable role. Integrating MAS and genomic tools could facilitate the development of tick-resistant cattle breeds, benefiting both tropical and temperate regions. Addressing challenges such as limited genomic resources, region-specific phenotyping methods, and the need for robust data infrastructure is essential for achieving tick management through genetic selection. Thus, tropical countries can contribute not only to their own livestock agriculture but also to global efforts in sustainable tick management. While some integrated approaches exist, further research is needed to objectively evaluate and optimize the combination of these different management strategies to effectively address tick challenges.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"18 1","pages":"62"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11841269/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143468765","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sympatric non-biting flies serve as potential vectors of zoonotic protozoan parasites on pig farms in China.","authors":"Yufeng Liu, Pitambar Dhakal, Wenyan Hou, Fa Shan, Nanhao Wang, Bin Yang, Huikai Qin, Xiaoying Li, Rongjun Wang, Longxian Zhang, Sumei Zhang, Junqiang Li","doi":"10.1186/s13071-025-06686-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-025-06686-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cryptosporidium spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Blastocystis sp. are common enteric parasites in humans and pigs. Ascertaining whether non-biting flies (NBFs) serve as potential vectors of these parasites on pig farms is a crucial aspect of disease control.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Non-biting flies were collected and identified by morphology analysis together with sequence analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (CO1) gene as confirmation. In a cross-sectional study, the small-subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene of Cryptosporidium spp., the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) region of E. bieneusi and the SSU rRNA gene of Blastocystis sp. were investigated in fresh pig fecal samples and sympatric NBFs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results revealed the occurrence of five species of NBFs (Musca domestica, 91.2%; Lucilia sericata, 5.8%; Chrysomya megacephala, 1.7%; Aldrichina grahami, 0.6%; Helicophagella melanura, 0.6%) in the collected pig fecal samples. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp., E. bieneusi and Blastocystis sp. on the body surface of NBFs was 0.6% (2/342), 4.4% (15/342) and 20.8% (71/342), respectively. Similarly, the prevalence of these parasites in the lysates of NBFs (= in vivo carriage) was 0% (0/342), 2.7% (9/342) and 10.5% (36/342), respectively. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp., E. bieneusi and Blastocystis sp. in pigs from which fly samples were collected was 2.3% (41/1794), 12.6% (226/1794) and 30.8% (553/1794), respectively. The zoonotic Cryposporidium suis/C. scrofarum, E. bieneusi ITS genotypes EbpA/EbpC and Blastocystis sp. subtypes ST1/ST3/ST5 were identified in both NBFs and pig feces. NBFs were found to carry E. bieneusi and Blastocystis sp. on their body surface as well as in the lysates.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings demonstrate the role of NBFs as potential vectors in the dissemination of these zoonotic parasites in pig farms, and also highlight the possibility of their transmission to humans.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"18 1","pages":"59"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11837656/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143449891","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mosquito mutations F290V and F331W expressed in acetylcholinesterase of the sand fly Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli): biochemical properties and inhibitor sensitivity.","authors":"Kevin B Temeyer, Fan Tong, Kristie G Schlechte, Qiao-Hong Chen, Paul R Carlier, Adalberto Á Pérez de León, Jeffrey R Bloomquist","doi":"10.1186/s13071-025-06691-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-025-06691-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The Old World sand fly, Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli), a vector of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis, is usually controlled by insecticides, including anticholinesterases. Previous studies have revealed 85% amino acid sequence identity of recombinant P. papatasi acetylcholinesterase (rPpAChE1) to mosquito AChE. They identified synthetic carbamates that selectively inhibited rPpAChE1 and circumvented the G119S mutation responsible for high-level resistance to anticholinesterases. This study reports the construction, baculovirus expression, and biochemical properties of rPpAChE1 containing the F290V and F331W orthologous mutations from mosquitoes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Recombinant PpAChE1 enzymes with or without the F290V, F331W, and G119S orthologous mosquito mutations were expressed in Sf21cells utilizing the baculoviral system. Ellman assays determined changes in catalytic properties and inhibitor sensitivity resulting from wild type and mutant rPpAChE1 containing single or combinations of orthologous mosquito mutations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Each of the orthologous mutations (F290V, F331W, and G119S) from mosquito AChE significantly reduced inhibition sensitivity to organophosphate or carbamate pesticides, and catalytic activity was lost when they were expressed in combination. Novel synthetic carbamates were identified that significantly inhibited the rPpAChEs expressing each of the single orthologous mosquito mutations.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These novel carbamates could be developed as efficacious insecticides, with improved specificity and safety for use in sand fly or mosquito populations expressing the mutant AChEs.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"18 1","pages":"57"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11834182/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143449890","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Estimation of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in the main vector Triatoma infestans: accounting for imperfect detection using site-occupancy models.","authors":"Marta Victoria Cardinal, Gustavo Fabián Enriquez, María Sol Gaspe, María Del Pilar Fernández, Victoria Capello, Ricardo Esteban Gürtler","doi":"10.1186/s13071-025-06693-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-025-06693-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Vector infection prevalence is a key component of vectorial capacity and transmission risk. Optical microscopy observation (OM) of fecal drops has been the classic method for detecting Trypanosoma cruzi infection in triatomine bugs until the advent of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based techniques. However, agreement among OM- and PCR-based techniques has been highly heterogeneous.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used hierarchical site-occupancy models accounting for imperfect detection to estimate method-specific detection probabilities of T. cruzi infection in field-collected Triatoma infestans and to assess whether T. cruzi infection varied with triatomine developmental stage and collection ecotope. We also performed a scoping review of the literature on comparisons between OM and PCR for T. cruzi infection diagnosis in triatomines. Triatomines were collected before vector control interventions in Pampa del Indio houses (Argentine Chaco) and examined by OM. We amplified the variable regions of the kinetoplastid minicircle genome (vkDNA-PCR) in DNA extracted from the rectal ampoules of 64 OM-positive and 65 OM-negative T. infestans.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>vkDNA-PCR detected T. cruzi infection in 59 (92.2%) OM-positive bugs and in 19 (29.2%) OM-negative triatomines in blind tests. The overall prevalence of infection, as determined by a positive test result by either vkDNA-PCR or OM, was 64.3% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 55.8-72.1%]. Detection probability of T. cruzi infection by vkDNA-PCR (92%, 95% CI 83-97%) was substantially higher than for OM (76%, 95% CI 65-84%). Infection was minimal (26.2%) in peridomestic nymphs and maximal in domestic adult triatomines (81.7%). In the literature review encompassing 26 triatomine species from 11 countries, inter-method agreement ranged from 28.6% to 100%. The lowest agreement was observed in Rhodnius sp. and Panstrongylus lutzi and the highest among Triatoma sp., with wide variability in the protocols and outcomes of molecular diagnosis in comparison with OM.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our study provides a synthesis on the different sources (both biological and technical) of variation of the outcomes of OM- and PCR-based diagnosis of T. cruzi infection in triatomines and identifies new research needs for diagnostic improvement.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"18 1","pages":"58"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11834302/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143449889","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"BBSome deficiency in Lotmaria passim reveals divergent functions in trypanosomatid parasites.","authors":"Xuye Yuan, Tatsuhiko Kadowaki","doi":"10.1186/s13071-025-06704-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-025-06704-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The BBSome is an octameric protein complex crucial for ciliary transport, though it also participates in multiple other cellular processes. These diverse functions may result from the co-option of its ancestral roles. Studying the BBSome in flagellated protists can provide insights into these ancestral functions and their subsequent adaptations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We examined the functions of the BBSome (LpBBS1 and LpBBS2) in Lotmaria passim, a monoxenous trypanosomatid parasite infecting honey bees. The phenotypes resulting from depletion of LpBBS1 using the auxin-inducible degron system and disruption of LpBBS2 were characterized.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Parasites deficient in LpBBS2 are smaller and less motile compared with wild-type. Although intraflagellar transport of a marker membrane protein is only mildly impaired, its association with lipid rafts is significantly disrupted in the mutants. This suggests that the BBSome is essential for maintaining lipid raft integrity in L. passim. Transcriptomic comparisons between wild-type and LpBBS2-deficient parasites reveal that the BBSome may also influence processes related to metabolism, membrane localization of specific proteins, DNA repair, microtubules, and mitochondria.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In contrast to Leishmania mexicana, the BBSome in L. passim is crucial for efficient infection of the honey bee gut, demonstrating that its cellular functions vary between related trypanosomatid species. The BBSome is likely an adaptor that links multiple proteins in a species-specific manner under various cellular contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"18 1","pages":"60"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11837635/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143449888","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of the flavonoid compound glabridin on tachyzoites and bradyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii.","authors":"Yanhua Qiu, Weiwei Wang, Qing Wang, Hongling Lin, Yubin Bai, Jiyu Zhang","doi":"10.1186/s13071-025-06695-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-025-06695-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is one of the most prevalent parasites worldwide. At present, the majority of drugs used for the treatment of toxoplasmosis target the tachyzoite stage of T. gondii and are largely ineffective against bradyzoites. Furthermore, these treatments are typically accompanied by adverse events. Consequently, there is an urgent need for the development of novel drugs that are both safe and effective against T. gondii.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 20 flavonoids were preliminarily screened for their anti-T. gondii activity using microscopy. Next, the cell counting kit (CCK)-8 method was employed to assess the toxicity of glabridin (GLA) to host cells, while the RH strain of T.0gondii, which expresses β-galactosidase, was utilized to evaluate the inhibitory, anti-invasive, and antiproliferative effects of GLA on T. gondii. In addition, the Prugniaud (PRU) strain was employed to investigate the impact of GLA on the bradyzoites of T. gondii. Subsequently, the effect of GLA on the ultrastructure of T. gondii was examined via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), followed by an assessment of the influence of GLA on the autophagy and mitochondria of T. gondii through monodansylcadaverine (MDC), MitoTracker^™ red CMXRos, and CM-HDCFDA and MitoSOX Red staining.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the 20 flavonoids assessed, GLA exhibited the most potent anti-T. gondii activity. Indeed, it significantly inhibited both the invasive and proliferative abilities of T. gondii, thereby disrupting its lytic cycle. Moreover, GLA markedly reduced the number of bradyzoites and concurrently inhibited cyst growth. Meanwhile, ultrastructural analysis revealed that GLA induced mitochondrial swelling, membrane rupture, and autophagy in T. gondii. Finally, fluorescent probe staining provided further evidence that GLA triggers mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagy in this parasite.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our findings collectively indicate that the flavonoid compound GLA exhibits significant activity against both T. gondii tachyzoites and bradyzoites. The underlying mechanism of action potentially involves the induction of autophagy and mitochondrial dysfunction and the disruption of the membrane of T. gondii, thereby offering new avenues for treating toxoplasmosis and establishing a theoretical reference for future research.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"18 1","pages":"56"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11834506/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143441248","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}