scholarly journals A novel BR-SMAD is required for larval development in barber’s pole worm Haemonchus contortus

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-64
Author(s):  
Fangfang Li ◽  
Peixi Qin ◽  
Lisha Ye ◽  
Nishith Gupta ◽  
Min Hu
Keyword(s):  
Haemonchus Contortus ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Bmp Signaling ◽  
Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation ◽  
Blood Sucking ◽  
Morphogenetic Protein ◽  
Smad Proteins ◽  
Family Protein ◽  
Parasitic Worms

SMAD proteins mediate TGF-β signaling and thereby regulate the metazoan development; however, they are poorly defined in Haemonchus contortus–a common blood-sucking parasitic nematode of small ruminants. Here, we characterized an R-SMAD family protein in H. contortus termed HcSMA2, which is closely related to Caenorhabditis elegans SMA2 (CeSMA2) involved in the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. Hcsma2 is transcribed in all developmental stages of H. contortus but highly induced in the adult male worms. The RNA interference with Hcsma2 retarded the transition of infective L3 into L4 larvae. Besides, the bimolecular fluorescence complementation revealed the interaction of HcSMA2 with a TGF-β-activated-R-SMAD (HcDAF8). Together these results show a BMP-like receptor-regulated SMAD in H. contortus that is required for larval differentiation and underscore an adaptive functional repurposing of BMP-signaling in parasitic worms.

scholarly journals A Whole Genome Re-Sequencing Based GWA Analysis Reveals Candidate Genes Associated with Ivermectin Resistance in Haemonchus contortus

Genes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sawar Khan ◽  
Ayesha Nisar ◽  
Jianqi Yuan ◽  
Xiaoping Luo ◽  
Xueqin Dou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Candidate Genes ◽  
Haemonchus Contortus ◽  
Population Genomics ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Track Record ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
Signatures Of Selection ◽  
Parasitic Worms ◽  
Important Parasite

The most important and broad-spectrum drug used to control the parasitic worms to date is ivermectin (IVM). Resistance against IVM has emerged in parasites, and preserving its efficacy is now becoming a serious issue. The parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus (Rudolphi, 1803) is economically an important parasite of small ruminants across the globe, which has a successful track record in IVM resistance. There are growing evidences regarding the multigenic nature of IVM resistance, and although some genes have been proposed as candidates of IVM resistance using lower magnification of genome, the genetic basis of IVM resistance still remains poorly resolved. Using the full magnification of genome, we herein applied a population genomics approach to characterize genome-wide signatures of selection among pooled worms from two susceptible and six ivermectin-resistant isolates of H. contortus, and revealed candidate genes under selection in relation to IVM resistance. These candidates also included a previously known IVM-resistance-associated candidate gene HCON_00148840, glc-3. Finally, an RNA-interference-based functional validation assay revealed the HCON_00143950 as IVM-tolerance-associated gene in H. contortus. The possible role of this gene in IVM resistance could be detoxification of xenobiotic in phase I of xenobiotic metabolism. The results of this study further enhance our understanding on the IVM resistance and continue to provide further evidence in favor of multigenic nature of IVM resistance.

scholarly journals CD44 modulates Smad1 activation in the BMP-7 signaling pathway

2004 ◽  
Vol 166 (7) ◽  
pp. 1081-1091 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard S. Peterson ◽  
Roma A. Andhare ◽  
Kathleen T. Rousche ◽  
Warren Knudson ◽  
Weihua Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Cytoplasmic Domain ◽  
Bmp Signaling ◽  
Cell Interactions ◽  
Full Length ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Functional Link ◽  
Morphogenetic Protein ◽  
Smad Proteins ◽  
Cellular Responsiveness

Bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7) regulates cellular metabolism in embryonic and adult tissues. Signal transduction occurs through the activation of intracellular Smad proteins. In this paper, using a yeast two-hybrid screen, Smad1 was found to interact with the cytoplasmic domain of CD44, a receptor for the extracellular matrix macromolecule hyaluronan. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments confirmed the interaction of Smad1 with full-length CD44—interactions that did not occur when CD44 receptors truncated within the cytoplasmic domain were tested. Chondrocytes overexpressing a truncated CD44 on a background of endogenous full-length CD44 no longer exhibited Smad1 nuclear translocation upon BMP-7 stimulation. Further, pretreatment of chondrocytes with Streptomyces hyaluronidase to disrupt extracellular hyaluronan–cell interactions inhibited BMP-7–mediated Smad1 phosphorylation, nuclear translocation of Smad1 or Smad4, and SBE4–luciferase reporter activation. These results support a functional link between the BMP signaling cascade and CD44. Thus, changes in hyaluronan–cell interactions may serve as a means to modulate cellular responsiveness to BMP.

scholarly journals A transcription factor DAF-5 functions in Haemonchus contortus development

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenda Di ◽  
Fangfang Li ◽  
Li He ◽  
Chunqun Wang ◽  
Caixian Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Haemonchus Contortus ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Reproductive Organs ◽  
Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation ◽  
Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
Small Interfering Rnas ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Dauer Formation ◽  
And Function

Abstract Background Abnormal dauer formation gene (daf-5), located downstream of the DAF-7 signalling pathway, mainly functions in dauer formation and reproductive processes in the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Although the structure and function of daf-5 have been clarified in C. elegans, they still remain totally unknown in Haemonchus contortus, a socio-economically important parasitic nematode of gastric ruminants. Methods A homologue of daf-5, Hc-daf-5, and its inferred product (Hc-DAF-5) in H. contortus were identified and characterized in this study. Then the transcriptional profiles of Hc-daf-5 and the anatomical expression of Hc-DAF-5 in H. contortus were studied using an integrated molecular approach. RNA interference (RNAi) was performed to explore its function in transition from the exsheathed third-stage larvae (xL3s) to the fourth-stage larvae (L4s) in vitro. Finally, the interaction between Hc-DAF-5 and Hc-DAF-3 (a co-Smad) was detected by bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFc) in vitro. Results It was shown that Hc-DAF-5 was a member of the Sno/Ski superfamily. Hc-daf-5 was transcribed in all developmental stages of H. contortus, with significant upregulation in L3s. Native Hc-DAF-5 was localized in the reproductive organs, cuticle, and intestine via immunohistochemistry. RNAi revealed that specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) could retard xL3 development. In addition, the interaction between Hc-DAF-5 and Hc-DAF-3 indicated that the SDS box of Hc-DAF-5 was dispensable for the binding of Hc-DAF-5 to Hc-DAF-3, and the MH2 domain was the binding region between Hc-DAF-3 and Hc-DAF-5. Conclusions In summary, these findings show that Hc-daf-5 functions in the developmental processes of H. contortus, and this study is the first attempt to characterize the daf-5 gene in parasitic nematodes. Graphical abstract

scholarly journals Genome-Wide Identification of CircRNAs of Infective Larvae and Adult Worms of Parasitic Nematode, Haemonchus contortus

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caixian Zhou ◽  
Yao Zhang ◽  
Simin Wu ◽  
Zhiheng Wang ◽  
Waresi Tuersong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Haemonchus Contortus ◽  
Parasitic Nematode ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Mapk Signaling ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
Transcriptional Level ◽  
Blood Sucking ◽  
Third Stage

CircRNAs, a novel class of ncRNA family, are endogenous transcriptional products involved in various biological and physiological processes in plants and animals. However, almost no information is available for circRNAs of parasitic helminths. In the present study, the circRNAs repertoire was comprehensively explored in Haemonchus contortus, a blood-sucking parasitic nematode of ruminants. In total, 20073 circRNAs were identified and annotated from three key developmental stages/genders of H. contortus including the free-living infective third-stage larvae (L3, 18883), parasitic adult female (Af, 3491), and male worms (Am, 2550) via deep-sequencing technology and bioinformatic analysis. Among these identified circRNAs, 71% were derived from exonic regions of protein-coding genes. The number of circRNAs transcribed from the X chromosome (4704) was higher than that from Chromosome I-V (3143, 3273, 3041, 3030, 2882). The amount of highly expressed circRNAs in third-stage larvae was significantly more abundant than that in adult stage. 15948 and 16847 circRNAs were differentially expressed between Af and L3s and between Am and L3, respectively. Among them, 13409 circRNAs existed in both comparisons. Furthermore, 1119 circRNAs were differentially expressed between Af_and_Am. GO enrichment analysis indicated that source genes of circRNAs differentially expressed between Am and L3 as well as between Af and L3 were significantly enriched in many biological processes, primarily including signaling, signal transduction and cell communication terms. KEGG analysis revealed that parental genes of differentially expressed circRNAs were mainly related to metabolism (pyruvate metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and carbon metabolism), MAPK signaling pathway, and phosphatidylinositol signaling system. Moreover, many circRNAs contained one or more miRNA potential binding sites, suggesting that they could regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Furthermore, the correctness of head-to-tail back splicing site and alternative circularization events were verified by Sanger sequencing using both divergent and convergent primers. Finally, the reliability of RNA-Seq data and the resistance of circRNAs to RNase R digestion were confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. Taken together, our findings provide a foundation for elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs in H. contortus, which will advance the understanding of circRNAs in parasitic nematodes.

Immunohistochemical Localization of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-signaling Smads during Long-bone Distraction Osteogenesis

2006 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 407-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tasima Haque ◽  
Manuela Mandu-Hrit ◽  
Frank Rauch ◽  
Dominique Lauzier ◽  
Maryam Tabrizian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Morphogenetic Protein ◽  
Expression Pattern ◽  
Distraction Osteogenesis ◽  
Immunohistochemical Localization ◽  
Bmp Signaling ◽  
Long Bone ◽  
Morphogenetic Protein ◽  
Smad Proteins ◽  
Consolidation Phase ◽  
The Right

In this study we investigated the expression of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-signaling Smads in distraction osteogenesis (DO). Osteotomy of the right tibia was performed in 14 skeletally mature white New Zealand male rabbits. Lengthening was started 1 week later at a rate of 0.5 mm/12 hr and was maintained for 3 weeks. Expression of Smad proteins 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 and Smad ubiquitin regulatory factors (Smurfs) 1 and 2 was evaluated in the distracted zone using immunohistochemistry. Expression of receptor-regulated Smads (R-Smads) 1, 5, and 8 showed a significant increase during the distraction phase, followed by a gradual decrease during the consolidation phase. Smad 4 showed significant expression during both distraction and the beginning of the consolidation phase. Smad 6 and Smad 7 were highly expressed during the consolidation phase. Staining for both Smurfs 1 and 2 was maximal at the end of the distraction period. Staining for all proteins was most intense in chondrocyte and fibroblast-like cells. Expression pattern of R-Smads correlated with our previously reported expression pattern of BMPs 2, 4, and 7 and their receptors. These results therefore suggest a role for the whole BMP signaling pathway including the Smad proteins in DO.

scholarly journals A Transcription Factor DAF5 Functions in Haemonchus Contortus Development

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenda Di ◽  
Fangfang Li ◽  
Li He ◽  
Chunqun Wang ◽  
Caixian Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Haemonchus Contortus ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Reproductive Organs ◽  
Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation ◽  
Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Free Living Nematode ◽  
And Function ◽  
Reproductive Processes

Abstract Background: Daf5 (Dauer abnormal formation gene), located in the downstream of DAF-7 signalling pathway, mainly functions in dauer formation and reproductive processes in the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Although its structure and function have been studied clearly in C. elegans, it was totally unknown in Haemonchus contortus, a socio-economically important parasitic nematode of gastric ruminants.Methods: Here, we identified and characterized a homologue of Daf5, Hcdaf5 and its inferred product (HcDAF5) in H. contortus. Using an integrated molecular approach, we studied the transcriptional profiles of Hcdaf5 and the anatomical expression of HcDAF5 in H. contortus. RNA interference (RNAi) was performed to explore its function in transition from the exsheathed third-stage larvae (xL3) to the fourth-stage larvae (L4) in vitro. Interaction of HcDAF5 and HcDAF3 (a co-SMAD) was also detected by bimolecular fluorescence complementation system (BiFc) in vitro.Results: Here, we showed that HcDAF5 is a member of the Sno/Ski superfamily. Hcdaf5 was transcribed in all developmental stages of H. contortus, with a significant up-regulation in L3. Immunohistochemistry localized native HcDAF5 to the reproductive organs, cuticle and intestine. RNAi revealed specific siRNAs (small interfering RNA) could retard the xL3 development. In addition, the interaction between HcDAF5 and HcDAF3 indicated the SDS box region of HcDAF5 is dispensable for the binding of HcDAF5 to HcDAF3 and the region in HcDAF3 that binds to HcDAF5 is MH2 domain.Conclusion: In summary, these findings show that Hcdaf5 functions in developmental processes of H. contortus, and this is the first characterization of daf-5 gene in parasitic nematodes.

scholarly journals Smad1 signaling restricts hematopoietic potential after promoting hemangioblast commitment

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 117 (24) ◽  
pp. 6489-6497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandoch D. Cook ◽  
Susanna Liu ◽  
Todd Evans
Keyword(s):  
Embryoid Body ◽  
Embryonic Stem ◽  
Indirect Evidence ◽  
Bmp Signaling ◽  
Hematopoietic Progenitors ◽  
Mesoderm Development ◽  
Morphogenetic Protein ◽  
Smad Proteins ◽  
Enhanced Expression ◽  
Developmental Window

Abstract Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling regulates embryonic hematopoiesis via receptor-mediated activation of downstream SMAD proteins, including SMAD1. In previous work, we showed that Smad1 expression is sufficient to enhance commitment of mesoderm to hemangioblast fate. We also found indirect evidence to support a subsequent repressive function for Smad1 in hematopoiesis. To test this hypothesis directly, we developed a novel system allowing temporal control of Smad1 levels by conditional knockdown in embryonic stem cell derivatives. Depletion of Smad1 in embryoid body cultures before hemangioblast commitment limits hematopoietic potential because of a block in mesoderm development. Conversely, when Smad1 is depleted in FlK1+ mesoderm, at a stage after hemangioblast commitment, the pool of hematopoietic progenitors is expanded. This involves enhanced expression levels for genes specific to hematopoiesis, including Gata1, Runx1 and Eklf, rather than factors required for earlier specification of the hemangioblast. The phenotype correlates with increased nuclear SMAD2 activity, indicating molecular cross-regulation between the BMP and TGF-β signaling pathways. Consistent with this mechanism, hematopoiesis was enhanced when Smad2 was directly expressed during this same developmental window. Therefore, this study reveals a temporally defined function for Smad1 in restricting the expansion of early hematopoietic progenitors.

scholarly journals A DAF-3 co-Smad molecule functions in Haemonchus contortus development

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenda Di ◽  
Lu Liu ◽  
Ting Zhang ◽  
Fangfang Li ◽  
Li He ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Haemonchus Contortus ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
Evolutionary Patterns ◽  
Smad Proteins ◽  
Third Stage ◽  
Dauer Formation ◽  
And Function ◽  
Reproductive Processes

Abstract Background The Smad proteins function in TGF-β signalling transduction. In the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the co-Smad, DAF-3 mediates R-Smads and performs a central role in DAF-7 signal transduction, regulating dauer formation and reproductive processes. Considering the divergent evolutionary patterns of the DAF-7 signalling pathway in parasitic nematodes, it is meaningful to explore the structure and function of DAF-3 in parasitic nematodes, such as Haemonchus contortus. Methods A daf-3 gene (Hc-daf-3) and its predicted product (Hc-DAF-3) were identified from H. contortus and characterised using integrated genomic and genetic approaches. In addition to immunohistochemistry employed to localise Hc-DAF-3 within adult worm sections, real-time PCR was conducted to assess the transcriptional profiles in different developmental stages of H. contortus and RNA interference (RNAi) was performed in vitro to assess the functional importance of Hc-daf-3 in the development of H. contortus. Results Hc-DAF-3 sequences predicted from Hc-daf-3 displayed typical features of the co-Smad subfamily. The native Hc-DAF-3 was localised to the gonad and cuticle of adult parasites. In addition, Hc-daf-3 was transcribed in all developmental stages studied, with a higher level in the third-stage larvae (L3) and adult females. Moreover, silencing Hc-daf-3 by RNAi retarded L4 development. Conclusion The findings of the present study demonstrated an important role of Hc-DAF-3 in the development of H. contortus larvae.

scholarly journals ID family protein expression and regulation in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension

2010 ◽  
Vol 299 (6) ◽  
pp. R1463-R1477 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan W. Lowery ◽  
Andrea L. Frump ◽  
Lynda Anderson ◽  
Gabriella E. DiCarlo ◽  
Mark T. Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Hypertension ◽  
Chronic Hypoxia ◽  
Bmp Signaling ◽  
Mouse Lung ◽  
Ph Response ◽  
Helix Loop Helix ◽  
Id Proteins ◽  
Morphogenetic Protein ◽  
Family Protein

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling has been linked to the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Inhibitors of differentiation (ID) proteins (ID1–4) are a family of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors that are downstream targets of the BMP signaling pathway, but the role that ID proteins play in the development of PH is unknown. To address this, we evaluated pulmonary expression of ID proteins in a mouse model of hypoxia-induced PH. There is selective induction of ID1 and ID3 expression in hypoxic pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in vivo, and ID1 and ID3 expression are increased by hypoxia in cultured pulmonary VSMCs in a BMP-dependent fashion. ID4 protein is barely detectable in the mouse lung, and while ID2 is induced in hypoxic peripheral VSMCs in vivo, it is not increased by hypoxia or BMP signaling in cultured pulmonary VSMCs. In addition, the PH response to chronic hypoxia is indistinguishable between wild type and Id1 null mice. This is associated with a compensatory increase in ID3 but not ID2 expression in pulmonary VSMCs of Id1 null mice. These findings indicate that ID1 is dispensable for mounting a normal pulmonary vascular response to hypoxia, but suggest that ID3 may compensate for loss of ID1 expression in pulmonary VSMCs. Taken together, these findings indicate that ID1 and ID3 expression are regulated in a BMP-dependent fashion in hypoxic pulmonary VSMCs, and that ID1 and ID3 may play a cooperative role in regulating BMP-dependent VSMC responses to chronic hypoxia.

scholarly journals Comparative Analysis on Transcriptomics of Ivermectin Resistant and Sensitive Strains of Haemonchus Contortus

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Waresi Tuersong ◽  
Caixian Zhou ◽  
Simin WU ◽  
Peixi Qin ◽  
Chunqun Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Resistant Strain ◽  
Haemonchus Contortus ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Reduction Process ◽  
Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
Collagen Formation ◽  
Oxidation Reduction ◽  
Blood Sucking ◽  
Gated Channel ◽  
Transcriptional Changes

Abstract Background: Ivermectin (IVM) is one of the most important and widely used anthelmintics in veterinary medicine. However, its efficacy is increasingly compromised by widespread resistance, and the exact mechanism of IVM resistance remains unclear for most parasitic nematodes including Haemonchus contortus, a blood-sucking parasitic nematode of small ruminants.Methods: In this study, we isolated and assessed an IVM resistant strain from Zhaosu, Xinjiang, China. Subsequently, the comparative analyses on transcriptomics of IVM susceptible and resistant H. contortus adult worms were carried out using RNA sequencing and bioinformatics.Results: In total, 543 and 359 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in male and female adult worms of the resistant strain compared with the susceptible strain, respectively. The DEGs encode molecules involved in receptor activities, transport, detoxification, lipid metabolism and cuticle collagen formation. In addition, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that transcriptional changes were dominant in genes associated with ligand-gated channel activity, oxidation-reduction process, lipid metabolic process, and structural constituent of cuticle. The results support previous proposal that the IVM resistant mechanism of H. contortus involved in both neuromuscular and non-neuromuscular pathways. Finally, the quantitative RT-PCR results confirmed that the transcriptional profiles of selected DEGs (male: 8 genes, female: 10 genes) were consistent with those obtained by the RNA-Seq.Conclusions: The findings from this work provided valuable information for further studies on the IVM resistance in H. contortus.

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