bims-toxgon 2025-04-27 papers

bims-toxgon

Biomed News

on Toxoplasma gondii metabolism

Issue of 2025–04–27
27 papers selected by
Lakesh Kumar, BITS Pilani

Functional redundancy of three mitochondrial Mg2+/Mn2+-dependent protein phosphatases (PPMs) in Toxoplasma gondii.
Toxoplasma gondii, endothelial cells and schizophrenia: is it just a barrier matter?
Deletion of splicing factor Cdc5 in Toxoplasma disrupts transcriptome integrity, induces abortive bradyzoite formation, and prevents acute infection in mice.
TIMP1 secretion induced by Toxoplasma effector GRA24 via p38 MAPK signaling promotes non-disruptive parasite translocation across polarized brain endothelial monolayers.
Spatiotemporal Diffusion, Colonization, and Antibody Responses in Susceptible C57BL/6J Mice Orally Infected with Toxoplasma gondii Cysts.
In Silico-Based Investigation of the Immunogenicity and Biochemical Attributes of Toxoplasma gondii Apical Membrane Antigen 1 (TgAMA1).
Molecular detection and characterisation of Toxoplasma gondii in eastern barred bandicoots (Perameles gunnii) in Victoria, Australia.
Correction to 'PfGCN5 is essential for Plasmodium falciparum survival and transmission and regulates Pf H2B.Z acetylation and chromatin structure'.
Molecular prevalence and genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii in free ranging Asil hen (Gallus gallus domesticus).
A pre-existing chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection promotes epileptogenesis and neuropathology in a mouse model of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.
Mechanisms of HDACs in cancer development.
Alpha-synuclein mutations mislocalize cytoplasmic p300 compromising autophagy, which is rescued by ACLY inhibition.
Lysosome and plasma membrane Piezo channels of Trypanosoma cruzi are essential for proliferation, differentiation and infectivity.
TAK1-mediated phosphorylation of PLCE1 represses PIP2 hydrolysis to impede esophageal squamous cancer metastasis.
The mammalian longevity associated acetylome.
Histone deacetylases and their inhibitors in kidney diseases.
Acyl-CoA-binding proteins: bridging long-chain acyl-CoA metabolism to gene regulation.
The role of Penicillium expansum histone deacetylases HosA and HosB in growth, development, and patulin production.
Sirt2 deficiency aggravates intramuscular adipose tissue infiltration and impairs myogenesis with aging in male mice.
Mitochondrial NADPH fuels mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis and lipoylation to power oxidative metabolism.
Detection of Toxoplasma gondii (Types I, II, III and 12) and Sarcocystis spp. in the brains of river otter (Lontra canadensis) from Alberta, Canada.
Determining the Substrate Specificity of Lysine Methyltransferases.
Bromodomain-containing proteins in the unicellular eukaryote Tetrahymena thermophila.
Resolving Conformational Plasticity in Mammalian Cells with High-Resolution Fluorescence Tools.
Unexpected enzymatic function of an ancient nucleic acid-binding fold.
Warburg effect and lactylation in cancer: mechanisms for chemoresistance.
Targeting epigenetic and post-translational modifications of NRF2: key regulatory factors in disease treatment.

J Zhejiang Univ Sci B. 2025 Apr 23. pii: 1673-1581(2025)04-0405-04. [Epub ahead of print]26(4): 405-408

Functional redundancy of three mitochondrial Mg2+/Mn2+-dependent protein phosphatases (PPMs) in Toxoplasma gondii.

Kaiyin Sheng, Xueqiu Chen, Yimin Yang, Jie Xia, Kaiyue Song, Chaoqun Yao, Yi Yang, Aifang DU, Guangxu Ma.

Toxoplasma gondii is a single-celled parasite that infects nearly all warm-blooded animals, including humans (Montoya and Liesenfeld, 2004). It occurs worldwide and can persist for a lifetime in mammals. Humans get infected by eating undercooked meat of animals containing the tissue cysts of this parasite. In immune-competent individuals, T. gondii infection usually does not cause significant clinical symptoms, whereas in pregnant or immunocompromised individuals, T. gondii infection (toxoplasmosis) can cause more serious problems like abortion and even death (Dunn et al., 1999; Wang et al., 2017). A combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine is usually used to treat toxoplasmosis, although it is generally inefficient and causes side effects (Alday and Doggett, 2017). Worse still, there is a lack of vaccines to prevent T. gondii infection in humans or animals.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.B2400308
Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2025 ;15 1468936

Toxoplasma gondii, endothelial cells and schizophrenia: is it just a barrier matter?

Victoria Cruz Cavalari, Luiz Fernando Cardoso Garcia, Raffael Massuda, Letusa Albrecht.

  Toxoplasma gondii is an obligatory intracellular parasite responsible for causing toxoplasmosis. It is estimated that approximately one-third of the world's population has positive serology for toxoplasmosis. Acute T. gondii infection often results in subtle symptoms because of its nonspecific nature. Owing to immune pressure, parasites tend to encyst and persist in different tissues and organs, such as the brain, chronicling the infection. While most chronically infected individuals do not develop significant symptoms, the parasite can affect the central nervous system (CNS), leading to symptoms that range from dizziness to behavioral changes. To reach the CNS, parasites must overcome the blood-brain barrier, which is composed primarily of endothelial cells. While these cells are typically efficient at separating blood elements from the CNS, in T. gondii infection, they not only permit parasitic colonization of the CNS but also contribute to an inflammatory profile that may exacerbate previously established conditions at both the local CNS and systemic levels. An increasing body of research has demonstrated a potential link between the CNS, infection by T. gondii and the cellular or humoral response to infection, with the worsening of psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia. Therefore, continually advancing research aimed at understanding and mitigating the relationship between parasitic infection and schizophrenia is imperative.

Keywords:  Toxoplasma gondii; endothelial cell; neuroinflammation; schizophrenia; toxoplasmosis

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2025.1468936
Nat Commun. 2025 Apr 22. 16(1): 3769

Deletion of splicing factor Cdc5 in Toxoplasma disrupts transcriptome integrity, induces abortive bradyzoite formation, and prevents acute infection in mice.

Poonam Kashyap, Kalyani R Aswale, Abhijit S Deshmukh.

Toxoplasma gondii, an apicomplexan parasite, has over 75% of its genes containing introns; however, the role of RNA splicing in regulating gene expression remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the pre-mRNA splicing factor Cdc5 is part of a large spliceosomal complex essential for maintaining the transcriptome integrity in Toxoplasma. TgCdc5 depletion results in splicing inhibition with widespread changes in gene expression affecting several parasite processes, including the lytic cycle, DNA replication and repair, and protein folding and degradation. Consequently, non-cystogenic RH TgCdc5-depleted parasites begin spontaneously differentiating from tachyzoites to slow-growing bradyzoites, evidenced by the differential expression of key developmental regulators; however, these early-stage bradyzoites are unable to survive, likely due to a deficiency in functional proteins necessary for their growth and maintenance. Furthermore, consistent with our in vitro findings, we demonstrate that TgCdc5 is essential for parasite survival in mice, as its depletion provides complete protection against acute infection. Interestingly, this attenuated growth mutant resulting from TgCdc5 depletion elicits a robust immune response that fully protects mice from future infections and offers partial protection during pregnancy. Overall, this study highlights the indispensable role of the splicing factor Cdc5 in preserving transcriptional homeostasis in the intron-rich genome of Toxoplasma.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-58805-3
mSphere. 2025 Apr 23. e0010225

TIMP1 secretion induced by Toxoplasma effector GRA24 via p38 MAPK signaling promotes non-disruptive parasite translocation across polarized brain endothelial monolayers.

Elena Afanaseva, Antonio Barragan.

  The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii first crosses the intestinal wall and then the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to establish chronic, latent infections in humans and other warm-blooded vertebrates. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this stealthy colonization remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the passage of T. gondii tachyzoites across polarized monolayers of murine brain endothelial cells (bEnd.3) and human intestinal cells (Caco-2). We found that exposure to live T. gondii tachyzoites, but not to tachyzoite lysate or lipopolysaccharide, induced elevated transcription and secretion of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP1), a pleiotropic protein linked to BBB maintenance. Recombinant TIMP1 consistently increased T. gondii transmigration across monolayers, while pharmacological inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) non-significantly impacted transmigration. Through a combined approach of pharmacological inhibition and mutant T. gondii lines, we identified the MYR translocon-associated effector GRA24 and host cell p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling as key mediators of Timp1 induction. Moreover, despite T. gondii transmigration, cell polarization and barrier integrity were preserved, suggesting a non-disruptive passage of tachyzoites with minimal or transient barrier dysregulation. These findings reveal a role for GRA24-p38 MAPK signalling and TIMP1's MMP-independent effects in facilitating the translocation of T. gondii across restrictive biological barriers.IMPORTANCEThe parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which is globally widespread, colonizes the brains of humans and other warm-blooded animals. To do so, it first crosses the gut wall before entering the brain via the bloodstream. However, the mechanisms by which Toxoplasma overcomes the body's restrictive biological barriers remain largely unknown. In this study, we used cellular models of the gut and brain barriers to investigate how the parasite passes through. We found that Toxoplasma induces cells to secrete TIMP1, a multifunctional protein that reduces inflammation and is linked to blood-brain barrier protection. Surprisingly, TIMP1 also facilitated Toxoplasma's passage across cellular barriers. This elevated TIMP1 production and secretion by host cells was triggered by a secreted Toxoplasma effector protein (GRA24) and mediated through host cell signaling pathways (p38 MAPK). These findings suggest that Toxoplasma manipulates host cells to produce factors that aid its colonization while suppressing inflammation.

Keywords:  (MeSH): blood–brain barrier; Apicomplexa; Coccidia; biological barrier; host-pathogen interactions; intestine

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1128/msphere.00102-25
Vet Sci. 2025 Mar 01. pii: 212. [Epub ahead of print]12(3):

Spatiotemporal Diffusion, Colonization, and Antibody Responses in Susceptible C57BL/6J Mice Orally Infected with Toxoplasma gondii Cysts.

Zhao Li, Qi-Shuai Liu, Jun-Jie Hu, Cai-Qin Deng, Tao Li, Wen-Bin Zheng, Xing-Quan Zhu, Feng-Cai Zou.

  Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan that infects humans and other mammals. The C57BL/6J mouse strain is regarded as an ideal model organism for studying T. gondii due to its susceptibility to T. gondii infection and its other advantages over other laboratory animals. However, systematic studies on the response dynamics of the susceptible C57BL/6J mice after oral infection with T. gondii cysts are lacking. To address this research gap, we investigated the spatiotemporal dynamics of infection, colonization, and antibody fluctuations in susceptible C57BL/6J mice orally infected with Type II T. gondii ME49 strain cysts. Mice were orally challenged with T. gondii cysts to examine the infection dynamics. Daily monitoring was conducted for 60 days post-infection (dpi) to assess animals' clinical signs and survival rates. The parasite burden in various organs was quantified using qPCR targeting the T. gondii B1 gene. The serum antibody responses were evaluated using ELISA. The cyst burden in the mouse brain was assessed via histology and immunofluorescence. T. gondii infection induced clinical symptoms in the mice, including fever and weight loss. T. gondii rapidly invaded the mice's small intestine, spleen, lungs, liver, and heart via the bloodstream within 1-5 dpi. T. gondii had breached the blood-brain barrier and colonized the brain by 7 dpi. The levels of Toxoplasma-specific IgG antibodies increased and stabilized for two months (until the experiment ended). Systemic parasite dissemination occurred rapidly, infiltrating most tissues and organs, leading to pronounced enteritis and multi-organ damage due to inflammation. The tachyzoites differentiated into bradyzoites when T. gondii infection progressed from the acute to the chronic phase in mice, forming tissue cysts in organs, including the muscles and brain. As a result, the predilection site of T. gondii in mice is the brain, which is where the cysts persisted for the host's lifetime and continuously induced meningitis. These findings provide valuable insights into the spatiotemporal diffusion, colonization, predilection sites, temporal antibody dynamics, pathogen detection methodologies, and histopathological changes in C57BL/6J mice following oral infection with T. gondii cysts. These insights are important for elucidating T. gondii's pathogenesis and host-T. gondii interaction.

Keywords:  C57BL/6J mice; Toxoplasma gondii; antibody fluctuation; colonization; predilection sites; spatiotemporal diffusion

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12030212
J Parasitol Res. 2025 ;2025 3514414

In Silico-Based Investigation of the Immunogenicity and Biochemical Attributes of Toxoplasma gondii Apical Membrane Antigen 1 (TgAMA1).

Masoud Foroutan, Ali Dalir Ghaffari, Fatemeh Ghaffarifar, Amir Karimipour-Saryazdi, Arezo Arzani Birgani, Hamidreza Majidiani, Hélder Cortes, Hany M Elsheikha.

  Background: Apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) is a highly conserved microneme protein in apicomplexan parasites. In this study, immunoinformatics tools and in silico protein structure prediction were used to characterize the structure, physicochemical properties, posttranslational modification sites, immunogenic epitopes, allergenicity, and immune simulation of the Toxoplasma gondii AMA1 (TgAMA1) protein. Methods: A comprehensive analysis was performed using multiple bioinformatics web servers to analyze the antigenicity, physicochemical features, secondary and tertiary structures, B and T cell epitopes, and in silico immune simulation of TgAMA1. Results: The analysis revealed that the AMA1 protein consists of 569 amino acid residues and has a molecular weight of approximately 63 kDa. The grand average of hydropathicity (GRAVY) was -0.531 and the aliphatic index was calculated as 64.62. Based on the GOR IV server, TgAMA1 contained 20.21% alpha helices, 58.52% random coils, and 21.27% extended strands. The Ramachandran plot of the refined model revealed that over 97% of the residues were located in the favored region. The AMA1 protein was highly immunogenic and nonallergenic in nature. In silico immune simulation using the C-ImmSim server suggested that three doses of TgAMA1 would elicit potent humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. Conclusion: These findings provide valuable insights for further in vitro and in vivo investigations of TgAMA1's potential as a vaccine candidate against toxoplasmosis.

Keywords:  Toxoplasma gondii; apical membrane antigen 1; bioinformatics; in silico

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1155/japr/3514414
Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl. 2025 Aug;27 101071

Molecular detection and characterisation of Toxoplasma gondii in eastern barred bandicoots (Perameles gunnii) in Victoria, Australia.

K L D Tharaka D Liyanage, Michael Lynch, Oluwadamilola S Omotainse, Chunlei Su, Jasmin Hufschmid, Abdul Jabbar.

  Australian marsupials are particularly susceptible to Toxoplasma gondii, an introduced zoonotic protozoan parasite. Molecular diagnostic methods are a highly specific approach for the detection of parasitic infections such as T. gondii. Importantly, molecular methods are useful for the characterisation of T. gondii to understand the genetic diversity of the parasite. The eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunnii) is a small native marsupial species classified as Critically Endangered. Although the species has previously been described as highly susceptible to infection with T. gondii, there is currently no information on the genotypes occurring in this species. This study employed qPCR for the detection of T. gondii in opportunistically obtained tissue samples from eastern barred bandicoot carcasses (n = 113) from Victoria, followed by determination of genotype using a DNA sequence-based virtual restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method. Overall, 19.5 % of the samples were positive for T. gondii using qPCR. The RFLP analysis revealed the dominance of T. gondii type II while a type II-like genotype was found in two isolates. This is the first study to provide information on prevalent genotypes of T. gondii in eastern barred bandicoots. Epidemiological studies of definitive and intermediate hosts, including further genotyping, are recommended to better understand T. gondii epidemiology for the successful recovery of eastern barred bandicoots in Australia.

Keywords:  Australia; Eastern barred bandicoots; Genotyping; Quantitative polymerase chain reaction; Toxoplasma gondii

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101071
Nucleic Acids Res. 2025 Apr 22. pii: gkaf309. [Epub ahead of print]53(8):

Correction to 'PfGCN5 is essential for Plasmodium falciparum survival and transmission and regulates Pf H2B.Z acetylation and chromatin structure'.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gkaf309
Trop Anim Health Prod. 2025 Apr 22. 57(4): 179

Molecular prevalence and genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii in free ranging Asil hen (Gallus gallus domesticus).

Muhammad Naeem, Anees Ur Rehman, Umme Habiba, Zia Ur Rehman, Hira Muqaddas, Amna Aqdas, Turki M Dawoud, Mohammed Bourhia, Afshan Khan, Adil Khan, Furhan Iqbal.

  Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is among the most frequently investigated and reported protozoan parasite as it infects all the warm blooded animals across the globe. Free ranging Asil hens (Gallus gallus domesticus) are common component of back yad poultry in Pakistan and in this investigation we have screened their 123 blood samples for the presence of T. gondii using PCR. Blood samples along with epidemiological data were collected from five districts in Punjab. Results revealed that ITS- 1 gene of T. gondii were detected in 2/123 (1.6%) of the screened Asil hens and subsequent bidirectional Sanger sequencing followed by the BLAST analysis confirmed the presence of parasite. Partial ITS- 1 gene sequence based phylogenetic analysis orevealed that Pakistani T. gondii isolates were genetically similar and they resembled the isolates reported from birds, mammals and humans from Tunisia, Brazil, Iraq, Poland, China and Mongolia. Toxoplasma gondii infection was not associated with a particular bird sex, age, the body weight or the sample collection site (for all P > 0.05). In conclusion, Although Pakistani free ranging Asil hen had low T. gondii infection but it is recommended that use of poorly cooked meat should be avoided to restrict the zoonotic transmission of this parasite as Asil hen is the meat of choice for majority of Pakistani population.

Keywords:   Toxoplasma gondii ; Asil hen; Molecular prevalence; Phylogeny

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-025-04426-3
Brain Behav Immun. 2025 Apr 21. pii: S0889-1591(25)00163-1. [Epub ahead of print]

A pre-existing chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection promotes epileptogenesis and neuropathology in a mouse model of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.

Tamara L Baker, David K Wright, Peravina Thergarajan, Alessandro D Uboldi, Anh Vo, Trevor Wilson, Christopher J Tonkin, Terence J O'Brien, Ana Antonic-Baker, Michael J Asmussen, Stuart J McDonald, Pablo M Casillas-Espinosa, Nigel C Jones, Idrish Ali, Mujun Sun, Sandy R Shultz.

   OBJECTIVE: There is initial evidence that the common neurotropic parasite Toxoplasma gondii is a risk factor for the development of epilepsy; however, whether it influences epileptogenesis is unknown. This study investigated whether a pre-existing chronic T. gondii infection alters epileptogenesis and neuropathology in a mouse model of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.
METHODS: Male and female C57BL/6Jax mice were intraperitoneally administered T. gondii tachyzoites or vehicle control. After 6 weeks, mice underwent self-sustained electrical status epilepticus (SSSE) through an implanted bipolar electrode, or a sham procedure. Continuous video-EEG recordings were taken 0-4- and 12-16-weeks post-SSSE to detect spontaneous seizures. Neuroinflammatory markers were assessed within 1-week post-SSSE, behavior testing was done at 8-12 weeks post-SSSE, and ex vivo MRI was conducted at 16 weeks post-SSSE.
RESULTS: Male T. gondii + SSSE mice had an increased incidence of epilepsy compared to Vehicle + SSSE, while female T. gondii + SSSE mice had worse seizure severity compared to non-infected SSSE mice. There was amplified neuroinflammation in both male and female T. gondii + SSSE mice compared to Vehicle + SSSE mice. T. gondii infection in the absence of SSSE also resulted in epilepsy and neuroinflammation. MRI revealed abnormalities in brain morphology in T. gondii + SSSE male and female mice and changes in white matter integrity in male T. gondii + SSSE mice, compared to both non-infected SSSE and T. gondii control mice. SSSE and T. gondii infection impacted anxiety and spatial memory in males, and anxiety and social behavior in females.
INTERPRETATION: These findings demonstrate that a chronic T. gondii infection can result in epilepsy, and that a pre-existing T. gondii infection exacerbates epileptogenesis following a brain insult, in mice.

Keywords:  Immunology; Neuroimaging; Parasite; Sex differences; Status epilepticus

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2025.04.026
Front Immunol. 2025 ;16 1529239

Mechanisms of HDACs in cancer development.

Ying Zhang, Haotian Wang, Zhumei Zhan, Lin Gan, Out Bai.

  Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are a class of epigenetic regulators that play pivotal roles in key biological processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, and immune regulation. Based on this, HDAC inhibitors (HDACis), as novel epigenetic-targeted therapeutic agents, have demonstrated significant antitumor potential by inducing cell cycle arrest, activating apoptosis, and modulating the immune microenvironment. Current research is focused on developing highly selective HDAC isoform inhibitors and combination therapy strategies tailored to molecular subtypes, aiming to overcome off-target effects and resistance issues associated with traditional broad-spectrum inhibitors. This review systematically elaborates on the multidimensional regulatory networks of HDACs in tumor malignancy and assesses the clinical translation progress of next-generation HDACis and their prospects in precision medicine, providing a theoretical framework and strategic reference for the development of epigenetic-targeted antitumor drugs.

Keywords:  HDACi; cancer; histone acetyltransferases; histone deacetylases; lymphoma

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1529239
Neuron. 2025 Apr 14. pii: S0896-6273(25)00247-8. [Epub ahead of print]

Alpha-synuclein mutations mislocalize cytoplasmic p300 compromising autophagy, which is rescued by ACLY inhibition.

Sung Min Son, Farah H Siddiqi, Ana Lopez, Rizwan Ansari, Sylwia D Tyrkalska, So Jung Park, Tilo Kunath, Emmanouil Metzakopian, Angeleen Fleming, David C Rubinsztein.

  Triplications and certain point mutations in the SNCA gene, encoding alpha-synuclein (α-Syn), cause Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we demonstrate that the PD-causing A53T α-Syn mutation and elevated α-Syn expression perturb acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) and p300 biology in human neurons and in the CNS of zebrafish and mice. This dysregulation is mediated by activation of ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY), a key enzyme that generates acetyl-CoA in the cytoplasm, via two mechanisms. First, ACLY activity increases acetyl-CoA levels, which activate p300. Second, ACLY activation increases LKB1 acetylation, which inhibits AMPK, leading to increased cytoplasmic and decreased nuclear p300. This lowers histone acetylation and increases acetylation of cytoplasmic p300 substrates, like raptor, which causes mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) hyperactivation, thereby impairing autophagy. ACLY inhibitors rescue pathological phenotypes in PD neurons, organoids, zebrafish, and mouse models, suggesting that this pathway is a core feature of α-Syn toxicity and that ACLY may be a suitable therapeutic target.

Keywords:  ACLY; AMPK; Parkinson's disease; acetyl-CoA; acetylation; alpha-synuclein; autophagy; mTORC1; nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of p300

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2025.03.028
PLoS Pathog. 2025 Apr 23. 21(4): e1013105

Lysosome and plasma membrane Piezo channels of Trypanosoma cruzi are essential for proliferation, differentiation and infectivity.

Guozhong Huang, Mayara S Bertolini, Justin Wiedeman, Ronald D Etheridge, Teresa Cruz-Bustos, Roberto Docampo.

Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, is a parasitic protist that affects millions of people worldwide. Currently there are no fully effective drugs or vaccines available. Contact of T. cruzi infective forms with their host cells or with the extracellular matrix increases their intracellular Ca2+ concentration suggesting a mechano-transduction process. We report here that T. cruzi possesses two distinct mechanosensitive Piezo channels, named TcPiezo1 and TcPiezo2, with different subcellular localizations but similarly essential for normal proliferation, differentiation, and infectivity. While TcPiezo1 localizes to the plasma membrane, TcPiezo2 localizes to the lysosomes. Downregulation of TcPiezo1 expression by a novel ligand-regulated hammerhead ribozyme (HHR) significantly inhibited Ca2+ entry in cells expressing a genetically encoded Ca2+ indicator while downregulation of TcPiezo2 expression inhibited Ca2+ release from lysosomes, which are now identified as novel acidic Ca2+ stores in trypanosomes. The channels are activated by contact with extracellular matrix and by hypoosmotic stress. The results establish the essentiality of Piezo channels for the life cycle and Ca2+ homeostasis of T. cruzi and a novel lysosomal localization for a Piezo channel in eukaryotes.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1013105
Elife. 2025 Apr 23. pii: RP97373. [Epub ahead of print]13

TAK1-mediated phosphorylation of PLCE1 represses PIP2 hydrolysis to impede esophageal squamous cancer metastasis.

Qianqian Ju, Wenjing Sheng, Meichen Zhang, Jing Chen, Liucheng Wu, Xiaoyu Liu, Wentao Fang, Hui Shi, Cheng Sun.

  TAK1 is a serine/threonine protein kinase that is a key regulator in a wide variety of cellular processes. However, the functions and mechanisms involved in cancer metastasis are still not well understood. Here, we found that TAK1 knockdown promoted esophageal squamous cancer carcinoma (ESCC) migration and invasion, whereas TAK1 overexpression resulted in the opposite outcome. These in vitro findings were recapitulated in vivo in a xenograft metastatic mouse model. Mechanistically, co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry demonstrated that TAK1 interacted with phospholipase C epsilon 1 (PLCE1) and phosphorylated PLCE1 at serine 1060 (S1060). Functional studies revealed that phosphorylation at S1060 in PLCE1 resulted in decreased enzyme activity, leading to the repression of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) hydrolysis. As a result, the degradation products of PIP2 including diacylglycerol (DAG) and inositol IP3 were reduced, which thereby suppressed signal transduction in the axis of PKC/GSK-3β/β-Catenin. Consequently, expression of cancer metastasis-related genes was impeded by TAK1. Overall, our data indicate that TAK1 plays a negative role in ESCC metastasis, which depends on the TAK1-induced phosphorylation of PLCE1 at S1060.

Keywords:  PIP2; PLCE1; TAK1; cancer biology; esophageal squamous cancer; mouse

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.97373
Nat Commun. 2025 Apr 22. 16(1): 3749

The mammalian longevity associated acetylome.

S Feldman-Trabelsi, N Touitou, R Nagar, Z Schwartz, A Michelson, S Shaki, M Y Avivi, B Lerrer, S Snir, H Y Cohen.

Despite extensive studies at the genomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic levels, the underlying mechanisms regulating longevity are incompletely understood. Post-translational protein acetylation is suggested to regulate aspects of longevity. To further explore the role of acetylation, we develop the PHARAOH computational tool based on the 100-fold differences in longevity within the mammalian class. Analyzing acetylome and proteome data across 107 mammalian species identifies 482 and 695 significant longevity-associated acetylated lysine residues in mice and humans, respectively. These sites include acetylated lysines in short-lived mammals that are replaced by permanent acetylation or deacetylation mimickers, glutamine or arginine, respectively, in long-lived mammals. Conversely, glutamine or arginine residues in short-lived mammals are replaced by reversibly acetylated lysine in long-lived mammals. Pathway analyses highlight the involvement of mitochondrial translation, cell cycle, fatty acid oxidation, transsulfuration, DNA repair and others in longevity. A validation assay shows that substituting lysine 386 with arginine in mouse cystathionine beta synthase, to attain the human sequence, increases the pro-longevity activity of this enzyme. Likewise, replacing the human ubiquitin-specific peptidase 10 acetylated lysine 714 with arginine as in short-lived mammals, reduces its anti-neoplastic function. Overall, in this work we propose a link between the conservation of protein acetylation and mammalian longevity.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-58762-x
Mol Ther. 2025 Apr 21. pii: S1525-0016(25)00300-4. [Epub ahead of print]

Histone deacetylases and their inhibitors in kidney diseases.

Yue Zheng, Tie-Ning Zhang, Peng-Hui Hao, Ni Yang, Yue Du.

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) have emerged as key regulators in the pathogenesis of various kidney diseases. This review explores recent advancements in HDAC research, focusing on their role in kidney development and their critical involvement in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI), autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), and diabetic kidney disease (DKD). It also discusses the therapeutic potential of HDAC inhibitors in treating these conditions. Various HDAC inhibitors have shown promise by targeting specific HDAC isoforms and modulating a range of biological pathways. Their protective effects include modulation of apoptosis, autophagy, inflammation, and fibrosis, underscoring their broad therapeutic potential for kidney diseases. However, further research is essential to improve the selectivity of HDAC inhibitors, minimize toxicity, overcome drug resistance, and enhance their pharmacokinetic properties. This review offers insights to guide future research and prevention strategies for kidney disease management.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymthe.2025.04.026
New Phytol. 2025 Apr 22.

Acyl-CoA-binding proteins: bridging long-chain acyl-CoA metabolism to gene regulation.

Allegra Wundersitz, Kurt M V Hoffmann, Joost T van Dongen.

  Acyl-Coenzyme A-binding proteins (ACBPs) sequester and transport long-chain acyl-Coenzyme A (LCA-CoA) molecules, key intermediates in lipid metabolism, membrane biogenesis, and energy production. In addition, recent research emphasizes their regulatory role in linking the metabolic state to gene expression. In animals, ACBPs coordinate acetyl-CoA metabolism and enzyme activity, thereby affecting gene expression through broad signaling networks. In plants, ACBPs contribute to development and stress responses, with hypoxia research showing their involvement in detecting LCA-CoA fluctuations to trigger genetic acclimation. This review explores ACBPs in LCA-CoA signaling and gene regulation, emphasizing their function as universal 'translators' of metabolic states for cellular acclimation. Further ACBP research will offer novel regulatory insights into numerous signaling pathways fundamental to health, development, and environmental responses across kingdoms.

Keywords:  acyl‐CoA‐binding proteins; long‐chain acyl‐CoA signaling; metabolic regulation; plant hypoxia signaling; stress responses; unsaturated lipids

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.70142
Microbiol Res. 2025 Apr 16. pii: S0944-5013(25)00137-5. [Epub ahead of print]297 128181

The role of Penicillium expansum histone deacetylases HosA and HosB in growth, development, and patulin production.

Belén Llobregat, Antonio Abad-Fuentes, Josep V Mercader, Luis González-Candelas, Ana-Rosa Ballester.

  Histone modifications are key epigenetic mechanisms for gene regulation in response to environmental stimuli. Histone acetylation is crucial for regulating chromatin accessibility and is controlled by histone-modifying enzymes: histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). This study examined the roles of two HDACs, HosA and HosB, in the fungus Penicillium expansum. While the deletion of hosB did not affect the phenotype, HosA was found to play a crucial role in growth, development, and conidiation. The ΔhosA strain exhibited a characteristic fluffy phenotype and a significant reduction in conidiation. Expression analysis indicated that these differences were related to lower expression of the core regulatory gene wetA, and, to a lesser extent, brlA and abaA. Additionally, the growth of ΔhosA was negatively affected by the addition of calcofluor white and sodium chloride, while the deletion of hosA increased tolerance to sodium dodecyl sulfate and hydrogen peroxide on solid media. Furthermore, the ΔhosA strain showed an abnormal pattern of patulin production during in vitro growth, and reduced virulence likely due to growth retardation and impaired conidiation. These findings suggest that HosA is an epigenetic regulator of conidiation and plays an indirect role in secondary metabolite production and virulence in P. expansum.

Keywords:  Epigenetics; Gene expression; Histone deacetylases; Mycotoxins; Penicillium expansum

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micres.2025.128181
Biogerontology. 2025 Apr 21. 26(3): 93

Sirt2 deficiency aggravates intramuscular adipose tissue infiltration and impairs myogenesis with aging in male mice.

Eun-Joo Lee, SunYoung Park, Kyu-Shik Jeong.

  Sarcopenia, closely associated with other diseases such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and osteoporosis, significantly impacts aging populations. It is characterized by muscle atrophy, increased intramuscular adipose tissue, impaired myogenesis, chronic low-grade inflammation, and reduced muscle function. The mechanisms behind aging muscle remain incompletely understood. This study aims to elucidate the role of Sirt2 in the aging process of skeletal muscles and enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Sirt2 expression was reduced in aging muscle of male mice by 40%, compared to young muscle. Aged male Sirt2 knockout mice exhibit increased intramuscular adipose tissue infiltration by 8.5-fold changes. Furthermore, the deletion of Sirt2 exacerbated myogenesis impairment in aged muscle by decreasing the expression of Pax7 (50%) and NogoA (80%), compared to age- and sex- matched counterparts, emphasizing the role of Sirt2 in pathology of aging muscle. Additionally, long-term Sirt2 deletion affected other Sirtuin subfamily members, with decreased expressions of Sirt1 (65%), Sirt4 (94%), and Sirt5 (71%), and increased expressions of Sirt6 (4.6-fold) and Sirt7 (2.8-fold) in old male Sirt2 knockout mice, while there was no difference of these gene expression in young male mice. This study underscores the critical need for a deeper investigation into Sirt2, promising new insights that could lead to targeted therapies for sarcopenia, ultimately improving the quality of life in the elderly.

Keywords:  Aging; Intramuscular adipose tissue infiltration; Myogenesis; Sarcopenia; Sirt2; Skeletal muscle

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s10522-025-10238-7
Nat Cell Biol. 2025 Apr 21.

Mitochondrial NADPH fuels mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis and lipoylation to power oxidative metabolism.

Dohun Kim, Rushendhiran Kesavan, Kevin Ryu, Trishna Dey, Austin Marckx, Cameron Menezes, Prakash P Praharaj, Stewart Morley, Bookyong Ko, Mona H Soflaee, Harrison J Tom, Harrison Brown, Hieu S Vu, Shih-Chia Tso, Chad A Brautigam, Andrew Lemoff, Marcel Mettlen, Prashant Mishra, Feng Cai, Doug K Allen, Gerta Hoxhaj.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) is a vital electron donor essential for macromolecular biosynthesis and protection against oxidative stress. Although NADPH is compartmentalized within the cytosol and mitochondria, the specific functions of mitochondrial NADPH remain largely unexplored. Here we demonstrate that NAD+ kinase 2 (NADK2), the principal enzyme responsible for mitochondrial NADPH production, is critical for maintaining protein lipoylation, a conserved lipid modification necessary for the optimal activity of multiple mitochondrial enzyme complexes, including the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. The mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis (mtFAS) pathway utilizes NADPH for generating protein-bound acyl groups, including lipoic acid. By developing a mass-spectrometry-based method to assess mammalian mtFAS, we reveal that NADK2 is crucial for mtFAS activity. NADK2 deficiency impairs mtFAS-associated processes, leading to reduced cellular respiration and mitochondrial translation. Our findings support a model in which mitochondrial NADPH fuels the mtFAS pathway, thereby sustaining protein lipoylation and mitochondrial oxidative metabolism.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41556-025-01655-4
Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl. 2025 Aug;27 101069

Detection of Toxoplasma gondii (Types I, II, III and 12) and Sarcocystis spp. in the brains of river otter (Lontra canadensis) from Alberta, Canada.

Kyle M Shanebeck, Adrián Hernández-Ortiz, Emily J Jenkins, Philippe J Thomas, Brent R Dixon, Harriet Merks, Clement Lagrue.

  Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis spp. are globally distributed coccidian parasites infecting endothermic vertebrates. Toxoplasma gondii is zoonotic, with widespread global prevalence in humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Sarcocystis is a related and diverse genus, with species that use a range of definitive and intermediate hosts. In intermediate hosts, these tissue dwelling coccidians can be asymptomatic or cause disease through neural, hepatic, and transplacental infections. Semiaquatic mammals such as the North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) are at high risk of exposure to T. gondii and Sarcocystis spp. due to terrestrial runoff into freshwater environments. Their high trophic position and dual habitat use make them excellent sentinel species to monitor the presence of food and waterborne pathogens in ecosystems. Brain tissue was sampled from 89 river otters in Alberta, Canada. DNA of T. gondii was detected in 34 % of otters using magnetic capture sequence-specific DNA extraction and qPCR. Genotypes of T. gondii were identified using nested PCR and sequencing of the GRA6 and SAG2 genes, and included the most common clonal lineages in North America, Types I, II, and III, as well as Type-12 (X/A), which is highly pathogenic in sea otters. DNA of Sarcocystis spp. was detected in brain lysates of 30 % of otters via conventional PCR with primers targeting ITS1 and 18S ribosomal regions, and sequencing revealed S. lutrae and a species most closely related to, but distinct from, S. kitikmeotensis. This study suggests that river otters are exposed trophically to T. gondii shed by felids, and at least 2 species of Sarcocystis shed by unknown definitive hosts. Highly pathogenic S. neurona was not detected in this population, likely reflecting the absence of possum definitive hosts in northern Canada. The potential effects of T. gondii and Sarcocystis spp. on behaviour, health, and reproduction of river otters warrant further investigation.

Keywords:  Lontra canadensis; Sarcocystis spp.; Toxoplasma gondii; Wildlife disease; Zoonosis

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101069
Methods Mol Biol. 2025 ;2919 241-250

Determining the Substrate Specificity of Lysine Methyltransferases.

Jocelyne N Hanquier, Christine A Berryhill, Evan M Cornett.

  Lysine methyltransferases (KMTs) catalyze mono-, di-, and tri-methylation on histone and non-histone proteins. Determining the substrate specificity of KMTs is a critical task. This chapter outlines a method to perform highly sensitive in vitro methyltransferase assays on peptide substrates. In addition to comparing peptide substrates from histone or non-histone proteins, we also describe the use of a lysine-oriented peptide library (K-OPL) to generate high-resolution substrate specificity profiles for KMTs.

Keywords:  Chromatin; Epigenetics; Histones; Lysine methylation; Methyltransferase; Peptide libraries; Posttranslational modifications; Substrate specificity; Writers

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-4486-7_13
Zool Res. 2025 May 18. pii: 2095-8137(2025)03-0538-13. [Epub ahead of print]46(3): 538-550

Bromodomain-containing proteins in the unicellular eukaryote Tetrahymena thermophila.

Zhe Zhang, Ai-Li Ju, Yuan-Yuan Wang, Hong-Zhen Jiang, Yong-Qiang Liu, Shan Gao.

  Bromodomain (BRD)-containing proteins are central mediators of gene regulation, serving as key components of chromatin remodeling complexes and histone recognition scaffolds. By specifically recognizing acetylated lysine residues on histones (Kac) via their conserved BRD, these proteins influence chromatin structure and gene expression. Although their overarching role is well-established, the precise molecular functions and mechanisms of individual BRD proteins remain incompletely characterized. The ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila, a unicellular eukaryote with a transcriptionally active macronucleus enriched in histone acetylation, is an excellent model for exploring the significance of BRD-containing proteins. In this comprehensive review, all BRD-containing proteins encoded in the T. thermophila genome are systematically examined, including their expression profiles, histone acetylation targets, interacting proteins, and potential roles. This review lays the groundwork for future investigations into the complex roles of BRD proteins in chromatin remodeling and transcription regulation, offering insights into basic eukaryotic biology and the molecular mechanisms underlying BRD-linked diseases.

Keywords:  Bromodomain-containing proteins; Chromatin remodeling; Histone acetylation; Tetrahymena

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2025.011
Annu Rev Phys Chem. 2025 Apr;76(1): 103-128

Resolving Conformational Plasticity in Mammalian Cells with High-Resolution Fluorescence Tools.

Hao Ruan, Edward A Lemke.

  Investigating protein dynamic structural changes is fundamental for understanding protein function, drug discovery, and disease mechanisms. Traditional studies of protein dynamics often rely on investigations of purified systems, which fail to capture the complexity of the cellular environment. The intracellular milieu imposes distinct physicochemical constraints that affect macromolecular interactions and dynamics in ways not easily replicated in isolated experimental setups. We discuss the use of fluorescence resonance energy transfer, fluorescence anisotropy, and minimal photon flux imaging technologies to address these challenges and directly investigate protein conformational dynamics in mammalian cells. Key findings from the application of these techniques demonstrate their potential to reveal intricate details of protein conformational plasticity. By overcoming the limitations of traditional in vitro methods, these approaches offer a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of protein function and behavior within the complex environment of mammalian cells.

Keywords:  MINFLUX; anisotropy; fluorescence lifetime; genetic code expansion; in situ conformational plasticity; single-molecule FRET

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-physchem-082423-030632
Nucleic Acids Res. 2025 Apr 22. pii: gkaf328. [Epub ahead of print]53(8):

Unexpected enzymatic function of an ancient nucleic acid-binding fold.

Rylan R Watkins, Stella Bockelman, Anna Vradi, Kaylee Grabarkewitz, Alexa Pyun, Josephine Stark, Vicki H Wysocki, Juan D Alfonzo, Karin Musier-Forsyth.

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) are indispensable for all living organisms and their associated aminoacyl-tRNA editing domains ensure the fidelity of translation. In eukaryotes, ARSs form a multi-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase complex (MSC), which is assembled together with several nonsynthetase scaffolding proteins. The MSC found in Trypanosoma brucei (Tb) includes two proteins with oligosaccharide/oligonucleotide-binding (OB) folds-MSC-associated protein 1 (MCP1) and MCP2-and one known trans-editing factor, MCP3, an Ala-tRNA deacylase. The activity of MCP1 was unexplored until now. Our study shows that recombinantly-expressed and purified MCP1 also deacylates Ala-tRNAs despite lacking known tRNA-editing domain homology. Domain deletion studies reveal that the OB-fold houses the catalytic pocket and mutation of any one of three conserved OB-fold residues (K326, R331, S335) abolishes activity. Assays with Saccharomyces cerevisiae Arc1p reveal that MCP1's deacylation activity is conserved across organisms. This discovery explains the 3' CCA-end binding activity of this protein family and uncovers an ancient nucleic acid binding domain's unexpected enzymatic function.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gkaf328
Mol Med. 2025 Apr 22. 31(1): 146

Warburg effect and lactylation in cancer: mechanisms for chemoresistance.

Wenjie Zhang, Min Xia, Jiahui Li, Gaohua Liu, Yan Sun, Xisha Chen, Jing Zhong.

  In the clinical management of cancers, the emergence of chemoresistance represents a profound and imperative "pain point" that requires immediate attention. Understanding the mechanisms of chemoresistance is essential for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Importantly, existing studies have demonstrated that glucose metabolic reprogramming, commonly referred to as the Warburg effect or aerobic glycolysis, is a major contributor to chemoresistance. Additionally, lactate, a byproduct of aerobic glycolysis, functions as a signaling molecule that supports lysine lactylation modification of proteins, which also plays a critical role in chemoresistance. However, it is insufficient to discuss the role of glycolysis or lactylation in chemoresistance from a single perspective. The intricate relationship between aerobic glycolysis and lactylation plays a crucial role in promoting chemoresistance. Thus, a thorough elucidation of the mechanisms underlying chemoresistance mediated by aerobic glycolysis and lactylation is essential. This review provides a comprehensive overview of these mechanisms and further outlines that glycolysis and lactylation exert synergistic effects, promoting the development of chemoresistance and creating a positive feedback loop that continues to mediate this resistance. The close link between aerobic glycolysis and lactylation suggests that the application of glycolysis-related drugs or inhibitors in cancer therapy may represent a promising anticancer strategy. Furthermore, the targeted application of lactylation, either alone or in combination with other treatments, may offer new therapeutic avenues for overcoming chemoresistance.

Keywords:  Cancer; Cancer therapy; Chemoresistance; Glycolysis; Lactylation

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s10020-025-01205-6
Cell Death Discov. 2025 Apr 21. 11(1): 189

Targeting epigenetic and post-translational modifications of NRF2: key regulatory factors in disease treatment.

Xinyi Yang, Yingchao Liu, Jinghao Cao, Cuiyun Wu, Lusheng Tang, Wenxia Bian, Yuhan Chen, Lingyan Yu, Yunyi Wu, Sainan Li, Yuhuan Shen, Jun Xia, Jing Du.

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a key transcription factor involved in regulating cellular antioxidant defense and detoxification mechanisms. It mitigates oxidative stress and xenobiotic-induced damage by inducing the expression of cytoprotective enzymes, including HO-1 and NQO1. NRF2 also modulates inflammatory responses by inhibiting pro-inflammatory genes and mediates cell death pathways, including apoptosis and ferroptosis. Targeting NRF2 offers potential therapeutic avenues for treating various diseases. NRF2 is regulated through two principal mechanisms: post-translational modifications (PTMs) and epigenetic alterations. PTMs, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and acetylation, play a pivotal role in modulating NRF2's stability, activity, and subcellular localization, thereby precisely controlling its function in the antioxidant response. For instance, ubiquitination can lead to NRF2 degradation and reduced antioxidant activity, while deubiquitination enhances its stability and function. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and interactions with non-coding RNAs (e.g., MALAT1, PVT1, MIR4435-2HG, and TUG1), are essential for regulating NRF2 expression by modulating chromatin architecture and gene accessibility. This paper systematically summarizes the molecular mechanisms by which PTMs and epigenetic alterations regulate NRF2, and elucidates its critical role in cellular defense and disease. By analyzing the impact of PTMs, such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and acetylation, as well as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA interactions on NRF2 stability, activity, and expression, the study reveals the complex cellular protection network mediated by NRF2. Furthermore, the paper explores how these regulatory mechanisms affect NRF2's roles in oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death, identifying novel therapeutic targets and strategies. This provides new insights into the treatment of NRF2-related diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic syndrome. This research deepens our understanding of NRF2's role in cellular homeostasis and lays the foundation for the development of NRF2-targeted therapies.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41420-025-02491-z