No evidence for Ago2 translocation from the host erythrocyte into the Plasmodium parasite

Hentzschel, F., Obrova, K. and Marti, M. (2020) No evidence for Ago2 translocation from the host erythrocyte into the Plasmodium parasite. Wellcome Open Research, 5, 92. (doi: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15852.2) (PMID:33501380) (PMCID:PMC7808052)

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Publisher's URL: https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15852.2

Abstract

Background: Plasmodium parasites rely on various host factors to grow and replicate within red blood cells (RBC). While many host proteins are known that mediate parasite adhesion and invasion, few examples of host enzymes co-opted by the parasite during intracellular development have been described. Recent studies suggested that the host protein Argonaute 2 (Ago2), which is involved in RNA interference, can translocate into the parasite and affect its development. Here, we investigated this hypothesis. Methods: We used several different monoclonal antibodies to test for Ago2 localisation in the human malaria parasite, P. falciparum and rodent P. berghei parasites. In addition, we biochemically fractionated infected red blood cells to localize Ago2. We also quantified parasite growth and sexual commitment in the presence of the Ago2 inhibitor BCI-137. Results: Ago2 localization by fluorescence microscopy produced inconclusive results across the three different antibodies, suggesting cross-reactivity with parasite targets. Biochemical separation of parasite and RBC cytoplasm detected Ago2 only in the RBC cytoplasm and not in the parasite. Inhibition of Ago2 using BCl-137 did not result in altered parasite development. Conclusion: Ago2 localization in infected RBCs by microscopy is confounded by non-specific binding of antibodies. Complementary results using biochemical fractionation and Ago2 detection by western blot did not detect the protein in the parasite cytosol, and growth assays using a specific inhibitor demonstrated that its catalytical activity is not required for parasite development. We therefore conclude that previous data localising Ago2 to parasite ring stages are due to antibody cross reactivity, and that Ago2 is not required for intracellular Plasmodium development.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:Version 2; peer review: 2 approved.
Keywords:Plasmodium, Ago2, host factors.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Hentzschel, Dr Franziska and Marti, Professor Matthias
Creator Roles:
Hentzschel, F.Conceptualization, Formal analysis, Funding acquisition, Investigation, Methodology, Writing – original draft, Writing – review and editing
Marti, M.Conceptualization, Funding acquisition, Project administration, Supervision, Writing – review and editing
Authors: Hentzschel, F., Obrova, K., and Marti, M.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Wellcome Open Research
Publisher:F1000Research
ISSN:2398-502X
ISSN (Online):2398-502X
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2020 Hentzschel F et al.
First Published:First published in Wellcome Open Research 5: 92
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License
Related URLs:
Data DOI:10.6084/m9.figshare.c.49606

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
172805Elucidating mechanisms of extracellular vesiclemediated cellular communication and stage conversion in malaria parasites.Matthias MartiWellcome Trust (WELLCOTR)110166/B/15/ZIII - Parasitology
172862Elucidating mechanisms of extracellular vesiclemediated cellular communication and stage conversion in malaria parasites.Matthias MartiWellcome Trust (WELLCOTR)110166/Z/15/ZIII - Parasitology
170547The Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology ( Core Support )Andrew WatersWellcome Trust (WELLCOTR)104111/Z/14/ZIII - Parasitology