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Current Biology : CB Sep 2023Regeneration requires the collective effort of multiple organ systems. A recent study of planarian whole-body regeneration finds that Erk kinase activity propagates...
Regeneration requires the collective effort of multiple organ systems. A recent study of planarian whole-body regeneration finds that Erk kinase activity propagates rapidly across the entire animal through longitudinal muscle cells to coordinate animal-wide wound responses and that this signal propagation is required for regeneration.
Topics: Animals; Phosphorylation; Planarians; Reproduction; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 37751705
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.08.024 -
Cell Aug 2023Injury induces systemic responses, but their functions remain elusive. Mechanisms that can rapidly synchronize wound responses through long distances are also mostly...
Injury induces systemic responses, but their functions remain elusive. Mechanisms that can rapidly synchronize wound responses through long distances are also mostly unknown. Using planarian flatworms capable of whole-body regeneration, we report that injury induces extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) activity waves to travel at a speed 10-100 times faster than those in other multicellular tissues. This ultrafast propagation requires longitudinal body-wall muscles, elongated cells forming dense parallel tracks running the length of the organism. The morphological properties of muscles allow them to act as superhighways for propagating and disseminating wound signals. Inhibiting Erk propagation prevents tissues distant to the wound from responding and blocks regeneration, which can be rescued by a second injury to distal tissues shortly after the first injury. Our findings provide a mechanism for long-range signal propagation in large, complex tissues to coordinate responses across cell types and highlight the function of feedback between spatially separated tissues during whole-body regeneration.
Topics: Animals; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Muscles; Phosphorylation; Planarians; Protein Processing, Post-Translational; Regeneration
PubMed: 37480850
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.06.019 -
Trends in Parasitology Jun 2024
Topics: Animals; Fascioliasis; Fasciola; Humans
PubMed: 38355314
DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.01.007 -
Trends in Parasitology Aug 2023Arguably the most unique biological features of trematode parasites involve their clonal parthenitae and cercariae. These life stages are biologically fascinating,... (Review)
Review
Arguably the most unique biological features of trematode parasites involve their clonal parthenitae and cercariae. These life stages are biologically fascinating, medically and scientifically important, and often studied for years, lacking knowledge of their corresponding sexual adult stages. But sexual adults are the focus of trematode species-level taxonomy, partially explaining the relative neglect of documenting the diversity of parthenitae and cercariae and why researchers who do describe them give them only provisional names. Provisional names are unregulated, unstable, often ambiguous, and, I argue, often unnecessary. I suggest that we recommence formally naming parthenitae and cercariae using an improved naming scheme. The scheme should permit us to reap the benefits of formal nomenclature and thereby enhance research involving these diverse and important parasites.
Topics: Animals; Larva; Snails; Trematoda
PubMed: 37385923
DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.05.011 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2023
Topics: Animals; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Cestoda
PubMed: 37767200
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1283267 -
Acta Tropica Jul 2023The larval forms of taeniid cestodes belonging to the genus Echinococcus are the source of the zoonotic infection known as echinococcosis. Alveolar and cystic... (Review)
Review
The larval forms of taeniid cestodes belonging to the genus Echinococcus are the source of the zoonotic infection known as echinococcosis. Alveolar and cystic echinococcosis are caused by Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus (s. s), respectively. It is endemic in several regions of the world. In this systematic review, we describe diagnosis, and the species (human, canids, livestock, and small rodents) affected by cystic (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE). From 1999 to 2021, we searched the online directory through PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and google scholar. Among the 37,700 records found in the online databases, 187 publications met our eligibility requirements. The majority of investigations employed a range of diagnostic methods, such as ELISA, imaging, copro-PCR, necropsy or arecoline hydrobromide purgation, morphological cestode confirmation, and fecal sieving/flotation to detect and confirm Echinococcus infection. ELISA was the most commonly used method followed by PCR, and imaging. The research team retrieved data describing the incidence or assessment of the diagnostic test for E. multilocularis in humans (N = 99), canids (N = 63), small ruminants (N = 13), large ruminants (N = 3), camel (N = 2), pigs (N = 2) and small mammals (N = 5). This study was conducted to explore the diagnostic tools applied to detect echinococcosis in humans as well as animals in prevalent countries, and to report the characteristic of new diagnostic tests for disease surveillance. This systematic review revealed that ELISA (alone or in combination) was the most common method used for disease diagnosis and diagnostic efficacy and prevalence rate increased when recombinant antigens were used. It is highly recommended to use combination protcols such as serological with molecular and imaging technique to diagnose disease. Our study identified scarcity of data of reporting echinococcosis in humans/ animals in low-income or developing countries particularly central Asian countries. Study reports in small rodents indicate their role in disease dissemination but real situation in these host is not reflected due to limited number of studies. Even though echinococcosis affects both public health and the domestic animal sector, therefore, it is important to devise new and strengthen implementation of the existing monitoring, judging, and control measures in this estimate.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Swine; Echinococcosis; Echinococcus granulosus; Animals, Domestic; Zoonoses; Echinococcus multilocularis; Canidae; Rodentia
PubMed: 37080264
DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106925 -
Zoological Research Sep 2023Planarians represent the most primitive bilateral triploblastic animals. Most planarian species exhibit mechanisms for whole-body regeneration, exemplified by the... (Review)
Review
Planarians represent the most primitive bilateral triploblastic animals. Most planarian species exhibit mechanisms for whole-body regeneration, exemplified by the regeneration of their cephalic ganglion after complete excision. Given their robust whole-body regeneration capacity, planarians have been model organisms in regenerative research for more than 240 years. Advancements in research tools and techniques have progressively elucidated the mechanisms underlying planarian regeneration. Accurate cell-cell communication is recognized as a fundamental requirement for regeneration. In recent decades, mechanisms associated with such communication have been revealed at the cellular level. Notably, stem cells (neoblasts) have been identified as the source of all new cells during planarian homeostasis and regeneration. The interplay between neoblasts and somatic cells affects the identities and proportions of various tissues during homeostasis and regeneration. Here, this review outlines key discoveries regarding communication between stem cell compartments and other cell types in planarians, as well as the impact of communication on planarian regeneration. Additionally, this review discusses the challenges and potential directions of future planarian research, emphasizing the sustained impact of this field on our understanding of animal regeneration.
Topics: Animals; Planarians; Stem Cells; Cell Communication; Homeostasis; Regeneration
PubMed: 37721107
DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2023.044 -
EBioMedicine Sep 2023Regulatory T cells (Tregs) can alleviate the development of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, thereby proposing their role as a new therapeutic strategy. Parasitic...
BACKGROUND
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) can alleviate the development of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, thereby proposing their role as a new therapeutic strategy. Parasitic helminths have co-evolved with hosts to generate immunological privilege and immune tolerance through inducing Tregs. Thus, constructing a "Tregs-induction"-based discovery pipeline from parasitic helminth is a promising strategy to control autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
METHODS
The gel filtration chromatography and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) were used to isolate immunomodulatory components from the egg extracts of Schistosoma japonicum. The extracted peptides were evaluated for their effects on Tregs suppressive functions using flow cytometry, ELISA and T cell suppression assay. Finally, we carried out colitis and psoriasis models to evaluate the function of Tregs induced by helminth-derived peptide in vivo.
FINDINGS
Here, based on target-driven discovery strategy, we successfully identified a small 3 kDa peptide (SjDX5-53) from egg extracts of schistosome, which promoted both human and murine Tregs production. SjDX5-53 presented immunosuppressive function by arresting dendritic cells (DCs) at an immature state and augmenting the proportion and suppressive capacity of Tregs. In mouse models, SjDX5-53 protected mice against autoimmune-related colitis and psoriasis through inducing Tregs and inhibiting inflammatory T-helper (Th) 1 and Th17 responses.
INTERPRETATION
SjDX5-53 exhibited the promising therapeutic effects in alleviating the phenotype of immune-related colitis and psoriasis. This study displayed a screening and validation pipeline of the inducer of Tregs from helminth eggs, highlighting the discovery of new biologics inspired by co-evolution of hosts and their parasites.
FUNDING
This study was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China (82272368) and Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (BK20211586).
Topics: Mice; Humans; Animals; Schistosoma japonicum; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Autoimmune Diseases; Colitis; Psoriasis
PubMed: 37579625
DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104751 -
Pathologie (Heidelberg, Germany) Dec 2023Zoonoses are diseases and infections that can be transmitted naturally between animals and humans. Direct and indirect contact of humans with wildlife occur during...
BACKGROUND
Zoonoses are diseases and infections that can be transmitted naturally between animals and humans. Direct and indirect contact of humans with wildlife occur during hunting activities, when diseased wildlife is found and treated, and in shared fields, forests, parks, gardens, and homes. Zoonoses can only be understood and controlled when ecosystems, animals, and humans are considered holistically.
OBJECTIVE
This paper presents important zoonotic pathogens that are currently present in wild mammals as reservoirs in Germany.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The literature was searched to determine the prevalence of zoonotic pathogens currently occurring in wild mammals.
RESULTS
Viral zoonotic agents currently present in free-ranging, mammalian animals in Germany as reservoirs of natural origin are bornaviruses, lyssaviruses, hepatitis E virus genotype 3, and Puumala orthohantavirus. Bacterial zoonotic agents beyond typical wound and foodborne pathogens include Brucella suis Biovar 2, Francisella tularensis ssp. holarctica, Leptospira interrogans sensu latu, Mycobacterium caprae, and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. In particular, parasitic zoonotic agents common in wildlife are Alaria alata, Baylisascaris procyonis, Echinococcus multilocularis, Sacoptes scabei, and Trichinella spp.
CONCLUSION
The presence of zoonotic infectious agents of risk groups 2 and 3 has to be regularly expected in numerous endemic wildlife species, especially canines, small bears, rodents, insectivores, and bats. Animal caretakers, hunters, veterinarians, and human health professionals should be aware of this risk and take protective measures appropriate to the situation.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Dogs; Ecosystem; Zoonoses; Trematoda; Animals, Wild; Mammals
PubMed: 37987818
DOI: 10.1007/s00292-023-01270-w -
Current Molecular Medicine 2024Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical parasitic disease caused by trematode worms of the genus schistosoma, which affects approximately 240 million people worldwide.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical parasitic disease caused by trematode worms of the genus schistosoma, which affects approximately 240 million people worldwide. the diagnosis of the disease can be performed by parasitological, molecular, and/or immunological methods, however, the development of new diagnostic methods still essential to guide policy decisions, monitor disease trends and assess the effectiveness of interventions.
OBJECTIVE
in this sense, the current work summarizes the findings of a systematic review regarding antigens applied in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test, which were patented and published over the last ten years.
METHODS
the literature search strategy used medical subject heading (mesh) terms to define as descriptors. "schistosoma mansoni" was used in arrangement with the descriptors "immunoassay", "enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay", "elisa", and "antigens", using the "and" connector. the patent search was done using keywords, including diagnosis and schistosoma or schistosomiasis or schistosome. several databases were employed for the patent search, such as intellectual property national institute; european patent office; the united states patent and trademark office; patent scope, and google patents.
RESULTS
forty-one articles were retrieved, of which only five met the eligibility criteria. seventeen patents were taken from the databases, and a brief description of the most relevant inventions is given here.
CONCLUSION
schistosomiasis is considered the most important helminthic disease in worldwide. therefore, it is important to of searching for and develops diagnostic methods based on serology to reduce morbidity and mortality caused by the disease.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Antigens, Helminth; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Patents as Topic; Schistosoma; Schistosoma mansoni; Schistosomiasis; Systematic Reviews as Topic
PubMed: 37143281
DOI: 10.2174/1566524023666230504140828