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Published on: June 12, 2014
Human microsporidian pathogen Encephalitozoon intestinalis impinges on enterocyte membrane trafficking and signaling
Juan Flores1, Peter M Takvorian1,2, Louis M Weiss2
1Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey 07102, USA.
Abstract:
Microsporidia are a large phylum of obligate intracellular parasites. Approximately a dozen species of microsporidia infect humans, where they are responsible for a variety of diseases and occasionally death, especially in immunocompromised individuals. To better understand the impact of microsporidia on human cells, we infected human colonic Caco2 cells with Encephalitozoon intestinalis, and showed that these enterocyte cultures can be used to recapitulate the life cycle of the parasite, including the spread of infection with infective spores. Using transmission electron microscopy, we describe this lifecycle and demonstrate nuclear, mitochondrial and microvillar alterations by this pathogen. We also analyzed the transcriptome of infected cells to reveal host cell signaling alterations upon infection. These high-resolution imaging and transcriptional profiling analysis shed light on the impact of the microsporidial infection on its primary human target cell type.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first authors of the paper.
Insights
Microsporidia, like Encephalitozoon intestinalis, infect human cells, causing disease. This study reveals the parasite's lifecycle and its damaging effects on host cells using advanced imaging and genetic analysis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites infecting humans, causing disease, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- Understanding microsporidia's impact on human cells is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the lifecycle of Encephalitozoon intestinalis within human colonic cells.
- To elucidate the cellular and molecular impact of microsporidial infection on host cells.
Main Methods:
- Infection of human colonic Caco2 cells with Encephalitozoon intestinalis.
- Transmission electron microscopy to visualize the parasite lifecycle and cellular damage.
- Transcriptome analysis to identify host cell signaling alterations.
Main Results:
- Human colonic Caco2 cell cultures successfully recapitulated the Encephalitozoon intestinalis lifecycle.
- Transmission electron microscopy revealed nuclear, mitochondrial, and microvillar alterations.
- Transcriptional profiling identified significant host cell signaling pathway modifications.
Conclusions:
- Encephalitozoon intestinalis infection induces substantial morphological and signaling changes in human colonic cells.
- This study provides high-resolution insights into microsporidial pathogenesis in a primary human cell model.
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