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A MEKK1 - JNK mitogen activated kinase (MAPK) cascade module is active in Echinococcus multilocularis stem cells
Kristin Stoll1, Monika Bergmann1, Markus Spiliotis1
1University of Würzburg, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, Würzburg, Germany.
Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases
|December 8, 2021
Summary
Researchers identified a novel mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) cascade in Echinococcus multilocularis. Inhibiting this pathway, specifically c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, reduced parasite stem cell proliferation, suggesting a new therapeutic target for alveolar echinococcosis.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- Alveolar echinococcosis is caused by the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis.
- Parasite growth is stimulated by host growth factors acting on receptor tyrosine kinases.
- Signal transmission to the parasite nucleus and cross-talk with other signaling systems remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel signaling pathways involved in Echinococcus multilocularis metacestode development.
- To investigate the role of mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) cascades in parasite stem cell function.
- To explore the potential of targeting these pathways for therapeutic intervention.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic analysis, cloning, and yeast two-hybrid assays to identify MAPK cascade components.
- Whole mount in situ hybridization to determine gene expression patterns.
- Inhibition studies using a c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor (SP600125).
Main Results:
- A novel MAPK cascade module (EmGrb2-EmMEKK1-EmMKK3-EmMPK3) was identified in E. multilocularis.
- EmMEKK1 and EmMPK3 are expressed in parasite stem cells and differentiated cells.
- Inhibition of JNK signaling significantly reduced metacestode vesicle formation and stem cell proliferation.
Conclusions:
- A MEKK1-JNK MAPK cascade, similar to mammalian stress response pathways, is present in E. multilocularis stem cells.
- JNK signaling plays a crucial role in the survival and/or maintenance of Echinococcus stem cells.
- The JNK signaling cascade represents a potential therapeutic target for treating echinococcosis.
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