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Updated: Aug 3, 2025
Polysome Profiling in Leishmania, Human Cells and Mouse Testis
Published on: April 8, 2018
Expression profile in Leishmania major exposed to Staphylococcus aureus and group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus
Ali Fattahi Bafghi1, Gilda Eslami2, Vahid Ajamein2
1Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Infectious Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
Background & Objectives:
The interaction of Leishmania spp. with microbiota inside the midgut vector has significant output in pathogenesis. This study aimed to identify the profile of Leishmania majorgene expression of LACK, gp63, and hsp70after exposure to Staphylococcus aureusand group A beta-hemolytic Streptococci (GABHS).
Methods:
Leishmania major (MRHO/IR/75/ER) promastigotes were exposed with S. aureus, with GABHS, and with both GABHS and S. aureus at 25°C for 72 h. The gene expression analysis of Lmgp63, Lmhsp70,and LmLACKwas assessed using SYBR Green real-time PCR by ΔΔCt. All experiments were repeated in triplicate. Statistical analysis was done using two-way ANOVA. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant.
Results:
Lmgp63 was expressed in the group exposed to GABHS with 1.75-fold lower than the control group (p=0.000). The LmLACK had expression in both groups exposed with GABHS and GABHS with S. aureus with 2.8 and 1.33-fold more than the control group, respectively (p=0.000). The Lmhsp70 gene expression was reported in the group exposed with GABHS with relative quantification of 5.7-fold more than the control group.
Interpretation & Conclusion:
This study showed that the important genes encoding LACK, gp63, and hsp70 changed their expression after exposure to the S. aureus and GABHS.
Insights
Leishmania major gene expression of LACK, gp63, and hsp70 is altered by Staphylococcus aureus and group A beta-hemolytic Streptococci. This interaction impacts parasite pathogenesis within the vector midgut.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The interaction between Leishmania species and midgut microbiota influences parasite pathogenesis.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for controlling leishmaniasis transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the gene expression profile of Leishmania major.
- Specifically examining LACK, gp63, and hsp70 genes after exposure to Staphylococcus aureus and group A beta-hemolytic Streptococci (GABHS).
Main Methods:
- Leishmania major promastigotes were co-cultured with S. aureus and/or GABHS at 25°C for 72 hours.
- Gene expression levels of LmLACK, Lmgp63, and Lmhsp70 were quantified using SYBR Green real-time PCR.
- Statistical significance was determined using two-way ANOVA.
Main Results:
- Exposure to GABHS significantly decreased Lmgp63 expression (1.75-fold lower).
- LmLACK expression increased with GABHS (2.8-fold) and combined GABHS/S. aureus exposure (1.33-fold).
- Lmhsp70 expression notably increased (5.7-fold) following GABHS exposure.
Conclusions:
- Leishmania major gene expression, particularly for LACK, gp63, and hsp70, is significantly modulated by co-infection with S. aureus and GABHS.
- These alterations in gene expression suggest a role in the host-parasite-microbiota interaction and potential impact on pathogenesis.
