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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

In silico characterization of three two-component systems of Ehrlichia canis and evaluation of a natural plant-derived inhibitor

Full text
Author(s):
Santos, E. V. [1] ; Silva, G. [1] ; Cardozo, G. P. [1] ; Bitencourt, T. A. [1] ; Franca, S. C. [1] ; Fachin, A. L. [1] ; Marins, M. [1]
Total Authors: 7
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Ribeirao Preto, Unidade Biotecnol, Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
Document type: Journal article
Source: Genetics and Molecular Research; v. 11, n. 4, p. 3576-3584, 2012.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Two-component signal transduction systems (TCS) are important elements in the interaction of endobacteria with host cells. They are basically composed of two proteins, an environmental signal sensor and a response regulator, which activate genes involved in a wide range of bacterial responses to their environment. We analyzed three sets of genes corresponding to TCS of Ehrlichia canis, a common tick-borne canine pathogen and the etiologic agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, in order to identify the characteristic domains of the sensor and response regulator components. Analysis of sequence alignments of the corresponding proteins indicated a high degree of similarity to other members of the Anaplasmataceae TCS proteins, demonstrating that they could be useful as universal targets for development of new drugs against these bacteria. We also evaluated by quantitative PCR inhibition of E. canis by (2H)-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one ( BOA), the core compound of the plant phenolic compound DIMBOA, which shows inhibitory action against TCS of the phytopathogen Agrobacterium tumefasciens. This bacterium exerts its pathogenicity by transferring oncogenic DNA (T-DNA) into plant cells; this transfer is mediated through a type-IV secretion system, which is regulated by the VirA/VirG TCS. The process of infection and pathogenesis of E. canis is associated with the secretion of effector proteins into the host cell cytoplasm through a T4SS system, which blocks the cell defense response. We suggest that BOA, and possibly other plant phenolic compounds that are TCS inhibitors, can be exploited in the search for new antiehrlichial drugs to be used alone or as complements in the treatment of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 08/08146-6 - Biochemical analysis of two-component system of Ehrlichia canis (São Paulo strain): expression, purification and screening of inhibitors
Grantee:Tamires Aparecida Bitencourt
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
FAPESP's process: 08/04778-8 - Cloning and characterization of genes coding membrane surface proteins of Ehrlichia canis
Grantee:Daiane Santos Rosa Aguiar
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
FAPESP's process: 08/05011-2 - Analysis of transcription pattern of two component system genes of Ehrlichia canis (São Paulo strain)
Grantee:Gabriel da Silva
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation