Mass Spectrometry and Metabolomics—New Approaches for Helminth Biochemical Studies

Abstract

Metabolomics, the study of the endogenously synthesized small molecules repertoire (nonproteinaceous), is of great relevance for establishing a wide view of cell physiology at specific moments, linking metabolic profiles to phenotypes and genotypes. To better understand biological systems, such as helminths life cycle, helminthic infection, and host-parasite interaction, metabolomics studies are crucial. For that, mass spectrometrybased metabolomics is the most popular strategy. Nontargeted metabolomics allows researchers to profile entire metabolomes present in cells, tissues, biofluids, or even samples as complex as stools. Through different mass spectrometric techniques, it is possible to unveil chemical markers for helminths, such as Schistosoma mansoni (a trematode) and Ascaris lumbricoides (a nematode), in addition to study mechanisms of action for different drugs, which targets parasites. Therefore, mass spectrometry allows designing biochemical pathways that may clarify the processes of parasite life cycle, helminthic infection, and host-parasite interaction, providing targets to further interference for parasite control or even infection treatment.

Characterization of Tapeworm Metabolites and Their Reported Biological Activities

“…Recent advances in metabolomics technologies, which can identify and quantify cellular metabolites using sophisticated analytical tools including MS and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, have ushered in a new era of data mining and interpretation. However, metabolomics applications to study helminths and their interactions with vertebrate hosts is still in its infancy [9], with most of the previous studies devoted to understanding the effect of parasitic infections on host metabolite expression [25]. Only limited studies have been reported [9,26] on the metabolomes of blood flukes ( Schistosoma mansoni ) and gastrointestinal nematodes ( Ascaris lumbricoides and Ancylostoma caninum ), and until now there has been a paucity of information for tapeworms (cestodes).…”

“…However, metabolomics applications to study helminths and their interactions with vertebrate hosts is still in its infancy [9], with most of the previous studies devoted to understanding the effect of parasitic infections on host metabolite expression [25]. Only limited studies have been reported [9,26] on the metabolomes of blood flukes ( Schistosoma mansoni ) and gastrointestinal nematodes ( Ascaris lumbricoides and Ancylostoma caninum ), and until now there has been a paucity of information for tapeworms (cestodes). Other than fatty acids, none of the polar metabolites that were previously reported from S. mansoni and A. lumbricoides were detected here in D. caninum ESP.…”

“…Helminth ESP comprise mainly proteins, nucleic acids, glycans, lipids, extracellular vesicles and small molecules (SMs), which are released in a variety of “packages” to achieve a range of biological functions. To date, most attention has been afforded to characterising the protein components of ESP from helminths, and we know remarkably little about their non-protein SM components [9,10]. SM are responsible for many essential biological functions.…”

“…Understanding the overall profile of helminth SM metabolites, which can be characterized using metabolomics techniques, will facilitate development of new tools for the diagnosis and treatment of helminth infections, as well as the development of novel therapeutics for treating inflammatory diseases [12]. Understanding metabolite expression patterns and identifying the SM components of ESP could provide important information on the molecular basis of parasitism and shed light on the various physiological processes that govern host-parasite interactions [9].…”

Excretory/Secretory Metabolome of the Zoonotic Roundworm Parasite Toxocara canis

“…Similarly, it is likely that T. canis also produces small biomolecules responsible for specific biological functions and may have distinct roles in signalling, inflammation, tissue invasion and immune suppression. Identifying the small biomolecules from the infective larval and adult stages of T. canis ESPs could lead to improved insights into its metabolism, survival and competition mechanisms [21]. These advances could accelerate the development of effective diagnostic tools and anti-parasitic drugs to combat Toxocara infections.…”