Different paths to drug resistance in Leishmania

Parasite genomes speak of evolution by changes in gene, region and chromosome number, not by mutation in genes

Copy number variation spanning MAPK locus on chromosome 36. Copy number per cell in L. donovani (red, resistant to SSG; blue, sensitive) was much higher for the MAPK locus than the chromosome 36 baseline for L. donovani (black dashed line) and L. infantum (black). The amplified region is marked in grey and their white edges indicate the location of two direct repeats. The MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) gene is labelled as LMPK (LdBPK_366760). Two L. donovani ribosomal mobile elements (RIME) flank the duplicated region.

Two remarkable discoveries were today (28/10/2011) revealed by researchers into genome analysis of Leishmania parasites. These results uncovered a surprising level of variation at the genome structure level.

First, they found that the DNA sequence of individual strains of each species populations is almost completely identical. It appears that only a small number of genes may cause different symptoms of infection. Second, the parasite’s evolutionary development and success may be driven by a genetic abnormality leading to multiple copies of chromosomes and genes (known as copy number variation) that would kill most organisms. These studies increase our understanding of the process of drug resistance in Leishmania.

Leishmaniasis is a disfiguring and potentially fatal disease that affects two million people each year. There are four main forms of the disease; ranging from skin lesions (cutaneous leishmaniasis), caused by species that include Leishmania mexicana, to a deadly infection of internal organs (visceral leishmaniasis) caused by Leishmania donovani parasites.

In the first study, the researchers generated a high-quality draft genome of L. donovani using a sample taken from an infected patient in Nepal. The team used this as a reference framework to analyse a further 16 isolates from Nepal and India that had different responses to antibiotic medications.

“Our work highlights how genomic research changes our perspectives about these parasites. We show that the evolution of these organisms is driven not only by single-letter changes in their genetic codes, but also by larger mutations in the copy numbers of genes and entire chromosomes. The findings have enabled us to discover more about its natural variation and genetic structure which is vital for the further development of effective treatments.”

Dr Matt Berriman from the Sanger Institute and a leading author on both studies

The second study focused on producing a reference genome for L. mexicana from a sample taken in Guatemala and comparing it with existing reference genomes for various Leishmania species on the spectrum of cutaneous to visceral disease. Working with colleagues from the University of Glasgow and University of York, the research team discovered that each of the Leishmania species that have been fully sequenced has roughly 8,000 genes, yet L. mexicana has only two genes that are unique to it.

“These findings have important implications for the understanding of parasite variation and the genetic basis of disease. Leishmania has taken a different path to most organisms because of its extensive and highly unusual variation in chromosome and gene-specific copy numbers. This variation in the copy numbers of chromosomes and genes provides a new dimension to monitoring the evolution of drug resistance in these parasites.”

Tim Downing A lead author on the research from the Sanger Institute

The presence of more than the standard two chromosomes is generally detrimental to other species, but for Leishmania, it seems to be a beneficial, common occurrence that may be a driver in evolutionary change. One example is chromosome 31, which is present in almost all Leishmania genomes in more than the standard two copies. This unusual variation is likely to be important in the ability of Leishmania to cause disease.

“We must maintain continuous surveillance to monitor the threat from the on-going emergence of drug resistance. These studies provide the tools to identify and analyse new variants as they emerge. This basic biological difference in the way that drug resistance emerges in Leishmania is essential for tracking strains and resistance.

“We can’t simply look for the single-letter changes, but must include structural changes. We have to search differently, more smartly.”

Jean-Claude Dujardin Senior author from the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp

The first study enhances the genomic understanding of the most dangerous end of the spectrum of Leishmania species, and also provides clues to the genetic and genomic basis of drug resistance. The second study shows for the first time the scale of abnormal chromosomes in Leishmania species. This is thought to help with the evolution of the species and a possible cause for antibiotic resistance.

The overall picture is of unusual genetic forces equipping the parasites in unexpected ways to circumvent attempts to control them. This research will go a long way to understanding the cause of drug resistance when treating Leishmania.

More information

Notes to Editors

Leishmania parasites are transmitted by sand flies and are found in 88 countries around the world. It is poverty-related and typically affects the poorest of the poor: it is associated with malnutrition and displacement. The World Health Organisation is committed to eradicating the disease in endemic areas.

In visceral leishmaniasis (black fever), infection can spread to the internal organs and is potentially fatal. In its less severe form, cutaneous leishmaniasis, the infection is usually restricted to lesions around the site of the fly bite.

Funding

The L. donovani study(Downing et al.) was funded by the Wellcome Trustand by the Kaladrug and Gemini consortia.

The L. mexicana study (Rogers et al.) was funded by the Wellcome Trust.

Participating Centres

• Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
• Unit of Molecular Parasitology, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
• London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
• Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical and Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
• Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, Scotland, UK
• B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Ghopa, Dharan, Nepal. InstitutfürMikrobiologie und Hygiene, CharitéUniversitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
• Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.
• Current address: Centre for Genomic Research, Institute of Integrative Biology, Biosciences Building, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
• Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, YO10 5DD, UK
• Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
• Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, School of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
• Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
• Unit of Molecular Parasitology, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium