GSE132132
Transcriptome analysis of mouse hearts infected with Trypanosoma cruzi: Differential modulation of gene expression by two strains
Purpose:  One important challenge in the field of Chagas disease research is to determine the main factors leading to the establishment of the parasite in some organs in the chronic stage, mainly the heart and/or digestive system. Our group previously showed that distinct strains of T. cruzi (JG and Col1.7G2) presented differential tissue distribution in the chronic stage in double-infected BALB/c mice. To investigate changes in the host triggered by the two distinct T. cruzi strains, we assessed the gene expression profile of BALB/c mouse hearts infected with either JG, Col1.7G2 or an equivalent mixture of both parasites during the initial phase of infection. Results: We demonstrate a clear distinction in host gene expression modulation by both parasites. Col1.7G2 strongly activated Th1-polarized immune response genes, whereas JG showed minor immune response activation. Moreover, JG strongly impaired the expression of genes for ribosomal proteins and mitochondrial proteins related to the electron transport chain and the citric acid cycle. Interestingly, evaluation of gene expression in mice inoculated with the mixture of parasites showed expression profiles for both up- and downregulated genes, indicating the coexistence of both parasite strains in the heart during the acute phase. Conclusions: We suggest that different strains of T. cruzi may be distinguished by their efficiency in activating the immune system, modulating host energy and reactive oxygen species production and impairing protein synthesis during early infection, which may be decisive in defining parasite persistence in specific organs. Overall design: Processed mice heart from infected and non-infected with T. cruzi.