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Du R, Zheng X, Liu Y, Lu P, Hong Y, Wang P. Molecular and functional characterization of a type-1 cystatin in amphioxus (Branchiostoma japonicum). FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 147:109423. [PMID: 38341117 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2024.109423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Cystatins comprise a vast superfamily of evolutionary conserved proteins, predominantly recognized for their roles as endogenous inhibitors by regulating the activity of cysteine proteases. Emerging lines of research evidence also provides insight into their alternative roles in a spectrum of biological and pathological processes, including neurodegenerative disorders, tumor progression, inflammatory diseases, and immune response. Nowadays, various type-1 cystatins (stefins) have been demonstrated among a variety of discovered vertebrate groups, while little is known about the related homologue in cephalochordate amphioxus, which are repositioned at the base of the chordate phylum. In the present study, a single type-1 cystatin homologue in Branchiostoma japonicum was first successfully cloned and designated as Bjcystatin-1. The deduced Bjcystatin-1 protein is structurally characterized by the presence of typical wedge-shaped cystatin features, including the 'QxVxG' and 'Px' motif, as well as the conserved N-terminal glycine residue. Phylogenomic analyses utilizing different cystatin counterparts affirmed the close evolutionary relationship of Bjcystatin-1 and type-1 cystatin homologue. Bjcystatin-1 was predominantly expressed in the gills and hind-gut in a tissue-specific pattern, and its expression was remarkably up-regulated in response to challenge with bacteria or their signature molecules LPS and LTA, suggesting the involvement in immune response. Additionally, the recombinant Bjcystatin-1 (rBjcystatin-1) protein showed significant inhibitory activity towards papain and binding ability to LPS and LTA, indicating its hypothesized role as a pattern recognition receptor in immune response. Subcellular localization results also showed that Bjcystatin-1 was located in the cytoplasm and nucleus, and its overexpression could attenuate the activation of LPS-induced nuclear transcription factors NF-κB. Taken together, our study suggests that amphioxus Bjcystatin-1 acts as a dual role in protease inhibitor and an immunocompetent factor, providing new insights into the immune defense effect of type-1 cystatin in amphioxus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronghuan Du
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, College of Public Health, Qingdao University, Ning Xia Road 308, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Xian Zheng
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, College of Public Health, Qingdao University, Ning Xia Road 308, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yudan Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, College of Public Health, Qingdao University, Ning Xia Road 308, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Pei Lu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, College of Public Health, Qingdao University, Ning Xia Road 308, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yuxiang Hong
- Zhejiang Fangyuan Testing Group Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310020, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, College of Public Health, Qingdao University, Ning Xia Road 308, Qingdao, 266071, China.
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Kodagoda YK, Liyanage DS, Omeka WKM, Kwon H, Hwang SD, Lee J. Molecular characterization, expression, and functional analysis of cystatin B in the big-belly seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis). FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 124:442-453. [PMID: 35460877 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2022.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cystatins are a diverse group of cysteine protease inhibitors widely present among various organisms. Beyond their protease inhibitor function, cystatins play a crucial role in diverse pathophysiological conditions in animals, including neurodegenerative disorders, tumor progression, inflammatory diseases, and immune response. However, the role of cystatins in immunity against viral and bacterial infections in fish remains to be elucidated. In this study, the cystatin B from big-belly seahorse, Hippocampus abdominalis, designated as HaCSTB, was identified and characterized. HaCSTB shared the highest homology with type 1 cystatin family members of teleosts and had three cystatin catalytic domains with no signal peptides or disulfide bonds. HaCSTB transcripts were mainly expressed in peripheral blood cells (PBCs), followed by the testis and pouch of healthy big-belly seahorses. Immune challenge with lipopolysaccharides (LPS), polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C), and Streptococcus iniae induced upregulation of relative HaCSTB mRNA expression in PBCs. Subcellular localization analysis revealed the distribution of HaCSTB in the cytosol, mitochondria, and nuclei of fathead minnow cells (FHM). Recombinant HaCSTB (rHaCSTB) exhibited potent in vitro inhibitory activity against papain, a cysteine protease, in a concentration-, pH-, and temperature-dependent manner. Overexpression of HaCSTB in viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV)-susceptible FHM cells increased cell viability and reduced VHSV-induced apoptosis. Collectively, these results suggest that HaCSTB might engage in the teleostean immune protection against bacteria and viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasara Kavindi Kodagoda
- Department of Marine Life Sciences & Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, South Korea
| | - D S Liyanage
- Department of Marine Life Sciences & Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, South Korea
| | - W K M Omeka
- Department of Marine Life Sciences & Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, South Korea
| | - Hyukjae Kwon
- Department of Marine Life Sciences & Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, South Korea; Marine Science Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63333, South Korea
| | - Seong Don Hwang
- East Sea Fisheries Research Institute, National Institute of Fisheries Science, 1194 Haean-ro, Yeongok-myeon, Gangneung-si, 25435, South Korea; Division of Convergence on Marine Science, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan, 49112, South Korea
| | - Jehee Lee
- Department of Marine Life Sciences & Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, South Korea; Marine Science Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63333, South Korea.
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Perera DDBD, Perera KML, Peiris DC. A Novel In Silico Benchmarked Pipeline Capable of Complete Protein Analysis: A Possible Tool for Potential Drug Discovery. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10111113. [PMID: 34827106 PMCID: PMC8615085 DOI: 10.3390/biology10111113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Protein interactions govern the majority of an organism’s biological processes. Therefore, to fully understand the functionality of an organism, we must know how proteins work at a molecular level. This study assembled a protocol that enables scientists to construct a protein’s tertiary structure easily and subsequently to investigate its mechanism and function. Each step involved in prediction, validation, and functional analysis of a protein is crucial to obtain an accurate result. We have dubbed this the trifecta analysis. It was clear early in our research that no single study in the literature had previously encompassed the complete trifecta analysis. In particular, studies that recommend free, open-source tools that have been benchmarked for each step are lacking. The present study ensures that predictions are accurate and validated and will greatly benefit new and experienced scientists alike in obtaining a strong understanding of the trifecta analysis, resulting in a domino effect that could lead to drug development. Abstract Current in silico proteomics require the trifecta analysis, namely, prediction, validation, and functional assessment of a modeled protein. The main drawback of this endeavor is the lack of a single protocol that utilizes a proper set of benchmarked open-source tools to predict a protein’s structure and function accurately. The present study rectifies this drawback through the design and development of such a protocol. The protocol begins with the characterization of a novel coding sequence to identify the expressed protein. It then recognizes and isolates evolutionarily conserved sequence motifs through phylogenetics. The next step is to predict the protein’s secondary structure, followed by the prediction, refinement, and validation of its three-dimensional tertiary structure. These steps enable the functional analysis of the macromolecule through protein docking, which facilitates the identification of the protein’s active site. Each of these steps is crucial for the complete characterization of the protein under study. We have dubbed this process the trifecta analysis. In this study, we have proven the effectiveness of our protocol using the cystatin C and AChE proteins. Beginning with just their sequences, we have characterized both proteins’ structures and functions, including identifying the cystatin C protein’s seven-residue active site and the AChE protein’s active-site gorge via protein–protein and protein–ligand docking, respectively. This process will greatly benefit new and experienced scientists alike in obtaining a strong understanding of the trifecta analysis, resulting in a domino effect that could expand drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. D. B. D. Perera
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka;
- Correspondence: (D.D.B.D.P.); (D.C.P.); Tel.: +94-714-018-537 (D.C.P.)
| | - K. Minoli L. Perera
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka;
| | - Dinithi C. Peiris
- Genetics & Molecular Biology Unit (Center for Biotechnology), Department of Zoology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
- Correspondence: (D.D.B.D.P.); (D.C.P.); Tel.: +94-714-018-537 (D.C.P.)
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Wickramasinghe PDSU, Kwon H, Elvitigala DAS, Wan Q, Lee J. Identification and characterization of cystatin B from black rockfish, Sebastes schlegelii, indicating its potent immunological importance. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 104:497-505. [PMID: 32534230 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2020.05.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cystatins represent a large superfamily of proteins involved in the competitive reversible inhibition of C1 class cysteine proteases. Plant-derived papain proteases and cysteine cathepsins are the major cysteine proteases that interact with cystatins. The cystatin superfamily can be further classified into three groups: stefins, cystatins, and kininogens. Among these, cystatin B is categorized under stefins. Cystatin B lacks a signal sequence, disulfide bonds, and carbohydrate groups. However, it contains the conserved cystatin family signature, including a single cystatin-like domain, cysteine protease inhibitory signature concealing pentapeptide (QXVXG) consensus sequence, and two conserved neighboring glycine (8GG9) residues at the N-terminal. In the current study, a member of cystatin B was identified from Korean black rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli) using a cDNA database and designated as RfCytB. The full-length cDNA of RfCytB was 573 bp long, with a coding region of 294 bp. The 5'-untranslated region (UTR) comprised 55 bp, and the 263-bp-long 3'-UTR included a polyadenylation signal sequence and a poly-A tail. The coding sequence encodes a polypeptide comprising 97 amino acids, with a predicted molecular weight of 11 kDa and theoretical isoelectric point of 6.3. RfCytB shared homology features with similar molecules from other teleost and vertebrate species, and was clustered with Cystatin family 1 in our phylogenetic reconstruction. RfCytB was ubiquitously expressed in all tissue types of healthy animals, with the highest levels of expression observed in gill and spleen. Temporal expression of RfCytB displayed significant up-regulation upon infection with Aeromonas salmonicida. Recombinantly expressed RfCytB showed a concentration-dependent inhibitory activity towards papain, with a high thermal stability. Transient expression of RfCytB in LPS activated murine macrophages, thereby inducing the expression of genes related to pro-inflammatory conditions, such as iNOS and TNF α. These results provide evidence for its protease inhibitory and immunity relevant roles in hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- P D S U Wickramasinghe
- Department of Marine Life Sciences & Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province, 63243, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Colombo-03, Sri Lanka
| | - Hyukjae Kwon
- Department of Marine Life Sciences & Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province, 63243, Republic of Korea; Marine Science Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province, 63333, Republic of Korea
| | - Don Anushka Sandaruwan Elvitigala
- Dept. of Basic Science and Social Sciences for Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, University of Colombo, Thalapathpitiya, Nugegoda, 10250, Sri Lanka.
| | - Qiang Wan
- Department of Marine Life Sciences & Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province, 63243, Republic of Korea; Marine Science Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province, 63333, Republic of Korea
| | - Jehee Lee
- Department of Marine Life Sciences & Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province, 63243, Republic of Korea; Marine Science Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province, 63333, Republic of Korea.
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Is pallial mucus involved in Ostrea edulis defenses against the parasite Bonamia ostreae? J Invertebr Pathol 2019; 169:107259. [PMID: 31805287 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2019.107259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Bonamia ostreae is an intrahemocytic parasite that has been responsible for severe mortalities in the flat oyster Ostrea edulis since the 1970́s. The Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas is considered to be resistant to the disease and appears to have mechanisms to avoid infection. Most studies carried out on the invertebrate immune system focus on the role of hemolymph, although mucus, which covers the body surface of molluscs, could also act as a barrier against pathogens. In this study, the in vitro effect of mucus from the oyster species Ostrea edulis and C. gigas on B. ostreae was investigated using flow cytometry. Results showed an increase in esterase activities and mortality rate of parasites exposed to mucus from both oyster species. In order to better understand the potential role of mucus in the defense of the oyster against parasites such as B. ostreae, liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry were used to describe and compare mucus protein composition from both species. In all oyster species, pallial mucus contains a high level of proteins; however, O. edulis mucus produced a variety of proteins that could be involved in the immune response against the parasite, including Cu/Zn extracellular superoxide dismutase, thioxiredoxin, peroxiredon VI, heat shock protein 90 as well as several hydrolases. Conversely, a different set of antioxidant proteins, hydrolases and stress related proteins were identified in mucus from C. gigas. Our results suggest an innate immunity adaptation of oysters to develop a specific response against their respective pathogens. The mucosal protein composition also provides new insights for further investigations into the immune response in oysters.
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Leprêtre M, Almunia C, Armengaud J, Salvador A, Geffard A, Palos-Ladeiro M. The immune system of the freshwater zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, decrypted by proteogenomics of hemocytes and plasma compartments. J Proteomics 2019; 202:103366. [PMID: 31015035 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2019.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The immune system of bivalves is of great interest since it reflects the health status of these organisms during stressful conditions. While immune molecular responses are well documented for marine bivalves, few information is available for continental bivalves such as the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha. A proteogenomic approach was conducted on both hemocytes and plasma to identified immune proteins of this non-model species. Combining transcriptomic sequences with mass spectrometry data acquired on proteins is a relevant strategy since 3020 proteins were identified, representing the largest protein inventory for this sentinel organism. Functional annotation and gene ontology (GO) analysis performed on the identified proteins described the main molecular players of hemocytes and plasma in immunity. GO analysis highlights the complementary immune functions of these two compartments in the management of micro-organisms. Functional annotation revealed new mechanisms in the immune defence of the zebra mussel. Proteins rarely observed in the hemolymph of bivalves were pinpointed such as natterin-like and thaumatin-like proteins. Furthermore, the high abundance of complement-related proteins observed in plasma suggested a strong implication of the complement system in the immune defence of D. polymorpha. This work brings a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in zebra mussel immunity. SIGNIFICANCE: Although the molecular mechanisms of marine bivalves are widely investigated, little information is known for continental bivalves. Moreover, few proteomic studies described the complementarity of both hemolymphatic compartments (cellular and plasmatic) in the immune defence of invertebrates. The recent proteogenomics concept made it possible to discover proteins in non-model organisms. Here, we propose a proteogenomic strategy with the zebra mussel, a key sentinel species for biomonitoring of freshwater, to identify and describe the molecular actors involved in the immune system in both hemocytes and plasma compartments. More widely, this study provided new insight into bivalve immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Leprêtre
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne UMR-I 02 INERIS-URCA-ULH SEBIO Unité Stress Environnementaux et, BIOsurveillance des milieux aquatiques, UFR Sciences Exactes et Naturelles, Campus du Moulin de la Housse, BP 1039 51687, Reims, CEDEX, France; Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Institut des Sciences Analytiques, CNRS UMR 5280, F-69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Christine Almunia
- Laboratoire Innovations Technologiques pour la Détection et le Diagnostic (Li2D), Service de Pharmacologie et Immunoanalyse (SPI), CEA, INRA, F-30207 Bagnols-sur-Cèze, France
| | - Jean Armengaud
- Laboratoire Innovations Technologiques pour la Détection et le Diagnostic (Li2D), Service de Pharmacologie et Immunoanalyse (SPI), CEA, INRA, F-30207 Bagnols-sur-Cèze, France
| | - Arnaud Salvador
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Institut des Sciences Analytiques, CNRS UMR 5280, F-69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Alain Geffard
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne UMR-I 02 INERIS-URCA-ULH SEBIO Unité Stress Environnementaux et, BIOsurveillance des milieux aquatiques, UFR Sciences Exactes et Naturelles, Campus du Moulin de la Housse, BP 1039 51687, Reims, CEDEX, France
| | - Mélissa Palos-Ladeiro
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne UMR-I 02 INERIS-URCA-ULH SEBIO Unité Stress Environnementaux et, BIOsurveillance des milieux aquatiques, UFR Sciences Exactes et Naturelles, Campus du Moulin de la Housse, BP 1039 51687, Reims, CEDEX, France.
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The Anti-Angiogenic Activity of a Cystatin F Homologue from the Buccal Glands of Lampetra morii. Mar Drugs 2018; 16:md16120477. [PMID: 30501116 PMCID: PMC6316161 DOI: 10.3390/md16120477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystatins are a family of cysteine protease inhibitors which are associated with a variety of physiological and pathological processes in vivo. In the present study, the cDNA sequence of a cystatin F homologue called Lm-cystatin F was cloned from the buccal glands of Lampetra morii. Although Lm-cystatin F shares a lower homology with cystatin superfamily members, it is also composed of a signal peptide and three highly conserved motifs, including the G in the N-terminal, QXVXG, as well as the PW in the C-terminal of the sequence. After sequence optimization and recombination, the recombinant protein was expressed as a soluble protein in Escherichia coli with a molecular weight of 19.85 kDa. Through affinity chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis, the purified protein was identified as a recombinant Lm-cystatin F (rLm-cystatin F). Additionally, rLm-cystatin F could inhibit the activity of papain. Based on MTT assay, rLm-cystatin F inhibited the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) dose dependently with an IC50 of 5 μM. In vitro studies show that rLm-cystatin F suppressed the adhesion, migration, invasion, and tube formation of HUVECs, suggesting that rLm-cystatin F possesses anti-angiogenic activity, which provides information on the feeding mechanisms of Lampetra morii and insights into the application of rLm-cystatin F as a potential drug in the future.
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Mao F, Lin Y, He Z, Li J, Xiang Z, Zhang Y, Yu Z. Dual roles of cystatin A in the immune defense of the pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 75:190-197. [PMID: 29407615 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2018.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Cystatins are a large family of the proteins that function as reversible and tight-binding inhibitors of cysteine proteases, which consequently regulate multiple physiological activities including apoptosis and innate immunity. In the present study, we cloned a gene from Crassostrea gigas encoding cystatin, which is related to cystatin A superfamily. CgCytA was comprised of a cystatin-like domain with two conserved glycine residues (GG) near the N-terminal and a highly conserved glutamine-valine-glycine (Q-X-V-X-G) motif in the form of QVVAG loop. Transcription analysis of CgCytA indicated its constitutive expression in all tissues including mantle, gill, digestive tract, hemocytes, heart, adductor muscle, and gonads. Immune challenge with Vibrio alginolyticus, resulted in significant down-regulation of CgCytA expression at the initial stages of infection (till 12 h post infection) and the expression of cystatin increased 48 h post infection. Protease assay demonstrated the concentration of cystatin needed to inhibit half of the maximum biological response of cysteine protease is 14.4 μg/L (IC50). Furthermore, RNAi of CgCytA resulted in increase of apoptotic cell population in hemocytes of C. gigas, suggesting protection role of CgCytA from hemocytes apoptosis. Unexpectedly, knockdown of CgCytA leaded to enhancement of bacterial clearance in vivo, implying that CgCytA may negatively regulate immune defense by suppressing endogenous cysteine protease. Therefore, CgCytA plays dual roles in protection of host hemocytes from apoptosis and control of bacterial clearance, which may server as one of key endogenous balancer between apoptosis and innate immunity in oyster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Mao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Science, Guangzhou 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yue Lin
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Science, Guangzhou 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhiying He
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Science, Guangzhou 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jun Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Science, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Zhiming Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Science, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Science, Guangzhou 510301, China.
| | - Ziniu Yu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Science, Guangzhou 510301, China.
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Park SY, Jeong MS, Park SA, Ha SC, Na BK, Jang SB. Structural basis of the cystein protease inhibitor Clonorchis sinensis Stefin-1. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 498:9-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.02.196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Schultz JH, Adema CM. Comparative immunogenomics of molluscs. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 75:3-15. [PMID: 28322934 PMCID: PMC5494275 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2017.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Comparative immunology, studying both vertebrates and invertebrates, provided the earliest descriptions of phagocytosis as a general immune mechanism. However, the large scale of animal diversity challenges all-inclusive investigations and the field of immunology has developed by mostly emphasizing study of a few vertebrate species. In addressing the lack of comprehensive understanding of animal immunity, especially that of invertebrates, comparative immunology helps toward management of invertebrates that are food sources, agricultural pests, pathogens, or transmit diseases, and helps interpret the evolution of animal immunity. Initial studies showed that the Mollusca (second largest animal phylum), and invertebrates in general, possess innate defenses but lack the lymphocytic immune system that characterizes vertebrate immunology. Recognizing the reality of both common and taxon-specific immune features, and applying up-to-date cell and molecular research capabilities, in-depth studies of a select number of bivalve and gastropod species continue to reveal novel aspects of molluscan immunity. The genomics era heralded a new stage of comparative immunology; large-scale efforts yielded an initial set of full molluscan genome sequences that is available for analyses of full complements of immune genes and regulatory sequences. Next-generation sequencing (NGS), due to lower cost and effort required, allows individual researchers to generate large sequence datasets for growing numbers of molluscs. RNAseq provides expression profiles that enable discovery of immune genes and genome sequences reveal distribution and diversity of immune factors across molluscan phylogeny. Although computational de novo sequence assembly will benefit from continued development and automated annotation may require some experimental validation, NGS is a powerful tool for comparative immunology, especially increasing coverage of the extensive molluscan diversity. To date, immunogenomics revealed new levels of complexity of molluscan defense by indicating sequence heterogeneity in individual snails and bivalves, and members of expanded immune gene families are expressed differentially to generate pathogen-specific defense responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan H Schultz
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Coen M Adema
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
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Bathige SDNK, Umasuthan N, Jayasinghe JDHE, Godahewa GI, Park HC, Lee J. Three novel C1q domain containing proteins from the disk abalone Haliotis discus discus: Genomic organization and analysis of the transcriptional changes in response to bacterial pathogens. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 56:181-187. [PMID: 27417231 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2016.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The globular C1q (gC1q) domain containing proteins, commonly referred as C1q domain containing (C1qDC) proteins, are an essential family of proteins involved in various innate immune responses. In this study, three novel C1qDC proteins were identified from the disk abalone (Haliotis discus discus) transcriptome database and designated as AbC1qDC1, AbC1qDC2, and AbC1qDC3. The cDNA sequences of AbC1qDC1, AbC1qDC2, and AbC1qDC3 consisted of 807, 1305, and 660 bp open reading frames (ORFs) encoding 269, 435, and 220 amino acids (aa), respectively. Putative signal peptides and the N-terminal gC1q domain were identified in all three AbC1qDC proteins. An additional predicted motif region, known as the coiled coil region (CCR), was identified next to the signal sequence of AbC1qDC2. The genomic organization of the AbC1qDCs was determined using a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library. It was found that the CDS of AbC1qDC1 was distributed among three exons, while the CDSs of AbC1qDC2 and AbC1qDC3 were distributed between two exons. Sequence analysis indicated that the AbC1qDC proteins shared <40% identity with other counterparts from different species. According to the neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree, the proteins were grouped within an invertebrate group with high evolutionary distances, which suggests that they are new members of the C1qDC family. Higher expression of AbC1qDC1 and AbC1qDC2 was detected in hepatopancreas, muscle, and mantle tissues compare to the other tissues analyzed, using reverse transcription, followed by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) using SYBR Green, whereas AbC1qDC3 was predominantly expressed in gill tissues, followed by muscles and the hepatopancreas. The temporal expression of AbC1qDC transcripts in gills after bacterial (Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Listeria monocytogenes) and lipopolysaccharide stimulation indicated that AbC1qDCs can be strongly induced by both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial species with different response profiles. The results of this study suggest that AbC1qDCs are involved in immune responses against invading bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D N K Bathige
- Department of Marine Life Sciences & Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province, 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Navaneethaiyer Umasuthan
- Department of Marine Life Sciences & Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province, 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - J D H E Jayasinghe
- Department of Marine Life Sciences & Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province, 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - G I Godahewa
- Department of Marine Life Sciences & Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province, 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Chul Park
- Graduate School of Medicine, Korea University, Ansan, Gyeonggido, 15355, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jehee Lee
- Department of Marine Life Sciences & Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province, 63243, Republic of Korea.
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Nam BH, Jung M, Subramaniyam S, Yoo SI, Markkandan K, Moon JY, Kim YO, Kim DG, An CM, Shin Y, Jung HJ, Park JH. Transcriptome Analysis Revealed Changes of Multiple Genes Involved in Haliotis discus hannai Innate Immunity during Vibrio parahemolyticus Infection. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0153474. [PMID: 27088873 PMCID: PMC4835058 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) is one of the most valuable marine aquatic species in Korea, Japan and China. Tremendous exposure to bacterial infection is common in aquaculture environment, especially by Vibrio sp. infections. It’s therefore necessary and urgent to understand the mechanism of H. discus hannai host defense against Vibrio parahemolyticus infection. However studies on its immune system are hindered by the lack of genomic resources. In the present study, we sequenced the transcriptome of control and bacterial challenged H. discus hannai tissues. Totally, 138 MB of reference transcriptome were obtained from de novo assembly of 34 GB clean bases from ten different libraries and annotated with the biological terms (GO and KEGG). A total of 10,575 transcripts exhibiting the differentially expression at least one pair of comparison and the functional annotations highlight genes related to immune response, cell adhesion, immune regulators, redox molecules and mitochondrial coding genes. Mostly, these groups of genes were dominated in hemocytes compared to other tissues. This work is a prerequisite for the identification of those physiological traits controlling H. discus hannai ability to survive against Vibrio infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Hye Nam
- Biotechnology Research Division, Aquaculture Industry Department, National Fisheries Research and Development Institute, Busan 619–902, Republic of Korea
| | - Myunghee Jung
- Codes division, Insilicogen Inc., Suwon 441–813, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Seung-il Yoo
- Codes division, Insilicogen Inc., Suwon 441–813, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Kesavan Markkandan
- Codes division, Insilicogen Inc., Suwon 441–813, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Young Moon
- Biotechnology Research Division, Aquaculture Industry Department, National Fisheries Research and Development Institute, Busan 619–902, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Ok Kim
- Biotechnology Research Division, Aquaculture Industry Department, National Fisheries Research and Development Institute, Busan 619–902, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Gyun Kim
- Biotechnology Research Division, Aquaculture Industry Department, National Fisheries Research and Development Institute, Busan 619–902, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheul Min An
- Biotechnology Research Division, Aquaculture Industry Department, National Fisheries Research and Development Institute, Busan 619–902, Republic of Korea
| | - Younhee Shin
- Codes division, Insilicogen Inc., Suwon 441–813, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-jin Jung
- Codes division, Insilicogen Inc., Suwon 441–813, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-hyung Park
- Codes division, Insilicogen Inc., Suwon 441–813, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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Ding J, Li L, Zhang G. Structural characterization and expression analysis of a novel cysteine protease inhibitor from Haliotis discus hannai Ino. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 42:379-383. [PMID: 25463299 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2014.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Revised: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The sequence of the cysteine protease inhibitor gene of Haliotis discus hannai (designated HdCpi) was determined using the RACE method. The full-length HdCpi cDNA is 1049 bp long, and contains an open reading frame of 813 bp, encoding a 271-amino-acid protein with a calculated molecular mass of 29.83 kDa and an isoelectric point of 8.57. The deduced amino acid sequence of HdCpi contains two cystatin-like domains, and each has the structural features of the cystatin family, including three evolutionarily conserved motifs known to interact with the active sites of cysteine peptidases: the Gly residue at the N-terminus (Gly(65) and Gly(160)), the Gln-X-Val-X-Gly motif (Q(106)IVSG(110) and Q(202)VVAG(206)), and the less conserved motif at the C-terminus (S(136)W(137) and A(254)W(255)). Many putative transcription-factor-binding sites involved in the immune system and cancer occur in the promoter region of HdCpi. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR detected HdCpi expression in all the tissues examined and in the gills of abalone challenged with the bacterium Vibrio anguillarum. HdCpi transcripts were expressed in the mantle, gill, digestive tract, hemocytes, and muscle, and increased HdCpi expression was observed after bacterial stimulation. These results suggest that HdCpi is a biologically active protease inhibitor that is likely to be involved in the antibacterial response of the abalone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Li Li
- Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Guofan Zhang
- Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
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Bathige SDNK, Umasuthan N, Whang I, Lim BS, Won SH, Lee J. Antibacterial activity and immune responses of a molluscan macrophage expressed gene-1 from disk abalone, Haliotis discus discus. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 39:263-272. [PMID: 24852343 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2014.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Revised: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The membrane-attack complex/perforin (MACPF) domain-containing proteins play an important role in the innate immune response against invading microbial pathogens. In the current study, a member of the MACPF domain-containing proteins, macrophage expressed gene-1 (MPEG1) encoding 730 amino acids with the theoretical molecular mass of 79.6 kDa and an isoelectric point (pI) of 6.49 was characterized from disk abalone Haliotis discus discus (AbMPEG1). We found that the characteristic MACPF domain (Val(131)-Tyr(348)) and transmembrane segment (Ala(669)-Ile(691)) of AbMPEG1 are located in the N- and C-terminal ends of the protein, respectively. Ortholog comparison revealed that AbMPEG1 has the highest sequence identity with its pink abalone counterpart, while sequences identities of greater than 90% were observed with MPEG1 members from other abalone species. Likewise, the furin cleavage site KRRRK was highly conserved in all abalone species, but not in other species investigated. We identified an intron-less genomic sequence within disk abalone AbMPEG1, which was similar to other mammalian, avian, and reptilian counterparts. Transcription factor binding sites, which are important for immune responses, were identified in the 5'-flanking region of AbMPEG1. qPCR revealed AbMPEG1 transcripts are present in every tissues examined, with the highest expression level occurring in mantle tissue. Significant up-regulation of AbMPEG1 transcript levels was observed in hemocytes and gill tissues following challenges with pathogens (Vibrio parahemolyticus, Listeria monocytogenes and viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus) as well as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs: lipopolysaccharides and poly I:C immunostimulant). Finally, the antibacterial activity of the MACPF domain was characterized against Gram-negative and -positive bacteria using a recombinant peptide. Taken together, these results indicate that the biological significance of the AbMPEG1 gene includes a role in protecting disk abalone through the ability of AbMPEG1 to initiate an innate immune response upon pathogen invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D N K Bathige
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, School of Marine Biomedical Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea; Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Navaneethaiyer Umasuthan
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, School of Marine Biomedical Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea; Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Ilson Whang
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, School of Marine Biomedical Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea; Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong-Soo Lim
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, School of Marine Biomedical Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea; Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hwan Won
- Ocean and Fisheries Research Institute, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province 699-915, Republic of Korea
| | - Jehee Lee
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, School of Marine Biomedical Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea; Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea.
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Bathige SDNK, Umasuthan N, Whang I, Lim BS, Jung HB, Lee J. Evidences for the involvement of an invertebrate goose-type lysozyme in disk abalone immunity: cloning, expression analysis and antimicrobial activity. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 35:1369-1379. [PMID: 23973847 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2013.07.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Revised: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Lysozymes are ubiquitously distributed enzymes with hydrolytic activity against bacterial peptidoglycan and function to protect organisms from microbial pathogens. In this study, an invertebrate goose-type lysozyme, designated as abLysG, was identified in the disk abalone, Haliotis discus discus. The full-length cDNA of abLysG was 894 bp in length with an open reading frame of 789 bp encoding a polypeptide of 263 amino acids containing a signal peptide and a characteristic soluble lytic transglycosylase domain. Six cysteine residues and two catalytic residues (Glu(142) and Asp(168)) conserved among molluscs were also identified. The 3D homology structural models of abLysG and hen egg white lysozyme had similar conformations of the active sites involved in the binding of substrate. BAC sequence data revealed that the genomic structure of disk abalone g-type lysozyme comprises 7 exons with 6 intervening introns. The deduced amino acid sequence of abLysG shared 45.2-61.6% similarity with those of other molluscs and vertebrates. The TFSEARCH server predicted a variety of transcription factor-binding sites in the 5'-flanking region of the abLysG gene, some of which are involved in transcriptional regulation of the lysozyme gene. abLysG expression was detected in multiple tissues with the highest expression in mantle. Moreover, qPCR analysis of abLysG mRNA expression demonstrated significant up-regulation in gill in response to infection by live bacteria (Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Listeria monocytogenes), virus (viral hemorrhagic septicemia) and bacterial mimics (LPS and PGN). Expression of the recombinant disk abalone g-type lysozyme in Escherichia coli BL21, demonstrated its bacteriolytic activity against several Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial species. Collectively these data suggest that abLysG is an antimicrobial enzyme with a potential role in the disk abalone innate immune system to protect it from bacterial and viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D N K Bathige
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, School of Marine Biomedical Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea
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Bathige SDNK, Umasuthan N, Kasthuri SR, Whang I, Lim BS, Nam BH, Lee J. A bifunctional invertebrate-type lysozyme from the disk abalone, Haliotis discus discus: genome organization, transcriptional profiling and biological activities of recombinant protein. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 41:282-94. [PMID: 23796790 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2013.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Revised: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 06/16/2013] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Lysozyme is an important enzyme in the innate immune system that plays a vital role in fighting microbial infections. In the current study, we identified, cloned, and characterized a gene that encodes an invertebrate-type lysozyme from the disk abalone, Haliotis discus discus (abLysI). The full-length cDNA of abLysI consisted of 545 bp with an open reading frame of 393 bp that encodes 131 amino acids. The theoretical molecular mass of mature abLysI was 12.3 kDa with an isoelectric point of 8.03. Conserved features in other homologs, such as catalytic sites for lytic activity (Glu(30) and Asp(41)), isopeptidase activity (His(107)), and ten cysteine residues were identified in abLysI. Genomic sequence analysis with respect to its cDNA showed that abLysI was organized into four exons interrupted by three introns. Several immune-related transcription factor binding sites were discovered in the putative promoter region. Homology and phylogeny analysis of abLysI depicted high identity and closer proximity, respectively, with an annelid i-type lysozyme from Hirudo medicinalis, and indicated that abLysI is a novel molluscan i-type lysozyme. Tissue-specific expressional studies revealed that abLysI is mainly transcribed in hepatopancreas followed by mantle. In addition, abLysI mRNA expression was induced following bacterial (Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Listeria monocytogenes) and viral (viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus) challenges. Recombinantly expressed abLysI [(r)abLysI] demonstrated strong lytic activity against Micrococcus lysodeikticus, isopeptidase activity, and antibacterial activity against several Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Moreover, (r)abLysI showed optimum lytic activity at pH 4.0 and 60 °C, while exhibiting optimum isopeptidase activity at pH 7.0. Taken together, these results indicate that abLysI is potentially involved in immune responses of the disk abalone to protect it from invaders.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D N K Bathige
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, School of Marine Biomedical Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea
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Premachandra HKA, Elvitigala DAS, Whang I, Kim E, De Zoysa M, Lim BS, Yeo SY, Kim S, Park MA, Park HC, Lee J. Expression profile of cystatin B ortholog from Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) in host pathology with respect to its structural and functional properties. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 34:1505-1513. [PMID: 23528873 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2013.03.349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Revised: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Cystatins are a well-characterized group of cysteine protease inhibitors, which play crucial roles in physiology and immunity. In the present study, an invertebrate ortholog of cystatin B was identified in Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) (RpCytB) and characterized at the molecular level, demonstrating its inhibitory activity against the well-known cysteine protease, papain. The complete coding sequence of RpCytB (297 bp in length) encodes a 99 amino acid peptide with a calculated molecular mass of 11 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point of 5.9. The derived peptide was found to harbor typical features of cystatin proteins, including the 'Q-X-V-X-G' motif, which was identified as QLVAG in RpCytB. Phylogenetic analysis of RpCytB revealed close evolutionary relationships with its invertebrate counterparts, especially those from mollusks. Recombinant RpCytB (rRpCytB) was overexpressed as a fusion with maltose binding protein (MBP) in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cells. Purified rRpCytB fusion protein exhibited a detectable inhibitory activity against papain, while the control MBP showed an almost constant negligible activity. While quantitative RT-PCR detected ubiquitous RpCytB expression in all tissues examined, the expressions in hemocytes and gills were relatively higher. Upon in vivo immune challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the expression of RpCytB in gills and hemocytes was down-regulated. Similar challenges with poly I:C and intact Vibrio tapetis bacteria revealed a complicated transcriptional regulation, wherein mRNA expression levels fluctuated over time of exposure. Moreover, a precise induction of RpCytB expression after bacterial infection was detected in gills by in situ hybridization. Collectively, our findings in this study indicate that RpCytB expression is sensitive to host pathological conditions and may contribute cysteine protease inhibitory activity to modulate the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- H K A Premachandra
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, School of Marine Biomedical Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea
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