Molecular cloning, expression and evolution of the Japanese flounder goose-type lysozyme gene, and the lytic activity of its recombinant protein

The Interplay of TLR-NFκB Signalling Pathway and Functional Immune-Related Enzymes in the Inflammatory Response of Ciona robusta

The close phylogenetic relationship between ascidians (Tunicata) and vertebrates makes them a powerful model for studying the innate immune system. To better understand the nature and dynamics of immune responses and the mechanisms through which bacterial infections are detected and translated into inflammation in Ciona robusta, we applied an approach combining in vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, immune-labelling techniques and functional enzymatic analyses. The immunohistochemistry showed that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) were expressed during the inflammatory pharynx response 4 h post-LPS, with the formation of nodules in pharynx vessel lumen. Also, the endothelium vessels were involved in the inflammatory response. Observations of histological sections from naive and buffer-inoculated ascidians confirmed an immuno-positive response. Enzyme immune parameters-which included the activity of phenoloxidase, glutathione peroxidase, lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase and esterase-showed up-modulation 4 h after LPS injection, confirming their participation during ascidian inflammatory response. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying the LPS-induced C. robusta response and suggest that a broad innate immune mechanism, as in vertebrates, is involved in the regulation of inflammatory responses. Further findings in this direction are needed to cover knowledge gaps regarding the organized set of molecular and cellular networks involved in universal immune interactions with pathogens.

Uncovering the antimicrobial activity of G-type lysozyme 2 derived from Cyprinus carpio mucus against bacterial and fungal pathogens

This study aimed to explore the antimicrobic potential of mucus samples collected from Cyprinus carpio and identify the specific antimicrobial peptides responsible for its activity. The crude extract was tested against various bacterial and fungal pathogens, and its protein content and profile were analyzed. Purification steps, including gel filtration chromatography, were employed to isolate the most active fraction (peak IV), which was further identified via liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy. The results revealed varying degrees of antimicrobial activity of the crude extract against different bacterial and fungal strains, with Leclercia adecarboxylata, Candida glabrata, and Candida parapsilosis showing the highest susceptibility. SDS-PAGE analysis demonstrated the existence of multiple low molecular weight protein bands in the crude extract, while fraction IV obtained from gel filtration chromatography exhibited the strongest antimicrobial activity. Peak IV displayed a range of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values against the tested pathogens, spanning from 0.038 to 4.960 mg/mL. Further investigation identified the purified peptide derived from peak IV as G-type lysozyme 2, characterized by a molecular weight of 21 kDa. These findings shed light on the existence of a highly effective antimicrobial peptide, G-type lysozyme 2, within the mucus of Cyprinus carpio. This peptide demonstrates notable activity against diverse bacterial and fungal pathogens. The insights from this study enhance our understanding of the fish's antimicrobial defense mechanisms and hold promise for developing novel antimicrobial agents.

Expression Profiles of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Lysozymes and Preparation of c-Type Lysozyme with High Bacteriolytic Activity against Vibrio vulnificus

Lysozyme is a crucial component of the host's innate immune system. Due to its natural non-toxic and harmless characteristics, lysozyme is considered to be an ideal antibiotic substitute. In this study, we analyzed the expression profiles of lysozymes from zebrafish (Danio rerio) in uninfected or V. vulnificus-infected tissues using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Furthermore, lysozymes that might be involved in the defense against V. vulnificus were selected for over-expression, and the antibacterial activity of over-expressed lysozyme proteins were evaluated using V. vulnificus. The results showed that three types of zebrafish lysozyme, i.e., c-type lysozyme (DrLysC), g1-type lysozyme (DrLysG1), and g2-type lysozyme (DrLysG2), were identified, and V. vulnificus infection significantly changed the expression levels of DrLysC and DrLysG1. Then, DrLysC and DrLysG1 were over-expressed in E. coli, and the purified recombinant DrLysC (rDrLysC) showed more potent antibacterial activity against V. vulnificus. This finding lays the foundation for further application of rDrLysC to treat V. vulnificus infection.

Assessment of Some Heavy Metals and Their Relationship with Oxidative Stress and Immunological Parameters in Aquatic Animal Species

Heavy metal accumulation changes the immune system and leads to oxidative damage in aquatic animals. The present study evaluated the correlation between heavy metal accumulation, with immunological and oxidative stress parameters, in various species in the aquatic environment of Western Iran. Fresh samples included fish (trout and carp) and shrimp obtained from Sanandaj aquaculture. After blood sampling and serum isolation for immunological study, meat sections of these animals were used to measure heavy metal concentrations to determine the oxidative stress and immunological parameters. The highest concentrations of Pb (0.82 ± 0.10), As (0.53 ± 0.18), Hg (0.47 ± 0.08), and Zn (28.77 ± 1.88) (µg/g) were found in trout, while the lowest accumulation of heavy metals except for Cd (0.24 ± 0.11) and Se (1.57 ± 0.42) (µg/g) were observed in shrimp. The antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (1.89 ± 0.13) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (1.96 ± 0.62) U/mg showed the highest concentrations in shrimp and lowest in the trout. Significant negative correlations were found between these enzymes with As and Pb in trout and carp. A significant positive correlation was determined between Se and Zn with GPx and a negative correlation with malondialdehyde (MDA) in shrimp. Immunological biomarkers indicated the concentrations of IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-Ƴ were higher in fish than in shrimp, and the lowest IgM level was obtained in Shrimp. Increased Pb and Cd showed a significant relationship with increased IL-6 and TNF-α in trout compared to shrimp and carp. An increase in As and Se concentration beyound maximum permissible limits (MPL) were recorded in fish and shrimp, while a Zn level less than MPL was recorded. The target hazard quotients (THQ) and target cancer risk (TR) values of non-essential heavy metals were obtained under acceptable ranges. We suggest reducing the As and Pb content under aquaculture farms and increase in the amount of Zn through diets to keep healthy immunological and physiological conditions for aquatic species in the west of Iran.

Lysozyme and Its Application as Antibacterial Agent in Food Industry

Lysozymes are hydrolytic enzymes characterized by their ability to cleave the β-(1,4)-glycosidic bonds in peptidoglycan, a major structural component of the bacterial cell wall. This hydrolysis action compromises the integrity of the cell wall, causing the lysis of bacteria. For more than 80 years, its role of antibacterial defense in animals has been renowned, and it is also used as a preservative in foods and pharmaceuticals. In order to improve the antimicrobial efficacy of lysozyme, extensive research has been intended for its modifications. This manuscript reviews the natural antibiotic compound lysozyme with reference to its catalytic and non-catalytic mode of antibacterial action, lysozyme types, susceptibility and resistance of bacteria, modification of lysozyme molecules, and its applications in the food industry.

Chicken-type lysozyme is a major bacteriolytic enzyme in the blood of the banded houndshark Triakis scyllium

We examined lysozyme activities in the serum and the leukocyte extracts of the banded houndshark Triakis scyllium. The serum exhibited lytic activity, but not the leukocyte extracts. The lytic substance in the serum was of approximately 14 kDa and the N-terminal amino acid sequence was YVYSK. cDNA cloning identified a C-type lysozyme (TsLysC) gene and two G-type lysozyme (TsLysG) cDNA clones of different lengths. The TsLysC gene encodes 149 amino acids residues, and the sequence derived from the N-terminal amino acid sequencing was displayed at position 17-21. TsLysG, on the other hand, contains two ORFs that are homologous to the N- and C-terminal regions of G-type lysozyme of other fish species. TsLysC mRNA levels were high in the liver. TsLysG mRNA level was significantly lower than TsLysC mRNA in the liver.

Molecular characterization and antibacterial activities of a goose-type lysozyme gene from roughskin sculpin (Trachidermus fasciatus)

Lysozymes, acting as antimicrobial molecules, play a vital role in the host's innate immune response to pathogen infections. In the present study, a g-type lysozyme gene termed Tf-LyzG from roughskin sculpin, Trachidermus fasciatus was firstly reported. The deduced amino acid sequence of Tf-LyzG contained 188 residues and possessed conserved catalytic residues (Glu⁷¹, Asp⁸⁴, and Asp⁹⁵). Gene expression analysis revealed that Tf-LyzG was widely distributed in the tested eleven tissues with the highest expression in the gill and could be significantly induced post lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. The lysozyme activity of the purified recombinant protein (rTf-LyzG) was found to be most active at pH 5.5 and 37 °C. rTf-LyzG exhibited a wide spectrum of potent bacteriolytic activity against four Gram-positive bacteria and six Gram-negative bacteria. It also displayed a high affinity to polysaccharides on bacteria surfaces including LPS, lipoteichoic acid (LTA), and peptidoglycan (PGN). rTf-LyzG was capable of binding and agglutinating all nine bacteria. Flow cytometry assay further revealed that rTf-LyzG could disrupt the membrane of Micrococcus lysodeikticus which is confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis that reveals blebs around the bacterial cell membrane. In summary, these data indicate that Tf-LyzG is of great importance in the fish immune response against pathogens invasion.

Inhibition of lysozyme lytic activity by Ivy derived from Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida

A pseudotuberculosis pathogen, Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida (Pdp), has caused enormous economic damage to yellowtail aquaculture in Japan. The Ivy gene has been discovered in plasmid of Pdp, and it has been proposed that it may help bacteria evade lysozyme-mediated lysis during interaction with an animal host. However, the lysozyme-inhibiting activity of Pdp-derived Ivy (Ivy-Pdp) is unknown, and it is unclear whether it acts as a virulence factor for host biophylaxis. In this study, the inhibitory effect of Ivy-Pdp on lysozyme was evaluated by expressing and purifying the recombinant Ivy-Pdp protein (rIvy-Pdp). The rIvy-Pdp protein inhibited hen egg white lysozyme activity in an rIvy-Pdp-concentration-dependent manner, and its inhibitory effect was similar under different temperature and pH conditions. The serum and skin mucus of the yellowtail (which is the host species of Pdp), Japanese flounder, and Nile tilapia showed bacteriolytic activity. In contrast, the addition of rIvy-Pdp inhibited the lytic activity in the serum of these fish species. In particular, it significantly inhibited lytic activity in the serum and skin mucus of Nile tilapia. On the basis of these results, we suggest that Ivy-Pdp is a temperature- and pH-stable lysozyme inhibitor. Additionally, Ivy-Pdp inhibited the lytic activity of lysozyme, which is involved in host biophylaxis. In summary, we inferred that Ivy-Pdp is an important factor that diminishes the sterilization ability of C-type lysozyme when Pdp infects the host.

Lysozymes in Fish

In recent years, the deterioration of the aquaculture ecological environment has led to a high incidence of fish diseases. Lysozymes, important antimicrobial enzymes, play an important role in the innate immune system of fish. The studies of fish lysozymes benefit the control of fish infections caused by pathogens. In this review, we reviewed recent progress in fish lysozymes, including their classification, structural characteristics, biological functions and mechanisms, tissue distributions, and properties of their recombinant proteins, which will help us to systematically understand the fish lysozymes and facilitate their applications in the fields of food and agriculture.

Effect of chrysophanic acid on immune response and immune genes transcriptomic profile in Catla catla against Aeromonas hydrophila

The effect of chrysophanic acid (CA) (2, 4, and 8 mg kg-1) on the immunity and immune-related gene profile of Catla catla against Aeromonas hydrophila is reported. In both control and treated groups fed with 2 mg kg-1 (2 CA), the phagocytosis, hemolytic, myeloperoxidase content, and superoxide anion production decreased significantly between 6th and 8th weeks, whereas when fed with 4 mg kg-1 CA (4 CA) the H2O2 production and nitric oxide synthase increased significantly between 4th and 8th week. When fed with 2 CA and 4 CA diets, the total protein, bactericidal, and antibody titer increased significantly from the 4th week onwards. When fed with 2 CA, the IL-1β and IL-10 mRNA expression of head kidney leucocytes were significant between weeks 6 and 8. The expressions of toll-like receptors significantly increased when fed with a 4 CA diet from 4th week onwards. The 4 CA group significantly increased in TNF-α, TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (NOD), which influences protein expression, after the 4th week. The mRNA transcription of MHCI, lysozyme-chicken and goose type expressions significantly increased in 4 CA group within the 4th week. In summary, the dietary administration of 4 mg kg-1 of CA (4 CA) provides better immunity and enhances the up-regulation of immune-related genes in Catla against A. hydrophila.

Molecular cloning, expression analyses and functional characterization of a goose-type lysozyme gene from Bostrychus sinensis (family: Eleotridae)

In this study, we sequenced and characterized the goose-type lysozyme gene, termed as BsLysG, from the Chinese black sleeper (Bostrychus sinensis). The BsLysG encodes 196 amino acids and contains a soluble bacterial lytic transglycosylases domain, three catalytic residues (Glu⁷², Asp⁸⁵ and Asp¹⁰²) and the GLMQ motif (Gly⁹⁷, Leu⁹⁸, Met⁹⁹ and Gln¹⁰⁰). No signal peptide was observed in the BsLysG protein. The genomic DNA of BsLysG contains five exons and four introns. The sequence analyses showed that the BsLysG exhibits high similarity with LysG from other fishes. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the BsLysG is clustered together with its counterparts from other teleost fishes. The Real-time PCR analyses showed that the BsLysG was found to be ubiquitously expressed in ten examined organs in Chinese black sleeper, with predominant expression in spleen, followed by head kidney and peripheral blood. Expression analyses showed that the BsLysG was significantly upregulated in vivo after either pathogen Vibrio parahemolyticus infection or poly (I:C) challenge in peripheral blood, head kidney, liver and spleen organs. The purified recombinant BsLysG (rBsLysG) has optimal activity at 35 °C and pH 5.5. The rBsLysG exhibited antimicrobial activity against two Gram-positive bacteria (Micrococcus lysodeikticus and Staphylococcus aureus) and two Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and V. parahemolyticus). The Scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging analyses showed that the rBsLysG-treated V. parahemolyticus cells displayed morphological deformation. These results indicate that the BsLysG is involved in host immune defense against bacterial infection.

A Comparison of the Innate and Adaptive Immune Systems in Cartilaginous Fish, Ray-Finned Fish, and Lobe-Finned Fish

The immune system is composed of two subsystems-the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system. The innate immune system is the first to respond to pathogens and does not retain memory of previous responses. Innate immune responses are evolutionarily older than adaptive responses and elements of innate immunity can be found in all multicellular organisms. If a pathogen persists, the adaptive immune system will engage the pathogen with specificity and memory. Several components of the adaptive system including immunoglobulins (Igs), T cell receptors (TCR), and major histocompatibility complex (MHC), are assumed to have arisen in the first jawed vertebrates-the Gnathostomata. This review will discuss and compare components of both the innate and adaptive immune systems in Gnathostomes, particularly in Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fish) and in Osteichthyes [bony fish: the Actinopterygii (ray-finned fish) and the Sarcopterygii (lobe-finned fish)]. While many elements of both the innate and adaptive immune systems are conserved within these species and with higher level vertebrates, some elements have marked differences. Components of the innate immune system covered here include physical barriers, such as the skin and gastrointestinal tract, cellular components, such as pattern recognition receptors and immune cells including macrophages and neutrophils, and humoral components, such as the complement system. Components of the adaptive system covered include the fundamental cells and molecules of adaptive immunity: B lymphocytes (B cells), T lymphocytes (T cells), immunoglobulins (Igs), and major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Comparative studies in fish such as those discussed here are essential for developing a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of the immune system.

The bacteriolytic mechanism of an invertebrate-type lysozyme from mollusk Octopus ocellatus

As an important economic mollusk in coastal areas, Octopus ocellatus dependents on innate immune system to resist the invasion of microorganisms. Lysozyme is a crucial effector owing to its significant lytic activity against bacterial pathogens during the immune responses. In this study, characteristic and immune function of an I-type lysozyme from O. ocellatus (OoLyz) was investigated. OoLyz shared a close relationship with the lysozymes from other bivalve mollusks. The mRNA of OoLyz exhibited a broad transcript in different tissues/organs, and with the greatest expression in hepatopancreas. The expression of OoLyz was significantly raised when O. ocellatus was infected by Vibrio anguillarum or Micrococcus luteus, suggesting OoLyz participated in innate immune response of host. Prokaryotic recombinant OoLyz (rOoLyz) exhibited obvious bacteriolysis ability towards both gram-negative bacteria V. anguillarum and Escherichia coli, and gram-positive bacteria M. luteus and Staphylococcus aureus. The bacteriolysis activities of rOoLyz towards gram-negative but not gram-positive bacteria was heat stable, indicating that OoLyz might clear gram-positive bacterium by enzyme-dependent mechanisms, but eliminate gram-negative microbe via enzymatic activity independent way. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that rOoLyz destroyed microbes by damaging cell wall. More importantly, the fact that rOoLyz could directly degrade the peptidoglycan, further revealed its bactericidal mechanism as a muramidase. Our results revealed the essential role of I-type lysozyme in the innate immunity of O. ocellatus, and shed new light to understand the mechanism of immune defense of mollusks.

Identification and functional characterization of a g-type lysozyme gene of Labeo rohita, an Indian major carp species

Lysozyme, an important secretory innate immune component, possesses antimicrobial activity against broad spectrum of bacteria and viruses. In the present study, complete CDs (558 bps) of g-type lysozyme of rohu (Labeo rohita) was amplified and translated for a putative protein of 185 amino acids. The domain architecture and tertiary structure was also predicted for the protein. Its expression profile was studied in three infection models (bacteria: Aeromonas hydrophila, poly I:C, a dsRNA viral analogue and an ectoparasite: Argulus siamensis) in liver and kidney tissues of rohu. An up-regulation of 630-fold and 420-fold of the gene was observed at 48 h in liver and anterior kidney tissues respectively, after A. hydrophila infection. Significant increase in transcript level was noticed in both liver (0.8-fold) and kidney (480-fold) after 1 h and 12 h of poly I:C induction, respectively. Similarly, expression of lysozyme g transcripts was increased 6000-fold after 7 d of A. siamensis infection in liver tissue. The recombinant protein of g-type lysozyme of rohu (rLr-lysG) of 20.19 kDa was produced in Escherichia coli system and the lysozyme activity of rLr-lysG was found to be most active at pH 6.0 and temperature 35 °C. The potential lytic activity was found to be against A. hydrophila (U_L = 0.53) followed by for E. tarda (U_L = 0.45) whereas the lytic activity was the least against S. aureus (U_L = 0.35) and M. lysodeikticus (U_L = 0.34), at pH 6.0 and temperature 35 °C. The normal serum level of protein was estimated using indirect ELISA and was found to be very low (0.12-0.15 μg/ml). These results suggested that g-type lysozyme of rohu might be a potent immunostimulant against microbial infections, with a major role in innate immunity.

Molecular cloning, expression and antibacterial activity of goose-type lysozyme gene in Microptenus salmoides

It is well known that lysozymes are key proteins to teleosts in the innate immune system and possess high bactericidal properties. In the present study, a g-type lysozyme gene was cloned from Microptenus salmoides. The g-type sequence consisted of 582 bp, which translated into a 193 amino acid (AA) protein (GenBank accession no: MH087462). The predicted molecular weight and theoretical isoelectric point were 21.36 kDa and 6.91 respectively and no signal peptide was observed. The qRT-PCR analysis showed that the g-type lysozyme gene was differentially expressed in various tissues under normal conditions and the highest g-type lysozyme level was observed in liver, gill and spleen while there seemed to be low expression in the muscle, heart and head-kidney. The expression of g-type lysozyme was differentially upregulated in the spleen, gill and intestine after stimulation with heat stress and Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila). Under heat stress and A. hydrophila injection, the g-type lysozyme mRNA levels all in spleens, gill and intestine tissues increased significantly (P < 0.05), with the maximum levels attained at 12 h, 24 h (or 12 h) and 24 h. Thereafter, they all decreased significantly (P < 0.01) and the expression in gill returned to nearly the basal value within 72 h. Those results suggested that g-type lysozyme was involved in the immune response to heat stress and bacterial challenge. The cloning and expression analysis of the g-type lysozyme provide theoretical basis to further study the mechanism of anti-adverseness in Microptenus salmoides. The g-type lysozyme gene perhaps also played an important role in the immune responses against bacterial invasion.

Pike intestinal reaction to Acanthocephalus lucii (Acanthocephala): immunohistochemical and ultrastructural surveys

Background

The Northern pike, Esox lucius, is a large, long-lived, top-predator fish species and occupies a broad range of aquatic environments. This species is on its way to becoming an important model organism and has the potential to contribute new knowledge and a better understanding of ecology and evolutionary biology. Very few studies have been done on the intestinal pathology of pike infected with helminths. The present study details the first Italian record of adult Acanthocephalus lucii reported in the intestine of E. lucius.

Results

A total of 22 pike from Lake Piediluco (Central Italy) were examined, of which 16 (72.7%) were infected with A. lucii. The most affected areas of gastrointestinal tract were the medium and distal intestine. The intensity of infection ranged from 1 to 18 parasites per host. Acanthocephalus lucii penetrated mucosal and submucosal layers which had a high number of mast cells (MCs) with an intense degranulation. The cellular elements involved in the immune response within the intestine of pike were assessed by ultrastructural techniques and immunohistochemistry using antibodies against met-enkephalin, immunoglobulin E (IgE)-like receptor (FCεRIγ), histamine, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, substance P, lysozyme, serotonin, inducible-nitric oxide synthase (i-NOS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and the antimicrobial peptide piscidin 3 (P3). In intestines of the pike, several MCs were immunopositive to 9 out of the 11 aforementioned antibodies and infected fish had a higher number of positive MCs when compared to uninfected fish.

Conclusions

Pike intestinal tissue response to A. lucii was documented. Numerous MCs were seen throughout the mucosa and submucosal layers. In infected and uninfected intestines of pike, MCs were the dominant immune cell type encountered; they are the most common granulocyte type involved in several fish-helminth systems. Immunopositivity of MCs to 9 out of 11 antibodies is of great interest and these cells could play an important key role in the host response to an enteric helminth. This is the first report of A. lucii in an Italian population of E. lucius and the first account on positivity of MCs to piscidin 3 and histamine in a non-perciform fish.

Molecular, transcriptional and functional insights into duplicated goose-type lysozymes from Sebastes schlegelii and their potential immunological role

Black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii), an important aquaculture species in Korea, has been affected by bacterial diseases leading to a drastic decline in production. Goose-type lysozyme (LysG) is a key enzyme of the innate immune system to eradicate bacterial infections. In this study, two isoforms of LysG from black rockfish, designated as RfLysG1 and RfLysG2, have been identified and characterized at the molecular, transcriptional, and functional levels. The deduced amino acid sequences had the LysG family characteristics and exhibited conserved properties, including active residues and domains. The cDNA sequences of RfLysG1 and RfLysG2 were 1514 bp and 900 bp in length, respectively. The 567-bp open reading frame (ORF) of RfLysG1 encoded a protein of 188 amino acids with molecular mass 20.11 kDa, and the 600-bp ORF of RfLysG2 encoded a polypeptide with 199 amino acids and molecular mass of 22.19 kDa. Homology studies indicated that RfLysG1 showed the highest identity (84.6%) with LysG-B of Oplegnathus fasciatus, while RfLysG2 showed the highest identity (74.4%) with LysG of Siniperca chuatsi. Both sequences possessed a soluble lytic trans-glycosylase domain. Both lacked signal peptide and they were not identified as proteins secreted by non-classical pathway by the SecretomeP server. Transcriptional analysis of the two genes showed constitutive expression, where both genes were highly expressed in blood under normal physiological conditions. In response to the immune challenges lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Streptococcus iniae, and poly I:C injection, the expression of RfLysG1 and RfLysG2 was significantly upregulated in blood and spleen tissues in a time-dependent manner. Turbidimetric assays indicated that both recombinant proteins tagged with maltose-binding protein (MBP) were reactive against several Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, but MBP was inactive. Optimum temperatures for the recombinant RfLysG1 and RfLysG2 were 40 °C and 50 °C, respectively, and both were highly active at pH 3.0. The results provide evidence for the vital immunological role and bacteriolytic potential of RfLysG1 and RfLysG2.

Analysis on the expression and function of a chicken-type and goose-type lysozymes in Chinese giant salamanders Andrias davidianus

Lysozymes as an important immune factor, play vital roles in innate immune response against pathogen infection. In the present study, one c-type and g-type lysozymes were identified from Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus). They shared highly conserved structural features with lysozymes from other species. Spatial expression analysis revealed that AdlysC transcript was most abundant in liver and stomach, and least in muscle and brain. In contrast, the expression level of AdlysG was most abundant in liver and least in muscle and skin. The transcription level of c-type and g-type lysozymes were up-regulated after Aeromonas hydrophila infection in liver and spleen, indicating their participations in the immune response. Moreover, the recombinant AdlysC and AdlysG protein were produced and purified, and were used to investigate the lysozyme activity at different pH and temperatures. The optimal lytic activity was determined at pH 6.0 and at a temperature of 30 °C. Through the minimal inhibitory concentration test, the rAdlysC and rAdlysG exhibited apparent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with a variable concentration. In conclusion, it is the first report of lysozymes in A. davidianus, and c-type and g-type lysozymes should be involved in the innate immune response of A. davidianus.

The polymorphism of chicken-type lysozyme gene in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) and its association with resistance/susceptibility to Listonella anguillarum

Lysozyme is a crucially spread hydrolase in organisms that can defend against bacterial infection in innate immunity. In this study, we successfully sequenced the coding region of chicken-type lysozyme gene (PoLysC) in Paralichthys olivaceus and identified nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We then amplified the 2500 bp promoter region of lysozyme and identified the eight sites of polymorphisms. All SNPs were genotyped between susceptible and resistance groups after Listonella anguillarum challenge. One of these SNP sites in the codon of PoLysC was genotyped and determined to be a significant marker by analyzing its distribution in the susceptible and resistant groups. As a nonsynonymous mutation, the frequency of 140G/C genotype in the resistant group was higher (67.74%) than that in the susceptible group (32.26%). The linkage between SNP140 and polymorphisms in the promoter region was also studied. Results revealed that the frequency of haplotype CC_-536/CC_-1200/GG₁₄₀ in the resistance group was significantly higher than that in the susceptible group. The quantitative expression of lysozyme gene in the resistant group was also higher than that in the susceptible group. This finding indicated that the linkage between polymorphism -536 and -1200 sites in promoter and SNP140 in codon sequence was associated with the resistance of P. olivaceus to L. anguillarum. All these results suggest that the mutations in promoter and coding region were related to changes in PoLysC for resisting L. anguillarum. The haplotype CC_-536/CC_-1200/GG₁₄₀ was a potential marker and can thus be applied to selective breeding for the disease resistance of P. olivaceus.

Molecular characterisation, evolution and expression analysis of g-type lysozymes in Ciona intestinalis

Lysozyme is an important defense molecule of the innate immune system. Known for its bactericidal properties, lysozyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of b-(1,4)-glycosidic bonds between the N-acetyl glucosamine and N-acetyl muramic acid in the peptidoglycan layer of bacterial cell walls. In this study, the complete coding sequence of four g-type lysozymes were identified in Ciona intestinalis. Phylogenetic analysis and modelling supported the hypothesis of a close relationship with the vertebrate g-type lysozymes suggesting that the C. intestinalis g-type lysozyme genes (CiLys-g1, Cilys-g2, CiLys-g3, CiLys-g4) share a common ancestor in the chordate lineage. Protein motif searches indicated that C. intestinalis g-type lysozymes contain a GEWL domain with a GXXQ signature, typical of goose lysozymes. Quantitative Real-Time PCR analysis results showed that transcripts are expressed in various tissues from C. intestinalis. In order to determine the involvement of C. intestinalis g-type lysozymes in immunity, their expression was analyzed in the pharynx, showing that transcripts were significantly up-regulated in response to a challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). These data support the view that CiLys g-type are molecules with potential for immune defense system against bacterial infection.

Molecular characteristics of lysozyme G in Euryglossa orientalis; cDNA cloning, phylogenic analysis, physicochemical properties and tissue gene expression

Lysozymes are the key molecules of innate immune system against bacterial infections. In the present study, we identified the molecular characteristics, physicochemical properties, antibacterial activity, evolutionary relationship and tissue expression pattern of g-type lysozyme in Euryglossa orientalis (EuOr LysG). The full-length EuOr LysG cDNA is composed of 588 nucleotides and an open reading frame encoding a protein with 195 amino acids with more than 65 % identity to g-type lysozyme of Solea senegalensis (73 %) and Scophthalmus rhombus (64 %). Amino acid sequence alignment showed that EuOr LysG protein possessed a conserved catalytic motif (Glu71-Asp84-Asp101) and one predicted disulfide bond between Cys32 and Cys122. Phylogenetic analysis based on the g-type lysozyme sequences indicated that E. orientalis and other fish of Pleuronectiformes were diverged together in the evolutionary history. The K _m and V _max values of the recombinant EuOr LysG were 0.266 mg/ml of Micrococcus lysodeikticus as substrate and 667 U/mg of protein, respectively. The optimum temperature and pH of recombinant EuOr LysG were 45 and 6 °C, respectively. Real-time PCR analysis showed that EuOr LysG transcript was most abundant in head kidney and gill and less in muscle. We also showed that the EuOr LysG had potent lytic activity against major fish bacterial pathogens with the highest activity against Bacillus cereus and Aeromonas hydrophila. Bacterial challenge with Vibrio parahaemolyticus could upregulate LysG in immune-related tissues. Our results help to understand the molecular and physicochemical characteristics of g-type lysozyme in E. orientalis which might play an important role in host defense against the bacterial infection.

Molecular identification and expression analysis of a goose-type lysozyme (LysG) gene in yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco

Lysozymes, innate immunity molecules, play a vital role in immune response to pathogens. The yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco (Siluriformes: Bagridae) is an economically important fish in China. The aim of this study was to quantify expression of the P. fulvidraco LysG gene (a g-type lysozyme) in response to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMP) challenge. First, the P. fulvidraco LysG gene (PfLysG) was cloned and characterized. The full-length cDNA of PfLysG is 1323 bp, including a 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of 131 bp, a 3'-UTR of 634 bp, and an open reading frame of 558 bp encoding a polypeptide of 185 amino acids, which contains a transglycosylase SLT domain (Pfam01464). The predicted molecular weight of the protein is 20.52 kDa with a pI of 9.08. Two catalytic residues and seven N-acetyl-D-glucosamine binding sites are conserved in the sequence and there is no predicted signal peptide. The deduced PfLysG protein sequence has 84%, 76% and 69% percent identity with the LysGs from Ictalurus furcatus, Danio rerio, and Salmo salar, respectively. The predicted tertiary structure of PfLysG is very similar to that from other animals. Phylogenetic analysis showed that PfLysG is closely related to those from Teleostei. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qPCR) analysis showed that PfLysG was expressed in all examined tissues and most highly expressed in head kidney, spleen, and intestine. After simulated pathogen challenge with lipopolysaccharide and polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid, respectively, the mRNA expression of PfLysG was upregulated significantly at different time points. The results suggest that the identified g-type lysozyme of P. fulvidraco is involved in innate immune responses.

Molecular characterization, transcriptional profiling, and antibacterial potential of G-type lysozyme from seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis)

Lysozymes are a family of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of bacterial cell wall, acting as antimicrobial effectors of the innate immune system. In the present study, an ortholog of goose-type lysozyme (ShLysG) from the big-belly seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis) was identified and characterized structurally and functionally. The full-length cDNA sequence (1213 bp) of ShLysG is comprised of an open reading frame made up of 552 bp, encoding a polypeptide of 184 amino acid (aa) with a predicted molecular mass of 20 kDa. In silico analysis of ShLysG revealed the absence of signal peptide and the presence of a characteristic bacterial soluble lytic transglycosylase (SLT) domain bearing three catalytic residues (Glu⁷¹, Asp⁸⁴, and Asp⁹⁵) and seven N-acetyl-d-glucosamine binding sites (Glu⁷¹, Asp⁹⁵, Tyr⁹⁸, His⁹⁹, Ile¹¹⁷, Tyr¹⁴⁵, and Asn¹⁴⁶). Homology analysis demonstrated that the aa sequence of ShLysG shared 60.7-67.4% identity and 72.6-79.3% similarity with the orthologs of other teleosts. Phylogenetic analysis of ShLysG indicated a closest relationship with the ortholog from Gadus morhua. In healthy seahorse, ShLysG mRNA showed a constitutive expression in all the tissues examined, with the highest expression in kidney and the least expression in liver. The ShLysG mRNA levels were also shown significant elevation upon the bacterial and pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMPs) challenges. Furthermore, lytic activities of ShLysG recombinant protein were detected against several Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial species. Taken together, these results suggest that ShLysG might possess a potential immune defensive role against invading microbial pathogens in seahorse.

The mucosal expression signatures of g-type lysozyme in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) following bacterial challenge

The mucosal surfaces constitute the first line of host defense against infection, and also serve as the dynamic interfaces that simultaneously mediate a diverse array of critical physiological processes, while in constantly contact with a wide range of pathogens. The lysozymes are considered as key components for innate immune response to pathogen infection with their strong antibacterial activities. But their activities in mucosal immune responses were always overlooked, especially for g-type lysozymes, whose expression patterns in mucosal tissues following bacterial challenge are still limited. Towards to this end, here, we characterized the g-type lysozymes, Lyg1 and Lyg2 in turbot, and determined their expression patterns in mucosal barriers following different bacterial infection. The phylogenetic analysis revealed the turbot g-type lysozyme genes showed the closest relationship to Cynoglossus semilaevis. The two lysozyme genes showed different expression patterns following challenge. Lyg2 was significantly up-regulated in mucosal tissues following Vibrio anguillarum and Streptococcus iniae challenge, while Lyg1 showed a general trend of down-regulation. The significant mucosal expression signatures of g-type lysozyme genes indicated their key roles to prevent pathogen attachment and entry in the first line of host defense system. Further functional studies should be carried out to better characterize the availability of utilization of g-type lysozyme to increase the disease resistance in the mucosal surfaces and facilitate the disease resistant breeding selection.

Multiple specialised goose-type lysozymes potentially compensate for an exceptional lack of chicken-type lysozymes in Atlantic cod

Previous analyses of the Atlantic cod genome showed unique combinations of lacking and expanded number of genes for the immune system. The present study examined lysozyme activity, lysozyme gene distribution and expression in cod. Enzymatic assays employing specific bacterial lysozyme inhibitors provided evidence for presence of g-type, but unexpectedly not for c-type lysozyme activity. Database homology searches failed to identify any c-type lysozyme gene in the cod genome or in expressed sequence tags from cod. In contrast, we identified four g-type lysozyme genes (LygF1a-d) constitutively expressed, although differentially, in all cod organs examined. The active site glutamate residue is replaced by alanine in LygF1a, thus making it enzymatic inactive, while LygF1d was found in two active site variants carrying alanine or glutamate, respectively. In vitro and in vivo infection by the intracellular bacterium Francisella noatunensis gave a significantly reduced LygF1a and b expression but increased expression of the LygF1c and d genes as did also the interferon gamma (IFNγ) cytokine. These results demonstrate a lack of c-type lysozyme that is unprecedented among vertebrates. Our results further indicate that serial gene duplications have produced multiple differentially regulated cod g-type lysozymes with specialised functions potentially compensating for the lack of c-type lysozymes.

Molecular characterization and expressing analysis of the c-type and g-type lysozymes in Qihe crucian carp Carassius auratus

Lysozyme as an important nonspecific immune factor, can kill bacteria by hydrolyzing β-1,4-glycosidic linkages of peptidoglycan layer, and plays an important role in innate immune response against pathogen infection. In the present study, we report molecular cloning, tissue distribution and functional characterization of the c-type and g-type lysozymes in Qihe crucian carp Carassius auratus (designated as Ca-clys and Ca-glys, respectively). The full-length of Ca-clys and Ca-glys cDNA were cloned using RT-PCR and RACE methods. Catalytic and other conserved residues, required for functionality, were identified by multiple sequence alignment and structure predicted. The findings indicating the Ca-clys with signal peptide sequence, while the Ca-glys without, imply that the two isozymes function in different sites of cell. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Ca-clys and Ca-glys genes evolve at different rates. Moreover, spatial expression analysis showed that Ca-clys transcript was most abundant in kidney and least in gill. However, the expression level of Ca-glys was significantly lower compared with Ca-clys in various tissues, which was the most abundant in spleen and least in brain. After intraperitoneal injection with A. hydrophila and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the mRNA levels of Ca-clys and Ca-glys were generally up-regulated in liver and gill, but indicated the different expression changes in spleen, kidney and head kidney. With regard to the lysozyme activity, it was showed that the total enzyme activities generally increased in liver, gill, spleen, and head kidney after stimulation. These results confirmed that both Ca-clys and Ca-glys play an important role in non-specific immunity after A. hydrophila invasion. In this study, it was speculated that expressions of Ca-clys and Ca-glys were regulated in different patterns against pathogens.

The effects of dietary carbohydrate on the growth, antioxidant capacities, innate immune responses and pathogen resistance of juvenile Black carp Mylopharyngodon piceus

The present study was focused on the growth, antioxidant capacities, innate immune responses and pathogen resistance in juvenile Black carp Mylopharyngodon piceus fed with graded levels of dietary carbohydrate (CHO) (0.6, 106.5, 194.3, 288.4, 379.1 and 473.8 g kg(-1)) for 9 weeks. Results showed that highest weight gain and special growth ratio was obtained at 288.4 g kg(-1) dietary CHO. And adequate dietary CHO content (288.4 g kg(-1)) could significantly increase the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), promote reduced glutathione (GSH) content and then increase the total antioxidant capacities (TAOC) in the liver of M. piceus. However, the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the fish liver could be significantly aggravated by excessive dietary CHO. Serum cortisol (COL) levels could be significantly increased in juvenile Black carp M. piceus fed with 379.1 g kg(-1) dietary CHO compared with CHO-deficient diets. Activities of alanine transaminase (GPT) and aspartate transaminase (GOT) were both decreased in the serum of juvenile Black carp M. piceus fed with 194.3 g kg(-1) dietary CHO compared with CHO-deficient diets (0.6 and 106.5 g kg(-1)) or CHO-excess diets (379.1 and 473.8 g kg(-1)). In addition, 288.4 g kg(-1) dietary CHO could significantly up-regulate the mRNA expression levels of hepcidin (HEPC), natural resistance-associated macrophage protein (NRAMP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon (IFN), lysozyme (LYZ) and complement component 3 (C3) in the blood and liver samples of juvenile Black carp M. piceus compared with the CHO-deficient diets (0.6 and 106.5 g kg(-1)). Moreover, 288.4 g kg(-1) dietary CHO could also enhance the contents of C3 and plasma nitrogen monoxide (NO), and increase the activities of LYZ and total nitric oxide synthase (t-NOS) in the serum compared with the CHO-deficient or CHO-excess diets. Furthermore, the survival rates were also increased by adequate dietary CHO (194.3 and 288.4 g kg(-1)) fed to juvenile Black carp M. piceus after infection with Aeromonas hydrophila. In conclusion, these results suggest that adequate dietary CHO (288.4 g kg(-1)) could increase growth, reduce oxidative stress, enhance innate immune responses, improve the health states and then promote disease resistance in juvenile Black carp M. piceus.

Transcriptional Onset of Lysozyme Genes during Early Development in Olive Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

The immune system in teleost fish is not completely developed during embryonic and larval stages, therefore effective innate mechanisms is very important for survival in such an environment. However, the knowledge of the development of immune system assumed to be restricted. In many species, lysozymes have been considered as important genes of the first line immune defense. The early detection of lysozyme mRNA in previous reports, led to the investigation of its presence in oocytes. As a result, c-type lysozyme mRNA transcripts were detected in unfertilized oocytes indicating maternal transfer. Therefore, we investigated the expression patterns of lysozymes in flounder, including the matured oocyte. In our results, c-type lysozyme mRNA was first detected in unfertilized oocyte stage, observed the significantly decreased until hatching stage, and was significantly increased after hatching stage. On the other hand, g-type lysozyme mRNA transcripts were first detected at late neurula stage, and the mRNA level was significantly increased after 20 dph. It may be suggest that maternally supplied mRNAs are selectively degraded prior to the activation of embryonic transcription. This study will be help in understanding the maturation and onset of humoral immunity during development of olive flounder immune system.

Transcriptional Onset of Lysozyme Genes during Early Development in Olive Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

The immune system in teleost fish is not completely developed during embryonic and larval stages, therefore effective innate mechanisms is very important for survival in such an environment. However, the knowledge of the development of immune system assumed to be restricted. In many species, lysozymes have been considered as important genes of the first line immune defense. The early detection of lysozyme mRNA in previous reports, led to the investigation of its presence in oocytes. As a result, c-type lysozyme mRNA transcripts were detected in unfertilized oocytes indicating maternal transfer. Therefore, we investigated the expression patterns of lysozymes in flounder, including the matured oocyte. In our results, c-type lysozyme mRNA was first detected in unfertilized oocyte stage, observed the significantly decreased until hatching stage, and was significantly increased after hatching stage. On the other hand, g-type lysozyme mRNA transcripts were first detected at late neurula stage, and the mRNA level was significantly increased after 20 dph. It may be suggest that maternally supplied mRNAs are selectively degraded prior to the activation of embryonic transcription. This study will be help in understanding the maturation and onset of humoral immunity during development of olive flounder immune system.

Effect of seeds of Achyranthes aspera on the immune responses and expression of some immune-related genes in carp Catla catla

Evaluation of functional mechanism of immunostimulant in fish is essential for realizing their therapeutic potential. The impact of dietary supplementation of seeds of Achyranthes aspera on the immune system of Catla catla was studied. Catla (37.73 ± 6.7 g) were fed with test diets containing 0.5 (D1) and 1.0% (D2) seeds of A. aspera and control diet (D3) for 50 days. Then fish were immunized with heat-killed Aeromonas hydrophila. Blood and tissue samples were collected after 7 days of immunization. Three fish were sacrificed for each parameter. Respiratory burst activity, bactericidal activity and antibody response were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in test diets fed catla compared to the control one. Nitric oxide synthase and serum lysozyme were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in fish fed with diet D2 compared to the other treatments. There were up-regulations of TNFα, lysozyme c and g gene expressions in kidney and IL-10, lysozyme c and g expressions in hepatopancreas of test diets fed fish compared to the control one. The expression of IL-10 was down-regulated in the kidney of D2 diet fed fish compared to others. In the gill, significantly (P < 0.05) higher expressions of TNFα was found in D1 diet feed fish and lysozyme c and in D2 diet fed fish compared to the other groups. This study showed tissue-specific gene expression pattern in catla. An inverse relationship was found between the expression of TNFα and IL-10 in kidney of catla.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a new G-type lysozyme gene (Ec-lysG) in orange-spotted grouper, Epinephelus coioides

Lysozyme acts as an innate immunity molecule against pathogen infection. In this study, a new G-type lysozyme gene with a typical G-type lysozyme domain (designated as Ec-lysG) was cloned and characterized from the orange-spotted grouper, Epinephelus coioides. The full-length Ec-lysG cDNA contains 1419 bp and encodes a 256-residue protein containing a 25-residue signal peptide at the N-terminus. BLAST analysis reveals Ec-lysG shares 64% identity with Siniperca chuatsi, but 63% to another reported G-type lysozyme from orange-spotted grouper (OSG-lysG). The genomic DNA of Ec-lysG contains four exons and three introns, with a total length of 2062 bp. An amino acid sequence alignment showed that Ec-lysG shares the fundamental structural features of G-type lysozyme, including the catalytic residues, substrate binding sites, and soluble lytic transglycosylase domain. Quantitative PCR showed that Ec-lysG transcript is most abundant in the head kidney, and less abundant in the heart. The expression of Ec-lysG was differentially upregulated in the head kidney after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide, Vibrio alginolyticus, and Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV). A subcellular localization analysis showed that Ec-lysG is distributed predominantly in the cytoplasm. Recombinant Ec-lysG (rEc-lysG) has optimal activity at pH 7.5 and 35°C. rEc-lysG showed lytic activities against Gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus iniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Micrococcus lysodeikticus, and the Gram-negative bacterium V. alginolyticus. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that rEc-lysG acts on M. lysodeikticus cell walls. The overexpression of Ec-lysG in grouper cells did not significantly delay the occurrence of the cytopathic effect (CPE) induced by SGIV, and did not inhibit viral gene transcription. In conclusion, Ec-lysG might be a potent antibacterial protein, with a role in innate immunity.

Evolution of the vertebrate goose-type lysozyme gene family

BACKGROUND

Lysozyme g is an antibacterial enzyme that was first found in the eggs of some birds, but recently has been found in additional species, including non-vertebrates. Some previously characterized lysozyme g sequences are suggested to have altered secretion potential and enzymatic activity, however the distribution of these altered sequences is unknown. Duplicated copies of the lysozyme g gene exist in some species; however, the origins of the duplicates and their roles in altered function are unclear.

RESULTS

We identified 234 lysozyme g sequences from 118 vertebrate species, including 181 sequences that are full or near full length representing all vertebrate classes except cartilaginous fish. Phylogenetic analysis shows that most lysozyme g gene duplicates are recent or lineage specific events, however three amplification events are more ancient, those in an early amniote, an early mammal, and an early teleost. The older gene duplications are associated with changes in function, including changes in secretion potential and muramidase antibacterial enzymatic activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Lysozyme g is an essential muramidase enzyme that is widespread in vertebrates. Duplication of the lysozyme g gene, and the retention of non-secreted isozymes that have lost enzymatic activity indicate that lysozyme g has an activity other than the muramidase activity associated with being an antibacterial enzyme.

Identification and characterization of a goose-type lysozyme from sewage snail Physa acuta

Freshwater snail Physa acuta has been considered as an important invasive species and medical mollusc. Field investigation has shown that this snail could survive better than other snails in polluted water bodies. To understand the immune mechanisms of P. acuta, suppression subtractive hybridization hepatopancreas cDNA library has been constructed with bacterial challenge. In this study, a full-length cDNA of a novel goose-type lysozyme (PALysG) has been identified from P. acuta by EST and RACE technique. The conservative structure domains share high homology with other molluscan g-type lysozymes including the SLT domain, the substrate binding sites, the catalytic residues, three alpha-helices structures and six molluscan specific cysteines. Meanwhile, PALysG is the first record of goose-type lysozyme in Gastropoda. Real-time PCR indicated that PALysG mRNA had been expressed significantly at high levels in hepatopancreas for 8-48 h. PALysG recombinant protein displayed the lytic activity of g-type lysozyme with other organisms against Micrococcus lysodikicus.

Transcriptome profiling reveals insight into distinct immune responses to Aeromonas salmonicida in gill of two rainbow trout strains

The fish gills represent a crucial organ for the communication with the aquatic environment. Transcriptional changes in gills of two hatchery rainbow trout strains in response to injection with the potent pathogen Aeromonas salmonicida were detected by global gene expression profiling using a 4×44K oligonucleotide microarray. Emphasis was placed on "day 3 postinfection" representing a decisive time point for the resolution of inflammation. The comparison of features and pathways differentially regulated in branchial tissues revealed that the local breeding strain BORN and imported American rainbow trout apply common and specific immune strategies. In gills of infected BORN trout, we observed a dynamic regulation of genes controlling NF-κB pathways and the induction of factors promoting the development of myeloid cells, whereas an increased expression of lysozyme and immunoglobulin genes was obvious in gills of infected import trout. In order to prove the relevance of the array-predicted candidates as well as well-known immune genes for gill immunity, a subsequent in vitro experiment was conducted. Altogether, we uncovered dynamic but moderate changes in the expression of a broad range of immune-relevant features implying the gill's involvement in pathogen defense strategies.

A short history of research on immunity to infectious diseases in fish

This review describes the history of research on immunity to infectious diseases of fish in the period between 1965 and today. Special attention is paid to those studies, which are dealing with the interaction between immune system and invading pathogens in bony fish. Moreover, additional biographic information will be provided of people involved. In the 1960s and 1970s the focus of most studies was on humoral (Ig, B-cell) responses. Thorough studies on specific cellular (T-cell) responses and innate immunity (lectins, lysozyme, interferon, phagocytic cells) became available later. In the period between 1980 and today an overwhelming amount of data on regulation (e.g. cell cooperation, cytokines) and cell surface receptors (e.g. T-cell receptor; MHC) was published. It became also clear, that innate responses were often interacting with the acquired immune responses. Fish turned out to be vertebrates like all others with a sophisticated immune system showing specificity and memory. These basic data on the immune system could be applied in vaccination or in selection of disease resistant fish. Successful vaccines against bacterial diseases became available in the 1970s and 1980s. Effective anti-viral vaccines appeared from the 1980s onwards. There is no doubt, that Fish Immunology has become a flourishing science by the end of the 20th century and has contributed to our understanding of fish diseases as well as the success of aquaculture.

Molecular cloning, sequence analysis and phylogeny of first caudata g-type lysozyme in axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)

Lysozymes are key proteins that play important roles in innate immune defense in many animal phyla by breaking down the bacterial cell-walls. In this study, we report the molecular cloning, sequence analysis and phylogeny of the first caudate amphibian g-lysozyme: a full-length spleen cDNA library from axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum). A goose-type (g-lysozyme) EST was identified and the full-length cDNA was obtained using RACE-PCR. The axolotl g-lysozyme sequence represents an open reading frame for a putative signal peptide and the mature protein composed of 184 amino acids. The calculated molecular mass and the theoretical isoelectric point (pl) of this mature protein are 21523.0 Da and 4.37, respectively. Expression of g-lysozyme mRNA is predominantly found in skin, with lower levels in spleen, liver, muscle, and lung. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that caudate amphibian g-lysozyme had distinct evolution pattern for being juxtaposed with not only anura amphibian, but also with the fish, bird and mammal. Although the first complete cDNA sequence for caudate amphibian g-lysozyme is reported in the present study, clones encoding axolotl's other functional immune molecules in the full-length cDNA library will have to be further sequenced to gain insight into the fundamental aspects of antibacterial mechanisms in caudate.

Analysis of two lysozyme genes and antimicrobial functions of their recombinant proteins in Asian seabass

Lysozymes are important proteins of the innate immune system for the defense against bacterial infection. We cloned and analyzed chicken-type (c-type) and goose-type (g-type) lysozymes from Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer). The deduced amino acid sequence of the c-type lysozyme contained 144 residues and possessed typical structure residues, conserved catalytic residues (Glu(50) and Asp(67)) and a "GSTDYGIFQINS" motif. The deduced g-type lysozyme contained 187 residues and possessed a goose egg white lysozyme (GEWL) domain containing three conserved catalytic residues (Glu(71), Asp(84), Asp(95)) essential for catalytic activity. Real time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed that the two lysozyme genes were constitutively expressed in all the examined tissues. The c-type lysozyme was most abundant in liver, while the g-type lysozyme was predominantly expressed in intestine and weakly expressed in muscle. The c-type and g-type transcripts were up-regulated in the kidney, spleen and liver in response to a challenge with Vibrio harveyi. The up-regulation of the c-type lysozyme was much stronger than that of the g-type lysozyme in kidney and spleen. The recombinant proteins of the c-type and g-type lysozymes showed lytic activities against the bacterial pathogens Vibrio harveyi and Photobacterium damselae in a dosage-dependent manner. We identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the two lysozyme genes. There were significant associations of these polymorphisms with resistance to the big belly disease. These results suggest that the c- and g-type genes play an important role in resistance to bacterial pathogens in fish. The SNP markers in the two genes associated with the resistance to bacterial pathogens may facilitate the selection of Asian seabass resistant to bacterial diseases.

An unconventional antimicrobial protein histone from freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii: analysis of immune properties

In this study, we have reported the first histone characterized at molecular level from freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii (MrHis). A full length cDNA of MrHis (751 base pairs) was identified from an established M. rosenbergii cDNA library using GS-FLX technique. It encodes 137 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular mass of 15 kDa and an isoelectric point of 10.5. MrHis peptide contains a histone H2A signature between 21 and 27 amino acids. Homologous analysis showed that MrHis had a significant sequence identity (99%) with other known histone H2A groups especially from Penaeus monodon. Phylogenetic analysis of MrHis showed a strong relationship with other amino acid sequences from histone H2A arthropod groups. Further phylogenetic analysis showed that the MrHis belongs to histone H2A superfamily and H2A1A sub-family. Secondary structure of MrHis showed that the protein contains 50.36% α-helical region and 49.64% coils. The 3D model of MrHis was predicted by I-Tasser program and the model was evaluated for quality analysis including C-score analysis, Ramachandran plot analysis and RMSD analysis. The surface view analysis of MrHis showed the active domain at the N terminal. The antimicrobial property of MrHis protein was confirmed by the helical structure and the total hydrophobic surface along with its net charge. The MFE of the predicted RNA structure of MrHis is -128.62 kcal/mol, shows its mRNA stability. Schiffer-Edmundson helical wheel analysis of the N-terminal of MrHis showed a perfect amphipathic nature of the peptide. Significantly (P < 0.05) highest gene expression was noticed in the hemocyte and is induced with viral (WSBV and MrNV) and bacteria (A eromonas hydrophila and Vibrio harveyi) infections. The coding sequence of recombinant MrHis protein was expressed in a pMAL vector and purified to study the antimicrobial properties. The recombinant product showed antimicrobial activity against both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria. In this study, the recombinant MrHis protein displayed antimicrobial activity in its entirety. Hence, it is possible to suggest that the activity may be due to the direct defense role of histone or its N-terminal antimicrobial property. However, this remains to be verified by detailed investigations.

Evidences for the involvement of an invertebrate goose-type lysozyme in disk abalone immunity: cloning, expression analysis and antimicrobial activity

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.

Recombinant goose-type lysozyme in channel catfish: lysozyme activity and efficacy as plasmid DNA immunostimulant against Aeromonas hydrophila infection

The objectives of this study were: 1) to investigate whether recombinant channel catfish lysozyme-g (CC-Lys-g) produced in Escherichia coli expression system possesses any lysozyme activity; and 2) to evaluate whether channel catfish lysozyme-g plasmid DNA could be used as an immunostimulant to protect channel catfish against Aeromonas hydrophila infection. Recombinant CC-Lys-g produced in E. coli expression system exhibited significant (P < 0.05) lytic activity against Gram-positive Micrococcus lysodeikticus and Gram-negative A. hydrophila. When pcDNA3.2-vectored recombinant channel catfish lysozyme-g (pcDNA-Lys-g) was transfected in channel catfish gill cells G1B, the over-expression of pcDNA-Lys-g offered significant (P < 0.05) protection to G1B cells against A. hydrophila infection. When channel catfish were intraperitoneally injected with pcDNA-Lys-g along with an adjuvant QCDCR, the transcriptional level of Lys-g was significantly (P < 0.05) increased. When pcDNA-Lys-g injected fish was challenged with a highly virulent A. hydrophila strain AL-09-71, pcDNA-Lys-g offered 100% protection to channel catfish at two days post DNA injection. Macrophages of fish injected with pcDNA-Lys-g produced significantly (P < 0.05) higher amounts of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide than that of fish injected with pcDNA vector alone at two days post DNA injection. Taken together, our results suggest that pcDNA-Lys-g could be used as a novel immunostimulant to offer immediate protection to channel catfish against A. hydrophila infection.

Ontogenetic profile of innate immune related genes and their tissue-specific expression in brown trout, Salmo trutta (Linnaeus, 1758)

The innate immune system is a fundamental defense weapon of fish, especially during early stages of development when acquired immunity is still far from being completely developed. The present study aims at looking into ontogeny of innate immune system in the brown trout, Salmo trutta, using RT-PCR based approach. Total RNA extracted from unfertilized and fertilized eggs and hatchlings at 0, 1 h and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 weeks post-fertilization was subjected to RT-PCR using self-designed primers to amplify some innate immune relevant genes (TNF-α, IL-1β, TGF-β and lysozyme c-type). The constitutive expression of β-actin was detected in all developmental stages. IL-1β and TNF-α transcripts were detected from 4 week post-fertilization onwards, whereas TGF-β transcript was detected only from 7 week post-fertilization onwards. Lysozyme c-type transcript was detected early from unfertilized egg stage onwards. Similarly, tissues such as muscle, ovary, heart, brain, gill, testis, liver, intestine, spleen, skin, posterior kidney, anterior kidney and blood collected from adult brown trout were subjected to detection of all selected genes by RT-PCR. TNF-α and lysozyme c-type transcripts were expressed in all tissues. IL-1β and TGF-β transcripts were expressed in all tissues except for the brain and liver, respectively. Taken together, our results show a spatial-temporal expression of some key innate immune-related genes, improving the basic knowledge of the function of innate immune system at early stage of brown trout.

Enzyme characterisation and gene expression profiling of Atlantic salmon chicken- and goose-type lysozymes

Lysozymes represent important innate immune components against bacteria. In this study, Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) goose (g-) and chicken (c-) types of lysozyme were subjected to protein characterisations and tissue expression analyses. Specific bacterial protein inhibitors of g- and c-type lysozymes were employed to discriminate between respective enzyme activities. Blood, gills and liver contained activities exclusive for the g-type lysozyme. Only haematopoietic organs (head kidney and spleen) contained enzyme activities of both g- and c-lysozyme enzymes and c-type activity was not found outside these organs. Gene transcript levels proportional to enzyme activity levels were detected for the g-type lysozyme but not for the c-type. In vitro studies revealed significant induction of c-type gene expression and enzyme activity in macrophages after incubation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) while expression of the g-type lysozyme gene was unaffected. The activity of purified native c-type enzyme was profoundly reduced by divalent cations and displayed low tolerance to monovalent cations, while the native g-type lysozyme was stimulated by monovalent cations and tolerated low concentrations of divalent cations. Activities of both enzymes increased with temperature elevations up to 60°C. The native g-type lysozyme responses to temperature in particular are in apparent conflict to the ones for the recombinant salmon g-lysozyme. Our results imply separate expression regulations and different functions of c- and g-type lysozymes in salmon. LPS-induced expression of c-type lysozyme and broad constitutive tissue distribution of g-type lysozyme in salmon is different from findings in other studied fish species.

Two goose-type lysozymes in Mytilus galloprovincialis: possible function diversification and adaptive evolution

Two goose-type lysozymes (designated as MGgLYZ1 and MGgLYZ2) were identified from the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. MGgLYZ1 mRNA was widely expressed in the examined tissues and responded sensitively to bacterial challenge in hemocytes, while MGgLYZ2 mRNA was predominately expressed and performed its functions in hepatopancreas. However, immunolocalization analysis showed that both these lysozymes were expressed in all examined tissues with the exception of adductor muscle. Recombinant MGgLYZ1 and MGgLYZ2 could inhibit the growth of several Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and they both showed the highest activity against Pseudomonas putida with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.95-1.91 µM and 1.20-2.40 µM, respectively. Protein sequences analysis revealed that MGgLYZ2 had lower isoelectric point and less protease cutting sites than MGgLYZ1. Recombinant MGgLYZ2 exhibited relative high activity at acidic pH of 4-5, while MGgLYZ1 have an optimum pH of 6. These results indicated MGgLYZ2 adapted to acidic environment and perhaps play an important role in digestion. Genomic structure analysis suggested that both MGgLYZ1 and MGgLYZ2 genes are composed of six exons with same length and five introns, indicating these genes were conserved and might originate from gene duplication during the evolution. Selection pressure analysis showed that MGgLYZ1 was under nearly neutral selection while MGgLYZ2 evolved under positive selection pressure with three positively selected amino acid residues (Y(102), L(200) and S(202)) detected in the mature peptide. All these findings suggested MGgLYZ2 perhaps served as a digestive lysozyme under positive selection pressure during the evolution while MGgLYZ1 was mainly involved in innate immune responses.

Identification and expression analysis of three c-type lysozymes in Oreochromis aureus

Lysozyme is an important molecule of innate immune system for the defense against bacterial infections. Three genes encoding chicken-type (c-type) lysozymes, C1-, C2-, C3-type, were obtained from tilapia Oreochromis aureus by RT-PCR and the RACE method. Catalytic and other conserved structure residues required for functionality were identified. The amino acid sequence identities between C1- and C2-type, C1- and C3-type, C2- and C3-type were 67.8%, 65.7% and 63.9%, respectively. Phylogenetic tree analyze indicated the three genes were firstly grouped to those of higher teleosteans, Pleuronectiformes and Tetraodontiformes fishes, and then clustered to those of lower teleosteans, Cypriniformes fishes. Bioinformatic analysis of mature peptide showed that the three genes possess typical sequence characteristics, secondary and tertiary structure of c-type lysozymes. The three tilapia c-type lysozymes mRNAs were mainly expressed in liver and muscle, and C1-type lysozyme also highly expressed in intestine. C1-type lysozyme mRNA was weakly expressed in stomach, C2- and C3-type mRNAs were weakly expressed in intestine. After bacterial challenge, up-regulation was obvious in kidney and spleen for C1-type lysozyme mRNA, while for C2- and C3-type lysozyme obvious increase were observed in stomach and liver, suggesting that C1-type lysozyme may mainly play roles in defense, while C2- and C3-type lysozyme mainly conduct digestive function against bacteria infection. All the three c-type recombinant lysozymes displayed lytic activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. These results indicated that three c-type lysozymes play important roles in the defense of O. aureus against bacteria infections.