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Phan P, Fogarty CE, Eamens AL, Duke MG, McManus DP, Wang T, Cummins SF. ARGONAUTE2 Localizes to Sites of Sporocysts in the Schistosome-Infected Snail, Biomphalaria glabrata. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:1023. [PMID: 39202383 PMCID: PMC11353429 DOI: 10.3390/genes15081023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small regulatory RNA that are generated via core protein machinery. The miRNAs direct gene-silencing mechanisms to mediate an essential role in gene expression regulation. In mollusks, miRNAs have been demonstrated to be required to regulate gene expression in various biological processes, including normal development, immune responses, reproduction, and stress adaptation. In this study, we aimed to establishment the requirement of the miRNA pathway as part of the molecular response of exposure of Biomphalaria glabrata (snail host) to Schistosoma mansoni (trematode parasite). Initially, the core pieces of miRNA pathway protein machinery, i.e., Drosha, DGCR8, Exportin-5, Ran, and Dicer, together with the central RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) effector protein Argonaute2 (Ago2) were elucidated from the B. glabrata genome. Following exposure of B. glabrata to S. mansoni miracidia, we identified significant expression up-regulation of all identified pieces of miRNA pathway protein machinery, except for Exportin-5, at 16 h post exposure. For Ago2, we went on to show that the Bgl-Ago2 protein was localized to regions surrounding the sporocysts in the digestive gland of infected snails 20 days post parasite exposure. In addition to documenting elevated miRNA pathway protein machinery expression at the early post-exposure time point, a total of 13 known B. glabrata miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed. Of these thirteen B. glabrata miRNAs responsive to S. mansoni miracidia exposure, five were significantly reduced in their abundance, and correspondingly, these five miRNAs were determined to putatively target six genes with significantly elevated expression and that have been previously associated with immune responses in other animal species, including humans. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the central importance of a functional miRNA pathway in snails, which potentially forms a critical component of the immune response of snails to parasite exposure. Further, the data reported in this study provide additional evidence of the complexity of the molecular response of B. glabrata to S. mansoni infection: a molecular response that could be targeted in the future to overcome parasite infection and, in turn, human schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phong Phan
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD 4558, Australia; (P.P.); (C.E.F.); (T.W.)
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD 4558, Australia
| | - Conor E. Fogarty
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD 4558, Australia; (P.P.); (C.E.F.); (T.W.)
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD 4558, Australia
| | - Andrew L. Eamens
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD 4558, Australia;
| | - Mary G. Duke
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia;
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia;
| | - Tianfang Wang
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD 4558, Australia; (P.P.); (C.E.F.); (T.W.)
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD 4558, Australia
| | - Scott F. Cummins
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD 4558, Australia; (P.P.); (C.E.F.); (T.W.)
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD 4558, Australia
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2
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Velkova L, Dolashki A, Petrova V, Pisareva E, Kaynarov D, Kermedchiev M, Todorova M, Dolashka P. Antibacterial Properties of Peptide and Protein Fractions from Cornu aspersum Mucus. Molecules 2024; 29:2886. [PMID: 38930951 PMCID: PMC11206429 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The discovery and investigation of new natural compounds with antimicrobial activity are new potential strategies to reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance. The presented study reveals, for the first time, the promising antibacterial potential of two fractions from Cornu aspersum mucus with an MW < 20 kDa and an MW > 20 kDa against five bacterial pathogens-Bacillus cereus 1085, Propionibacterium acnes 1897, Salmonella enterica 8691, Enterococcus faecalis 3915, and Enterococcus faecium 8754. Using de novo sequencing, 16 novel peptides with potential antibacterial activity were identified in a fraction with an MW < 20 kDa. Some bioactive compounds in a mucus fraction with an MW > 20 kDa were determined via a proteomic analysis on 12% sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and bioinformatics. High homology with proteins and glycoproteins was found, with potential antibacterial activity in mucus proteins named aspernin, hemocyanins, H-lectins, and L-amino acid oxidase-like protein, as well as mucins (mucin-5AC, mucin-5B, mucin-2, and mucin-17). We hypothesize that the synergy between the bioactive components determined in the composition of the fraction > 20 kDa are responsible for the high antibacterial activity against the tested pathogens in concentrations between 32 and 128 µg/mL, which is comparable to vancomycin, but without cytotoxic effects on model eukaryotic cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Additionally, a positive effect, by reducing the levels of intracellular oxidative damage and increasing antioxidant capacity, on S. cerevisiae cells was found for both mucus extract fractions of C. aspersum. These findings may serve as a basis for further studies to develop a new antibacterial agent preventing the development of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyudmila Velkova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 9, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (A.D.); (D.K.); (M.K.); (M.T.)
| | - Aleksandar Dolashki
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 9, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (A.D.); (D.K.); (M.K.); (M.T.)
| | - Ventsislava Petrova
- Faculty of Biology, Sofia University, 8 Dragan Tzankov blvd., 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria; (V.P.); (E.P.)
| | - Emiliya Pisareva
- Faculty of Biology, Sofia University, 8 Dragan Tzankov blvd., 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria; (V.P.); (E.P.)
| | - Dimitar Kaynarov
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 9, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (A.D.); (D.K.); (M.K.); (M.T.)
| | - Momchil Kermedchiev
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 9, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (A.D.); (D.K.); (M.K.); (M.T.)
| | - Maria Todorova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 9, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (A.D.); (D.K.); (M.K.); (M.T.)
- Businesslab Ltd., Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 4A, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Pavlina Dolashka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 9, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (A.D.); (D.K.); (M.K.); (M.T.)
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3
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Zhu K, Zhang Z, Li G, Sun J, Gu T, Ain NU, Zhang X, Li D. Extraction, structure, pharmacological activities and applications of polysaccharides and proteins isolated from snail mucus. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 258:128878. [PMID: 38141709 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Snail mucus had medical applications for wound healing as early as ancient Greece and the late Han Dynasty (China). A literature search found 165 modern research papers discussing the extraction methods, chemical compositions, pharmacological activities, and applications of snail mucus. Thus, this review summarized the research progress on the extraction, structure, pharmacological activities, and applications of polysaccharides and proteins isolated from snail mucus. The extraction methods of snail mucus include natural secretion and stimulation with blunt force, spray, electricity, un-shelling, ultrasonic-assisted, and ozone-assisted. As a natural product, snail mucus mainly comprises two polysaccharides (glycosaminoglycan, dextran), seven glycoproteins (mucin, lectin), various antibacterial peptides, allantoin, glycolic acid, etc. It has pharmacological activities that encourage cell migration and proliferation, and promote angiogenesis and have antibacterial, anti-oxidative and anticancer properties. The mechanism of snail mucus' chemicals performing antibacterial and wound-healing was proposed. Snail mucus is a promising bioactive product with multiple medical applications and has great potential in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Therefore, this review provides a valuable reference for researching and developing snail mucus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kehan Zhu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215021, China
| | - Zhiyi Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215021, China
| | - Guanqiang Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Jiangcen Sun
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215021, China
| | - Tianyi Gu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215021, China
| | - Noor Ul Ain
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215021, China
| | - Xicheng Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, China.
| | - Duxin Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215021, China.
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Liegertová M, Malý J. Gastropod Mucus: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Biological Activities, Applications, and Strategic Priorities. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:5567-5579. [PMID: 37751898 PMCID: PMC10566510 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Terrestrial gastropod mucus exhibits multifunctional attributes, enabling diverse applications. This comprehensive review integrates insights across biomedicine, biotechnology, and intellectual property to elucidate the bioactivities, physicochemical properties, and ecological roles of snail and slug mucus. Following an overview of mucus functional roles in gastropods, promising applications are highlighted in wound healing, antimicrobials, biomaterials, and cosmetics, alongside key challenges. An analysis of global patent trends reveals surging innovation efforts to leverage gastropod mucus. Strategic priorities include bioprospecting natural diversity, optimizing stabilization systems, recombinant biosynthesis, and fostering collaboration to translate promising potentials sustainably into impactful technologies. Ultimately, harnessing the remarkable multifunctionality of gastropod mucus holds immense opportunities for transformative innovations in biomedicine, biotechnology, and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Liegertová
- Centre of Nanomaterials and Biotechnology,
Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně
University in Ústí nad Labem, Pasteurova 3632/15, Ústí nad Labem 400 96, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Malý
- Centre of Nanomaterials and Biotechnology,
Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně
University in Ústí nad Labem, Pasteurova 3632/15, Ústí nad Labem 400 96, Czech Republic
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5
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Nualnisachol P, Chumnanpuen P, E-Kobon T. Understanding Snail Mucus Biosynthesis and Shell Biomineralisation through Genomic Data Mining of the Reconstructed Carbohydrate and Glycan Metabolic Pathways of the Giant African Snail ( Achatina fulica). BIOLOGY 2023; 12:836. [PMID: 37372121 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The giant African snail (Order Stylommatophora: Family Achatinidae), Achatina fulica (Bowdich, 1822), is the most significant and invasive land snail pest. The ecological adaptability of this snail involves high growth rate, reproductive capacity, and shell and mucus production, driven by several biochemical processes and metabolism. The available genomic information for A. fulica provides excellent opportunities to hinder the underlying processes of adaptation, mainly carbohydrate and glycan metabolic pathways toward the shell and mucus formation. The authors analysed the 1.78 Gb draft genomic contigs of A. fulica to identify enzyme-coding genes and reconstruct biochemical pathways related to the carbohydrate and glycan metabolism using a designed bioinformatic workflow. Three hundred and seventy-seven enzymes involved in the carbohydrate and glycan metabolic pathways were identified based on the KEGG pathway reference in combination with protein sequence comparison, structural analysis, and manual curation. Fourteen complete pathways of carbohydrate metabolism and seven complete pathways of glycan metabolism supported the nutrient acquisition and production of the mucus proteoglycans. Increased copy numbers of amylases, cellulases, and chitinases highlighted the snail advantage in food consumption and fast growth rate. The ascorbate biosynthesis pathway identified from the carbohydrate metabolic pathways of A. fulica was involved in the shell biomineralisation process in association with the collagen protein network, carbonic anhydrases, tyrosinases, and several ion transporters. Thus, our bioinformatic workflow was able to reconstruct carbohydrate metabolism, mucus biosynthesis, and shell biomineralisation pathways from the A. fulica genome and transcriptome data. These findings could reveal several evolutionary advantages of the A. fulica snail, and will benefit the discovery of valuable enzymes for industrial and medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pornpavee Nualnisachol
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Omics Center for Agriculture, Bioresources, Food and Health, Kasetsart University (OmiKU), Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Pramote Chumnanpuen
- Omics Center for Agriculture, Bioresources, Food and Health, Kasetsart University (OmiKU), Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Teerasak E-Kobon
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Omics Center for Agriculture, Bioresources, Food and Health, Kasetsart University (OmiKU), Bangkok 10900, Thailand
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6
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Liegertová M, Semerádtová A, Kocholatá M, Průšová M, Němcová L, Štofik M, Kříženecká S, Malý J, Janoušková O. Mucus-derived exosome-like vesicles from the Spanish slug (Arion vulgaris): taking advantage of invasive pest species in biotechnology. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21768. [PMID: 36526668 PMCID: PMC9870906 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26335-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The slug Arion vulgaris has attracted major attention as one of the worst invasive herbivore pests in Europe and is renowned for the stiff mucus it secretes for locomotion. In this study we focused on the isolation and characterisation of extracellular vesicles, specifically exosomes and exosome-like vesicles, from Arion secretions. We developed a method for slug mucus collection and subsequent vesicle isolation by ultracentrifugation. The isolated vesicles with an average diameter of ~ 100 nm carry abundant proteins and short RNAs, as well as adhesion molecules similar to mammalian galectins. We demonstrated that the slug extracellular vesicles are internalised by plant cells and human cancer cells in in vitro assays and are loadable by bioactive compounds, which makes them an interesting tool for utilisation in biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Liegertová
- grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Centre of Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic ,grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Semerádtová
- grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Centre of Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Kocholatá
- grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Centre of Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Průšová
- grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Centre of Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Němcová
- grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Marcel Štofik
- grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Centre of Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Sylvie Kříženecká
- grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Department of Environmental Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Environment, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Malý
- grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Centre of Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Olga Janoušková
- grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Centre of Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
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7
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Lema MA, Nava-Medina IB, Cerullo AR, Abdelaziz R, Jimenez SM, Geldner JB, Abdelhamid M, Kwan CS, Kharlamb L, Neary MC, Braunschweig AB. Scalable Preparation of Synthetic Mucins via Nucleophilic Ring-Opening Polymerization of Glycosylated N-Carboxyanhydrides. Macromolecules 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c02477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel A. Lema
- Advanced Science Research Center at the Graduate Center, The City University of New York, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace, New York, New York 10031, United States
- Department of Chemistry, City College of New York, 160 Convent Ave, New York, New York 10031, United States
| | - Ilse B. Nava-Medina
- Advanced Science Research Center at the Graduate Center, The City University of New York, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace, New York, New York 10031, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Hunter College, 695 Park Ave, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Antonio R. Cerullo
- Advanced Science Research Center at the Graduate Center, The City University of New York, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace, New York, New York 10031, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Hunter College, 695 Park Ave, New York, New York 10065, United States
- The PhD program in Biochemistry, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, New York 10016, United States
| | - Radwa Abdelaziz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Hunter College, 695 Park Ave, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Stephanie M. Jimenez
- Advanced Science Research Center at the Graduate Center, The City University of New York, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace, New York, New York 10031, United States
| | - Jacob B. Geldner
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Hunter College, 695 Park Ave, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Mohamed Abdelhamid
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Hunter College, 695 Park Ave, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Chak-Shing Kwan
- Advanced Science Research Center at the Graduate Center, The City University of New York, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace, New York, New York 10031, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Hunter College, 695 Park Ave, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Lily Kharlamb
- Advanced Science Research Center at the Graduate Center, The City University of New York, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace, New York, New York 10031, United States
- The PhD program in Biochemistry, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, New York 10016, United States
| | - Michelle C. Neary
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Hunter College, 695 Park Ave, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Adam B. Braunschweig
- Advanced Science Research Center at the Graduate Center, The City University of New York, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace, New York, New York 10031, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Hunter College, 695 Park Ave, New York, New York 10065, United States
- The PhD program in Biochemistry, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, New York 10016, United States
- The PhD program in Chemistry, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, New York 10016, United States
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Mollusc N-glycosylation: Structures, Functions and Perspectives. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11121820. [PMID: 34944464 PMCID: PMC8699351 DOI: 10.3390/biom11121820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Molluscs display a sophisticated N-glycan pattern on their proteins, which is, in terms of involved structural features, even more diverse than that of vertebrates. This review summarises the current knowledge of mollusc N-glycan structures, with a focus on the functional aspects of the corresponding glycoproteins. Furthermore, the potential of mollusc-derived biomolecules for medical applications is addressed, emphasising the importance of mollusc research.
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9
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Song Y, Cui Y, Hao L, Zhu J, Yi J, Kang Q, Huang J, Lu J. Wound-healing activity of glycoproteins from white jade snail (Achatina fulica) on experimentally burned mice. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 175:313-321. [PMID: 33539960 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.01.193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Burns are a global public health problem and the treatment of burn wounds is a major medical and economic issue. White jade snails (Achatina fulica) are now widely distributed in Asia, and they have been used to treat burns in folk medicine of China. In this study, the glycoproteins from white jade snails were investigated and their effect on burn healing was evaluated by a mouse burn model. The results showed that the snail mucus was mainly composed of proteins and polysaccharides, and it had good adhesion. The main component of snail mucus was glycoprotein from the results of DEAE Sepharose FF ion exchange chromatography. The 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging effect of 1 mg/mL snail mucus reached 13.77%. The wound healing rate of the snail mucus group was higher than that of the control group (p < 0.0001). Histopathological results showed that mice in the snail mucus group had a faster healing than that of the control group. The biochemical analysis was in agreement with the histopathological findings. These results suggested that glycoproteins from snail mucus showed effective wound healing activities in the skin of experimentally burned mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Song
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Yinxin Cui
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Limin Hao
- The Quartermaster Research Institute of Engineering and Technology, Academy of Military Sciences PLA China, Beijing 100010, China.
| | - Jiaqing Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Juanjuan Yi
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Qiaozhen Kang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Jinyong Huang
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Jike Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.
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10
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Sivakamavalli J, Park K, Kwak IS, Vaseeharan B. Purification and partial characterization of carbohydrate-recognition protein C-type lectin from Hemifusus pugilinus. Carbohydr Res 2020; 499:108224. [PMID: 33450477 DOI: 10.1016/j.carres.2020.108224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A mannose binding lectin (C-type lectin) was detected in a molluscan snail Hemifusus pugilinus, this lectin molecule was isolated and purified from the plasma using mannose-fixed sepharose CL-4B column affinity chromatography. The purified protein corresponds to the molecular weight of 118 kDa on an SDS-PAGE gel. The divalent cation-dependent nature of the H. pugilinus lectin (Hp-Lec) evidenced through pH and thermal stability analysis using Circular Dichroism (CD) and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) respectively. Functional investigations of the Hp-Lec reveal a broad spectrum of bacterial agglutination activity against wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Furthermore, Hp-Lec displayed the haemo agglutination activity against vertebrate red blood cells (RBCs) and its titers were recorded. Excitingly, microbial virulent pathogens such as fungal strains tested against the purified Hp-Lec (25 and 50 μg/ml), which exhibits the effective antifungal activity against tested fungal pathogens such as Aspergillus niger and A. flavus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeyachandran Sivakamavalli
- Fisheries Science Institute, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, 59626, South Korea; Department of Biotechnology & Microbiology, National College, Tiruchirappalli, 620001, India; Department of Animal Health and Management, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, 630 003, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Kiyun Park
- Fisheries Science Institute, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, 59626, South Korea; Department of Biotechnology & Microbiology, National College, Tiruchirappalli, 620001, India.
| | - Ihn-Sil Kwak
- Fisheries Science Institute, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, 59626, South Korea; Department of Biotechnology & Microbiology, National College, Tiruchirappalli, 620001, India; Faculty of Marine Technology, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, 59626, South Korea.
| | - Baskaralingam Vaseeharan
- Department of Animal Health and Management, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, 630 003, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Inhibition of Fasciola hepatica infection in Galba truncatula snails by application of monosaccharides to the aquatic environment. Biologia (Bratisl) 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/s11756-018-00182-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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12
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Costa RB, Campana PT, Chambergo FS, Napoleão TH, Paiva PMG, Pereira HJV, Oliva MLV, Gomes FS. Purification and characterization of a lectin with refolding ability from Genipa americana bark. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 119:517-523. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.07.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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13
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Cilia G, Fratini F. Antimicrobial properties of terrestrial snail and slug mucus. JOURNAL OF COMPLEMENTARY & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 15:/j/jcim.ahead-of-print/jcim-2017-0168/jcim-2017-0168.xml. [PMID: 29596054 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2017-0168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Snail and slug mucus is a viscous-elastic substance secreted by specific glands with adhesive and lubricants properties that allows them to adhere tenaciously to many different surfaces. It has been used since ancient times for care and human health and it is still very important in traditional and folkloristic medicine. Recently, mucus from snail and slugs and its protein and components have been subjected to some investigations on their antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activity due to extensive traditional uses and for a future application in medicine. Antimicrobial activities of crude mucus, and its components, against different microorganism have been reported, showing antimicrobial activities that lead their potential employment in several fields as natural additives. The purpose of this Review is to summarize the results of antimicrobial studies of snail and slug mucus and its compounds from the first scientific applications to the isolation of the single components in order to better understand its application and propose an employment in future studies as a natural antimicrobial agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Cilia
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Fratini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, Pisa, Italy
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14
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Suwannapan W, Chumnanpuen P, E-kobon T. Amplification and bioinformatics analysis of conserved FAD-binding region of L-amino acid oxidase ( LAAO) genes in gastropods compared to other organisms. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2018; 16:98-107. [PMID: 30591829 PMCID: PMC6303269 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2018.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 02/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the conserved FAD-binding region of the L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO) genes in twelve gastropod genera commonly found in Thailand compared to those in other organisms using molecular cloning, nucleotide sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Genomic DNA of gastropods and other invertebrates was extracted and screened using primers specific to the conserved FAD-binding region of LAAO. The amplified 143-bp fragments were cloned and sequenced. The obtained nucleotide sequences of 21 samples were aligned and phylogenetically compared to the LAAO-conserved FAD-binding regions of 210 other organisms from the NCBI database. Translated amino acid sequences of these samples were used in phylogenetics and pattern analyses. The phylogenetic trees showed clear separation of the conserved regions in fungi, invertebrates, and vertebrates. Alignment of the conserved 47-amino-acid FAD-binding region of the LAAOs showed 150 unique sequences among the 231 samples and these patterns were different from those of other flavoproteins in the amine oxidase family. An amino acid pattern analysis of five sub-regions (bFAD, FAD, FAD-GG, GG, and aGG) within the FAD-binding sequence showed high variation at the FAD-GG sub-region. Pattern analysis of secondary structures indicated the aGG sub-region as having the highest structural variation. Cluster analysis of these patterns revealed two major clusters representing the mollusc clade and the vertebrate clade. Thus, molecular phylogenetics and pattern analyses of sequence and structural variations could reflect evolutionary relatedness and possible structural conservation to maintain specific function within the FAD-binding region of the LAAOs in gastropods compared to other organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wipawadee Suwannapan
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Pramote Chumnanpuen
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Computational Biomodelling Laboratory for Agricultural Science and Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Teerasak E-kobon
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Computational Biomodelling Laboratory for Agricultural Science and Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
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15
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Radzki RP, Bieńko M, Polak P, Szkucik K, Ziomek M, Ostapiuk M, Bieniaś J. Is the consumption of snail meat actually healthy? An analysis of the osteotropic influence of snail meat as a sole source of protein in growing rats. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2017; 102:e885-e891. [PMID: 29218776 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.12851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The study was aimed at determining the osteotropic effects of diets containing snail meat as a sole protein source. In our experiment, we tested three different diets incorporating snail meat originating from Helix pomatia (HP), Cornu.aspesa maxima (CAM) and Cornu.aspersum aspersum (CAA) and compared these to a control diet (CON) in which casein was the source of protein. In all diets, the protein content amounted to 10%, as calculated on a dry weight basis. In the study, forty male Wistar rats with an initial body mass of 50 ± 2 g were randomly placed within the control and three experimental groups. After 28 days of experimental feeding, the rats were sacrificed, and the body mass, total skeletal density and body composition were recorded. Moreover, blood serum (osteocalcin, CTX) and isolated tibia (pQCT, DXA, 3D micro-CT, 3-point bending test) were stored for further analysis. The results reveal that a diet incorporating snail meat significantly decreased BMC (bone mineral content), as well as area of total skeleton and isolated tibia, and was without influence on BMD (bone mineral density). Furthermore, the 3D micro-CT analysis of trabecular compartment documented a reduced Tb.Th (trabecular thickness), as well as Tb.N (trabecular number), and an increased Tb.Sp (trabecular separation). Beyond the aforementioned, the snail-based diets had an influence upon the architectonical properties of the tibia-decreasing its resistance to mechanical loading. Finally, snail meat, when used as an alone source of protein, negatively influenced the metabolism of the bone tissue in growing animals-making bone smaller and weaker.
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Affiliation(s)
- R P Radzki
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland
| | - M Bieńko
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland
| | - P Polak
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
| | - K Szkucik
- Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland
| | - M Ziomek
- Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland
| | - M Ostapiuk
- Department of Materials Engineering, Lublin University of Technology, Lublin, Poland
| | - J Bieniaś
- Department of Materials Engineering, Lublin University of Technology, Lublin, Poland
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16
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Structural analysis of a homogeneous polysaccharide from Achatina fulica. Int J Biol Macromol 2017; 98:786-792. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.01.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2016] [Revised: 01/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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17
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Carneiro RF, Torres RCF, Chaves RP, de Vasconcelos MA, de Sousa BL, Goveia ACR, Arruda FV, Matos MNC, Matthews-Cascon H, Freire VN, Teixeira EH, Nagano CS, Sampaio AH. Purification, Biochemical Characterization, and Amino Acid Sequence of a Novel Type of Lectin from Aplysia dactylomela Eggs with Antibacterial/Antibiofilm Potential. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2017; 19:49-64. [PMID: 28150103 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-017-9728-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A new lectin from Aplysia dactylomela eggs (ADEL) was isolated by affinity chromatography on HCl-activated Sepharose™ media. Hemagglutination caused by ADEL was inhibited by several galactosides, mainly galacturonic acid (Ka = 6.05 × 106 M-1). The primary structure of ADEL consists of 217 residues, including 11 half-cystines involved in five intrachain and one interchain disulfide bond, resulting in a molecular mass of 57,228 ± 2 Da, as determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry. ADEL showed high similarity with lectins isolated from Aplysia eggs, but not with other known lectins, indicating that these lectins could be grouped into a new family of animal lectins. Three glycosylation sites were found in its polypeptide backbone. Data from peptide-N-glycosidase F digestion and MS suggest that all oligosaccharides attached to ADEL are high in mannose. The secondary structure of ADEL is predominantly β-sheet, and its tertiary structure is sensitive to the presence of ligands, as observed by CD. A 3D structure model of ADEL was created and shows two domains connected by a short loop. Domain A is composed of a flat three-stranded and a curved five-stranded β-sheet, while domain B presents a flat three-stranded and a curved four-stranded β-sheet. Molecular docking revealed favorable binding energies for interactions between lectin and galacturonic acid, lactose, galactosamine, and galactose. Moreover, ADEL was able to agglutinate and inhibit biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus, suggesting that this lectin may be a potential alternative to conventional use of antimicrobial agents in the treatment of infections caused by Staphylococcal biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rômulo Farias Carneiro
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Marinha - BioMar-Lab, Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici s/n, bloco 871, Av. Mister Hull, Box 6043, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60440-970, Brazil
| | - Renato Cézar Farias Torres
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Marinha - BioMar-Lab, Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici s/n, bloco 871, Av. Mister Hull, Box 6043, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60440-970, Brazil
| | - Renata Pinheiro Chaves
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Marinha - BioMar-Lab, Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici s/n, bloco 871, Av. Mister Hull, Box 6043, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60440-970, Brazil
| | - Mayron Alves de Vasconcelos
- Laboratório Integrado de Biomoléculas - LIBS, Departamento de Patologia e Medicina Legal, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Monsenhor Furtado, s/n, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60430-160, Brazil
| | - Bruno Lopes de Sousa
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici s/n, bloco 871, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60440-970, Brazil
| | - André Castelo Rodrigues Goveia
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Marinha - BioMar-Lab, Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici s/n, bloco 871, Av. Mister Hull, Box 6043, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60440-970, Brazil
| | - Francisco Vassiliepe Arruda
- Laboratório Integrado de Biomoléculas - LIBS, Departamento de Patologia e Medicina Legal, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Monsenhor Furtado, s/n, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60430-160, Brazil
| | - Maria Nágila Carneiro Matos
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Marinha - BioMar-Lab, Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici s/n, bloco 871, Av. Mister Hull, Box 6043, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60440-970, Brazil
| | - Helena Matthews-Cascon
- Laboratório de Invertebrados Marinhos do Ceará - LIMCE, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici s/n, bloco 906, Fortaleza, CE, 60455-760, Brazil
| | - Valder Nogueira Freire
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici s/n, bloco 871, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60440-970, Brazil
| | - Edson Holanda Teixeira
- Laboratório Integrado de Biomoléculas - LIBS, Departamento de Patologia e Medicina Legal, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Monsenhor Furtado, s/n, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60430-160, Brazil
| | - Celso Shiniti Nagano
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Marinha - BioMar-Lab, Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici s/n, bloco 871, Av. Mister Hull, Box 6043, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60440-970, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Holanda Sampaio
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Marinha - BioMar-Lab, Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici s/n, bloco 871, Av. Mister Hull, Box 6043, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60440-970, Brazil.
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Coyne K, Laursen JR, Yoshino TP. In Vitro Effects of Mucus from the Mantle of Compatible (Lymnaea elodes) and Incompatible (Helisoma trivolvis) Snail Hosts on Fascioloides magna Miracidia. J Parasitol 2015; 101:351-7. [PMID: 25602486 DOI: 10.1645/14-606.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidermal mucus covering the surface of a snail represents an important barrier to trematode larvae attempting to penetrate the snail and may play a role in mediating snail-trematode compatibility. In this study, Facioloides magna miracidia were exposed to mucus harvested from a compatible snail host, Lymnaea elodes (palustris), and from an incompatible snail, Helisoma trivolvis . In vitro treatment of freshly hatched miracidia with snail-derived mucus exerted dramatically different effects on larvae depending on snail species. At the lowest dilution of mucus tested (1:3) mean damage rates (tegumental damage and/or larval lysis and death) were as high as 100% for miracidia exposed to H. trivolvis mucus, while none of F. magna miracidia were damaged in L. elodes mucus. A dilution series for each snail species, and treatments with heat and proteinase K were performed to characterize the component(s) of mucus inducing the observed morphological changes. The damaging effects of H. trivolvis mucus were concentration dependent and completely abrogated by heat (65 C, 30 min) and proteinase treatment, strongly implicating a heat-labile protein(s) in mucus as the active cytotoxic agent(s). In contrast to our prediction that miracidial contact with mucus of compatible L. elodes would trigger larval transformation, mucus from either snail species tested exhibited little to no activity. Overall these data demonstrate the presence of a potent cytotoxic protein-like factor in the mucus of F. magna -incompatible H. trivolvis , and its absence in the mucus of the compatible snail, L. elodes . This finding supports the notion that the epidermal mucus layer may be serving as an important determinant of larval trematode-snail compatibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathyrn Coyne
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin, School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, Wisconsin 53706
| | - Jeffrey R Laursen
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin, School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, Wisconsin 53706
| | - Timothy P Yoshino
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin, School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, Wisconsin 53706
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19
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Ituarte S, Dreon MS, Ceolin M, Heras H. Agglutinating activity and structural characterization of scalarin, the major egg protein of the snail Pomacea scalaris (d'Orbigny, 1832). PLoS One 2012; 7:e50115. [PMID: 23185551 PMCID: PMC3502340 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2012] [Accepted: 10/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Apple snail perivitellins are emerging as ecologically important reproductive proteins. To elucidate if the protective functions of the egg proteins of Pomacea canaliculata (Caenogastropoda, Ampullariidae), involved in embryo defenses, are present in other Pomacea species we studied scalarin (PsSC), the major perivitellin of Pomacea scalaris. Using small angle X-ray scattering, fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy and biochemical methods, we analyzed PsSC structural stability, agglutinating activity, sugar specificity and protease resistance. PsSC aggluttinated rabbit, and, to a lesser extent, human B and A erythrocytes independently of divalent metals Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) were strongly inhibited by galactosamine and glucosamine. The protein was structurally stable between pH 2.0 to 10.0, though agglutination occurred only between pH 4.0 to 8.0 (maximum activity at pH 7.0). The agglutinating activity was conserved up to 60 °C and completely lost above 80 °C, in agreement with the structural thermal stability of the protein (up to 60 °C). PsSC was able to withstand in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, and showed no trypsin inhibition activity. The presence of lectin activity has been reported in eggs of other Pomacea snails, but here we link for the first time, this activity to an apple snail multifunctional perivitellin. This novel role for a snail egg storage protein is different from closely related P.canaliculata defensive proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Ituarte
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP), CONICET CCT La Plata - Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Marcos Sebastián Dreon
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP), CONICET CCT La Plata - Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
- Cátedra de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Fac. de Cs. Médicas - Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Ceolin
- Instituto de Investigaciones Físicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA), CONICET CCT La Plata - Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Horacio Heras
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP), CONICET CCT La Plata - Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
- Cátedra de Química Biológica, Fac. de Cs. Naturales y Museo - Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
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20
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Abstract
This review focuses on biologically active entities from invertebrate sources, especially snails. The reader will encounter several categories of compounds from snails including glycosaminoglycans, peptides, proteins (glycoproteins), and enzymes which possess diverse biological activities. Among glycosaminoglycans, acharan sulfate which was isolated from a giant African snail Acahtina fulica is reviewed extensively. Conotoxins which are also called conopeptides are unique peptide mixtures from marine cone snail. Conotoxins are secreted to capture its prey, and currently have the potential to be highly effective drug candidates. One of the conotoxins is now in the market as a pain killer. Proteins as well as glycoproteins in the snail are known to be involved in the host defense process from an attack of diverse pathogens. Carbohydrate-degrading enzymes characterized and purified in snails are introduced to give an insight into the applicability in glycobiology research such as synthesis and structure characterization of glycoconjugates. It seems that simple snails produce very complicated biological compounds which could be an invaluable source in future therapeutics as well as research areas in natural medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youmie Park
- College of Pharmacy, Inje University, 607 Obang-dong, Gimhae, Gyeongnam 621-749, Republic of Korea
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