Abbreviations: AFP, antifreeze proteins; APOA1, Apolipoprotein A1; ASC, apoptosisassociated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain; C3, complement component 3; CALM, calmodulin; CALR, calreticulin; CASP, caspase; cDNA, complementary DNA; ERp57,endoplasmic reticulum protein 57; FBL, fucose-binding lectin; H1/4, histone H1/H4; IL1B, interleukin 1-beta; LEI, leukocyte elastase inhibitor; LYZ, lysozyme; qPCR, real-time PCR; PRDX, peroxiredoxin; SOD superoxide dismutase; TF, transferrin; WAP65, warm temperature acclimation related 65 kDa protein; www.proteomics-journal.com
Page 2 ProteomicsThis article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.Keywords: European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), mucosal immunity, proteome, skin mucus, transcript profile.
AbstractSkin mucus is the first barrier of fish defence. Proteins from skin mucus of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) were identified by 2DE followed by LC-MS/MS. From all the identified proteins in the proteome map, we focus on the proteins associated with several immune pathways in fish. Furthermore, the qPCR transcript levels in skin are shown. Proteins found include apolipoprotein A1, calmodulin, complement C3, fucose-binding lectin, lysozyme and several caspases. To our knowledge, this is the first skin mucus proteome study and further transcriptional profiling of the identified proteins done on this bony fish species.This not only contributes knowledge on the routes involved in mucosal innate immunity, but also establishes a non-invasive technique based on locating immune markers with a potential use for prevention and/or diagnosis of fish diseases.www.proteomics-journal.com
Page 3 ProteomicsThis article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Statement of significance of the studyThe skin mucus is the first defence barrier of teleost fish; together with the skin, it protects the animal from pathogens, potential harmful chemicals and physical factors in the water where it is constantly submerged. This study identifies for the first time the main proteins in the skin mucus of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). In particular, we identify immune relevant proteins. The presence of RNA of the immune relevant genes in skin indicates that the proteins could be synthesised in the skin itself.