Schistosoma japonicum tegumental protein 20.8, role in reproduction through its calcium binding ability

Abstract

Schistosomiasis threatens thousands of millions of peoples' health every year in the world. Schistosoma japonicum, a pathogen of schistosomiasis, is covered by a lipid bilayer membrane which plays an important role in nutrient transport, signal transduction, interaction with host's immune system, etc. Thus, molecules in the tegumental membrane have gained more and more interest for understanding biological and pathological processes of schistosoma. In this study, we found a protein from S. japonicum cDNA library which has a 20.8 KDa molecular weight (SjTP20.8). Recombinant SjTP20.8 was produced and purified from Escherichia coli. The recombinant protein could be detected by S. japonicum-infected mice and human sera, and it had been found localizing in the tegumental membrane of S. japonicum in the section using immunofluorescence assay. In electrophoretic mobility shift assay, the protein could bind calcium iron in neutral condition. Result of cercariae challenge experiment indicates antibody against this protein can protect mice from chronic hepatic fibrosis. Our results indicate the S. japonicum tegumental protein 20.8 is crucial for the parasite's calcium absorbing and reproduction.

Comparative biochemical analysis of three members of the Schistosoma mansoni TAL family: Differences in ion and drug binding properties

“…S. mansoni expresses 13 family members [19–23] and therefore it seems likely that a similar number will be present in other members of the genus. Some proteins from Schistosoma japonicum and Schistosoma haematobium have already been identified and characterised [24–27] . F. hepatica and Fasciola gigantica each express at least four, and family members have also been identified in both Clonorchis sinensis and Opisthorchis viverrini [28–34] .…”

FhCaBP1 (FH22): A Fasciola hepatica calcium-binding protein with EF-hand and dynein light chain domains

“…This species expresses 13 family members, some of which have been shown to elicit IgE-mediated immune responses in the host (Fitzsimmons, et al, 2012, Fitzsimmons, et al, 2007, Webster, et al, 1997. Proteins from this family have also been identified and characterised from other species in the genus Schistosoma, from the Chinese liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis (Huang, et al, 2007, Kim, et al, 2012, Senawong, et al, 2012, Subpipattana, et al, 2012, Vichasri-Grams, et al, 2006, the giant liver fluke Fasciola gigantica and the carcinogenic liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini (Fitzsimmons, et al, 2004, Li, et al, 2000, Santiago, et al, 1998, Waine, et al, 1994, Xu, et al, 2014, Zhang, et al, 2012.…”

“…While many of the proteins have been localised to the tegument of the worm, their in vivo functions have not been elucidated (Fitzsimmons, et al, 2012, Havercroft, et al, 1990, Huang, et al, 2007, Kim, et al, 2012, Lopes, et al, 2009, Mohamed, et al, 1998, Subpipattana, et al, 2012, Xu, et al, 2014, Zhang, et al, 2012. From the available data it is evident that, despite clear sequence similarities, differences exist between the proteins at the biochemical level.…”

Preliminary characterization and expression of Vasa-like gene in Schistosoma japonicum

“…Disease symptoms are predominantly caused by the host immune response to schistosome eggs and the evoked granulomatous reaction (Wilson et al 2007). Recently, many studies have focused on mechanisms of schistosome reproductive biology, leading to the identification of proteins essential for worm reproduction and egg development (Leutner et al 2013;Liu et al 2010;Mann et al 2014;Ren et al 2013;Xu et al 2014).…”