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Qu B, Zhang S, Ma Z, Gao Z. Hepatic cecum: a key integrator of immunity in amphioxus. MARINE LIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 3:279-292. [PMID: 37073295 PMCID: PMC10077268 DOI: 10.1007/s42995-020-00080-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The vertebrate liver is regarded as an organ essential to the regulation of immunity and inflammation as well as being central to the metabolism of nutrients. Here, we discuss the functions that the hepatic cecum of amphioxus plays in the regulation of immunity and inflammation, and the molecular basis of this. It is apparent that the hepatic cecum performs important roles in the immunity of amphioxus including immune surveillance, clearance of pathogens and acute phase response. Therefore, the hepatic cecum, like the vertebrate liver, is an organ functioning as a key integrator of immunity in amphioxus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baozhen Qu
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Shicui Zhang
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Zengyu Ma
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Zhan Gao
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
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2
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Wang W, Wang C, Chen W, Ding S. Advances in immunological research of amphioxus. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 118:103992. [PMID: 33387559 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2020.103992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Amphioxus, one of the most closely related invertebrates to vertebrates, is an important animal model for studying the origin and evolution of vertebrate immunity, especially the transition from innate immunity to adaptive immunity. The current research progresses of amphioxus in the field of immune organs, immune cells, complement system, cytokines, nuclear factor kappa B, immune-related lectins and enzymes are summarized, and some issues that remain to be understood or are in need of further clarification are highlighted. We hope to provide references for more in-depth study of the amphioxus immune system and lay a solid foundation for the construction of three-dimensional immune network in amphioxus from ontogeny to phylogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, People's Republic of China
| | - Changliu Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wei Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, People's Republic of China; Yantai Productivity Promotion Center, Yantai, 264003, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuo Ding
- School of Life Sciences, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, People's Republic of China
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3
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Peng M, Li Z, Niu D, Liu X, Dong Z, Li J. Complement factor B/C2 in molluscs regulates agglutination and illuminates evolution of the Bf/C2 family. FASEB J 2019; 33:13323-13333. [PMID: 31550175 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901142rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Complement factor B/C2 family (Bf/C2F) proteins are core complement system components in vertebrates that are absent in invertebrates and have been lost by numerous species, raising evolutionary questions. At least 3 duplication events have occurred from Cnidaria (ancestor) to mammals. Type II Bf/C2 genes appeared during separation of Proterostomia and Deuterostomes. The second event occurred during separation of vertebrates and invertebrates, yielding type II-2 Bf/C2. The third event occurred when jawed and jawless fish were separated, eventually producing Bf and C2 genes. Herein, we report the second mollusc Sinonovacula constricta Bf/C2-type gene (ScBf). ScBf is similar to Ruditapes decussatus Bf-like because both lack the first complement control protein module at the N terminus present in mammalian Bf/C2 proteins. Uniquely, the Ser protease (SP) module at the C terminus of ScBf is ∼50 aa longer than in other complement factor B/C2-type (Bf/C2T) proteins, and is Glu-rich. Bf/C2T proteins in molluscs lack the catalytic Ser in the SP module. Surprisingly, ScBf regulates rabbit erythrocyte agglutination, during which it is localized on the erythrocyte surface. Thus, ScBf may mediate the agglutination cascade and may be an upstream regulator of this process. Our findings provide new insight into the origin of the Bf/C2F.-Peng, M., Li, Z., Niu, D., Liu, X., Dong, Z., Li, J. Complement factor B/C2 in molluscs regulates agglutination and illuminates evolution of the Bf/C2 family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maoxiao Peng
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.,College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.,College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Donghong Niu
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.,College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.,National Demonstration Centre for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.,Co-Innovation Centre of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, China; and
| | - Xiaojun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.,College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiguo Dong
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.,College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.,Co-Innovation Centre of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, China; and
| | - Jiale Li
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.,College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.,Co-Innovation Centre of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, China; and
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4
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Chen M, Wang C, Li Z, Chen J. Involvement of JNK signaling pathway in lipopolysaccharide-induced complement C3 transcriptional activation from amphioxus Branchiostoma belcheri. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 86:196-203. [PMID: 30458310 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2018.11.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Complement C3 is a pivotal component of three cascades of complement activation. C3 in circulation is mainly provided by the hepatic cecum. The expression and secretion of C3 by hepatocytes is increased during acute inflammation. The detailed information on the regulationary mechanism underlying C3 transcriptional activation is limited. Here, we characterized the 5'-flanking region of the amphioxus C3 gene. To functionally analyze the upstream regulatory region of the C3 gene, a series of luciferase reporter gene constructs containing deleted or mutant regulatory elements were prepared. Using luciferase assay, we revealed that a potential C-JUN-1 binding sites within the proximal promoter region were necessary for full activation of the C3 promoter, whereas NF-κB, AP-1, C-JUN-2 and NFAT transcription factor binding sites played roles in governing the promoter activity at a homeostatic level. Our data also indicated that sp600125, a c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor, decreased lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated C3 promoter activity, mRNA expression and protein secretion using western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR analysis. These findings demonstrated that JNK signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of C3 gene transcription by targeting C-JUN transcription factor binding sites in the 5'-flanking promoter region, leading to LPS-induced C3 activation and therefore providing a potential target for regulating C3 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingliang Chen
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, State Oceanic Administration, 184 University Road, Xiamen, 361005, PR China; Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-industry Technology, Huaihai Institute of Technology, Lianyungang, 222005, PR China.
| | - Chenying Wang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, State Oceanic Administration, 184 University Road, Xiamen, 361005, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and Marine Biodiversity and Global Change Research Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361101, PR China
| | - Zengpeng Li
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, State Oceanic Administration, 184 University Road, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
| | - Jianming Chen
- Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, PR China.
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Gao Z, Ma Z, Qu B, Jiao D, Zhang S. Identification and characterization of properdin in amphioxus: Implications for a functional alternative complement pathway in the basal chordate. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 65:1-8. [PMID: 28366782 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2017.03.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A complement system operating via the alternative pathway similar to that of vertebrates has been demonstrated in the primitive chordate amphioxus. However, the factor P (fP), a positive regulator of the alternative pathway, remains elusive in amphioxus to date. In this study, we identified and characterized a properdin gene in the amphioxus B. japonicum, BjfP, which represents an archetype of vertebrate properdins. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the BjfP was ubiquitously expressed and its expression was significantly up-regulated following the challenge with bacteria or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA). Recombinant BjfP (rBjfP) and its truncated proteins including rTSR1-3, rTSR4-6 and rTSR7-8, were all capable of interacting with both Gram-negative and positive bacteria as well as LPS and LTA. Moreover, rBjfP, rTSR1-3 and rTSR4-6 could also specifically bind to C3b. Importantly, both rTSR1-3 and rTSR4-6 could inhibit the binding of rBjfP to C3b, and thus suppress the activation of the alternative pathway of complement, suggesting the involvement of BjfP in the alternative pathway. This is the first report showing that a properdin protein in invertebrates plays similar roles to vertebrate properdins. Collectively, these data suggest that BjfP might represent the ancient molecule from which vertebrate properdins evolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan Gao
- Laboratory for Evolution & Development, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Zengyu Ma
- Laboratory for Evolution & Development, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Baozhen Qu
- Laboratory for Evolution & Development, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Deyan Jiao
- Laboratory for Evolution & Development, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shicui Zhang
- Laboratory for Evolution & Development, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
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Characterization of a Gene Coding for the Complement System Component FB from Loxosceles laeta Spider Venom Glands. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146992. [PMID: 26771533 PMCID: PMC4714745 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The human complement system is composed of more than 30 proteins and many of these have conserved domains that allow tracing the phylogenetic evolution. The complement system seems to be initiated with the appearance of C3 and factor B (FB), the only components found in some protostomes and cnidarians, suggesting that the alternative pathway is the most ancient. Here, we present the characterization of an arachnid homologue of the human complement component FB from the spider Loxosceles laeta. This homologue, named Lox-FB, was identified from a total RNA L. laeta spider venom gland library and was amplified using RACE-PCR techniques and specific primers. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence and the domain structure showed significant similarity to the vertebrate and invertebrate FB/C2 family proteins. Lox-FB has a classical domain organization composed of a control complement protein domain (CCP), a von Willebrand Factor domain (vWFA), and a serine protease domain (SP). The amino acids involved in Mg2+ metal ion dependent adhesion site (MIDAS) found in the vWFA domain in the vertebrate C2/FB proteins are well conserved; however, the classic catalytic triad present in the serine protease domain is not conserved in Lox-FB. Similarity and phylogenetic analyses indicated that Lox-FB shares a major identity (43%) and has a close evolutionary relationship with the third isoform of FB-like protein (FB-3) from the jumping spider Hasarius adansoni belonging to the Family Salcitidae.
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7
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Liu H, Lei M, Du X, Cui P, Zhang S. Identification of a novel antimicrobial peptide from amphioxus Branchiostoma japonicum by in silico and functional analyses. Sci Rep 2015; 5:18355. [PMID: 26680226 PMCID: PMC4683396 DOI: 10.1038/srep18355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) microbes leads to urgent demands for novel antibiotics exploration. We demonstrated a cDNA from amphioxus Branchiostoma japonicum, designated Bjamp1, encoded a protein with features typical of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which is not homologous to any AMPs currently discovered. It was found that Bjamp1 was expressed in distinct tissues, and its expression was remarkably up-regulated following challenge with LPS and LTA. Moreover, the synthesized putative mature AMP, mBjAMP1, underwent a coil-to-helix transition in the presence of TFE or SDS, agreeing well with the expectation that BjAMP1 was a potential AMP. Functional assays showed that mBjAMP1 inhibited the growth of all the bacteria tested, and induced membrane/cytoplasmic damage. ELISA indicated that mBjAMP1 was a pattern recognition molecule capable of identifying LPS and LTA. Importantly, mBjAMP1 disrupted the bacterial membranes by a membranolytic mechanism. Additionally, mBjAMP1 was non-cytotoxic to mammalian cells. Collectively, these data indicate that mBjAMP1 is a new AMP with a high bacterial membrane selectivity, rendering it a promising template for the design of novel peptide antibiotics against MDR microbes. It also shows for the first time that use of signal conserved sequence of AMPs is effective identifying potential AMPs across different animal classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haohan Liu
- Laboratory for Evolution &Development, Institute of Evolution &Marine Biodiversity and Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Miaomiao Lei
- Laboratory for Evolution &Development, Institute of Evolution &Marine Biodiversity and Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Du
- Laboratory for Evolution &Development, Institute of Evolution &Marine Biodiversity and Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Pengfei Cui
- Laboratory for Evolution &Development, Institute of Evolution &Marine Biodiversity and Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shicui Zhang
- Laboratory for Evolution &Development, Institute of Evolution &Marine Biodiversity and Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
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8
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Wang Y, Wang H, Li M, Gao Z, Zhang S. Identification, expression and regulation of amphioxus G6Pase gene with an emphasis on origin of liver. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 214:9-16. [PMID: 25745818 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Revised: 12/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/28/2014] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Vertebrate glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) consists of three isozymes: G6Pase-I, G6Pase-II and G6Pase-III. Despite extensive study on G6Pases in vertebrates, information regarding expression and regulation of G6Pase genes is rather limited in invertebrates. Here we report the identification of G6Pase gene in amphioxus Branchiostoma japonicum, which is abundantly expressed in the digestive diverticulum and ovary in a tissue-specific manner. The phylogenetic and genomic structure analyses reveal that amphioxus G6Pase bears close resemblance to vertebrate G6Pase-III and represents the archetype of vertebrate G6Pase from which the vertebrate G6Pase isoforms may be originated by 2 rounds of genome duplication during vertebrate evolution. We also demonstrate that GH treatment induces a closely similar expression pattern and trend of g6pases in both zebrafish and amphioxus, and that G6Pase activity in amphioxus digestive diverticulum is subjected to regulation of feeding and fasting as observed in vertebrates. Collectively, all these provide functional evidences supporting the notion that the digestive diverticulum is the liver homologue playing a key role in maintaining the glucose homeostasis in amphioxus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Laboratory for Evolution & Development, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity and Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengyang Li
- Laboratory for Evolution & Development, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity and Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Zhan Gao
- Laboratory for Evolution & Development, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity and Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shicui Zhang
- Laboratory for Evolution & Development, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity and Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
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9
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Yuan S, Ruan J, Huang S, Chen S, Xu A. Amphioxus as a model for investigating evolution of the vertebrate immune system. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 48:297-305. [PMID: 24877655 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2014.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Revised: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
As the most basal chordate, the cephalochordate amphioxus has unique features that make it a valuable model for understanding the phylogeny of immunity. Vertebrate adaptive immunity (VAI) mediated by lymphocytes bearing variable receptors has been well-studied in mammals but not observed in invertebrates. However, the identification of lymphocyte-like cells in the gill along with genes related with lymphoid proliferation and differentiation indicates the presence of some basic components of VAI in amphioxus. Without VAI, amphioxus utilizes about 10% of its gene repertoires, and an ongoing domain reshuffling mechanism among these genes, for innate immunity, suggesting extraordinary innate complexity and diversity not observed in other species. Innate diversity may not be comparable to the somatic diversity of the VAI, but there is no doubt of the success of this immune system, since amphioxus has existed for over 500 million years. Studies of amphioxus immunity may provide information on the reduction of innate immune complexity and the conflict between microbiota and host shaped the evolution of adaptive immune systems (AIS) during chordate evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaochun Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengfeng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Shangwu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Anlong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China; Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, People's Republic of China.
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10
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An amphioxus gC1q protein binds human IgG and initiates the classical pathway: Implications for a C1q-mediated complement system in the basal chordate. Eur J Immunol 2014; 44:3680-95. [DOI: 10.1002/eji.201444734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Revised: 07/27/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Cai L, Zhu J, Yin D, Chen L, Jin P, Ma F. Identification and characterization of complement factor H in Branchiostoma belcheri. Gene 2014; 553:42-8. [PMID: 25281822 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.09.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2014] [Revised: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/27/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Complement factor H (CFH) is an essential regulator of the complement system and plays very important roles in animal innate immunity. Although the complement system of amphioxus has been extensively studied, the expression in amphioxus and evolution of CFH gene remain unknown. In this study, we identified and characterized an amphioxus (Branchiostoma belcheri) CFH gene (designated as AmphiCFH). Our results showed that the full-length cDNA of AmphiCFH gene consists of 1295 bp nucleotides containing an 855 bp open reading frame (ORF) that was predicted to encode a 284 amino acid protein. The putative AmphiCFH protein possessed the characteristic of the CFH protein family, including typical CCP (complement control protein) domain. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the AmphiCFH was ubiquitously and differentially expressed in five investigated tissues (intestine, gills, notochord, muscles, and hepatic cecum). The expression level of the AmphiCFH gene was induced upon lipopolysaccharide stimulation, indicating that the AmphiCFH gene might be involved in innate immunity. In addition, phylogenetic analysis showed that the AmphiCFH gene was located between that of invertebrates and vertebrates, suggesting that the AmphiCFH gene is a member of the CFH gene family. In conclusion, our findings provided an insight into animal innate immunity and evolution of the CFH gene family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Cai
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, PR China
| | - Jiu Zhu
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, PR China
| | - Denghua Yin
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, PR China
| | - Liming Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Science, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Ping Jin
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, PR China.
| | - Fei Ma
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, PR China.
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12
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Wang S, Li F, Hu L, Liu S, Li H, Zhang S. Structural and functional characterization of a TGFβ molecule from amphioxus reveals an ancient origin of both immune-enhancing and -inhibitory functions. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 45:219-226. [PMID: 24657208 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2014.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Revised: 03/08/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) is a pleiotropic cytokine with important roles in mediating inflammatory response. TGFβ has been shown to be widely present in invertebrates, but little is known about its functions in immune and inflammatory responses. Moreover, structural and functional insights into TGFβ molecules in invertebrates remain completely lacking. Here we demonstrate the presence of a single TGFβ-like gene in the amphioxus Branchiostoma japonicum, Bjtgfβ, which represents the archetype of vertebrate TGFβ proteins, and displays a higher expression in the hind-gut, hepatic caecum, ovary, and gill. We also show that amphioxus TGFβ exerts both enhancing and suppressing effects on the migration of macrophages like RAW264.7, and the motif WSTD is important for TGFβ in inducing or inhibiting the migration of macrophages. Altogether, these data suggest that amphioxus TGFβ is phylogenetically and functionally similar to vertebrate TGFβ, suggesting an ancient origin of bipolar function of TGFβ proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Wang
- Laboratory for Evolution & Development, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Fengzhen Li
- Laboratory for Evolution & Development, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Lili Hu
- Laboratory for Evolution & Development, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shousheng Liu
- Laboratory for Evolution & Development, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Hongyan Li
- Laboratory for Evolution & Development, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shicui Zhang
- Laboratory for Evolution & Development, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
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Identification, expression and bioactivity of hexokinase in amphioxus: insights into evolution of vertebrate hexokinase genes. Gene 2013; 535:318-26. [PMID: 24262936 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2013.10.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Revised: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 10/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Hexokinase family includes hexokinases I, II, III and IV, that catalyze the phosphorylation of glucose to produce glucose 6-phosphate. Hexokinase IV, also known as glucokinase, is only half size of the other types of hexokinases that contain two hexokinase domains. Despite the enormous progress in the study of hexokinases, the evolutionary relationship between glucokinase and other hexokinases is still uncertain, and the molecular processes leading to the emergence of hexokinases in vertebrates remain controversial. Here we clearly demonstrated the presence of a single hexokinase-like gene in the amphioxus Branchiostoma japonicum, Bjhk, which shows a tissue-specific expression pattern, with the most abundant expression in the hepatic caecum, testis and ovary. The phylogenetic and synteny analyses both reveal that BjHK is the archetype of vertebrate hexokinases IV, i.e. glucokinases. We also found for the first time that recombinant BjHK showed functional enzyme activity resembling vertebrate hexokinases I, II, III and IV. In addition, a native glucokinase activity was detected in the hepatic caecum. Finally, glucokinase activity in the hepatic caecum was markedly reduced by fasting, whereas it was considerably increased by feeding. Altogether, these suggest that Bjhk represents the archetype of glucokinases, from which vertebrate hexokinase gene family was evolved by gene duplication, and that the hepatic caecum plays a role in the control of glucose homeostasis in amphioxus, in favor of the notion that the hepatic caecum is a tissue homologous to liver.
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Gao Z, Li M, Wu J, Zhang S. Interplay between invertebrate C3a with vertebrate macrophages: functional characterization of immune activities of amphioxus C3a. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 35:1249-1259. [PMID: 23954696 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2013.07.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2013] [Revised: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Our current knowledge of the structure and function of C3a comes from the study of vertebrate C3a anaphylatoxins, virtually nothing is known about the structure and function of C3a molecules in invertebrates. Here we demonstrated that C3a from the invertebrate chordate Branchiostoma japonicum, BjC3a, was similar to vertebrate C3a possessing potential antibacterial activity, as revealed by sequence analysis and computational modeling. The antibacterial activity of BjC3a was definitely confirmed by both antibacterial assay and TEM observation showing that recombinant BjC3a was directly bactericidal. Additionally, recombinant BjC3a, like vertebrate C3a, was capable of inducing sea bass macrophage migration and enhancing macrophage phagocytosis and respiratory burst response. Moreover, recombinant BjC3a-desArg (generated by removal of the C-terminal arginine), like mammalian C3a-desArg, retained the immunological activities of BjC3a such as antibacterial and respiratory burst-stimulating activities, indicating that the immunological functions of C3a-desArg were conserved throughout chordate evolution. Altogether, our findings show that invertebrate (amphioxus) BjC3a is able to interact with vertebrate (sea bass) macrophages and mediate immune activities, suggesting the emergence of the inflammatory pathway of the complement system similar to that of vertebrates in the basal chordate amphioxus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan Gao
- Laboratory for Evolution & Development, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity and Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
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Yang R, Zheng T, Cai X, Yu Y, Yu C, Guo L, Huang S, Zhu W, Zhu R, Yan Q, Ren Z, Chen S, Xu A. Genome-Wide Analyses of Amphioxus MicroRNAs Reveal an Immune Regulation via miR-92d Targeting C3. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 190:1491-500. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1200801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Yao F, Li Z, Zhang Y, Zhang S. A novel short peptidoglycan recognition protein in amphioxus: identification, expression and bioactivity. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 38:332-341. [PMID: 22885632 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2012.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2012] [Revised: 07/21/2012] [Accepted: 07/22/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) are widely distributed in invertebrates and vertebrates, and structure-activity relationship of insect and mammalian PGRPs has been well characterized, but functional and structural insights into PGRPs in other species are rather limited. Here we identified a novel short PGRP gene from the amphioxus Branchiostoma japonicum, named pgrp-s, which possesses a domain combination of ChtBD1 domain-PGRP domain, which is unique to all known PGRPs. Amphioxus pgrp-s was predominantly expressed in the hepatic caecum, hind-gut and muscle in a tissue-specific manner. Recombinant PGRP-S, rPGRP-S, and truncated protein with ChtBD1 domain deleted, rP86/250, both showed affinity to Dap-type PGN, Lys-type PGN and chitin. Consistently, they were also able to bind to Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pichia pastoris. Moreover, both rPGRP-S and rP86/250 had amidase enzymatic activity, capable of hydrolyzing Dap-type and Lys-type PGNs. Like vertebrate PGRPs, rPGRP-S was directly microbicidal, capable of killing E. coli, S. aureus and P. pastoris, whereas rP86/250 only inhibited the growth of E. coli and S. aureus, and its anti-P. pastoris activity was significantly reduced. It is clear that neither the binding of amphioxus PGRP-S nor its amidase enzymatic activity depend on the N-terminal ChtBD1 domain, but its antifungal activity does. Collectively, these data suggested that amphioxus PGRP-S may function as a multivalent pattern recognition receptor, capable of recognizing PGN and chitin, a microbicidal agent, capable of killing bacteria such as E. coli and S. aureus and fungus like P. pastoris, and probably a PGN scavenger, capable of hydrolyzing PGN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Yao
- Laboratory for Evolution & Development, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity and Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
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Jiang L, Ni J, Liu Q. Evolution of selenoproteins in the metazoan. BMC Genomics 2012; 13:446. [PMID: 22943432 PMCID: PMC3473315 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-13-446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2012] [Accepted: 08/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The selenocysteine (Sec) containing proteins, selenoproteins, are an important group of proteins present throughout all 3 kingdoms of life. With the rapid progression of selenoprotein research in the post-genomic era, application of bioinformatics methods to the identification of selenoproteins in newly sequenced species has become increasingly important. Although selenoproteins in human and other vertebrates have been investigated, studies of primitive invertebrate selenoproteomes are rarely reported outside of insects and nematodes. Result A more integrated view of selenoprotein evolution was constructed using several representative species from different evolutionary eras. Using a SelGenAmic-based selenoprotein identification method, 178 selenoprotein genes were identified in 6 invertebrates: Amphimedon queenslandica, Trichoplax adhaerens, Nematostella vectensis, Lottia gigantean, Capitella teleta, and Branchiostoma floridae. Amphioxus was found to have the most abundant and variant selenoproteins of any animal currently characterized, including a special selenoprotein P (SelP) possessing 3 repeated Trx-like domains and Sec residues in the N-terminal and 2 Sec residues in the C-terminal. This gene structure suggests the existence of two different strategies for extension of Sec numbers in SelP for the preservation and transportation of selenium. In addition, novel eukaryotic AphC-like selenoproteins were identified in sponges. Conclusion Comparison of various animal species suggests that even the most primitive animals possess a selenoproteome range and variety similar to humans. During evolutionary history, only a few new selenoproteins have emerged and few were lost. Furthermore, the massive loss of selenoproteins in nematodes and insects likely occurred independently in isolated partial evolutionary branches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Jiang
- College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong Province, PR, China
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Wang Y, Zhang S. EF1α is a useful internal reference for studies of gene expression regulation in amphioxus Branchiostoma japonicum. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 32:1068-1073. [PMID: 22554576 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2012.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2011] [Revised: 02/25/2012] [Accepted: 03/02/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Amphioxus is a well-known model organism widely used for interspecies comparative genome study, developmental homology analysis and comparative immunological investigation. However, no study has been performed so far to evaluate the internal reference for quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) studies of gene expression in this important species. In this study, two software applications (geNorm and NormFinder) were used to evaluate the expression stability of 4 housekeeping genes (ACTB, GAPDH, 18S rRNA and EF1α) in 8 different normal tissues (whole body, gut, gut-free body, hepatic caecum, gill, hind-gut, notochord and muscle) and 2 tissues (gut and gut-free body) challenged with LPS and LTA in amphioxus Branchiostoma japonicum. Our results showed that in the normal tissues, the expression of 18S rRNA was most abundant, whereas the expression levels of the other three genes were close to each other, with the expression of ACTB being most unstable. Following challenge with LPS and LTA, all the four genes exhibited varied degrees of expression changes in the different tissues and the expression stabilities of the genes were also affected by the different experimental conditions. Yet, the overall ranking results produced by the two algorithms consistently indicated that the expression of EF1α showed the most least variation in the different tissues, suggesting that EF1α is a suitable internal control for qRT-PCR studies in amphioxus B. japonicum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfeng Wang
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
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Liang Y, Pan A, Zhang S, Zhang Y, Liu M. Cloning, distribution and primary immune characteristics of amphioxus alpha-2 macroglobulin. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 31:963-969. [PMID: 21903171 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2011.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2011] [Revised: 08/01/2011] [Accepted: 08/19/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Alpha-2 macroglobulin (α(2)M), a broad-spectrum protease inhibitor, exists widely in vertebrates and invertebrates, but little information is available to date regarding α(2)M in amphioxus, an animal bridging from invertebrates to vertebrates. Here we first show that the full α(2)M cDNA of Branchiostoma japonicum (Bjα(2)m) contained 5545 bp with an open reading frame of 4593 bp encoding signal sequence of 16 amino acid residues and a mature protein of 1514 residues. The calculated molecular mass and pI of mature Bjα(2)M were 164.2 kDa and 4.6 respectively. Bjα(2)m was mainly expressed in the hepatic caecum and hind-gut in a tissue-specific manner, contrasting to the primary expression of α(2)M in vertebrate liver. Following challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Bjα(2)m expression was significantly up-regulated (7-folds) at 8 h and then declined to the base line at 16 h. Taken together, it is suggested that Bjα(2)M is an immune-relevant molecule possibly involved in the acute phase response via the digestive organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujun Liang
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity and Laboratory for Evolution and Development, Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
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Wang Y, Zhang S. Expression and regulation by thyroid hormone (TH) of zebrafish IGF-I gene and amphioxus IGFl gene with implication of the origin of TH/IGF signaling pathway. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2011; 160:474-9. [PMID: 21867768 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2011.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2011] [Revised: 07/31/2011] [Accepted: 08/04/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid hormone (TH)/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathway has been identified in all the vertebrates, but its evolutionary origin remains elusive. In this study we examined the expression profiles in vitro as well as in vivo of the IGF-I gene of fish Danio rerio (vertebrate) and the IGF-like gene (IGFl) of amphioxus Branchiostoma japonicum (protochordate) following T(3) treatment. Our results showed that T(3) was able to enhance hepatic IGF-I/IGFl gene expression in vitro in both zebrafish and amphioxus in a dose-dependent manner. This T(3)-induced hepatic expression of IGF-I/IGFl genes in both species was significantly inhibited by the T(3)-specific inhibitor DEA, indicating the specificity of IGF-I/IGFl gene regulation by T(3). At 100nM T(3), in both the long (42h) and short (8h) time course experiments, the IGF-I/IGFl gene expression profiles following T(3) treatment in the tissue cultures of both species exhibited closely similar pattern and trend. Moreover, exposure of zebrafish and amphioxus to T(3)in vivo for 72h induced a significant increase in the expression of IGF-I/IGFl genes in both the liver and the hepatic caecum. These data together suggest that amphioxus and zebrafish both share a similar regulatory mechanism of IGF gene expression in response to T(3), providing an evidence for the presence of a vertebrate-like TH/IGF signaling pathway in the protochordate amphioxus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfeng Wang
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao
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Identification and expression of liver-specific genes after LPS challenge in amphioxus: the hepatic cecum as liver-like organ and "pre-hepatic" acute phase response. Funct Integr Genomics 2010; 11:111-8. [PMID: 21052758 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-010-0199-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2010] [Revised: 10/08/2010] [Accepted: 10/19/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Liver is present in all vertebrates and central to many physiological processes including processing of nutrients from ingested food, plasma protein synthesis, hormone production, and detoxification. However, its evolutionary origin remains open to date. Liver is also the principal organ of acute phase response (APR) but when the vertebrate-like APR regulatory network emerges during the chordate evolution is unknown. By combining global genome survey and qRT-PCR data sets, here, we clearly demonstrate the presence of the 58 vertebrate (zebrafish) liver-specific genes in amphioxus (hepatic cecum-specific genes) that are expressed in a tissue-specific manner in the hepatic cecum, the homolog of liver. Among these 58 hepatic cecum-specific genes, 52 genes respond to lipopolysaccharide challenge, which show similar expression profiles in both zebrafish and amphioxus. In addition, searching for binding sites for HNF and APR-associated transcription factors in promoter sequences for all the 58 hepatic cecum-specific genes and the 52 APR-related genes suggests that both HNF factors and APR-associated transcription factors in amphioxus form regulatory networks similar to those observed in zebrafish, regulating the hepatic cecum-specific genes and APR-related genes, respectively, via binding to their binding sites in the promoter regions. These similarities in liver/hepatic cecum-specific genes, APR, and regulatory networks between amphioxus and zebrafish supports the idea that hepatic cecum in amphioxus is the "pre-hepatic" organ homologous to vertebrate liver and acts as an immunological organ, playing an important role in APR.
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Gao K, Zhang S. Ovochymase in amphioxus Branchiostoma belcheri is an ovary-specific trypsin-like serine protease with an antibacterial activity. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 33:1219-1228. [PMID: 19616576 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2009.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2009] [Revised: 07/09/2009] [Accepted: 07/09/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Ovochymases have been shown to be present in vertebrates; little information is available at present regarding ovochymase in invertebrates. Here we isolated a cDNA encoding an ovochymase homolog from amphioxus Branchiostoma belcheri, named BbOvc. The cDNA contained a 1248bp open reading frame corresponding to a deduced protein of 415 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of approximately 44.4kDa. Phylogenetic analysis showed that BbOvc was located at the base of its vertebrate counterparts, suggesting that it represents the archetype of vertebrate ovochymases. BbOvc is found to display a tissue- and stage-specific expression pattern, with a predominant expression in the ovary of sexually matured females and in the early stage embryos (1-16-cell embryos). The recombinant ovochymase expressed in vitro shows a trypsin-like activity capable of hydrolysing the trypsin prototypic substrate N(a)-benzoyl-l-arginine ethyl ester (60UBAEE/mg), which can be inhibited by the trypsin-specific inhibitor soybean trypsin inhibitor. It also exhibits an antibacterial activity capable of inhibiting the growth of bacteria like E. coli and V. parahaemolyticus. Taken together, these data indicate that BbOvc is a novel ovochymase with an antibacterial activity and offer first clues to its role as an immune-relevant molecule which may protect the early embryos from pathogenic attacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Gao
- Department of Marine Biology and Key Laboratory for Genetics and Gene Resource Exploitation, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
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Sun T, Zhang S, Ji G. Identification and expression of an elastase homologue in Branchiostoma belcheri with implications to the origin of vertebrate pancreas. Mol Biol Rep 2009; 37:3303-9. [PMID: 19908163 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-009-9916-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2009] [Accepted: 10/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Elastases have been identified in a variety of organisms ranging from bacteria to insects to mammals, yet little is known to date about them in amphioxus, a model animal for insights into the origin and evolution of vertebrates. In this study we demonstrate the presence of an elastase homologue, named BbElas, in Branchiostoma belcheri. The recombinant BbElas hydrolyses the elastase specific substrate N-succinyl-Ala-Ala-Ala p-nitroanilide, which can be inhibited by the serine proteinase inhibitor PMSF, the elastase-specific inhibitor elastatinal and the cysteine proteinase inhibitor PCMB. Phylogenetic analysis shows that BbElas represents the archetype of vertebrate elastases, hinting at the clues that the different isoforms of vertebrate elastases are originated from an ancestral gene like BbElas. Our results also suggest that the mid-gut in amphioxus is to homologous vertebrate pancreas, a novel proposal which deserves further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinghua Sun
- Department of Marine Biology and Key Laboratory of Genetics and Gene Resource Exploitation, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China
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A transferrin-like homolog in amphioxus Branchiostoma belcheri: Identification, expression and functional characterization. Mol Immunol 2009; 46:3117-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2009.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2009] [Revised: 05/22/2009] [Accepted: 06/03/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Prado-Alvarez M, Rotllant J, Gestal C, Novoa B, Figueras A. Characterization of a C3 and a factor B-like in the carpet-shell clam, Ruditapes decussatus. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 26:305-315. [PMID: 19073265 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2008.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2008] [Revised: 11/18/2008] [Accepted: 11/20/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The alternative pathway is considered to be the most ancient route for activation of the complement system. Herein, we report the characterization of C3 and factor B-like proteins in the clam Ruditapes decussatus, termed Rd-C3 and Rd-Bf-like. The Rd-C3 is a three-chain protein, similar to other protoC3 proteins, and the Rd-Bf-like is composed of two complement control protein modules (CCP domains) that differ from other described Bf proteins. The inoculation of clams with live bacteria did not result in induction of these functions, but inhibited the expression of Rd-C3 and Rd-Bf-like.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Prado-Alvarez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas, CSIC, C/Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208 Vigo, Spain
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Alternative complement activity in the egg cytosol of amphioxus Branchiostoma belcheri: evidence for the defense role of maternal complement components. PLoS One 2009; 4:e4234. [PMID: 19156196 PMCID: PMC2617767 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2008] [Accepted: 12/12/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The eggs in most invertebrates are fertilized externally, and therefore their resulting embryos are exposed to an environment full of microbes, many of which are pathogens capable of killing other organisms. How the developing embryos of invertebrates defend themselves against pathogenic attacks is an intriguing question to biologists, and remains largely unknown. Methodology/Principal Findings Here we clearly demonstrated that the egg cytosol prepared from the newly fertilized eggs of amphioxus Branchiostoma belcheri, an invertebrate chordate, was able to inhibit the growth of both the Gram-negative bacterium Vibrio anguillarum and the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. All findings point to that it is the complement system operating via the alternative pathway that is attributable to the bacteriostatic activity. Conclusions/Significance This appears to be the first report providing the evidence for the functional role of the maternal complement components in the eggs of invertebrate species, paving the way for the study of maternal immunity in other invertebrate organisms whose eggs are fertilized in vitro. It also supports the notion that the early developing embryos share some defense mechanisms common with the adult species.
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Yu Y, Huang H, Wang Y, Yu Y, Yuan S, Huang S, Pan M, Feng K, Xu A. A Novel C1q Family Member of Amphioxus Was Revealed to Have a Partial Function of Vertebrate C1q Molecule. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2008; 181:7024-32. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.181.10.7024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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