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Peña FJ, Martín-Cano FE, Becerro-Rey L, Ortega-Ferrusola C, Gaitskell-Phillips G, da Silva-Álvarez E, Gil MC. Proteomics is advancing the understanding of stallion sperm biology. Proteomics 2024:e2300522. [PMID: 38807556 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202300522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
The mammalian ejaculate is very well suited to proteomics studies. As such, research concerning sperm proteomics is offering a huge amount of new information on the biology of spermatozoa. Among domestic animals, horses represent a species of special interest, in which reproductive technologies and a sizeable market of genetic material have grown exponentially in the last decade. Studies using proteomic approaches have been conducted in recent years, showing that proteomics is a potent tool to dig into the biology of the stallion spermatozoa. The aim of this review is to present an overview of the research conducted, and how these studies have improved our knowledge of stallion sperm biology. The main outcomes of the research conducted so far have been an improved knowledge of metabolism, and its importance in sperm functions, the impact of different technologies on the sperm proteome, and the identification of potential biomarkers. Moreover, proteomics of seminal plasma and phosphoproteomics are identified as areas of major interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando J Peña
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Francisco Eduardo Martín-Cano
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Laura Becerro-Rey
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Cristina Ortega-Ferrusola
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Gemma Gaitskell-Phillips
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Eva da Silva-Álvarez
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - María Cruz Gil
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
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2
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Gaitskell-Phillips G, Martín-Cano FE, Ortiz-Rodríguez JM, Silva-Rodríguez A, Gil MC, Ortega-Ferrusola C, Peña FJ. Differences in the proteome of stallion spermatozoa explain stallion-to-stallion variability in sperm quality post-thaw†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:1097-1113. [PMID: 33438027 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification of stallions and or ejaculates that will provide commercially acceptable quality post-thaw before cryopreservation is of great interest, avoiding wasting time and resources freezing ejaculates that will not achieve sufficient quality to be marketed. Our hypothesis was that after bioinformatic analysis, the study of the stallion sperm proteome can provide discriminant variables able to predict the post-thaw quality of the ejaculate. At least three ejaculates from 10 different stallions were frozen following a split sample design. Half of the ejaculate was analyzed as a fresh aliquot and the other half was frozen and then analyzed as a frozen-thawed aliquot. Computer-assisted sperm analysis and flow cytometry were used to analyze sperm quality. Detailed proteomic analysis was performed on fresh and frozen and thawed aliquots, and bioinformatic analysis was used to identify discriminant variables in fresh samples able to predict the outcome of cryopreservation. Those with a fold change > 3, a P = 8.2e-04, and a q = 0.074 (equivalent to False discovery rate (FDR)) were selected, and the following proteins were identified in fresh samples as discriminant variables of good motility post-thaw: F6YTG8, K9K273, A0A3Q2I7V9, F7CE45, F6YU15, and F6SKR3. Other discriminant variables were also identified as predictors of good mitochondrial membrane potential and viability post-thaw. We concluded that proteomic approaches are a powerful tool to improve current sperm biotechnologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Gaitskell-Phillips
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Francisco E Martín-Cano
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - José M Ortiz-Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Antonio Silva-Rodríguez
- Facility of Innovation and Analysis in Animal Source Foodstuffs, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Maria C Gil
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Cristina Ortega-Ferrusola
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Fernando J Peña
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
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3
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Sharma B, Ma Y, Ferguson AL, Liu AP. In search of a novel chassis material for synthetic cells: emergence of synthetic peptide compartment. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:10769-10780. [PMID: 33179713 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm01644f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Giant lipid vesicles have been used extensively as a synthetic cell model to recapitulate various life-like processes, including in vitro protein synthesis, DNA replication, and cytoskeleton organization. Cell-sized lipid vesicles are mechanically fragile in nature and prone to rupture due to osmotic stress, which limits their usability. Recently, peptide vesicles have been introduced as a synthetic cell model that would potentially overcome the aforementioned limitations. Peptide vesicles are robust, reasonably more stable than lipid vesicles and can withstand harsh conditions including pH, thermal, and osmotic variations. This mini-review summarizes the current state-of-the-art in the design, engineering, and realization of peptide-based chassis materials, including both experimental and computational work. We present an outlook for simulation-aided and data-driven design and experimental realization of engineered and multifunctional synthetic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bineet Sharma
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.
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4
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Iikura H, Takizawa H, Ozawa S, Nakagawa T, Matsui Y, Nambu H. Mosquito repellence induced by tarsal contact with hydrophobic liquids. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14480. [PMID: 32879341 PMCID: PMC7468126 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71406-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito legs have a unique highly water-repellent surface structure. While being beneficial to mosquitoes, the water-repellence of the tarsi enhances the wettability of hydrophobic substances such as oils. This high wettability induces strong attraction forces on a mosquito’s legs (up to 87% of the mosquito’s weight) towards the oil. We studied the landing behaviour of mosquitoes on oil-coated surfaces and observed that the mosquito contact time was reduced compared to that on hydrophilic-liquid-coated surfaces, suggesting that the oil coating induces an escape response. The observed escape behaviour occurred consistently with several hydrophobic liquids, including silicone oil, which is used globally in personal care products. As the repellent effect is similar to multiple hydrophobic substances, it is likely to be mechanically stimulated owing to the physical properties of the hydrophobic liquids and not due to chemical interactions. On human skin, the contact time was sufficiently short to prevent mosquitoes from starting to blood-feed. The secretion of Hippopotamus amphibius, which has physical properties similar to those of low-viscosity silicone oil, also triggered an escape response, suggesting that it acts as a natural mosquito repellent. Our results are beneficial to develop new, safe, and effective mosquito-repellent technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Iikura
- Material Science Research, Kao Corporation, 2-1-3 Bunka, Sumida, Tokyo, 131-8501, Japan. .,Material Science Research, Kao Corporation, 1334 Minato, Wakayama, Wakayama, 640-8580, Japan.
| | - Hiroyuki Takizawa
- Personal Health Care Products Research, Kao Corporation, 2-1-3 Bunka, Sumida, Tokyo, 131-8501, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ozawa
- Material Science Research, Kao Corporation, 1334 Minato, Wakayama, Wakayama, 640-8580, Japan
| | - Takao Nakagawa
- Personal Health Care Products Research, Kao Corporation, 2-1-3 Bunka, Sumida, Tokyo, 131-8501, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Matsui
- Material Science Research, Kao Corporation, 2-1-3 Bunka, Sumida, Tokyo, 131-8501, Japan.,Material Science Research, Kao Corporation, 1334 Minato, Wakayama, Wakayama, 640-8580, Japan
| | - Hiromi Nambu
- Material Science Research, Kao Corporation, 2-1-3 Bunka, Sumida, Tokyo, 131-8501, Japan.,Material Science Research, Kao Corporation, 1334 Minato, Wakayama, Wakayama, 640-8580, Japan
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5
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Nandula SR, Huxford I, Wheeler TT, Aparicio C, Gorr SU. The parotid secretory protein BPIFA2 is a salivary surfactant that affects lipopolysaccharide action. Exp Physiol 2020; 105:1280-1292. [PMID: 32390232 DOI: 10.1113/ep088567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? The salivary protein BPIFA2 binds lipopolysaccharide, but its physiological function is not known. This study uses a new knockout mouse model to explore the physiological role of BPIFA2 in the oral cavity and systemic physiology. What is the main finding and its importance? BPIFA2 is a crucial surfactant in mouse saliva. In its absence, saliva exhibits the surface tension of water. Depletion of BPIFA2 affects salivary and ingested lipopolysaccharide and leads to systemic sequelae that include increased insulin secretion and metabolomic changes. These results suggest that the lipopolysaccharide-binding activity of BPIFA2 affects the activity of ingested lipopolysaccharide in the intestine and that BPIFA2 depletion causes mild metabolic endotoxaemia. ABSTRACT Saliva plays important roles in the mastication, swallowing and digestion of food, speech and lubrication of the oral mucosa, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities, and the control of body temperature in grooming animals. The salivary protein BPIFA [BPI fold containing family A member 2; former names: parotid secretory protein (PSP), SPLUN2 and C20orf70] is related to lipid-binding and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding proteins expressed in the mucosa. Indeed, BPIFA2 binds LPS, but the physiological role of BPIFA2 remains to be determined. To address this question, Bpifa2 knockout (Bpifa2tm1(KOMP)Vlcg ) (KO) mice were phenotyped, with emphasis on the saliva and salivary glands. Stimulated whole saliva collected from KO mice was less able to spread on a hydrophobic surface than wild-type saliva, and the surface tension of KO saliva was close to that of water. These data suggest that BPIFA2 is a salivary surfactant that is mainly responsible for the low surface tension of mouse saliva. The reduced surfactant activity of KO saliva did not affect consumption of dry food or grooming, but saliva from KO mice contained less LPS than wild-type saliva. Indeed, mice lacking BPIFA2 responded to ingested LPS with an increased stool frequency, suggesting that BPIFA2 plays a role in the solubilization and activity of ingested LPS. Consistent with these findings, BPIFA2-depleted mice also showed increased insulin secretion and metabolomic changes that were consistent with a mild endotoxaemia. These results support the distal physiological function of a salivary protein and reinforce the connection between oral biology and systemic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seshagiri Rao Nandula
- Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ian Huxford
- Department of Restorative Sciences, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Conrado Aparicio
- Department of Restorative Sciences, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Sven-Ulrik Gorr
- Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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6
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Dunstan RH, Macdonald MM, Thorn B, Wood D, Roberts TK. Modelling of amino acid turnover in the horse during training and racing: A basis for developing a novel supplementation strategy. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0226988. [PMID: 31899789 PMCID: PMC6941815 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Horses in heavy training in preparation for racing and competition have increased metabolic demands to support the more intensive levels of exercise and recovery. However, little is known at the metabolic level about amino acid turnover and the specific alterations of demand caused by high intensity exercise. During exercise, certain amino acids are required in greater quantities due to disproportionate losses via excretory systems and usage in biosynthetic pathways. This investigation has built a theoretical computer model in an attempt to bring together the published rates of protein intake and utilisation to try to understand how some amino acids might be in higher demand than others. The model indicated that after evaluation of the daily amino acid turnover, glutamine/glutamic acid (Glx), serine and ornithine were in negative nitrogen balance which identified these amino acids as critical limiting factors for anabolism. Adjustment of the modelling conditions to cater for high intensity training indicated that an additional demand was placed on eight amino acids, including GLx, valine, lysine, histidine and phenylalanine which could thus become limiting under these conditions. The modelling results indicated that an amino acid supplement with the correct amino acids to match demand could theoretically be beneficial to a 500Kg horse in quantities of 20-80g/day. These results open new avenues of research for specifically tailoring amino acid supplementation to meet demands for sports horses in heavy training and improving general well-being, especially in hotter climates.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Hugh Dunstan
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Margaret M. Macdonald
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Brittany Thorn
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - David Wood
- Horsepower Pty Ltd, Windsor, NSW, Australia
| | - Timothy K. Roberts
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
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7
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Abstract
Biological foams contain a cocktail of unusual proteins with diverse properties. Natural foam proteins have surfactant properties equal to or better than conventional detergents. They reveal new physical principles based on conformational change at interfaces. They illustrate alternative surfactant mechanisms not available to conventional detergents. Can act synergistically to form and stabilize bio-compatible, hydrated foam structures.
Foams and surfactants are relatively rare in biology because of their potential to harm cell membranes and other delicate tissues. However, in recent work we have identified and characterized a number of natural surfactant proteins found in the foam nests of tropical frogs and other unusual sources. These proteins, and their associated foams, are relatively stable and bio-compatible, but with intriguing molecular structures that reveal a new class of surfactant activity. Here we review the structures and functional mechanisms of some of these proteins as revealed by experiments involving a range of biophysical and biochemical techniques, with additional mechanistic support coming from more recent site-directed mutagenesis studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Cooper
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Steven J Vance
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Brian O Smith
- Institute of Molecular, Cell & Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Malcolm W Kennedy
- Institute of Molecular, Cell & Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.,Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
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8
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Zahradnik E, Raulf M. Respiratory Allergens from Furred Mammals: Environmental and Occupational Exposure. Vet Sci 2017; 4:vetsci4030038. [PMID: 29056697 PMCID: PMC5644656 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci4030038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Furry mammals kept as pets, farm and laboratory animals are important allergen sources. The prevalence of sensitization to furred mammals appears to be increasing worldwide. Several mammalian allergens from diverse species are well characterized with regard to their molecular structure and immunogenicity, and some are already available for component-resolved allergy diagnostics. The distribution of various mammalian allergens has been extensively studied during the past few decades. Animal allergens were found to be ubiquitous in the human environment, even in places where no animals reside, with concentrations differing considerably between locations and geographical regions. This review presents an overview of identified mammalian respiratory allergens classified according to protein families, and compiles the results of allergen exposure assessment studies conducted in different public and occupational environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Zahradnik
- Center of Allergology/Immunology, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Monika Raulf
- Center of Allergology/Immunology, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany.
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9
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Abstract
Furry mammals kept as pets, farm and laboratory animals are important allergen sources. The prevalence of sensitization to furred mammals appears to be increasing worldwide. Several mammalian allergens from diverse species are well characterized with regard to their molecular structure and immunogenicity, and some are already available for component-resolved allergy diagnostics. The distribution of various mammalian allergens has been extensively studied during the past few decades. Animal allergens were found to be ubiquitous in the human environment, even in places where no animals reside, with concentrations differing considerably between locations and geographical regions. This review presents an overview of identified mammalian respiratory allergens classified according to protein families, and compiles the results of allergen exposure assessment studies conducted in different public and occupational environments.
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10
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Sunde M, Pham CLL, Kwan AH. Molecular Characteristics and Biological Functions of Surface-Active and Surfactant Proteins. Annu Rev Biochem 2017; 86:585-608. [PMID: 28125290 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biochem-061516-044847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Many critical biological processes take place at hydrophobic:hydrophilic interfaces, and a wide range of organisms produce surface-active proteins and peptides that reduce surface and interfacial tension and mediate growth and development at these boundaries. Microorganisms produce both small lipid-associated peptides and amphipathic proteins that allow growth across water:air boundaries, attachment to surfaces, predation, and improved bioavailability of hydrophobic substrates. Higher-order organisms produce surface-active proteins with a wide variety of functions, including the provision of protective foam environments for vulnerable reproductive stages, evaporative cooling, and gas exchange across airway membranes. In general, the biological functions supported by these diverse polypeptides require them to have an amphipathic nature, and this is achieved by a diverse range of molecular structures, with some proteins undergoing significant conformational change or intermolecular association to generate the structures that are surface active.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Sunde
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences and Australian Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; ,
| | - Chi L L Pham
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences and Australian Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; ,
| | - Ann H Kwan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences and Australian Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
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11
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Schor M, Reid JL, MacPhee CE, Stanley-Wall NR. The Diverse Structures and Functions of Surfactant Proteins. Trends Biochem Sci 2016; 41:610-620. [PMID: 27242193 PMCID: PMC4929970 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2016.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Surface tension at liquid–air interfaces is a major barrier that needs to be surmounted by a wide range of organisms; surfactant and interfacially active proteins have evolved for this purpose. Although these proteins are essential for a variety of biological processes, our understanding of how they elicit their function has been limited. However, with the recent determination of high-resolution 3D structures of several examples, we have gained insight into the distinct shapes and mechanisms that have evolved to confer interfacial activity. It is now a matter of harnessing this information, and these systems, for biotechnological purposes. Interfacially active proteins fulfill a wide range of biological functions in organisms ranging from bacteria and fungi to mammals. Their physicochemical properties make interfacially active proteins attractive for biotechnological applications; for example, as coatings on nanodevices or medical implants and as emulsifiers in food and personal-care products. High-resolution 3D structures show that the mechanisms by which interfacially active proteins achieve their function are highly diverse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Schor
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jack L Reid
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Cait E MacPhee
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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12
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Aqueous solubilization of C60 fullerene by natural protein surfactants, latherin and ranaspumin-2. Biophys Chem 2016; 214-215:27-32. [PMID: 27214760 PMCID: PMC4906151 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
C60 fullerene is not soluble in water and dispersion usually requires organic solvents, sonication or vigorous mechanical mixing. However, we show here that mixing of pristine C60 in water with natural surfactant proteins latherin and ranaspumin-2 (Rsn-2) at low concentrations yields stable aqueous dispersions with spectroscopic properties similar to those previously obtained by more vigorous methods. Particle sizes are significantly smaller than those achieved by mechanical dispersion alone, and concentrations are compatible with clusters approximating 1:1 protein:C60 stoichiometry. These proteins can also be adsorbed onto more intractable carbon nanotubes. This promises to be a convenient way to interface a range of hydrophobic nanoparticles and related materials with biological macromolecules, with potential to exploit the versatility of recombinant protein engineering in the development of nano-bio interface devices. It also has potential consequences for toxicological aspects of these and similar nanoparticles.
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13
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Abstract
Emerging research is revealing a diverse array of interfacially-active proteins that are involved in varied biological process from foaming horse sweat to bacterial raincoat formation. We describe an interdisciplinary approach to study the molecular and biophysical mechanisms controlling the activity of an unusual bacterial protein called BslA. This protein is needed for biofilm formation and forms a protective layer or raincoat over the bacterial community, but also has a multitude of potential applications in multiphase formulations. Here we document our journey from fundamental research to an examination of the applications for this surface-active protein in ice cream.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola R Stanley-Wall
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
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14
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Frey SL, Todd J, Wurtzler E, Strelez CR, Wendell D. A non-foaming proteosurfactant engineered from Ranaspumin-2. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2015; 133:239-45. [PMID: 26117804 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2015.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Revised: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Advances in biological surfactant proteins have already yielded a diverse range of benefits from dramatically improved survival rates for premature births to artificial photosynthesis. Presented here is the design, development, and analysis of a novel biosurfactant protein we call Surfactant Resisting Foam formatioN (SRFN). Starting with the Tungara frog's foam forming protein Ranaspumin-2, we have engineered a new surfactant protein with a destabilized hinge region to alter the kinetics and equilibrium of the protein structural transition from aqueous globular form to an extended surfactant structure at the air/water interface. SRFN is capable of approximately the same total surface tension reduction, but with the unique property of forming quickly collapsible foams. The difference in foam formation is attributed to the destabilizing glycine substitutions engineered into the hinge region. Surfactants used specifically to increase wettability, such as those used in agricultural applications would benefit from this new proteosurfactant since foamed liquid has greater wind resistance and decreased dispersal. Indeed, given growing concern of organsilicone surfactant effects on declining bee populations, biological surfactant proteins have several unique advantages over more common amphiphiles in that they can be renewably sourced, are environmentally friendly, degrade readily into non-toxic byproducts, and reduce surface tension without deleterious effects on cell membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelli L Frey
- Department of Chemistry, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA 17325, United States
| | - Jacob Todd
- Department of Biomedical, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Engineering Research Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, United States
| | - Elizabeth Wurtzler
- Department of Biomedical, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Engineering Research Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, United States
| | - Carly R Strelez
- Department of Chemistry, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA 17325, United States
| | - David Wendell
- Department of Biomedical, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Engineering Research Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, United States.
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15
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Potts S, Thatcher R, Jones AW, Warren LK, Tenbroeck SH, Nottage F, McEwan NR. Sweat osmolarity shows intra-animal regional variation in the horse. Vet Dermatol 2015; 26:374-5, e84-5. [PMID: 26123607 DOI: 10.1111/vde.12225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sweating is important in regulating body temperature but can be a source of loss of both fluids and electrolytes. Although the process has been studied in horses, the variation in sweat osmolarity across the body has not. OBJECTIVES This work describes an investigation to determine if there is regional variation in the osmolarity of sweat across different anatomical regions of the horse. ANIMALS Ten horses were used in the study and were animals either stabled for riding lessons or had livery on-site. METHODS Sweat samples were collected from five regions on each horse following exercise and the osmolarity measurements were made using an Osmomat 030 (Gonotec, Berlin, Germany). Values were analysed by paired t-tests and analysis of variance. RESULTS Samples from the back and ears had statistically (P < 0.05) lower osmolarity values than those seen for the neck and forelimb, with thigh values intermediate between the other two sets of values. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Previous studies have used osmolarity values based on the sweat collected from the horse's back. The current work demonstrates that these values are probably an underestimation of electrolyte loss, which may have implications for the composition and administration of rehydration compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Potts
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Edward Llwyd Building, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Rhys Thatcher
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Aberystwyth University, Carwyn James Building, Aberystwyth, SY23 3FD, UK
| | - Arwel W Jones
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Aberystwyth University, Carwyn James Building, Aberystwyth, SY23 3FD, UK
| | - Lori K Warren
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, 2250 Shealy Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0910, USA
| | - Saundra H Tenbroeck
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, 2250 Shealy Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0910, USA
| | - Florence Nottage
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Edward Llwyd Building, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Neil R McEwan
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Edward Llwyd Building, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
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BslA is a self-assembling bacterial hydrophobin that coats the Bacillus subtilis biofilm. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:13600-5. [PMID: 23904481 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1306390110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilms represent the predominant mode of microbial growth in the natural environment. Bacillus subtilis is a ubiquitous Gram-positive soil bacterium that functions as an effective plant growth-promoting agent. The biofilm matrix is composed of an exopolysaccharide and an amyloid fiber-forming protein, TasA, and assembles with the aid of a small secreted protein, BslA. Here we show that natively synthesized and secreted BslA forms surface layers around the biofilm. Biophysical analysis demonstrates that BslA can self-assemble at interfaces, forming an elastic film. Molecular function is revealed from analysis of the crystal structure of BslA, which consists of an Ig-type fold with the addition of an unusual, extremely hydrophobic "cap" region. A combination of in vivo biofilm formation and in vitro biophysical analysis demonstrates that the central hydrophobic residues of the cap are essential to allow a hydrophobic, nonwetting biofilm to form as they control the surface activity of the BslA protein. The hydrophobic cap exhibits physiochemical properties remarkably similar to the hydrophobic surface found in fungal hydrophobins; thus, BslA is a structurally defined bacterial hydrophobin. We suggest that biofilms formed by other species of bacteria may have evolved similar mechanisms to provide protection to the resident bacterial community.
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Vance SJ, McDonald RE, Cooper A, Smith BO, Kennedy MW. The structure of latherin, a surfactant allergen protein from horse sweat and saliva. J R Soc Interface 2013; 10:20130453. [PMID: 23782536 PMCID: PMC4043175 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2013.0453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Latherin is a highly surface-active allergen protein found in the sweat and saliva of horses and other equids. Its surfactant activity is intrinsic to the protein in its native form, and is manifest without associated lipids or glycosylation. Latherin probably functions as a wetting agent in evaporative cooling in horses, but it may also assist in mastication of fibrous food as well as inhibition of microbial biofilms. It is a member of the PLUNC family of proteins abundant in the oral cavity and saliva of mammals, one of which has also been shown to be a surfactant and capable of disrupting microbial biofilms. How these proteins work as surfactants while remaining soluble and cell membrane-compatible is not known. Nor have their structures previously been reported. We have used protein nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to determine the conformation and dynamics of latherin in aqueous solution. The protein is a monomer in solution with a slightly curved cylindrical structure exhibiting a ‘super-roll’ motif comprising a four-stranded anti-parallel β-sheet and two opposing α-helices which twist along the long axis of the cylinder. One end of the molecule has prominent, flexible loops that contain a number of apolar amino acid side chains. This, together with previous biophysical observations, leads us to a plausible mechanism for surfactant activity in which the molecule is first localized to the non-polar interface via these loops, and then unfolds and flattens to expose its hydrophobic interior to the air or non-polar surface. Intrinsically surface-active proteins are relatively rare in nature, and this is the first structure of such a protein from mammals to be reported. Both its conformation and proposed method of action are different from other, non-mammalian surfactant proteins investigated so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Vance
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
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18
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Vargo KB, Parthasarathy R, Hammer DA. Self-assembly of tunable protein suprastructures from recombinant oleosin. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:11657-62. [PMID: 22753512 PMCID: PMC3406865 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1205426109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Using recombinant amphiphilic proteins to self-assemble suprastructures would allow precise control over surfactant chemistry and the facile incorporation of biological functionality. We used cryo-TEM to confirm self-assembled structures from recombinantly produced mutants of the naturally occurring sunflower protein, oleosin. We studied the phase behavior of protein self-assembly as a function of solution ionic strength and protein hydrophilic fraction, observing nanometric fibers, sheets, and vesicles. Vesicle membrane thickness correlated with increasing hydrophilic fraction for a fixed hydrophobic domain length. The existence of a bilayer membrane was corroborated in giant vesicles through the localized encapsulation of hydrophobic Nile red and hydrophilic calcein. Circular dichroism revealed that changes in nanostructural morphology in this family of mutants was unrelated to changes in secondary structure. Ultimately, we envision the use of recombinant techniques to introduce novel functionality into these materials for biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin B. Vargo
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104; and
| | - Ranganath Parthasarathy
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104; and
| | - Daniel A. Hammer
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104; and
- Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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Abdolhosseini M, Nandula SR, Song J, Hirt H, Gorr SU. Lysine substitutions convert a bacterial-agglutinating peptide into a bactericidal peptide that retains anti-lipopolysaccharide activity and low hemolytic activity. Peptides 2012; 35:231-8. [PMID: 22484285 PMCID: PMC3356437 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2012.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2012] [Revised: 03/19/2012] [Accepted: 03/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
GL13NH2 is a bacteria-agglutinating peptide derived from the sequence of the salivary protein parotid secretory protein (PSP, BPIFA2, SPLUNC2, C20orf70). The peptide agglutinates both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria, and shows anti-lipopolysaccharide activity in vitro and in vivo. However, GL13NH2 does not exhibit bactericidal activity. To generate a more cationic peptide with potential bactericidal activity, three amino acid residues were replaced with lysine residues to generate the peptide GL13K. In this report, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of GL13K were characterized. GL13K had lost the ability to agglutinate bacteria but gained bactericidal activity. Substitution of individual amino acids in GL13K with alanine did not restore bacterial agglutination. GL13K was bactericidal against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus gordonii and Escherichia coli but not Porphyromonas gingivalis. Unlike the agglutinating activity of GL13NH2, the bactericidal activity of GL13K against P. aeruginosa was retained in the presence of saliva. Both GL13NH2 and GL13K exhibited anti-lipopolysaccharide activity. In GL13K, this activity appeared to depend on a serine hydroxyl group. GL13K protected mice from lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis and the peptide exhibited a low level of hemolysis, suggesting that it may be suitable for in vivo application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Abdolhosseini
- Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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20
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Abstract
Horses and other equids are unusual in producing protein-rich sweat for thermoregulation, a major component of which is latherin, a highly surface-active, non-glycosylated protein that is a member of the PLUNC (palate, lung and nasal epithelium clone) family. Latherin produces a significant reduction in water surface tension at low concentrations (≤1 mg/ml), and probably acts as a wetting agent to facilitate evaporative cooling through a thick, waterproofed pelt. Latherin binds temporarily to hydrophobic surfaces, and so may also have a disruptive effect on microbial biofilms. It may consequently have a dual role in horse sweat in both evaporative cooling and controlling microbial growth in the pelt that would otherwise be resourced by nutrients in sweat. Latherin is also present at high levels in horse saliva, where its role could be to improve mastication of the fibrous diet of equids, and also to reduce microbial adherence to teeth and oral surfaces. Neutron reflection experiments indicate that latherin adsorbs to the air/water interface, and that the protein undergoes significant conformational change and/or partial unfolding during incorporation into the interfacial layer.
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21
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Abstract
PLUNC (palate, lung and nasal epithelium clone) protein is an abundant secretory product of epithelia throughout the mammalian conducting airways. Despite its homology with the innate immune defence molecules BPI (bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein) and LBP (lipopolysaccharide-binding protein), it has been difficult to define the functions of PLUNC. Based on its marked hydrophobicity and expression pattern, we hypothesized that PLUNC is an airway surfactant. We found that purified recombinant human PLUNC exhibited potent surfactant activity by several different measures, and experiments with airway epithelial cell lines and primary cultures indicate that native PLUNC makes a significant contribution to the overall surface tension in airway epithelial secretions. Interestingly, we also found that physiologically relevant concentrations of PLUNC-inhibited Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation in vitro without acting directly as a bactericide. This finding suggests that PLUNC protein may inhibit biofilm formation by airway pathogens, perhaps through its dispersant properties. Our data, along with reports from other groups on activity against some airway pathogens, expand on an emerging picture of PLUNC as a multifunctional protein, which plays a novel role in airway defences at the air/liquid interface.
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22
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Dual host-defence functions of SPLUNC2/PSP and synthetic peptides derived from the protein. Biochem Soc Trans 2011; 39:1028-32. [PMID: 21787342 DOI: 10.1042/bst0391028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PSP (parotid secretory protein)/SPLUNC2 (short palate, lung and nasal epithelium clone 2) is expressed in human salivary glands and saliva. The protein exists as an N-glycosylated and non-glycosylated form and both appear to induce agglutination of bacteria, a major antibacterial function for salivary proteins. Both forms of PSP/SPLUNC2 bind LPS (lipopolysaccharide), suggesting that the protein may also play an anti-inflammatory role. Based on the predicted structure of PSP/SPLUNC2 and the location of known antibacterial and anti-inflammatory peptides in BPI (bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein) and LBP (LPS-binding protein), we designed GL13NH2 and GL13K, synthetic peptides that capture these proposed functions of PSP/SPLUNC2. GL13NH3 agglutinates bacteria, leading to increased clearance by macrophages and reduced spread of infection in a plant model. GL13K kills bacteria with a minimal inhibitory concentration of 5-10 μg/ml, kills bacteria in biofilm and retains activity in 150 mM NaCl and 50% saliva. Both peptides block endotoxin action, but only GL13K appears to bind endotoxin. The peptides do not cause haemolysis, haemagglutination in serum, inhibit mammalian cell proliferation or induce an inflammatory response in macrophages. These results suggest that the GL13NH2 and the modified peptide GL13K capture the biological activity of PSP/SPLUNC2 and can serve as lead compounds for the development of novel antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory peptides.
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23
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Kassorins: Novel innate immune system peptides from skin secretions of the African hyperoliid frogs, Kassina maculata and Kassina senegalensis. Mol Immunol 2011; 48:442-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2010.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2010] [Revised: 09/28/2010] [Accepted: 09/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Cooper A, Kennedy MW. Biofoams and natural protein surfactants. Biophys Chem 2010; 151:96-104. [PMID: 20615601 PMCID: PMC2954283 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2010.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2010] [Revised: 06/18/2010] [Accepted: 06/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Naturally occurring foam constituent and surfactant proteins with intriguing structures and functions are now being identified from a variety of biological sources. The ranaspumins from tropical frog foam nests comprise a range of proteins with a mixture of surfactant, carbohydrate binding and antimicrobial activities that together provide a stable, biocompatible, protective foam environment for developing eggs and embryos. Ranasmurfin, a blue protein from a different species of frog, displays a novel structure with a unique chromophoric crosslink. Latherin, primarily from horse sweat, but with similarities to salivary, oral and upper respiratory tract proteins, illustrates several potential roles for surfactant proteins in mammalian systems. These proteins, together with the previously discovered hydrophobins of fungi, throw new light on biomolecular processes at air-water and other interfaces. This review provides a perspective on these recent findings, focussing on structure and biophysical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Cooper
- WestChem Department of Chemistry, Joseph Black Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, UK
| | - Malcolm W. Kennedy
- Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, UK
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26
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Gakhar L, Bartlett JA, Penterman J, Mizrachi D, Singh PK, Mallampalli RK, Ramaswamy S, McCray PB. PLUNC is a novel airway surfactant protein with anti-biofilm activity. PLoS One 2010; 5:e9098. [PMID: 20161732 PMCID: PMC2817724 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2009] [Accepted: 01/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The PLUNC (“Palate, lung, nasal epithelium clone”) protein is an abundant secretory product of epithelia present throughout the conducting airways of humans and other mammals, which is evolutionarily related to the lipid transfer/lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LT/LBP) family. Two members of this family - the bactericidal/permeability increasing protein (BPI) and the lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) - are innate immune molecules with recognized roles in sensing and responding to Gram negative bacteria, leading many to propose that PLUNC may play a host defense role in the human airways. Methodology/Principal Findings Based on its marked hydrophobicity, we hypothesized that PLUNC may be an airway surfactant. We found that purified recombinant human PLUNC greatly enhanced the ability of aqueous solutions to spread on a hydrophobic surface. Furthermore, we discovered that PLUNC significantly reduced surface tension at the air-liquid interface in aqueous solutions, indicating novel and biologically relevant surfactant properties. Of note, surface tensions achieved by adding PLUNC to solutions are very similar to measurements of the surface tension in tracheobronchial secretions from humans and animal models. Because surfactants of microbial origin can disperse matrix-encased bacterial clusters known as biofilms [1], we hypothesized that PLUNC may also have anti-biofilm activity. We found that, at a physiologically relevant concentration, PLUNC inhibited biofilm formation by the airway pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa in an in vitro model. Conclusions/Significance Our data suggest that the PLUNC protein contributes to the surfactant properties of airway secretions, and that this activity may interfere with biofilm formation by an airway pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lokesh Gakhar
- Department of Biochemistry and Protein Crystallography Facility, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Jennifer A. Bartlett
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Jon Penterman
- Departments of Microbiology and Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Dario Mizrachi
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Pradeep K. Singh
- Departments of Microbiology and Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Rama K. Mallampalli
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - S. Ramaswamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Protein Crystallography Facility, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Paul B. McCray
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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27
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McDonald RE, Fleming RI, Beeley JG, Bovell DL, Lu JR, Zhao X, Cooper A, Kennedy MW. Latherin: a surfactant protein of horse sweat and saliva. PLoS One 2009; 4:e5726. [PMID: 19478940 PMCID: PMC2684629 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2009] [Accepted: 04/20/2009] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Horses are unusual in producing protein-rich sweat for thermoregulation, a major component of which is latherin, a highly surface-active, non-glycosylated protein. The amino acid sequence of latherin, determined from cDNA analysis, is highly conserved across four geographically dispersed equid species (horse, zebra, onager, ass), and is similar to a family of proteins only found previously in the oral cavity and associated tissues of mammals. Latherin produces a significant reduction in water surface tension at low concentrations (≤1 mg ml−1), and therefore probably acts as a wetting agent to facilitate evaporative cooling through a waterproofed pelt. Neutron reflection experiments indicate that this detergent-like activity is associated with the formation of a dense protein layer, about 10 Å thick, at the air-water interface. However, biophysical characterization (circular dichroism, differential scanning calorimetry) in solution shows that latherin behaves like a typical globular protein, although with unusual intrinsic fluorescence characteristics, suggesting that significant conformational change or unfolding of the protein is required for assembly of the air-water interfacial layer. RT-PCR screening revealed latherin transcripts in horse skin and salivary gland but in no other tissues. Recombinant latherin produced in bacteria was also found to be the target of IgE antibody from horse-allergic subjects. Equids therefore may have adapted an oral/salivary mucosal protein for two purposes peculiar to their lifestyle, namely their need for rapid and efficient heat dissipation and their specialisation for masticating and processing large quantities of dry food material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhona E. McDonald
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel I. Fleming
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - John G. Beeley
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Douglas L. Bovell
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jian R. Lu
- Biological Physics Group, School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Xiubo Zhao
- Biological Physics Group, School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alan Cooper
- WestChem Department of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm W. Kennedy
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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28
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Fleming RI, Mackenzie CD, Cooper A, Kennedy MW. Foam nest components of the túngara frog: a cocktail of proteins conferring physical and biological resilience. Proc Biol Sci 2009; 276:1787-95. [PMID: 19324764 PMCID: PMC2674504 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2008.1939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The foam nests of the túngara frog (Engystomops pustulosus) form a biocompatible incubation medium for eggs and sperm while resisting considerable environmental and microbiological assault. We have shown that much of this behaviour can be attributed to a cocktail of six proteins, designated ranaspumins (Rsn-1 to Rsn-6), which predominate in the foam. These fall into two discernable classes based on sequence analysis and biophysical properties. Rsn-2, with an amphiphilic amino acid sequence unlike any hitherto reported, exhibits substantial detergent-like surfactant activity necessary for production of foam, yet is harmless to the membranes of eggs and spermatozoa. A further four (Rsn-3 to Rsn-6) are lectins, three of which are similar to fucolectins found in teleosts but not previously identified in a land vertebrate, though with a carbohydrate binding specificity different from previously described fucolectins. The sixth, Rsn-1, is structurally similar to proteinase inhibitors of the cystatin class, but does not itself appear to exhibit any such activity. The nest foam itself, however, does exhibit potent cystatin activity. Rsn-encoding genes are transcribed in many tissues of the adult frogs, but the full cocktail is present only in oviduct glands. Combinations of lectins and cystatins have known roles in plants and animals for defence against microbial colonization and insect attack. Túngara nest foam displays a novel synergy of selected elements of innate defence plus a specialized surfactant protein, comprising a previously unreported strategy for protection of unattended reproductive stages of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel I Fleming
- Division of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
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29
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Bretschneider N, Brand H, Miller N, Lowery AJ, Kerin MJ, Gannon F, Denger S. Estrogen Induces Repression of the Breast Cancer and Salivary Gland Expression Gene in an Estrogen Receptor α–Dependent Manner. Cancer Res 2008; 68:106-14. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-07-5647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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30
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Abstract
Sweating has a variety of functions in mammals including pheromone action, excretion of waste products and maintenance of the skin surface ecosystem. In a small number of mammalian species, which includes humans and the Equidae, it also has an important role in thermoregulation. This review is focused specifically on the thermoregulatory role of sweat in Equidae and the causes of sweating failure (anhidrosis). The first part describes the glandular appearance, sweat composition, and output rates; and considers the latest theories on the glandular control and secretory mechanisms. It is concluded that the glands are not directly innervated but are controlled by the interplay of neural, humoral and paracrine factors. The secretory mechanism is not as simple as previously thought and is mediated by the dynamic interaction of activating pathways, including autocrine control not only of the secretory process but probably also of secretory cell reproduction, growth, and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- David McEwan Jenkinson
- Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences, West Medical Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
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31
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Egland KA, Vincent JJ, Strausberg R, Lee B, Pastan I. Discovery of the breast cancer gene BASE using a molecular approach to enrich for genes encoding membrane and secreted proteins. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2003; 100:1099-104. [PMID: 12538848 PMCID: PMC298733 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0337425100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To identify unknown membrane proteins that could be used as targets for breast and prostate cancer immunotherapies and secreted proteins to be used as diagnostic markers, a cDNA library was generated from membrane-associated polyribosomal RNA derived from four breast cancer cell lines, one normal breast cell line, and a prostate cancer cell line. The membrane-associated polyribosomal cDNA library was subtracted with RNA from normal brain, liver, lung, kidney, and muscle. Of the 15,581 clones sequenced from the subtracted cDNA library, sequences from 10,506 clones map to known genes, but 5,075 sequences, representing 3,181 unique transcripts, are not associated with known genes. As one example, we experimentally investigated expression of a previously uncharacterized breast cancer gene that encodes a secreted protein designated BASE (breast cancer and salivary gland expression). BASE is expressed in many breast cancers but not in essential normal tissues including the five organs used for subtraction. Further analysis of this library should yield additional gene products of use in the diagnosis or treatment of breast or prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi A Egland
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Cancer Genomics Office, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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32
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Goubran Botros H, Poncet P, Rabillon J, Fontaine T, Laval JM, David B. Biochemical characterization and surfactant properties of horse allergens. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2001; 268:3126-36. [PMID: 11358533 DOI: 10.1046/j.1432-1327.2001.02217.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A new allergen from horse dander, Equ c 5 has been purified. Its biochemical and biophysical properties have been characterized and compared with those of Equ c 1, Equ c 2 and Equ c 4. Their molecular masses, determined by mass spectrometry, were 22 kDa for Equ c 1, 16 kDa for Equ c 2, 18.7 kDa for Equ c 4 and 16.7 kDa for Equ c 5. Their pI values were between 3.8 and 5.25. Equ c 2 and Equ c 5 are not glycosylated, while Equ c 4 contains a tri-antennary tri-sialylated N-linked glycan. Linkages of terminal N-acetylneuraminic acid to galactose were: alpha-(2-->6) in Equ c 4, and both alpha-(2-->3) and alpha-(2-->6) in Equ c 1. Oligosaccharide portions of Equ c 1 or Equ c 4 were barely involved in IgE-immunoreactivity. Partial N-terminal sequence of Equ c 4 shares a significant sequence homology with the rat submandibular gland protein A. No matching was found for two internal peptides of Equ c 5. Surfactant properties of horse allergens as well as other proteins were investigated. In contrast to Equ c 2 and Equ c 3, solutions of Equ c 1, Equ c 4 and Equ c 5 significantly lowered the surface tension. Relationship between a property such as this, involving oriented hydrophobic patches of a molecule and allergenicity, is addressed.
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33
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Abstract
In the horse, sweat is produced by apocrine glands which are present over most haired and nonhaired skin. Although sweat secretion is initiated under a number of circumstances, the central drive for sweating in response to a thermal stimulus is the primary mechanism for its production. Sweating is an essential and primary mechanism for heat dissipation during exercise or exposure to hot ambient conditions. The rate of sweat production will reflect the interaction of numerous factors, including exercise intensity, ambient conditions, state of hydration, and the training or heat acclimation status of the individual horse. Thus, the sweating rates produced in response to an exercise-induced thermal load can be further increased by high ambient temperature or humidity which reduces evaporative efficiency, thereby contributing to the rate of rise in core body temperature. Equine sweat is an isotonic to slightly hypertonic secretion with sodium, chloride, and potassium contributing the major ionic components. The ionic composition of equine sweat is largely rate dependent and therefore is affected by factors such as ambient conditions and exercise intensity which result in elevations in sodium concentration in response to increases in sweating rate. Large sweat fluid losses associated with prolonged exercise will incur significant ion deficits, leading to alterations in skeletal muscle ion content and the potential for muscular dysfunction. With respect to exercise performance, however, the more important consequence of sweat fluid losses is the impairment of temperature regulation that accompanies severe dehydration. Although it is advantageous to restore a proportion of the fluid and ion losses incurred during prolonged exercise, few strategies will fully and safely replace the electrolyte losses incurred. Nevertheless, daily electrolyte supplementation of a good-quality diet will provide an effective method of replacing sweat ion losses during training and competition under most ambient conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J McCutcheon
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Canada
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