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Zeng F, Yi C, Zhang W, Cheng S, Sun C, Luo F, Feng Z, Hu W. A new ferritin SjFer0 affecting the growth and development of Schistosoma japonicum. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:177. [PMID: 35610663 PMCID: PMC9128280 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05247-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis, an acute and chronic parasitic disease, causes substantial morbidity and mortality in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Iron is an essential constituent of numerous macromolecules involving in important cellular reactions in virtually all organisms. Trematodes of the genus Schistosoma live in iron-rich blood, feed on red blood cells and store abundant iron in vitelline cells. Ferritins are multi-meric proteins that store iron inside cells. Three ferritin isoforms in Schistosoma japonicum are known, namely SjFer0, SjFer1 and SjFer2; however, their impact on the growth and development of the parasites is still unknown. In this study we report on and characterize the ferritins in S. japonicum. Methods A phylogenetic tree of the SjFer0, SjFer1 and SjFer2 genes was constructed to show the evolutionary relationship among species of genus Schistosoma. RNA interference in vivo was used to investigate the impact of SjFer0 on schistosome growth and development. Immunofluorescence assay was applied to localize the expression of the ferritins. RNA-sequencing was performed to characterize the iron transport profile after RNA interference. Results SjFer0 was found to have low similarity with SjFer1 and SjFer2 and contain an additional signal peptide sequence. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that SjFer0 can only cluster with some ferritins of other trematodes and tapeworms, suggesting that this ferritin branch might be unique to these parasites. RNA interference in vivo showed that SjFer0 significantly affected the growth and development of schistosomula but did not affect egg production of adult female worms. SjFer1 and SjFer2 had no significant impact on growth and development. The immunofluorescence study showed that SjFer0 was widely expressed in the somatic cells and vitelline glands but not in the testicle or ovary. RNA-sequencing indicated that, in female, the ion transport process and calcium ion binding function were downregulated after SjFer0 RNA interference. Among the differentially downregulated genes, Sj-cpi-2, annexin and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein may be accounted for the suppression of schistosome growth and development. Conclusions The results indicate that SjFer0 affects the growth and development of schistosomula but does not affect egg production of adult female worms. SjFer0 can rescue the growth of the fet3fet4 double mutant Saccharomyces cerevisiae (strain DEY1453), suggesting being able to promote iron absorption. The RNA interference of SjFer0 inferred that the suppression of worm growth and development may via down-regulating Sj-cpi-2, annexin, and IGFBP. Graphic Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05247-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanyuan Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 2005 Song Hu Road, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Cun Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 2005 Song Hu Road, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 2005 Song Hu Road, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaoyun Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 2005 Song Hu Road, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengsong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 2005 Song Hu Road, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 2005 Song Hu Road, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Feng
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Joint Research Laboratory of Genetics and Ecology on Parasite-Host Interaction, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 2005 Song Hu Road, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Joint Research Laboratory of Genetics and Ecology on Parasite-Host Interaction, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China. .,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Monglia University, Hohhot, 010030, People's Republic of China.
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Xu X, Wang C, Liu Q, Huang Y, Sun W, Pan B. Two ferritins from Dermanyssus gallinae: characterization and in vivo assessment as protective antigens. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:561-571. [PMID: 34595835 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae is recognized worldwide as the most important bloodsucking ectoparasite in layer and breeder flocks. In bloodsucking ectoparasites, ferritins (FERs), the iron-storage proteins, play a pivotal role in dealing with the challenge of large amounts of released iron during the digestion of blood meal. However, no information is available concerning FERs of D. gallinae. The aim of the present study was to investigate the characteristics, functions and the vaccine efficacy of FERs in D. gallinae. RESULTS Two heavy-chain FERs of D. gallinae were identified and characterized. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Dg-FER1 may be a secretory FER and Dg-FER2 an intracellular one. RNAi results demonstrated that Dg-fers play key roles in mite survival, successful reproduction and blood digestion. Immunization with rDg-FER1 or rDg-FER2 successfully induced chickens to produce high levels of antigen-specific IgY, resulting in a significant increase in mite mortality (by 58.67% on Day 5) and decreases in oviposition (by 42.15%) and fecundity (by 68.97%) in the rDg-FER1 group, and a 13.73% increase in mite mortality and a 20.89% decrease in fecundity in the rDg-FER1 group. The overall immunization efficacy of rDg-FER1 was 93.51%. CONCLUSION Two Dg-FERs are crucial to the survival, reproduction and blood digestion of D. gallinae. This study has provided preliminary evidence demonstrating the potential of rDg-FER1 as a vaccine antigen for D. gallinae. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Xu
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanwen Wang
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Weiwei Sun
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Baoliang Pan
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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Kawase O, Iwaya H, Asano Y, Inoue H, Kudo S, Sasahira M, Azuma N, Kondoh D, Ichikawa-Seki M, Xuan X, Sakamoto K, Okamoto H, Nakadate H, Inoue W, Saito I, Narita M, Sekii K, Kobayashi K. Identification of novel yolk ferritins unique to planarians: planarians supply aluminum rather than iron to vitellaria in egg capsules. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 386:391-413. [PMID: 34319433 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03506-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
All animals, other than Platyhelminthes, produce eggs containing yolk, referred to as "entolecithal" eggs. However, only Neoophora, in the phylum Platyhelminthes, produce "ectolecithal" eggs (egg capsules), in which yolk is stored in the vitelline cells surrounding oocytes. Vitelline cells are derived from vitellaria (yolk glands). Vitellaria are important reproductive organs that may be studied to elucidate unique mechanisms that have been evolutionarily conserved within Platyhelminthes. Currently, only limited molecular level information is available on vitellaria. The current study identified major vitellaria-specific proteins in a freshwater planarian, Dugesia ryukyuensis, using peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) and expression analyses. Amino acid sequence analysis and orthology analysis via OrthoFinder ver.2.3.8 indicated that the identified major vitellaria-specific novel yolk ferritins were conserved in planarians (Tricladida). Because ferritins play an important role in Fe (iron) storage, we examined the metal elements contained in vitellaria and ectolecithal eggs, using non-heme iron histochemistry, elemental analysis based on inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy- energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis. Interestingly, vitellaria and egg capsules contained large amounts of aluminum (Al), but not Fe. The knockdown of the yolk ferritin genes caused a decrease in the volume of egg capsules, abnormality in juveniles, and increase in Al content in vitellaria. Yolk ferritins of D. ryukyuensis may regulate Al concentration in vitellaria via their pooling function of Al and protect the egg capsule production and normal embryogenesis from Al toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osamu Kawase
- Department of Biology, Premedical Sciences, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu-machi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi, 321-0293, Japan
| | - Hisashi Iwaya
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8561, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Asano
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Cell Biology and Histology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8562, Japan
| | - Hiromoto Inoue
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8561, Japan
| | - Seiya Kudo
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8561, Japan
| | - Motoki Sasahira
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8561, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Azuma
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8561, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kondoh
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inaba-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Madoka Ichikawa-Seki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka, 020-8550, Japan
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inaba-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Kimitoshi Sakamoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8561, Japan
| | - Hikaru Okamoto
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8561, Japan
| | - Hinaki Nakadate
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8561, Japan
| | - Wataru Inoue
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8561, Japan
| | - Ikuma Saito
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8561, Japan
| | - Miyu Narita
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8561, Japan
| | - Kiyono Sekii
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8561, Japan
| | - Kazuya Kobayashi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8561, Japan.
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Galay RL, Umemiya-Shirafuji R, Mochizuki M, Fujisaki K, Tanaka T. Iron metabolism in hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae): the antidote to their toxic diet. Parasitol Int 2014; 64:182-9. [PMID: 25527065 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2014.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Revised: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are notorious parasitic arthropods, known for their completely host-blood-dependent lifestyle. Hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) feed on their hosts for several days and can ingest blood more than a hundred times their unfed weight. Their blood-feeding habit facilitates the transmission of various pathogens. It is remarkable how hard ticks cope with the toxic nature of their blood meal, which contains several molecules that can promote oxidative stress including iron. While it is required in several physiological processes, high amounts of iron can be dangerous because iron can also participate in the formation of free radicals that may cause cellular damage and death. Here we review the current knowledge on heme and inorganic iron metabolism in hard ticks and compare it with that in vertebrates and other arthropods. We briefly discuss the studies on heme transport, storage and detoxification, and the transport and storage of inorganic iron, with emphasis on the functions of tick ferritins. This review points out other aspects of tick iron metabolism that warrant further investigation, as compared to mammals and other arthropods. Further understanding of this physiological process may help in formulating new control strategies for tick infestation and the spread of tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remil Linggatong Galay
- Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Rika Umemiya-Shirafuji
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Masami Mochizuki
- Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Kozo Fujisaki
- National Agricultural and Food Research Organization, 3-1-5 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0856, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan.
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Procházková P, Škanta F, Roubalová R, Šilerová M, Dvořák J, Bilej M. Involvement of the iron regulatory protein from Eisenia andrei earthworms in the regulation of cellular iron homeostasis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e109900. [PMID: 25279857 PMCID: PMC4184891 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron homeostasis in cells is regulated by iron regulatory proteins (IRPs) that exist in different organisms. IRPs are cytosolic proteins that bind to iron-responsive elements (IREs) of the 5′- or 3′-untranslated regions (UTR) of mRNAs that encode many proteins involved in iron metabolism. In this study, we have cloned and described a new regulatory protein belonging to the family of IRPs from the earthworm Eisenia andrei (EaIRP). The earthworm IRE site in 5′-UTR of ferritin mRNA most likely folds into a secondary structure that differs from the conventional IRE structures of ferritin due to the absence of a typically unpaired cytosine that participates in protein binding. Prepared recombinant EaIRP and proteins from mammalian liver extracts are able to bind both mammalian and Eisenia IRE structures of ferritin mRNA, although the affinity of the rEaIRP/Eisenia IRE structure is rather low. This result suggests the possible contribution of a conventional IRE structure. When IRP is supplemented with a Fe-S cluster, it can function as a cytosolic aconitase. Cellular cytosolic and mitochondrial fractions, as well as recombinant EaIRP, exhibit aconitase activity that can be abolished by the action of oxygen radicals. The highest expression of EaIRP was detected in parts of the digestive tract. We can assume that earthworms may possess an IRE/IRP regulatory network as a potential mechanism for maintaining cellular iron homeostasis, although the aconitase function of EaIRP is most likely more relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Procházková
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v. v. i., Prague 4, Czech Republic
- * E-mail:
| | - František Škanta
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v. v. i., Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Radka Roubalová
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v. v. i., Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Marcela Šilerová
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v. v. i., Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Dvořák
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v. v. i., Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Bilej
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v. v. i., Prague 4, Czech Republic
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Sun S, Gu Z, Fu H, Zhu J, Xuan F, Ge X. Identification and characterization of a Macrobrachium nipponense ferritin subunit regulated by iron ion and pathogen challenge. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 40:288-295. [PMID: 25038282 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2014.07.002] [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: 06/02/2014] [Revised: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Ferritin, a major iron storage protein in most living organisms, plays a crucial role in iron metabolism. In this study, the ferritin subunit MnFer was identified in the oriental river prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense) and functionally characterized. The full-length cDNA of MnFer is 999 bp in size with a 122-bp 5'-untranslated region (UTR), a 364-bp 3'-UTR and a 513-bp open reading frame that encodes a protein possessing 171 amino acids and a deduced molecular weight of 19.40 kDa. Prawn ferritin transcripts are expressed in muscle, heart, hepatopancreas, gill, hemocytes, ovary and testis. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that the abundance of ferritin transcript was highest in the hepatopancreas followed by muscle. Ferritin transcript expression in muscle increased six-fold 3 h after the injection of iron. In the gill, a four-fold increase in ferritin transcript expression was detected 3 h post-injection; the expression remained elevated for 48 h. Heart ferritin mRNA expression increased up to seven-fold at 24 h post-injection. No significant difference was found in the hepatopancreas. The iron binding capacity of recombinant ferritin protein was also demonstrated in this study. In hemocyte experiments, the transcriptional expression of MnFer showed the strongest response to Aeromonas hydrophila. As a whole, our study suggested that the ferritin from M. nipponense may play critical roles in cellular and organismic iron homeostasis along with in innate immune defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengming Sun
- Agriculture Ministry Key Laboratory of Healthy Freshwater Aquaculture, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou 313001, China; Key Laboratory of Genetic Breeding and Aquaculture Biology of Freshwater Fishes, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Zhimin Gu
- Agriculture Ministry Key Laboratory of Healthy Freshwater Aquaculture, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou 313001, China; Key Laboratory of Fish Healthy and Nutrition of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou 313001, China
| | - Hongtuo Fu
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Breeding and Aquaculture Biology of Freshwater Fishes, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China.
| | - Jian Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Breeding and Aquaculture Biology of Freshwater Fishes, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China.
| | - Fujun Xuan
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Wetland Bioresources and Environmental Protection, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng 224051, China
| | - Xianping Ge
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Breeding and Aquaculture Biology of Freshwater Fishes, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China
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Ren C, Chen T, Jiang X, Wang Y, Hu C. Identification and functional characterization of a novel ferritin subunit from the tropical sea cucumber, Stichopus monotuberculatus. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 38:265-274. [PMID: 24698995 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2014.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2013] [Revised: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 03/15/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Ferritin is one of the major non-harm iron storage proteins that found in most cell types of animals, plants and microorganisms. In this study, a ferritin subunit named StmFer was identified from the sea cucumber (Stichopus monotuberculatus) and characterized functionally. The full-length cDNA of StmFer is 1184 bp in size with a 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of 131 bp, a 3'-UTR of 531 bp and an open reading frame of 522 bp that encoding a protein of 173 amino acids with a deduced molecular weight of 19.95 kDa. StmFer possesses both the ferroxidase center of vertebrate ferritin heavy subunit and iron nucleation sites of vertebrate ferritin light subunit. For the gene structure, StmFer contains only three exons separated by two introns. Higher levels of mRNA expression were noticed in intestine and coelomocyte of S. monotuberculatus by northern blot analysis. In in vitro experiments performed in coelomocytes, transcriptional expression of StmFer showed the strongest response to polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid [Poly (I:C)] (9.08 fold up-regulation), followed by lipopolysaccharides (LPS), ferrous chloride (FeCl2) and inactivated bacteria (Vibrio alginolyticus) (7.84, 7.41 and 4.90 fold up-regulation, respectively) after 3 h post-challenge. In addition, the anti-oxidation activity and iron binding capacity of recombinant ferritin protein were demonstrated in this study. As a whole, our study suggested that the ferritin from sea cucumber may play critical roles not only in the cellular and organismic iron homeostasis, but also in the innate immune defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhua Ren
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology (LMB); Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology of Guangdong Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (LAMB), South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 164 West Xingang Road, Guangzhou 510301, PR China.
| | - Ting Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology (LMB); Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology of Guangdong Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (LAMB), South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 164 West Xingang Road, Guangzhou 510301, PR China.
| | - Xiao Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology (LMB); Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology of Guangdong Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (LAMB), South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 164 West Xingang Road, Guangzhou 510301, PR China.
| | - Yanhong Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology (LMB); Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology of Guangdong Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (LAMB), South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 164 West Xingang Road, Guangzhou 510301, PR China.
| | - Chaoqun Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology (LMB); Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology of Guangdong Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (LAMB), South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 164 West Xingang Road, Guangzhou 510301, PR China.
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Galay RL, Aung KM, Umemiya-Shirafuji R, Maeda H, Matsuo T, Kawaguchi H, Miyoshi N, Suzuki H, Xuan X, Mochizuki M, Fujisaki K, Tanaka T. Multiple ferritins are vital to successful blood feeding and reproduction of the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 216:1905-15. [PMID: 23393286 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.081240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are obligate hematophagous parasites and important vectors of diseases. The large amount of blood they consume contains great quantities of iron, an essential but also toxic element. The function of ferritin, an iron storage protein, and iron metabolism in ticks need to be further elucidated. Here, we investigated the function a newly identified secreted ferritin from the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis (HlFER2), together with the previously identified intracellular ferritin (HlFER1). Recombinant ferritins, expressed in Escherichia coli, were used for anti-serum preparation and were also assayed for iron-binding activity. RT-PCR and western blot analyses of different organs and developmental stages of the tick during blood feeding were performed. The localization of ferritins in different organs was demonstrated through an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test. RNA interference (RNAi) was performed to evaluate the importance of ferritin in blood feeding and reproduction of ticks. The midgut was also examined after RNAi using light and transmission electron microscopy. RT-PCR showed differences in gene expression in some organs and developmental stages. Interestingly, only HlFER2 was detected in the ovary during oviposition and in the egg despite the low mRNA transcript. RNAi induced a reduction in post-blood meal body weight, high mortality and decreased fecundity. The expression of vitellogenin genes was affected by silencing of ferritin. Abnormalities in digestive cells, including disrupted microvilli, and alteration of digestive activity were also observed. Taken altogether, our results show that the iron storage and protective functions of ferritin are crucial to successful blood feeding and reproduction of H. longicornis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remil Linggatong Galay
- Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
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Transcriptional regulation of ferritin mRNA levels by iron in the freshwater giant prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2008; 150:320-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2008.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2008] [Revised: 03/21/2008] [Accepted: 03/31/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Glanfield A, McManus DP, Anderson GJ, Jones MK. Pumping iron: a potential target for novel therapeutics against schistosomes. Trends Parasitol 2007; 23:583-8. [PMID: 17962074 PMCID: PMC2756500 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2007.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2007] [Revised: 02/13/2007] [Accepted: 08/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Parasites, as with the vast majority of organisms, are dependent on iron. Pathogens must compete directly with the host for this essential trace metal, which is sequestered within host proteins and inorganic chelates. Not surprisingly, pathogenic prokaryotes and eukaryotic parasites have diverse adaptations to exploit host iron resources. How pathogenic bacteria scavenge host iron is well characterized and is reasonably well known for a few parasitic protozoa, but is poorly understood for metazoan parasites. Strategies of iron acquisition by schistosomes are examined here, with emphasis on possible mechanisms of iron absorption from host serum iron transporters or from digested haem. Elucidation of these metabolic mechanisms could lead to the development of new interventions for the control of schistosomiasis and other helminth diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Glanfield
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, The Queensland Institute of Medical Research, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia.
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11
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Abstract
An RNA hairpin structure referred to as the iron-responsive element (IRE) and iron regulatory proteins (IRPs) are key players in the control of iron metabolism in animal cells. They regulate translation initiation or mRNA stability, and the IRE is found in a variety of mRNAs, such as those encoding ferritin, transferrin receptor (Tfr), erythroid aminolevulinic acid synthase (eALAS), mitochondrial aconitase (mACO), ferroportin, and divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1). We have studied the evolution of the IRE by considering all mRNAs previously known to be associated with this structure and by computationally examining its occurrence in a large variety of eukaryotic organisms. More than 100 novel sequences together with approximately 50 IREs that were previously reported resulted in a comprehensive view of the phylogenetic distribution of this element. A comparison of the different mRNAs shows that the IREs of eALAS and mACO are found in chordates, those of ferroportin and Tfr1 are found in vertebrates, and the IRE of DMT1 is confined to mammals. In contrast, the IRE of ferritin occurs in a majority of metazoa including lower metazoa such as sponges and Nematostella (sea anemone). These findings suggest that the ferritin IRE represents the ancestral version of this type of translational control and that during the evolution of higher animals the IRE structure was adopted by other genes. On the basis of primary sequence comparison between different organisms, we suggest that some of these IREs developed by "convergent evolution" through stepwise changes in sequence, rather than by recombination events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Piccinelli
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden
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12
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Jones MK, McManus DP, Sivadorai P, Glanfield A, Moertel L, Belli SI, Gobert GN. Tracking the fate of iron in early development of human blood flukes. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2007; 39:1646-58. [PMID: 17556009 PMCID: PMC2758302 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2007.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2006] [Revised: 04/01/2007] [Accepted: 04/18/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Iron (Fe) is an important trace element found in nearly all organisms, and is used as a cofactor in many biological reactions. One role for Fe in some invertebrates is in stabilization of extracellular matrices. The human blood fluke, Schistosoma japonicum, is responsible for significant human disease in developing and tropical nations. Disease in humans arises from host immunological reaction to parasite eggs that lodge in tissues. Schistosomes require Fe for development in their hosts, and store abundant Fe in vitelline (eggshell-forming) cells of the female system. The understanding of Fe metabolism and functionality are aspects of its biology that may be exploited in future therapeutics. The biology of Fe stores in vitelline cells of S. japonicum was investigated to illuminate possible functions of this element in early development of these parasites. Vitelline Fe is stored in yolk ferritin that is upregulated in females and is also expressed at low levels in egg-stages and adult males. Laser microdissection microscopy, coupled with reverse transcriptase- and real time-PCR amplification of schistosome ferritin sequences, confirmed that the vitelline cells are the likely progenitor cells of yolk ferritin. Assessment of Fe concentrations in whole male and whole female adult worms, eggs and purified eggshells by colorimetric assays and mass spectroscopy demonstrated higher levels of Fe in the female parasite, but also high levels of the element in whole parasite eggs and purified eggshell. Qualitative energy dispersive spectroscopy of purified eggshells, revealed that Fe is abundant in the eggshell, the matrix of which is composed of heavily cross-linked eggshell precursor proteins. Thus, vitelline stores of Fe are implicated in eggshell cross-linking in platyhelminths. These observations emphasise the importance of Fe in schistosome metabolism and egg formation and suggest new avenues for disruption of egg formation in these pathogenic parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm K Jones
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia.
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13
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Knoll-Gellida A, André M, Gattegno T, Forgue J, Admon A, Babin PJ. Molecular phenotype of zebrafish ovarian follicle by serial analysis of gene expression and proteomic profiling, and comparison with the transcriptomes of other animals. BMC Genomics 2006; 7:46. [PMID: 16526958 PMCID: PMC1488847 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-7-46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2005] [Accepted: 03/09/2006] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ability of an oocyte to develop into a viable embryo depends on the accumulation of specific maternal information and molecules, such as RNAs and proteins. A serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) was carried out in parallel with proteomic analysis on fully-grown ovarian follicles from zebrafish (Danio rerio). The data obtained were compared with ovary/follicle/egg molecular phenotypes of other animals, published or available in public sequence databases. RESULTS Sequencing of 27,486 SAGE tags identified 11,399 different ones, including 3,329 tags with an occurrence superior to one. Fifty-eight genes were expressed at over 0.15% of the total population and represented 17.34% of the mRNA population identified. The three most expressed transcripts were a rhamnose-binding lectin, beta-actin 2, and a transcribed locus similar to the H2B histone family. Comparison with the large-scale expressed sequence tags sequencing approach revealed highly expressed transcripts that were not previously known to be expressed at high levels in fish ovaries, like the short-sized polarized metallothionein 2 transcript. A higher sensitivity for the detection of transcripts with a characterized maternal genetic contribution was also demonstrated compared to large-scale sequencing of cDNA libraries. Ferritin heavy polypeptide 1, heat shock protein 90-beta, lactate dehydrogenase B4, beta-actin isoforms, tubulin beta 2, ATP synthase subunit 9, together with 40 S ribosomal protein S27a, were common highly-expressed transcripts of vertebrate ovary/unfertilized egg. Comparison of transcriptome and proteome data revealed that transcript levels provide little predictive value with respect to the extent of protein abundance. All the proteins identified by proteomic analysis of fully-grown zebrafish follicles had at least one transcript counterpart, with two exceptions: eosinophil chemotactic cytokine and nothepsin. CONCLUSION This study provides a complete sequence data set of maternal mRNA stored in zebrafish germ cells at the end of oogenesis. This catalogue contains highly-expressed transcripts that are part of a vertebrate ovarian expressed gene signature. Comparison of transcriptome and proteome data identified downregulated transcripts or proteins potentially incorporated in the oocyte by endocytosis. The molecular phenotype described provides groundwork for future experimental approaches aimed at identifying functionally important stored maternal transcripts and proteins involved in oogenesis and early stages of embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Knoll-Gellida
- Génomique et Physiologie des Poissons, UMR NUAGE, Université Bordeaux 1, 33405 Talence cedex, France
| | - Michèle André
- Génomique et Physiologie des Poissons, UMR NUAGE, Université Bordeaux 1, 33405 Talence cedex, France
| | - Tamar Gattegno
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Jean Forgue
- Génomique et Physiologie des Poissons, UMR NUAGE, Université Bordeaux 1, 33405 Talence cedex, France
| | - Arie Admon
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Patrick J Babin
- Génomique et Physiologie des Poissons, UMR NUAGE, Université Bordeaux 1, 33405 Talence cedex, France
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14
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Qiu L, Gao JR, Clark JM. Sequencing and characterization of a cDNA encoding a ferritin subunit of Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2005; 60:140-50. [PMID: 16235258 DOI: 10.1002/arch.20089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
A differentially expressed cDNA fragment (P311) from Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), was identified by restriction fragment differential display-polymerase chain reaction (RFDD-PCR) technique, and showed a strong similarity to ferritin heavy chain subunits of other organisms. Based on P311, we constructed specific primers and obtained a 840-bp cDNA fragment spanning the open reading frame of CPB ferritin subunit using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) technique. The sequence encodes 213 amino acid residues, including a 19 amino acid signal peptide. The sequence has a conserved cysteine in the N-terminus and has the seven conserved residues that comprise the ferroxidase center, which is the feature of heavy chain ferritins of vertebrates. The CPB ferritin subunit has high amino acid sequence identity with the Apriona germari (69.3%), Galleria mellonela (54.5%), Manduca sexta (54.0%), Drosophila melanogaster (53.2%), Calpodes ethlius (51.4%), and Nilaparvata lugens (47.6%) but lower identity with the Anopheles gambiae (38.7%) and Aedes aegypti (37.8%). Using Northern blot analysis, the subunit mRNA was identified from fat body and midgut of 4th instars with much higher mRNA levels found in midgut than that in fat body (2.5-fold). Nevertheless, only the levels of mRNA in fat body was induced by dexamethasone (1.5-fold).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Qiu
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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Luo HL, Nie P, Chang MX, Song Y, Yao WJ. Characterization of development-related genes for the cestode Bothriocephalus acheilognathi. Parasitol Res 2004; 94:265-274. [PMID: 15365820 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-004-1205-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Differential gene expression of mature and immature Bothriocephalus acheilognathi cestodes was analyzed using the suppression subtractive hybridization technique. Five mature-associated cDNAs were isolated and characterized. Virtual Northern blot and RT-PCR analyses confirmed that four of the five genes were upregulated in mature parasites. The sequence analysis revealed that one gene encoded the structural protein chorion precursor, and the three encoded functional proteins homologous to yolk ferritin, sodium/hydrogen exchanger and muscin-like protein. Another gene appeared to be specific to B. acheilognathi, encoding a putative metal-bound protein. Although results obtained in the present study are preliminary, the information about the five genes may provide clues for further investigation on the decline in parasite numbers during the maturation of B. acheilognathi.
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Affiliation(s)
- H L Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Laboratory of Fish Diseases, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei 430072 Wuhan, China
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Kim TY, Joo IJ, Kang SY, Cho SY, Hong SJ. Paragonimus westermani: molecular cloning, expression, and characterization of a recombinant yolk ferritin. Exp Parasitol 2002; 102:194-200. [PMID: 12856317 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-4894(03)00057-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Ferritin is an intracellular protein involved in iron metabolism. A cDNA PwYF-1 cloned from the adult Paragonimus westermani cDNA library encoded a putative polypeptide of 216 amino acids homologous with ferritins of vertebrates and invertebrates. Febinding motifs identified in PwYF-1 polypeptide were conserved and predicted to form a ferroxidase center. PwYF-1 polypeptide contained an extended peptide of 45 amino acids at its C-terminus. Recombinant PwYF-1 protein, expressed and purified from Escherichia coli, showed iron-uptake ability and ferroxidase activity. Ferroxidase activity of recombinant PwYF-1 protein was reactivated by secondary addition of apotransferrin to assay mixture. Mouse immune serum raised against the recombinant PwYF-1 protein recognized specifically 24 kDa protein from adult P. westermani lysate. PwYF-1 protein was localized to vitelline follicles and the eggs of P. westermani. Collectively, PwYF-1 protein was identified as a P. westermani yolk ferritin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Yun Kim
- Department of Parasitology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, South Korea
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17
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank M Torti
- Department of Cancer Biology and Biochemistry and the Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
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18
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Kim BS, Yun CY, Yeo SM, Lee HJ, Kim HR. Cloning and expression of a ferritin subunit for Galleria mellonella. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2001; 47:8-17. [PMID: 11317331 DOI: 10.1002/arch.1030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Ferritin was purified from iron-fed Galleria mellonella hemolymph by ultra centrifugation and FPLC (Superose 6). SDS-PAGE revealed three bands of 26, 30, and 32 kDa. The ferritin 26 kDa subunit cDNA was obtained from RT-PCR using primer designed from N-terminal sequence analysis. 5'-RACE was used to obtain the complete protein coding sequence. The sequence encodes a 211 amino acid polypeptide including a 20 amino acid leader peptide. An IRE (iron-responsive element) sequence with a predicted stem-loop structure was present in the 5'-UTR of ferritin mRNA. Sequence alignment has a sequence identity with Calpodes ethlius (S)(74%), Drosophila melanogaster (50%), and Aedes aegypti (39%). Northern blot analysis indicated that there were 1.5- and 1.75-fold increases in the expression of ferritin mRNA after iron-fed fat body and midgut, respectively. Also, we confirmed that the ferritin mRNA is not expressed in adult ovary and testis. Arch.
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Affiliation(s)
- B S Kim
- Department of Biology, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
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Lind MI, Ekengren S, Melefors O, Söderhäll K. Drosophila ferritin mRNA: alternative RNA splicing regulates the presence of the iron-responsive element. FEBS Lett 1998; 436:476-82. [PMID: 9801172 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(98)01186-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Several mRNAs encoding the same ferritin subunit of Drosophila melanogaster were identified. Alternative RNA splicing and utilisation of different polyadenylation sites were found to generate the transcripts. The alternative RNA splicing results in ferritin transcripts with four unique 5' untranslated regions. Only one of them contains an iron-responsive element. The iron-responsive element was found to bind in vitro specifically to human recombinant iron regulatory protein 1. Furthermore, the ferritin subunit mRNAs are differentially expressed during development. Our data provides the first molecular evidence that the presence of iron-responsive element in a ferritin mRNA is regulated by alternative RNA splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- M I Lind
- Department of Physiological Mycology, Uppsala University, Sweden
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