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Lopes D, Aveiro SS, Cruz S, Cartaxana P, Domingues P. Proteomic analysis of the mucus of the photosynthetic sea slug Elysia crispata. J Proteomics 2024; 294:105087. [PMID: 38237665 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2024.105087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Elysia crispata is a tropical sea slug that can retain intracellular functional chloroplasts from its algae prey, a mechanism termed kleptoplasty. This sea slug, like other gastropods, secretes mucus, a viscous secretion with multiple functions, including lubrication, protection, and locomotion. This study presents the first comprehensive analysis of the mucus proteome of the sea slug E. crispata using gel electrophoresis and HPLC-MS/MS. We identified 306 proteins in the mucus secretions of this animal, despite the limited entries for E. crispata in the Uniprot database. The functional annotation of the mucus proteome using Gene Ontology identified proteins involved in different functions such as hydrolase activity (molecular function), carbohydrate-derived metabolic processes (biological processes) and cytoskeletal organization (cell component). Moreover, a high proportion of proteins with enzymatic activity in the mucus of E. crispata suggests potential biotechnological applications including antimicrobial and antitumor activities. Putative antimicrobial properties are reinforced by the high abundance of hydrolases. This study also identified proteins common in mucus samples from various species, supporting a common mechanism of mucus in protecting cells and tissues while facilitating animal movement. SIGNIFICANCE: Marine species are increasingly drawing the interest of researchers for their role in discovering new bioactive compounds. The study "Proteomic Analysis of the Mucus of the Photosynthetic Sea Slug Elysia crispata" is a pioneering effort that uncovers the complex protein content in this fascinating sea slug's mucus. This detailed proteomic study has revealed proteins with potential use in biotechnology, particularly for antimicrobial and antitumor purposes. This research is a first step in exploring the possibilities within the mucus of Elysia crispata, suggesting the potential for new drug discoveries. These findings could be crucial in developing treatments for severe diseases, especially those caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria, and may lead to significant advances in medical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Lopes
- ECOMARE - Laboratory for Innovation and Sustainability of Marine Biological Resources, CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Susana S Aveiro
- GreenCoLab - Associação Oceano Verde, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Sónia Cruz
- ECOMARE, CESAM, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Paulo Cartaxana
- ECOMARE, CESAM, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Pedro Domingues
- Mass Spectrometry Centre, LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry of the Network of Chemistry and Technology, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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Pergolizzi S, Fumia A, D'Angelo R, Mangano A, Lombardo GP, Giliberti A, Messina E, Alesci A, Lauriano ER. Expression and function of toll-like receptor 2 in vertebrate. Acta Histochem 2023; 125:152028. [PMID: 37075649 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2023.152028] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are essential for identifying and detecting pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) produced by a variety of pathogens, including viruses and bacteria. Since TLR2 is the only TLR capable of creating functional heterodimers with more than two other TLR types, it is very important for vertebrate immunity. TLR2 not only broadens the variety of PAMPs that it can recognize but has also the potential to diversify the subsequent signaling cascades. TLR2 is ubiquitous, which is consistent with the wide variety of tasks and functions it serves. Immune cells, endothelial cells, and epithelial cells have all been found to express TLR2. This review aims to gather currently available information about the preservation of this intriguing immunological molecule in the phylum of vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Pergolizzi
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Angelo Fumia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Padiglione C, A. O. U. Policlinico "G. Martino", 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Roberta D'Angelo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Angelica Mangano
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Giorgia Pia Lombardo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Angelo Giliberti
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Emmanuele Messina
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Alessio Alesci
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy.
| | - Eugenia Rita Lauriano
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
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