SWP25, A Novel Protein Associated with the Nosema bombycis Endospore1

ABSTRACT. Microsporidia are eukaryotic, obligate intracellular, spore-forming parasites. The resistant spores, which harbor a rigid cell wall, are critical for their host-to-host transmission and persistence in the environment. The spore wall comprises two major layers: the exospore and the endospore. In Nosema bombycis, two spore wall proteins have been characterized—an endosporal protein, SWP30, and an exosporal protein, SWP32. Here, we report the identification of the third spore wall protein of N. bombycis, SWP25, the gene of which has no known homologue. SWP25 is predicted to posses a signal peptide and a heparin-binding motif. Immunoelectron microscopy analysis showed that this protein is localized to the endospore. This characterization of a new spore wall protein of N. bombycis may facilitate our investigation of the relationship between N. bombycis and its host, Bombyx mori.     

Nbseptin2 Expression Pattern and Its Interaction with NbPTP1 during Microsporidia Nosema bombycis Polar Tube Extrusion

Nosema bombycis (Nb) is a deadly species of microsporidia capable of causing pébrine, leading to heavy losses in sericulture. Germination is an important biological event in the invasion process of microsporidia. Septins, a family of membrane‐associated proteins, play a critical role in tissue invasion and have been recognized as a virulence factor in numerous pathogens. Previous work in our laboratory has shown that Nosema bombycis septin2 (Nbseptin2) interacts with subtilisin‐like protease 2 (NbSLP2). Herein, we found that Nbseptin2 was mainly associated with the plasma membrane in spores. Following spore germination, Nbseptin2 was found to co‐localize with polar tube protein 1 (NbPTP1) at the polar cap and proximal zone of the polar tube. Co‐immunoprecipitation and yeast two‐hybrid analysis further confirmed that Nbseptin2 interacted with NbPTP1. The translocation and interaction of Nbseptin2 in the spores suggest that Nbseptin2 may play a significant role in microsporidia polar tube extrusion process. Our findings improve understanding of the mechanisms underlying microsporidia germination.     

Proteomic analysis of spore wall proteins and identification of two spore wall proteins from Nosema bombycis (Microsporidia)

Microsporidia are fungal-like unicellular eukaryotes which develop as obligate intracellular parasites. They differentiate into resistant spores that are protected by a thick spore wall composed of a glycoprotein-rich outer layer or exospore and a chitin-rich inner layer or endospore. In this study performed on the silkworm pathogen Nosema bombycis, we analyzed the spore wall proteins (SWPs) by proteomic-based approaches, MALDI-TOF MS and LC-MS/MS, and 14 hypothetical spore wall proteins (HSWPs) or peptides were obtained in total. Furthermore, we have examined the SWPs by SDS-PAGE and three main spore wall peptides were detected with molecular weights of 32.7 kDa (SWP32), 30.4 kDa (SWP30), and 25.3 kDa (SWP25), respectively. By N-terminal amino acid residue sequencing, and searching the genomic DNA shotgun database of N. bombycis, the complete ORFs of SWP30 and SWP32 were obtained, which encode for a 278- and a 316-amino acid peptide, respectively. Mouse polyclonal antibodies were raised against SWP30 and SWP32 recombinant proteins produced in Escherichia coli, and the results of indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and immunoelectron microscopy (IEM) analyses indicated SWP30 to be an endosporal protein while SWP32 was shown to be an exosporal protein. Both SWP30 and SWP32 are included in the 14 HSWPs identified by MS, confirming the results of the proteomic-based approaches.     

An Ultrastructural Study of the Extruded Polar Tube of Anncaliia algerae (Microsporidia)

All microsporidia share a unique, extracellular spore stage, containing the infective sporoplasm and the apparatus for initiating infection. The polar filament/polar tube when exiting the spore transports the sporoplasm through it into a host cell. While universal, these structures and processes have been enigmatic. This study utilized several types of microscopy, describing and extending our understanding of these structures and their functions. Cryogenically preserved polar tubes vary in diameter from 155 to over 200 nm, noticeably larger than fixed‐sectioned or negatively stained samples. The polar tube surface is pleated and covered with fine fibrillar material that projects from the surface and is organized in clusters or tufts. These fibrils may be the sites of glycoproteins providing protection and aiding infectivity. The polar tube surface is ridged with 5–6 nm spacing between ridges, enabling the polar tube to rapidly increase its diameter to facilitate the passage of the various cargo including cylinders, sacs or vesicles filled with particulate material and the intact sporoplasm containing a diplokaryon. The lumen of the tube is lined with a membrane that facilitates this passage. Careful examination of the terminus of the tube indicates that it has a closed tip where the membranes for the terminal sac are located.     

家蚕微孢子虫极管蛋白1 (NbPTP1) 在果蝇S2细胞中的表达与糖基化修饰

极管蛋白(Polar tube protein)是极管的主要成分,能特异性定位于微孢子虫极管,在微孢子虫侵染宿主过程中发挥重要作用。文中分析了家蚕微孢子虫极管蛋白1中潜在的O-、N-糖基化修饰位点,克隆了家蚕微孢子虫极管蛋白1全基因序列,并将其插入带有V5和His标签的真核表达载体pMT/Bip/V5-His A中,成功构建了pMT/Bip/V5-His A-NbPTP1重组质粒,经转染果蝇S2细胞后,发现NbPTP1基因能在果蝇细胞中高效表达。此外,Lectin blotting和β-消除反应分析结果表明:果蝇S2细胞内表达的NbPTP1具有O-糖基化修饰特征。以上结果为研究NbPTP1的糖基化修饰特征与其功能之间的关系提供了基础,有助于揭示微孢子虫侵染机制,建立可行有效的微孢子虫病诊断和防治措施。     

东方蜜蜂微孢子虫一新型孢壁蛋白的基因克隆、 表达及亚细胞定位

【目的】微孢子虫(Microsporidia)孢壁在孢子构成及孢子侵染宿主过程中扮演重要的角色。本研究旨在鉴定获得的东方蜜蜂微孢子虫Nosema ceranae新型孢壁蛋白,并进行基因克隆和原核表达,明确其亚细胞定位。【方法】通过在线软件对东方蜜蜂微孢子虫新型孢壁蛋白AAJ76_1400036761序列进行生物信息学分析。利用PCR法获取目的片段并将其克隆至原核表达载体pCold II中,利用IPTG诱导表达重组蛋白并通过镍柱亲和层析法纯化目的蛋白。以获得的重组蛋白为抗原免疫小鼠制备多克隆抗体,通过间接免疫荧光技术和免疫胶体金定位技术对该蛋白进行亚细胞定位分析;利用蛋白质免疫印迹法检测该蛋白与东方蜜蜂微孢子虫几丁质壳的互作。【结果】在MicrosporidiaDB数据库中获得AAJ76_1400036761基因序列,基因全长681 bp,编码226个氨基酸;预测等电点为6.84,分子量为26.19 kD。SDS-PAGE电泳和Western blot结果表明AAJ76_1400036761重组蛋白能够在大肠杆菌Eescherichia coli Rosetta中高量表达。Western blot结果表明,制备的多克隆抗体能够特异地识别东方蜜蜂微孢子虫总蛋白中的AAJ76_1400036761,说明其在成熟东方蜜蜂微孢子虫中有表达。亚细胞定位结果显示,AAJ76_1400036761定位于东方蜜蜂微孢子虫孢壁上。重组蛋白AAJ76_1400036761能够与蜜蜂微孢子虫的几丁质壳结合。【结论】AAJ76_1400036761蛋白在东方蜜蜂微孢子虫成熟孢子中有表达;该蛋白定位于东方蜜蜂微孢子虫孢壁上,为东方蜜蜂微孢子虫新的孢壁蛋白。本研究为深入研究该蛋白的生物学功能奠定了基础。     

Immunohistochemical Distribution of RGS7 Protein and Cellular Selectivity in Colocalizing with Gαq Proteins in the Adult Rat Brain

Abstract : Regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins serve as potent GTPase-activating proteins for the heterotrimeric G proteins αi/o and αq/11. This study describes the immunohistochemical distribution of RGS7 throughout the adult rat brain and its cellular colocalization with Gαq/11, an important G protein-coupled receptor signal transducer for phospholipase Cβ-mediated activity. In general, both RGS7 and Gαq/11 displayed a heterogeneous and overlapping regional distribution. RGS7 immunoreactivity was observed in cortical layers I-VI, being most intense in the neuropil of layer I. In the hippocampal formation, RGS7 immunoreactivity was concentrated in the strata oriens, strata radiatum, mossy fibers, and polymorphic cells, with faint to nondetectable immunolabeling within the dentate gyrus granule cells and CA1-CA3 subfield pyramidal cells. Numerous diencephalic and brainstem nuclei also displayed dense RGS7 immunostaining. Dual immunofluorescence labeling studies with the two protein-specific antibodies indicated a cellular selectivity in the colocalization between RGS7 and Gαq/11 within many discrete brain regions, such as the superficial cortical layer I, hilus area of the hippocampal formation, and cerebellar Golgi cells. To assess the ability of Gαq/11-mediated signaling pathways to modulate dynamically RGS expression, primary cortical neuronal cultures were incubated with phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate, a selective protein kinase C activator. A time-dependent increase in levels of mRNA for RGS7, but not RGS4, was observed. Our results provide novel information on the region- and cell-specific pattern of distribution of RGS7 with the transmembrane signal transducer, Gαq/11. We also describe a possible RGS7-selective neuronal feedback adaptation on Gαq/11-mediated pathway function, which may play an important role in signaling specificity in the brain.     

Identification and Characterization of a Novel Trans-membrane Protein Gene, pdh1, from Schizosaccharomyces pombe

We have cloned a new gene, pdh1, from genomic DNA of fissionyeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. pdh1 is actively transcribedas 1400-nucleotide mRNA in vegetatively growing cells and cancode for a 226 amino acid polypeptide (pdh1p). Computationalstructural prediction has revealed that the pdh1p is a highlyhydrophobic protein with seven transmembrane domains. The predictionhas also detected a possible C-kinase phosphorylation site withinthe longest hydrophilic loop.     

两种纤毛虫营养细胞和休眠细胞蛋白组成的比较分析

应用生化抽提和SDS-PAGE方法显示,膜状急纤虫(Tachysoma pellionella)的营养细胞含38条蛋白谱带,休眠细胞含29条蛋白谱带,两者共有谱带为26条,特有谱带各为12条和3条,相似度为77.6%;休眠细胞的包囊壁含22条蛋白谱带,细胞脱包囊后残留的包囊壁含15条蛋白谱带,两者共有谱带为14条,特有谱带各为8条和1条,相似度为76%。包囊游仆虫(Euplotes encysticus)的营养细胞和休眠细胞均含23条蛋白谱带,两者共有谱带为19条,特有谱带各为4条,相似度为82.6%;休眠细胞的包囊壁和细胞脱包囊后残留的包囊壁均含20条蛋白谱带,两者共有谱带为19条,特有谱带均为1条,相似度为95%。结果表明,两种纤毛虫的营养细胞向休眠细胞转化过程中,细胞结构的主要蛋白质成分发生了明显变化,这些变化与细胞在不同生理状态下结构的分化及其生命活动特征相关。形成“毛基体吸收型包囊”的急纤虫与形成“毛基体非吸收型包囊”的游仆虫相比较,前者营养期和休眠期细胞蛋白组成有更明显的差异,这可能与其细胞结构更大程度的脱分化有关;根据纤毛虫休眠细胞的包囊壁和细胞脱包囊后残留的包囊壁两者蛋白组成的差异推测,前者包囊壁可能含有与休眠细胞生命活动相联系的“活性”成分。     

Cloning and Characterization of the cDNA Encoding a Novel Brain-Specific 14-kDa Protein

A new acidic protein with a molecular weight of 14,000 was purified from rat brain, in which it was specifically expressed, and partially sequenced by protein sequencing. On the basis of results obtained from the amino acid sequences, mixed oligonucleotides were synthesized and used as probes to clone a cDNA from a rat brain cDNA library. The cloned cDNA provided the full-length sequence of the 14-kDa protein. Northern blot hybridization using total RNA from several tissues of the rat provided evidence that the 14-kDa protein was expressed specifically in rat brain. Transfection of this cDNA into mammalian cells resulted in expression of the 14-kDa protein. The amino acid sequence predicted from the cDNA of the rat brain 14-kDa protein contained 137 amino acid residues. A hydropathy profile revealed a hydrophobic domain (amino acids 60-80) flanked by highly hydrophilic stretches on both sides. Whereas the N-terminal region of the 14-kDa protein contained four repeating motifs, EKTKEGV, the C-terminal domain was rich in glutamic acid and proline. A computer search of the amino acid sequence of the 14-kDa protein indicated no homology to any other protein reported so far.     

Purification and Characterization of a Protein Cryoprotective for Vibrio cholerae Extracted from the Prawn Shell Surface

A substance cryoprotective for Vibrio cholerae on the prawn shell surface was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation and gel filtration. It was a protein of 81 kDa and called cryoprotective protein (CPP). The cryoprotective activity of this protein for V. cholerae was sensitive to heat at 100 C and trypsin treatment. In the presence of Mg ion the protein can bind to the bacterial cell surface. V. cholerae can adhere to the shell surface of the prawn. The number of adhered bacteria was reduced by treating the shell with anti-CPP serum, heat or by trypsin. The presence of Mg ion promoted the adherence. These results suggest that the CPP could serve as an adherence site for V. cholerae on the shell surface.     

Identification and Characterization of a Chitin-binding Protein Purified from Coelomic Fluid of the Lugworm Arenicola marina Defining a Novel Protein Sequence Family

We have isolated a novel type of lectin named Arenicola marina lectin-1 (AML-1) from the lugworm A. marina. The lectin was purified from the coelomic fluid by affinity chromatography on a GlcNAc-derivatized column and eluted with GlcNAc. On SDS-PAGE, AML-1 showed an apparent molecular mass of 27 and 31 kDa in the reduced state. The N-terminal amino acid sequences were identical in these two bands. In the unreduced state, a complex band pattern was observed with bands from 35 kDa to more than 200 kDa. Two different full-length clones encoding polypeptides of 241 and 243 amino acids, respectively, were isolated from a coelomocyte cDNA library. The two clones, designated AML-1a and AML-1b, were 92% identical at the protein level and represent a novel type of protein sequence family. Purified AML-1 induced agglutination of rabbit erythrocytes, which could be inhibited by N-acetylated saccharides. Recombinant AML-1b showed the same band pattern as the native protein, whereas recombinant AML-1a in the reduced state lacked a 27 kDa band. AML-1b bound GlcNAc-derivatized columns and chitin, whereas AML-1a did not bind to these matrices. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that AML-1 is expressed by coelomocytes in the nephridium and in round cells in the epidermis and in eggs. Moreover, AML-1 expression was up-regulated in response to a parasitic infection. We conclude that AML-1 purified from coelomic fluid is encoded by AML-1b and represents a novel type of protein family that binds acetylated components.     

Comparative Analysis and Molecular Characterization of a Gene BANF1 Encoded a DNA-Binding Protein During Mitosis from the Giant Panda and Black Bear

Barrier to autointegration factor 1 (BANF1) is a DNA-binding protein found in the nucleus and cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells that functions to establish nuclear architecture during mitosis. The cDNA and the genomic sequence of BANF1 were cloned from the Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus mupinensis) using RT-PCR technology and Touchdown-PCR, respectively. The cDNA of the BANF1 cloned from Giant Panda and Black Bear is 297 bp in size, containing an open reading frame of 270 bp encoding 89 amino acids. The length of the genomic sequence from Giant Panda is 521 bp, from Black Bear is 536 bp, which were found both to possess 2 exons. Alignment analysis indicated that the nucleotide sequence and the deduced amino acid sequence are highly conserved to some mammalian species studied. Topology prediction showed there is one Protein kinase C phosphorylation site, one Casein kinase II phosphorylation site, one Tyrosine kinase phosphorylation site, one N-myristoylation site, and one Amidation site in the BANF1 protein of the Giant Panda, and there is one Protein kinase C phosphorylation site, one Tyrosine kinase phosphorylation site, one N-myristoylation site, and one Amidation site in the BANF1 protein of the Black Bear. The BANF1 gene can be readily expressed in E. coli. Results showed that the protein BANF1 fusion with the N-terminally His-tagged form gave rise to the accumulation of an expected 14 kD polypeptide that formed inclusion bodies. The expression products obtained could be used to purify the proteins and study their function further.     

A Novel Rieske Iron-Sulfur Protein from the Hyperthermophilic Crenarchaeon Pyrobaculum aerophilum: Sequencing of the Gene, Expression in E. coli and Characterization of the Protein

The crenarchaeon Pyrobaculum aerophilum is with an optimalgrowth temperature of 100 °C one of the most thermophilic organisms knownto possess an aerobic respiratory chain. The analysis of DNA sequences fromthe Pyrobaculum genome project lead to the identification of an openreading frame potentially coding for a Rieske iron-sulfur protein. Thecomplete gene (named parR) was cloned and sequenced. The deducedamino acid sequence displays unusual amino acid exchanges and a so farunknown sequence insertion. The N-terminus shows similarities to bacterialsignal sequences. Several forms of the gene were expressed in E.coli in order to verify the classification as a Rieske protein and tofacilitate biophysical studies. Soluble, thermo-stable proteins withcorrectly inserted iron-sulfur clusters were expressed from two versions ofthe gene. The 1–23 truncated holo-protein is redox active. Itdisplays the typical spectroscopic properties of a Rieske protein. The redoxpotential was determined to be +215 mV at pH 6.5 and is pH dependentabove pH 7.5 revealing the influence of two protonation equilibria with pKavalues of 8.1 and 9.8. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrates that the parRprotein clusters together with the two other available archaeal Rieskesequences from Sulfolobus on a separate branch of the phylogenetictree apart from the proteins from thermophilic bacteria like Aquifexand Thermus.     

Proteomic Analysis to Examine the Role of Matrix Proteins in a Gouty Tophus from a Patient with Recurrent Gout

To examine the role of matrix proteins in the formation of gouty tophus, we analyzed the crystalline components and matrix proteins in a gouty tophus from a patient with recurrent gout. Micro-area X-ray diffraction analysis and infrared spectroscopy indicated that the tophus was composed of monosodium urate monohydrate. Proteomic analysis identified 134 proteins from the tophus as matrix proteins. Many proteins relevant to inflammation and host defense were identified, and immunoglobulin was detected in all four extracted fractions (KCl, formic acid, guanidine-HCl, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) and from many spots throughout a broad molecular weight range after electrophoresis. It is thought that the process of biological defense including the immunity has occurred in the gouty tophus.     

杨树菇（Agrocybe aegerita）中一种抑制TMV侵染的蛋白质纯化及部分特性

用硫酸铵分级沉淀、离子交换（DEAE－Sepharose)和分子筛（S－200）的方法,从食用菌杨树菇的子实体中分离提纯了一种具有抑制烟草花叶病毒（TMV）侵染活性的蛋白质,称作为AAVP。用SDS－PAGE、IEF等方法分析AAVP。结果均呈现为单一条带。经SDS－PAGE测定其亚基的相对分子质量为15．98kD,IEF－PAGE计算其等电点为3．75。氨基酸组成的分析结果表明,AAVP中不含Cys,含有少量的His和Met,而富含酸性氨基酸。AAVP是一种N端焦谷氨酰环化封闭的蛋白质,经N端去封闭后测得N端氨棋酸序列为QGVNIYNIVAGA。当AAVP的浓度为200mg/L时,对TMV的抑制率为84．32％。而它对供试的3种植物病原真菌：绿色木霉、香蕉炭疽菌和甘薯割病菌的菌丝生长没有任何抑制作用。     

嗜热古菌S.solfataricus小热激蛋白基因的克隆及表达

目的:从嗜热古菌Sulfolobus solfataricus中克隆一种新的小热激蛋白SsHsp14.1的基因,并研究其表达和生物活性。方法:用PCR技术以S.solfataricus基因组为模板扩增得到目的基因序列片段,并将其克隆到pET-28a(+)中,转化到E coli BL21(DE3)中经IPTG诱导表达,纯化后对产物进行生物活性测定。结果:从菌株S.solfataricus中克隆出目的基因,该基因的编码框由375个碱基组成,编码的蛋白质由124个氨基酸组成。含该质粒的大肠杆菌经诱导表达了一个与预期理论值相符的约14kDa的蛋白,利用亲和层析和凝胶柱分离纯化了重组蛋白。试验证明纯化后的重组SsHsp14.1具有分子伴侣活性,重组蛋白在体内表达时能提高E.coli细胞的耐热性。结论:成功克隆SsHsp14.1基因并表达出蛋白,并明确了其分子伴侣活性,为该热激蛋白的研究和应用奠定基础。     

厚壳贻贝whirlin类贝壳基质蛋白的重组表达与功能分析

贝壳历来是生物工程和材料学研究的重要对象。贝壳中的贝壳基质蛋白质在贝壳的形成与发育过程中具有重要的调控作用。Whirlin类蛋白质(Whirlin-like protein,WLP)是一种从厚壳贻贝(Mytilus coruscus)中鉴定的新型贝壳基质蛋白质。序列分析结果显示,该蛋白质含有PDZ(postsynaptic density/Discs large/Zonula occludens)结构域,而该结构域对贝壳生物矿化的影响目前尚无报道。为深入了解WLP在贝壳形成中对碳酸钙晶体的影响,在序列分析基础上,采用密码子优化结合原核重组表达,获得其重组表达产物后,开展了重组WLP对碳酸钙晶体形貌及晶型的影响研究,结晶速度抑制以及碳酸钙晶体结合分析。分析结果表明,重组WLP能诱导文石型碳酸钙晶体的形貌和方解石型碳酸钙晶体的晶型发生改变;同时重组WLP对碳酸钙晶体具有结合作用,且能抑制碳酸钙晶体的结晶速度。上述结果表明,WLP对贝壳的形成及发育具有重要影响,并可能在贝壳肌棱柱层的形成中发挥了重要作用。