Dolichol phosphate mannose synthase is differentially expressed in male and female worms of Schistosoma mansoni

The cDNA encoding the Schistosoma mansoni dolichol phosphate mannose synthase was completely sequenced, displaying the highest homology with Cricetulus griseus and Saccharomyces pombe genes. The Schistosome enzyme had a K(m) of 0.127 microM, a value that is within the range of those reported for several other species. Thin-layer chromatography of the radiolabelled schistosome lipid intermediate showed it was identical to dolichol-phosphate (C80-C105). Expression of dolichol phosphate mannose synthase of S. mansoni (SmDPMS) was analysed by Northern blot and quantified by semi-quantitative RT-PCR with cDNA from mature and immature male and female worms. Northern blot analysis revealed a single 1-kb band. Both approaches confirmed a higher level of expression in mature female worms, as compared to immature and male worms.