Proteomic analysis of tegument-exposed proteins of female and male Schistosoma japonicum worms

J Proteome Res. 2013 Nov 1;12(11):5260-70. doi: 10.1021/pr400476a. Epub 2013 Aug 16.

Abstract

The interplay between sexes is a prerequisite for female growth, reproductive maturation, and egg production, and the basis of schistosome pathopoiesis and propagation. The tegument is in direct contact with the host environment and its surface membranes are particularly crucial for schistosome survival in the definitive host. In this study, a streptavidin-biotin affinity purification technique combined with LC-MS/MS was used to analyze putative tegument-exposed proteins in female and male adult Schistosoma japonicum worms. In total, 179 proteins were identified in females and 300 in males, including 119 proteins common to both sexes, and 60 female biased and 181 male biased proteins. Some (e.g., serpin and CD36-like class B scavenger receptor) were involved in host-schistosome interactions, while some (e.g., gynecophoral canal protein) were important in the interplay between sexes. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that proteins involved in protein glycosylation and lysosome were highly expressed in females, while proteins involved in intracellular signal transduction, regulation of actin filament polymerization, and proteasome core complex were highly expressed in males. These results might elucidate physiological differences between the sexes. Our study provides new insights into schistosome growth and sexual maturity in the final host and permits the screening of vaccine candidates or drug targets for schistosomiasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromatography, Liquid
  • Computational Biology
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation / genetics*
  • Gene Ontology
  • Male
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Proteome / genetics*
  • Proteome / metabolism
  • Proteomics / methods
  • Rabbits / parasitology
  • Schistosoma japonicum / genetics*
  • Schistosoma japonicum / growth & development
  • Schistosoma japonicum / metabolism
  • Sex Factors
  • Skin / metabolism*
  • Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Substances

  • Membrane Proteins
  • Proteome