Immunolocalization of the fatty acid-binding protein Sj-FABPc within adult Schistosoma japonicum

Parasitology. 1997 Jul:115 ( Pt 1):33-9. doi: 10.1017/s0031182097008925.

Abstract

This paper describes the first localization study of the 14.7 kDa fatty acid-binding protein in Schistosoma japonicum (SjFABPc) using transmission electron microscopy. A polyclonal antibody raised against recombinant Sj-FABPc was used in combination with a colloidal gold marker to determine the distribution of the protein within adult parasites. Sj-FABPc was localized within lipid droplets below the subtegumental region of the male parasite. Additionally, Sj-FABPc was present in the vitelline droplets of the vitelline glands of female parasites. There were no detectable levels of Sj-FABPc on the surface or within the tegument of male or female parasites. Possible functions of Sj-FABPc within S. japonicum and the relevance of these immunolocalization findings in light of the recent reports that the homologue Sm-FABPc is an important anti-S. mansoni vaccine target molecule are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western
  • Carrier Proteins / analysis*
  • Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 7
  • Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins
  • Fatty Acids
  • Female
  • Frozen Sections
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lipids / analysis
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Microscopy, Immunoelectron
  • Myelin P2 Protein / analysis*
  • Neoplasm Proteins*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins*
  • Schistosoma japonicum / chemistry*
  • Schistosoma japonicum / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Fabp5 protein, mouse
  • Fabp7 protein, mouse
  • Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 7
  • Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins
  • Fatty Acids
  • Lipids
  • Myelin P2 Protein
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins