Oligopeptidase B from L. amazonensis: molecular cloning, gene expression analysis and molecular model

Parasitol Res. 2007 Sep;101(4):853-63. doi: 10.1007/s00436-007-0552-5. Epub 2007 May 27.

Abstract

Serine oligopeptidases of trypanosomatids are emerging as important virulence factors and therapeutic targets in trypanosome infections. A complete open reading frame of oligopeptidase B from Leishmania amazonensis was amplified with polymerase chain reaction with gradient annealing temperatures using primers designed for the oligopeptidase B gene from L. major. The 2,196-bp fragment coded for a protein of 731 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 83.49 KDa. The encoded protein (La_OpB) shares a 90% identity with oligopeptidases of L. major and L. infantum, 84% with L. braziliensis, and approximately 62 identity with Trypanosoma peptidases. The oligopeptidase B gene is expressed in all cycle stages of L. amazonensis. The three dimensional model of La_OpB was obtained by homology modeling based on the structure of prolyl oligopeptidases. We mapped a La_OpB model that presents a greater negative charge than prolyl oligopeptidases; our results suggest a difference in the S2 subsite when compared to oligopeptidases B from Trypanosoma and bacterial oligopeptidases B. The La_OpB model serves as a starting point for its exploration as a potential target source for a rational chemotherapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Cloning, Molecular*
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Leishmania / classification
  • Leishmania / enzymology*
  • Leishmania / genetics
  • Leishmania / growth & development
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Serine Endopeptidases* / chemistry
  • Serine Endopeptidases* / genetics
  • Serine Endopeptidases* / metabolism

Substances

  • Serine Endopeptidases
  • oligopeptidase B