Identification and characterization of two novel lysozymes from Rhodnius prolixus, a vector of Chagas disease

J Insect Physiol. 2008 Mar;54(3):593-603. doi: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2007.12.009. Epub 2007 Dec 31.

Abstract

Lysozymes have been described in invertebrates as digestive or immune molecules. We report here the characterization of two novel c-type lysozymes, RpLys-A (EU250274) and RpLys-B (EU250275), isolated from the fat body and digestive tract of immune stimulated Rhodnius prolixus, a major vector of Chagas disease. Transcriptional profiles indicate that the temporal and spatial expression patterns of these two peptides are very different. RpLys-A is expressed predominantly in the midgut after ingestion of Trypanosoma cruzi in a bloodmeal, or after injection of bacteria into the hemocoel. RpLys-B is expressed primarily in the fat body after bacterial injection. Phylogenetic alignments indicate that RpLys-A aligns best with molecules from other hemipterans whose major expression is found in the intestinal tract whereas RpLys-B aligns best with mosquito and tick molecules whose expression is found principally in hemocytes and fat body and whose role has been described as immune-related. These data suggest a differential compartmentalized role of two closely related molecules; one for immunity in the hemocoel and the other for digestion in the midgut.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Chagas Disease / transmission
  • Escherichia coli / immunology
  • Feeding Behavior / physiology
  • Host-Parasite Interactions / physiology
  • Humans
  • Micrococcus luteus / immunology
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Muramidase / genetics
  • Muramidase / metabolism*
  • Phylogeny
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Rhodnius / enzymology*
  • Rhodnius / parasitology
  • Rhodnius / physiology
  • Sequence Alignment
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Time Factors
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / physiology

Substances

  • Muramidase