Characterization of a cDNA encoding a cathepsin L-like protein of Rhodnius prolixus.
The interaction of Rhodnius prolixus digestive enzymes with Trypanosoma cruzi could be important for parasite survival. We report herein the complete sequence of the messenger of a cathepsin L-like molecule (RpCat). The cDNA has 5'- and 3'- end UTRs and a methionine codon that corresponds likely to a translation initiation codon. In the deduced amino acid sequence, a region corresponding to an ERFININ domain, diagnostic of L-cathepsins, and a possible pro-peptide cleavage site were observed. At the C-terminus, a nine-amino acid sequence, almost identical to a secretion signal of human cathepsin L was found. RpCat messenger was expressed in intestines of R. prolixus adults, and from 1st to 4th but not in 5th instar nymph stages. In a similarity analysis, RpCat was grouped with L cathepsins forming a clear group separate of the B cathepsins.
Lopez-Ordoñez
T
T
Experimental Pathology Department, Centro de Investigacíon y Estudios Avanzados del IPN, México DF, México.
Rodriguez
M H
MH
Hernández-Hernández
F D
FD
D020413:3' Untranslated Regions / Q000235:genetics; D020121:5' Untranslated Regions / Q000235:genetics; D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D001181:Arthropods / Q000235:genetics; D001483:Base Sequence; D056668:Cathepsin L; D002403:Cathepsins / Q000235:genetics*; D003546:Cysteine Endopeptidases; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000235:genetics; D004064:Digestive System / Q000201:enzymology; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010802:Phylogeny; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000235:genetics; D012239:Rhodnius / Q000145:classification / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics*; D016415:Sequence Alignment; D017386:Sequence Homology, Amino Acid; D014349:Trypanosoma cruzi / Q000469:parasitology
D020413:3' Untranslated Regions; D020121:5' Untranslated Regions; D018076:DNA, Complementary; D011498:Protein Precursors; D002403:Cathepsins; D003546:Cysteine Endopeptidases; C534281:CTSL protein, human; D056668:Cathepsin L