title: Characterization of a cDNA encoding a cathepsin L-like protein of Rhodnius prolixus.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Experimental Pathology Department, Centro de Investigacíon y Estudios Avanzados del IPN, México DF, México.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lopez-Ordoñez
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
authors.forename: F D
authors.initials: FD
authors.lastname: Hernández-Hernández
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: 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