[Cloning and characterization of three novel genes encoding transmembrane proteins of Schistosoma japonicum].
OBJECTIVE
To clone and analyze novel antigen molecules of Schistosoma japonicum (Sj), and to provide effective vaccine candidate antigens against schistosomiasis japonica.


METHODS
Sj adult cDNA library was screened using sera of mice infected with Trichinella spiralis (Ts) and the inserts of positive clones were specifically amplified by PCR. The positive clones were sequenced and the sequence data were analyzed using Nucleotide BLAST software of NCBI and Expert Protein Analysis System of Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics.


RESULTS
Nine positive clones were obtained after three rounds of immunoscreening. The size of these inserts ranged from 0.6 kb to 2.1 kb. Among five novel genes, Sj-Ts1, Sj-Ts3 and Sj-Ts5 (GenBank accession number: AY005816, AF299080 and AY024352, respectively) encode trans-membrane proteins with 83, 83 and 233 amino acids, respectively. Sj-Ts1 protein predicted contains one possible trans-membrance helix, one N-myristoylation site, two phosphorylation sites for protein kinase C and one for tyrosine kinase, Sj-Ts3 protein contains two possible transmembrance helices and one casein kinase II phosphorylation site, whereas Sj-Ts5 protein has five possible transmembrance helices, one N-glycosylation site, one N-myristoylation site, two phosphorylation sites for cAMP- and cGMP-dependent protein kinase and four for protein kinase C and one for casein kinase II.


CONCLUSIONS
Three novel genes encoding three transmembrane proteins might be developed as new vaccine candidates against Sj infection.
Zhou
D M
DM
Department of Parasitology, Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, Changsha 410078.
Yi
X Y
XY
Zeng
X F
XF
Zeng
Q R
QR
Zhou
J C
JC
Wang
M
M
Zhang
S K
SK
Huang
F S
FS
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D000947:Antigens, Helminth / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D001483:Base Sequence; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D015801:Helminth Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D051379:Mice; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010766:Phosphorylation; D012549:Schistosoma japonicum / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D014235:Trichinellosis / Q000276:immunology
D000947:Antigens, Helminth; D015801:Helminth Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins