title: Distribution and characteristics of ABFs, cecropins, nemapores, and lysozymes in nematodes.
abstract: Several groups of antimicrobial effector molecules have been identified in nematodes, but most studies have been limited to Caenorhabditis elegans and, to a lesser extent, Ascaris suum. Although these two species are not closely related, they are not representative of overall nematode diversity. This study utilized available sequence information to investigate whether four groups of antimicrobial effectors (defensin-like antibacterial factors [ABFs], cecropins, saposin domain-containing proteins, and lysozymes) are components of an archetypal nematode immune system or more narrowly restricted. Saposin domain-containing proteins (caenopores in C. elegans) and lysozymes were widely distributed and found in most taxa, but likely have digestive as well as defensive functions. ABFs were widely distributed in fewer taxa, suggesting selective loss in some lineages. In contrast, cecropins were identified in only three related species, suggesting acquisition of this effector molecule in their common ancestor.
authors: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA. etarrx@midwestern.edu
authors: D Ellen K
authors: DE
authors: Tarr
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D054807:Cecropins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D019295:Computational Biology; D023082:Defensins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D009113:Muramidase / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D009348:Nematoda / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D010802:Phylogeny; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D049231:Saposins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D054807:Cecropins; D023082:Defensins; D049231:Saposins; D009113:Muramidase