title: Molecular identification and functional characteristics of peptide transporters in the bonnethead shark (Sphyrna tiburo).
abstract: Elasmobranchs are considered to be top marine predators, and in general play important roles in the transfer of energy within marine ecosystems. Despite this, little is known regarding the physiological processes of digestion and nutrient absorption in these fishes. One topic that is particularly understudied is the process of nutrient uptake across the elasmobranch gastrointestinal tract. Given their carnivorous diet, the present study sought to expand knowledge on dietary nutrient uptake in elasmobranchs by focusing on the uptake of products of protein digestion. To accomplish this, a full-length cDNA encoding peptide transporter 1 (PepT1), a protein previously identified within the brush border membrane of vertebrates that is responsible for the translocation of peptides released during digestion by luminal and membrane-bound proteases, was isolated from the bonnethead shark (Sphyrna tiburo). A cDNA encoding the related peptide transporter PepT2 was also isolated from S. tiburo using the same methodology. The presence of PepT1 was then localized in multiple components of the bonnethead digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, duodenum, intestine, rectum, and pancreas) using immunohistochemistry. Vesicle studies were used to identify the apparent affinity of PepT1 and to quantify the rate of dipeptide uptake by its H(+)-dependent cotransporter properties. The results of this study provide insight into the properties of peptide uptake within the bonnethead gut, and can facilitate future work on physiological regulation of protein metabolism and absorption including how these processes may vary in elasmobranchs that exhibit different feeding strategies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, University of North Florida, 1 UNF Dr., Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
authors.forename: Hannah R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Hart
authors.affiliation: Department of Coastal Sciences, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, University of Southern Mississippi, 703 East Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, MS, 39564, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, University of North Florida, 1 UNF Dr., Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gelsleichter
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, University of North Florida, 1 UNF Dr., Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA. gahearn@unf.edu.
authors.forename: Gregory A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Ahearn
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D029941:Fish Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000378:metabolism*; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism; D000074011:Peptide Transporter 1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D010802:Phylogeny; D012754:Sharks / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D029941:Fish Proteins; D000074011:Peptide Transporter 1
keywords: Absorption; Bonnethead shark; Elasmobranch; PepT1; PepT2; Scroll valve intestine