First characterization of SmOPG1, a novel protein involved in gonad-associated processes in Schistosoma mansoni.
In the context of investigating the exceptional reproductive biology of schistosomes, several studies have focused on the identification and characterization of involved molecules. Among these are cellular tyrosine kinases (CTKs) which control differentiation processes in the female gonads. On the way to unravel CTK-mediated signaling processes in more detail, several upstream- and downstream partners of these CTKs were identified. In this context we present here first data characterizing the novel orphan gene Sm opg1. Annotated as hypothetical protein, SmOPG1 was identified as an interaction partner of the CTK SmTK6 by yeast two-hybrid library screening. Y2/3H interaction studies showed that SmTK6 binds with its SH2 domain to a specific binding motif within the C-terminus of SmOPG1. Additionally, in situ-hybridization and organ-specific RT-PCR analyses demonstrated the co-localization of SmOPG1 and SmTK6 transcripts in the gonads of adult S. mansoni. Finally, SmOPG1 knock-down provided first hints for a function in the ovary.
BFS, Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
Steffen
S
Hahnel
BFS, Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
Richard
R
Parker-Manuel
CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Inserm U1019-CNRS UMR 8204, University Lille, France.
Colette
C
Dissous
UGSF, Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, CNRS UMR 8576, University Lille, France.
Katia
K
Cailliau
BFS, Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany. Electronic address: Christoph.Grevelding@vetmed.uni-giessen.de.
Christoph G
CG
Grevelding
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D015801:Helminth Proteins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D010053:Ovary / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D025941:Protein Interaction Mapping; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012098:Reproduction; D012550:Schistosoma mansoni / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D020798:Two-Hybrid System Techniques
D015801:Helminth Proteins; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
Gonad development; Hypothetical protein; Mucin-like protein; Platyhelminth reproduction; Schistosoma mansoni; Signaling