title: Venestatin, a Ca++-binding protein from the parasitic nematode Strongyloides venezuelensis, is involved in the larval migration process.
abstract: The secretory EF-hand Ca++-binding proteins act as calcium signaling molecules for control of cell functions, but those proteins from parasitic helminths are poorly understood. Here, we have identified and characterized an EF-hand Ca++-binding protein from the rodent nematode, Strongyloides venezuelensis, termed 'venestatin', which is highly conserved in Strongyloides spp. Canonical two EF-hand domains and a signal peptide are present in venestatin. A gel mobility shift assay and Ruthenium red staining indicated that the recombinant venestatin possesses binding ability with Ca++ions. Endogenous venestatin was seemingly localized in the hypodermis and gut of the worms and was found in the excretory-secretory products. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR data showed that venestatin-specific transcript was upregulated in the parasitic stages of S. venezuelensis, and the upregulation occurred promptly after larval invasion through the host's skin, but not in the case of in vitro incubation. Immunization of mice with recombinant venestatin caused a 55% reduction in larval migration to the lungs, and lung hemorrhaging was mild compared with non-immunized groups, suggesting that anti-venestatin sera may interfere with larval migration from skin to lung. Our results suggest that venestatin is secreted from the hypodermis and gut of S. venezuelensis, and has pivotal roles in larval migration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, Kitasato University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan; Department of Parasitology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0374, Japan.
authors.forename: Daigo
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tsubokawa
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, Kitasato University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan; Department of Parasitology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0374, Japan.
authors.forename: Takeshi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hatta
authors.affiliation: Division of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara Kiyotake, Miyazaki 899-1692, Japan.
authors.forename: Taisei
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kikuchi
authors.affiliation: Department of Parasitology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0374, Japan; Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan.
authors.forename: Hiroki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Maeda
authors.affiliation: Department of Parasitology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0374, Japan.
authors.forename: Fusako
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mikami
authors.affiliation: Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh.
authors.forename: M Abdul
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Alim
authors.affiliation: Division of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara Kiyotake, Miyazaki 899-1692, Japan.
authors.forename: Haruhiko
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Maruyama
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, Kitasato University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan; Department of Parasitology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0374, Japan. Electronic address: tsujin@med.kitasato-u.ac.jp.
authors.forename: Naotoshi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tsuji
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / Q000502:physiology; D015801:Helminth Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D007814:Larva / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D013321:Strongyloides / Q000378:metabolism*; D013322:Strongyloidiasis / Q000469:parasitology*
chemical_list: D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins; D015801:Helminth Proteins
keywords: EF-hand Ca(++)-binding protein; ES products; Nematodes; Strongyloides venezuelensis; Tissue migration; Venestatin