Identification and partial characterisation of metalloproteases secreted by a Mesanophrys-like ciliate parasite of the Norway lobster Nephrops norvegicus

Diseases of Aquatic Organisms

G. H. Coombs¹  H. J. Small¹  D. M. Neil¹  A. C. Taylor¹ 

关键词: Ciliate;    Parasite;    Proteases;    Secreted;    Pathology;   

DOI  :  10.3354/dao067225

学科分类：生物科学（综合）

来源: Inter-Research

【 摘 要 】

ABSTRACT: A ciliate parasite, tentatively identified as Mesanophrys sp. of Norway lobsters Nephrops norvegicus, is demonstrated to secrete several proteases into the culture medium (modified Nephrops saline). Analyses using substrate-impregnated sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) revealed 12 activity bands differing greatly in mobility in the gels. The complete inhibition of proteolytic activity by 1,10-phenanthroline indicated that the proteases are of the metallo class. The proteases were active at the physiological temperature (8°C) and haemolymph pH (7.8) of the host. The proteases were selective in the degradation of several host proteins, including the myosin heavy chain, which is a major structural component of lobster muscle. Consequently, these proteases may have important roles in several aspects of the host–parasite interaction including invasion, nutrient uptake by the ciliate, and pathogenesis.

【 授权许可】

Unknown