14-3-3 proteins in Schistosoma mansoni; identification of a second epsilon isoform

Int J Parasitol. 2002 Jun;32(6):685-93. doi: 10.1016/s0020-7519(01)00323-x.

Abstract

A new member of the 14-3-3 protein family in Schistosoma mansoni has been identified. Sequence analysis demonstrated that this protein is a member of the epsilon sub-group and is the orthologue of Schistosoma japonicum 14-3-3epsilon. Since we had previously identified a 14-3-3epsilon protein from S. mansoni, we termed the original protein 14-3-3epsilon-1 and this second epsilon protein 14-3-3epsilon-2. Schistosoma mansoni encodes at least four different 14-3-3 isoforms: the two epsilon proteins and 14-3-3 protein 1 and protein 2, which are zeta-like isoforms. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated the early divergence of the epsilon isoforms, and that schistosome proteins 1 and 2 are among the oldest non-epsilon 14-3-3 proteins yet identified. Schistosoma mansoni 14-3-3epsilon-1, 14-3-3epsilon-2, and protein 1 are stage specifically expressed in a similar manner, being absent in cercariae and schistosomula, and abundant in lung stage and adult male and female worms. Protein 2 transcript was not detected at any of the life cycle stages examined. All three detected 14-3-3 isoforms elicit an immune response during infection, with the greatest response directed against protein 1. Binding studies with S. mansoni receptor kinase-1 (SmRK1) and human Raf kinase revealed that the three 14-3-3epsilon isoforms exhibit a preference for target protein binding. Although all three isoforms do bind to both targets, 14-3-3 protein 1 interacts most strongly with Raf, whereas the 14-3-3-1 isoform binds SmRK1 preferentially. These results suggest that the individual 14-3-3 proteins may have evolved to play isoform-specific roles in the development and survival of S. mansoni within its host.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • 14-3-3 Proteins
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / metabolism
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Immunoblotting
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phylogeny
  • Protein Isoforms
  • RNA, Protozoan / chemistry
  • RNA, Protozoan / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Schistosoma mansoni / genetics*
  • Schistosoma mansoni / metabolism
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / genetics*
  • Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / metabolism

Substances

  • 14-3-3 Proteins
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Protein Isoforms
  • RNA, Protozoan
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AF375996