Two mannose-binding lectin homologues and an MBL-associated serine protease are expressed in the gut epithelia of the urochordate species Ciona intestinalis

Mikkel-ole Skjoedt, Yaseelan Palarasah, Karina Rasmussen, Lars Vitved, Jan Salomonsen, Anette Kliem, Soren Hansen, Claus Koch, Karsten Skjodt

24 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The lectin complement pathway has important functions in vertebrate host defence and accumulating evidence of primordial complement components trace its emergence to invertebrate phyla. We introduce two putative mannose-binding lectin homologues (CioMBLs) from the urochordate species Ciona intestinalis. The CioMBLs display similarities with vertebrate MBLs and comprise a collagen-like region, α-helical coiled-coils and a carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) with conserved residues involved in calcium and carbohydrate binding. Structural analysis revealed an oligomerization through interchain disulphide bridges between N-terminal cysteine residues and cysteines located between the neck region and the CRD. RT-PCR showed a tissue specific expression of CioMBL in the gut and by immunohistochemistry analysis we also demonstrated that CioMBL co-localize with an MBL-associated serine protease in the epithelia cells lining the stomach and intestine. In conclusion we present two urochordate MBLs and identify an associated serine protease, which support the concept of an evolutionary ancient origin of the lectin complement pathway.

Original languageEnglish
JournalDevelopmental & Comparative Immunology
Volume34
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)59-68
ISSN0145-305X
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2010

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