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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Toposome: Source of antimicrobial molecules in the gonads of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus (Lamarck, 1816)

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Author(s):
Figueiredo, D. A. L. [1, 2] ; Santos, W. S. [1] ; Montoni, Fabio [1] ; Iwai, Leo Kei [1] ; Silva Junior, I, P.
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] I, Butantan Inst, Lab Appl Toxinol LETA CeTICS, BR-05503900 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[2] I, Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biomed Sci, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY; v. 109, p. 51-61, FEB 2021.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Sea urchins live in a challenging environment that requires rapid and efficient responses against pathogens and invaders. This response may be also important in reproductive processes once males and females release their gametes into water. In addition, the gonads are organs with dual function: reproductive organ and nutrient reserve, therefore it needs efficient protective mechanisms to preserve the nutrients as well as the reproductive cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence and characterize antimicrobial molecules in the male and female gonads of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus. Through HPLC purification, antimicrobial activity test and mass spectrometry several antimicrobial molecules were found in the gonads of both gender. Computational in silico analyses showed that they are fragments of a glycoprotein called toposome, also known as major yolk protein (MYP) which is one of the major proteins found in the gonads. Although different functions have been reported for this protein, this is the first description of a direct antimicrobial activity in Lytechinus variegatus. The results indicate that when undergoing proteolysis the toposome generates different fragments with antimicrobial activity which may indicate the importance of a rapid defense response strategy against invading microorganisms in the gonads used by both males and females sea urchins. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 17/17943-6 - Proteomic and peptidomic analysis of snake venom effect on cancer cell lines and mouse brain tissues
Grantee:Leo Kei Iwai
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 16/04000-3 - Pharmacology of oligopeptidases and intracellular peptides
Grantee:Emer Suavinho Ferro
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants