1. A Cytochrome b561 with Ferric Reductase Activity from the Parasitic Blood Fluke, Schistosoma japonicum.
- Author
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Glanfield, Amber, McManus, Donald P., Smyth, Danielle J., Lovas, Erica M., Loukas, Alex, Gobert, Geoffrey N., and Jones, Malcolm K.
- Subjects
CYTOCHROME b ,FERRIC hydroxides ,SCHISTOSOMA japonicum ,IRON in the body ,CELL communication ,MEMBRANE proteins ,EUKARYOTIC cells ,IRON metabolism ,SACCHAROMYCES cerevisiae ,EPITHELIUM - Abstract
Background: Iron has an integral role in numerous cellular reactions and is required by virtually all organisms. In physiological conditions, iron is abundant in a largely insoluble ferric state. Ferric reductases are an essential component of iron uptake by cells, reducing iron to the soluble ferrous form. Cytochromes b561 (cyts-b561) are a family of ascorbate reducing transmembrane proteins found in most eukaryotic cells. The identification of the ferric reductase duodenal cytochrome b (dcytb) and recent observations that other cyts-b561 may be involved in iron metabolism have opened novel perspectives for elucidating their physiological function. Methodology/Principal Findings: Here we have identified a new member of the cytochrome b561 (Sjcytb561) family in the pathogenic blood fluke Schistosoma japonicum that localises to the outer surface of this parasitic trematode. Heterologous expression of recombinant Sjcyt-b561 in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutant strain that lacks plasma membrane ferrireductase activity demonstrated that the molecule could rescue ferric reductase activity in the yeast. Significance/Conclusions: This finding of a new member of the cytochrome b561 family further supports the notion that a ferric reductase function is likely for other members of this protein family. Additionally, the localisation of Sjcytb561 in the surface epithelium of these blood-dwelling schistosomes contributes further to our knowledge concerning nutrient acquisition in these parasites and may provide novel targets for therapeutic intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2010
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