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Molecular characterizations of three distinct Babesia gibsoni rhoptry-associated protein-1s (RAP-1s).
Molecular characterizations of three distinct Babesia gibsoni rhoptry-associated protein-1s (RAP-1s).
- Source :
-
Parasitology . Sep2009, Vol. 136 Issue 10, p1147-1160. 14p. - Publication Year :
- 2009
-
Abstract
- Three cDNAs encoding rhoptry-associated protein 1 (RAP-1) homologues were found in the Babesia gibsoni EST database. Based on similarities to BgRAP-1a, which was identified previously by serological screening of a cDNA merozoite library, the two new genes were designated BgRAP-1b (33.7%) and BgRAP-1c (57%). Mice antiserum raised against each recombinant protein reacted specifically with B. gibsoni parasites as determined by Western blotting, which showed native molecular sizes of the BgRAP-1a (51 kDa), BgRAP-1b (53 kDa) and BgRAP-1c (47 kDa) consistent with predictable molecular weights. Immunofluoresence using these antibodies revealed localization of all BgRAP-1s within the matrix of merozoites; however, BgRAP-1a appeared to diverge from the other two when it was found secreted into the cytoplasm of infected erythrocytes. Apical localization of all 3 BgRAP-1s during the extracellular stage of the parasite combined with their ability to bind a canine erythrocyte membrane fraction was suggestive of a role for these proteins in erythrocyte attachment. Lastly, the ability of these recombinant proteins to be used as diagnostic reagents was tested by ELISA and the sensitivities of BgRAP-1a and BgRAP-1c were found increased through N-terminal truncation. Taken together, our data suggest divergent roles for the 3 BgRAP-1s in the merozoite stage of B. gibsoni. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00311820
- Volume :
- 136
- Issue :
- 10
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Parasitology
- Publication Type :
- Periodical
- Accession number :
- 43777795
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1017/S003118200999045X