6533b826fe1ef96bd1285110

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Two α subunits and one β subunit of meprin zinc-endopeptidases are differentially expressed in the zebrafish Danio rerio

André SchütteChristoph Becker-paulyDaniel LottazWalter StöckerErwin E. Sterchi

subject

Molecular Sequence DataClinical BiochemistryDanioBiochemistryCatalysisChromosomesConserved sequenceAnimalsHumansAmino Acid SequenceRNA MessengerMolecular BiologyPeptide sequenceZebrafishConserved SequencePhylogenyZebrafishRegulation of gene expressionMessenger RNAbiologyMetalloendopeptidasesbiology.organism_classificationMolecular biologyProtein Structure TertiaryCell biologyProtein SubunitsZincGene Expression RegulationMicroscopy FluorescenceStructural Homology Proteinbiology.proteinAstacinSequence AlignmentATP synthase alpha/beta subunits

description

Abstract Meprins are members of the astacin family of metalloproteases expressed in epithelial tissues, intestinal leukocytes and certain cancer cells. In mammals, there are two homologous subunits, which form complex glycosylated disulfide-bonded homo- and heterooligomers. Both human meprin α and meprin β cleave several basement membrane components, suggesting a role in epithelial differentiation and cell migration. There is also evidence that meprin β is involved in immune defence owing to its capability of activating interleukin-1β and the diminished mobility of intestinal leukocytes in meprin β-knockout mice. Here we show for the first time by reverse transcription PCR, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence analyses that meprins are expressed not only in mammals, but also in the zebrafish Danio rerio. In contrast to the human, mouse and rat enzymes, zebrafish meprins are encoded by three genes, corresponding to two homologous α subunits and one β subunit. Observations at both the mRNA and protein level indicate a broad distribution of meprins in zebrafish. However, there are strikingly different expression patterns of the three subunits, which is consistent with meprin expression in mammals. Hence, D. rerio appears to be a suitable model to gain insight into the basic physiological functions of meprin metalloproteases.

https://doi.org/10.1515/bc.2007.060