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Related Experiment Videos

A collectin-like protein from tunicates.

S V Nair1, S Pearce, P L Green

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia.

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Part B, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
|May 19, 2000
PubMed
Summary

Researchers discovered a collectin-like protein in tunicates, an invertebrate lacking antibodies. This finding suggests that the complement system

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Biochemistry
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Collectins are C-type lectins with collagen-like domains found in mammals and birds.
  • Mannose-binding lectin, a mammalian collectin, activates complement independently of immunoglobulins.
  • This pathway is crucial for innate immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize collectin-like proteins in invertebrates.
  • To investigate the evolutionary origins of the lectin-mediated complement pathway.
  • To explore the role of collectins in immune systems lacking antibodies.

Main Methods:

  • Carbohydrate affinity chromatography was used to isolate the lectin.
  • Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analyzed protein subunits.

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  • Gel filtration determined the native protein's molecular size.
  • Amino acid sequencing elucidated the protein's structural domains.

    • Main Results:

    • A calcium-dependent lectin was isolated from the tunicate Styela plicata.
    • The purified lectin had a reduced molecular mass of 43 kDa.
    • Oligomeric forms included dimers, trimers, hexamers, and a native nonamer.
    • Sequence analysis revealed collagenous and N-terminal cysteine-rich domains, similar to mammalian collectins.

    Conclusions:

    • The tunicate lectin shares structural similarities with mammalian collectins.
    • This invertebrate collectin-like protein functions in an organism without immunoglobulins.
    • Lectin-mediated complement pathways likely predate the evolution of antibodies.
    • This suggests an ancient role for collectins in innate immunity.