Cyclophilin of Schistosoma japonicum

A 623-bp cDNA molecule encoding cyclophilin, a specific cyclosporin A-binding protein, has been isolated from Schistosoma japonicum using a heterologous cDNA probe from Echinococcus granulosus. The nucleotide sequence of this molecule has been determined, and the deduced amino acid sequence has revealed extensive homology with homologues of other species. Southern blot analysis suggests that S. japonicum cyclophilin is the product of a single-copy gene. The cloning of this cDNA will allow an investigation of cyclophilin as a possible target of the antischistosome effects of cyclosporin A.