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Latherin and other biocompatible surfactant proteins
1Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Graham Kerr Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK. malcolm.kennedy@glasgow.ac.uk
Biochemical Society Transactions
|July 27, 2011
Summary
Horses produce protein-rich sweat containing latherin for thermoregulation. This protein reduces water surface tension, aiding evaporative cooling and potentially inhibiting microbial growth in their coats.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Animal Physiology
- Surface Science
Background:
- Horses and equids exhibit unique protein-rich sweat crucial for thermoregulation.
- Latherin, a PLUNC family protein, is a key component of this sweat, known for its high surface activity.
- Its role in evaporative cooling and potential antimicrobial functions in the equine pelt is under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the functional roles of latherin in equine physiology.
- To investigate latherin's biophysical properties, including its effect on water surface tension and its interaction with surfaces.
- To explore latherin's dual function in thermoregulation and microbial control within the equine coat and oral cavity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of protein composition in horse sweat and saliva.
- Measurement of water surface tension reduction by latherin at varying concentrations.
- Neutron reflection experiments to study latherin adsorption at the air/water interface.
- Assessment of latherin's effect on microbial biofilm disruption.
Main Results:
- Latherin significantly reduces water surface tension, acting as an effective wetting agent for evaporative cooling.
- The protein exhibits temporary binding to hydrophobic surfaces, suggesting a role in disrupting microbial biofilms.
- Neutron reflection revealed latherin's adsorption to the air/water interface with conformational changes, including partial unfolding.
- High concentrations of latherin were also found in horse saliva, potentially aiding mastication and reducing microbial adherence.
Conclusions:
- Latherin plays a dual role in horses: facilitating evaporative cooling via sweat and controlling microbial growth in the pelt.
- Its surface-active properties are critical for thermoregulation and may offer antimicrobial benefits.
- Latherin's presence in saliva suggests additional roles in digestion and oral hygiene for equids.
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