Parvalbumin: A Major Fish Allergen and a Forensically Relevant Marker
Subham Mukherjee1,2, Petra Horka1, Kamila Zdenkova3
1Institute for Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Benatska 2, 128 01 Prague, Czech Republic.
Genes
|January 21, 2023
Summary
Parvalbumin (PVALB) proteins are the primary cause of fish allergies, responsible for over 95% of reactions. This review explores PVALB genes
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Parvalbumins (PVALBs) are calcium-binding proteins crucial for muscle function.
- The PVALB gene family exhibits evolutionary diversity with alpha and beta subtypes.
- PVALB proteins are significant allergens responsible for most fish-induced food allergies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolutionary diversity of fish PVALB genes.
- To discuss the allergenic properties of PVALB proteins.
- To explore the potential of PVALB genes as forensic markers for fish identification.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on PVALB gene family evolution.
- Analysis of PVALB protein structures and functions related to allergy.
- Examination of PVALB gene applications in fish identification assays.
Main Results:
- PVALB proteins are the major fish allergens, implicated in over 95% of fish allergies.
- The PVALB gene family's evolutionary history provides insights into fish diversity.
- PVALB genes are valuable for developing accurate fish identification methods.
Conclusions:
- PVALB genes are critical in fish allergy initiation and have significant evolutionary importance.
- Understanding PVALB genetics aids in combating food fraud and ensuring seafood safety.
- PVALB genes serve as effective forensic markers for authenticating fish species.
