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Identification of three phage lysozymes and their function in innate immunity of Mercenaria mercenaria

Qian Ren1, Guqin Ji1, Ying Huang2

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Climate System Prediction and Risk Management, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China; School of Marine Sciences, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China.

Fish & Shellfish Immunology
|June 4, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Three phage lysozyme genes (MmpLyso1-3) in Mercenaria mercenaria are crucial for innate immunity. These genes enhance bacterial clearance, offering insights into mollusc immune defense and gene evolution.

Area of Science:

  • Marine Biology
  • Immunology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Phage lysozyme, typically found in bacteriophages, has been identified in molluscs, suggesting horizontal gene transfer.
  • The immune functions of these acquired phage lysozyme genes in Mercenaria mercenaria were previously unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize phage lysozyme genes in Mercenaria mercenaria.
  • To investigate the immune roles of these genes in the mollusc's innate defense system.

Main Methods:

  • Gene identification and genomic structure analysis of MmpLyso1, MmpLyso2, and MmpLyso3.
  • Protein domain prediction and phylogenetic analysis.
  • Tissue distribution and expression pattern analysis post-stimulation.
  • In vivo gene knockdown to assess bacterial clearance ability.

Main Results:

  • Three phage lysozyme genes (MmpLyso1-3) were identified with varying genomic structures and protein domains.
  • These genes are widely expressed in M. mercenaria tissues, particularly the mantle, and are upregulated upon stimulation.
  • Knockdown of MmpLyso1-3 significantly impaired the bacteria clearance capacity of the clam.

Conclusions:

  • MmpLyso1-3 are essential components of Mercenaria mercenaria's innate immune defense.
  • These findings provide new perspectives on the functional roles and evolutionary origins of phage lysozyme genes in molluscs.
Keywords:
Bacteriophage lysozymeHorizontal gene transferInnate immunityIntronMercenaria mercenaria

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