A cytochrome b561 with ferric reductase activity from the parasitic blood fluke, Schistosoma japonicum

Glanfield, A., McManus, D. P., Smyth, D. J. , Lovas, E. M., Loukas, A., Gobert, G. N. and Jones, M. K. (2010) A cytochrome b561 with ferric reductase activity from the parasitic blood fluke, Schistosoma japonicum. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 4(11), e884. (doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000884) (PMID:21103361) (PMCID:PMC2982821)

Abstract

Background: Iron has an integral role in numerous cellular reactions and is required by virtually all organisms. In physiological conditions, iron is abundant in a largely insoluble ferric state. Ferric reductases are an essential component of iron uptake by cells, reducing iron to the soluble ferrous form. Cytochromes b561 (cyts-b561) are a family of ascorbate reducing transmembrane proteins found in most eukaryotic cells. The identification of the ferric reductase duodenal cytochrome b (dcytb) and recent observations that other cyts-b561 may be involved in iron metabolism have opened novel perspectives for elucidating their physiological function. Methodology/Principal Findings: Here we have identified a new member of the cytochrome b561 (Sjcytb561) family in the pathogenic blood fluke Schistosoma japonicum that localises to the outer surface of this parasitic trematode. Heterologous expression of recombinant Sjcyt-b561 in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutant strain that lacks plasma membrane ferrireductase activity demonstrated that the molecule could rescue ferric reductase activity in the yeast. Significance/Conclusions: This finding of a new member of the cytochrome b561 family further supports the notion that a ferric reductase function is likely for other members of this protein family. Additionally, the localisation of Sjcytb561 in the surface epithelium of these blood-dwelling schistosomes contributes further to our knowledge concerning nutrient acquisition in these parasites and may provide novel targets for therapeutic intervention.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Smyth, Dr Danielle
• Authors: Glanfield, A., McManus, D. P., Smyth, D. J., Lovas, E. M., Loukas, A., Gobert, G. N., and Jones, M. K.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases
• Publisher: Public Library of Science
• ISSN: 1935-2727
• ISSN (Online): 1935-2735
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2010 Glanfield et al.
• First Published: First published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases 4(11):e884
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License