Binding of hematin by a new class of glutathione transferase from the blood-feeding parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus

Van Rossum, A.J., Jefferies, J.R., Rijsewijk, F., Lacourse, E.J., Teesdale-Spittle, P., Barrett, J., Tait, A. and Brophy, P.M. (2004) Binding of hematin by a new class of glutathione transferase from the blood-feeding parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus. Infection and Immunity, 72(5), pp. 2780-2790. (doi: 10.1128/IAI.72.5.2780-2790.2004)

Abstract

The phase II detoxification system glutathione transferase (GST) is associated with the establishment of parasitic nematode infections within the gastrointestinal environment of the mammalian host. We report the functional analysis of a GST from an important worldwide parasitic nematode of small ruminants, Haemonchus contortus. This GST shows limited activity with a range of classical GST substrates but effectively binds hematin. The high-affinity binding site for hematin was not present in the GST showing the most identity, CE07055 from the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. This finding suggests that the high-affinity binding of hematin may represent a parasite adaptation to blood or tissue feeding from the host.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Tait, Professor Andy
• Authors: Van Rossum, A.J., Jefferies, J.R., Rijsewijk, F., Lacourse, E.J., Teesdale-Spittle, P., Barrett, J., Tait, A., and Brophy, P.M.
• Subjects: Q Science > QR Microbiology > QR355 Virology
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
• Journal Name: Infection and Immunity
• ISSN: 0019-9567