Biosynthesis and enzymology of the Caenorhabditis elegans cuticle: identification and characterization of a novel serine protease inhibitor.

Page, A. P. , McCormack, G. and Birnie, A. J. (2006) Biosynthesis and enzymology of the Caenorhabditis elegans cuticle: identification and characterization of a novel serine protease inhibitor. International Journal for Parasitology, 36(6), pp. 681-689. (doi: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2006.01.004)

Abstract

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans represents an excellent model in which to examine nematode gene expression and function. A completed genome, straightforward transgenesis, available mutants and practical genome-wide RNAi approaches provide an invaluable toolkit in the characterization of nematode genes. We have performed a targeted RNAi screen in an attempt to identify components of the cuticle collagen biosynthetic pathway. Collagen biosynthesis and cuticle assembly are multi-step processes that involve numerous key enzymes involved in post-translational modification, trimer folding, procollagen processing and subsequent cross-linking stages. Many of these steps, the modifications and the enzymes are unique to nematodes and may represent attractive targets for the control of parasitic nematodes. A novel serine protease inhibitor was uncovered during our targeted screen, which is involved in collagen maturation, proper cuticle assembly and the moulting process. We have confirmed a link between this inhibitor and the previously uncharacterized bli-5 locus in C. elegans. The mutant phenotype, spatial expression pattern and the over-expression phenotype of the BLI-5 protease inhibitor and their relevance to collagen biosynthesis are discussed.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Page, Professor Tony
• Authors: Page, A. P., McCormack, G., and Birnie, A. J.
• Subjects: Q Science > QH Natural history > QH345 Biochemistry; Q Science > QH Natural history > QH426 Genetics
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Research Group: Page Group
• Journal Name: International Journal for Parasitology
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0020-7519

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
22999	3	The Molecular Enzymology of Collagen Assembly and Post-Translational Modification: a Nematode Model System	Antony Page	Medical Research Council (MRC)	G117/476	Infection Immunity and Inflammation Life Sciences