Latherin and other biocompatible surfactant proteins

Kennedy, M.W. (2011) Latherin and other biocompatible surfactant proteins. Biochemical Society Transactions, 39(4), pp. 1017-1022. (doi: 10.1042/BST0391017)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1042/BST0391017

Abstract

Horses and other equids are unusual in producing protein-rich sweat for thermoregulation, a major component of which is latherin, a highly surface-active, non-glycosylated protein that is a member of the PLUNC (palate, lung and nasal epithelium clone) family. Latherin produces a significant reduction in water surface tension at low concentrations (=1 mg/ml), and probably acts as a wetting agent to facilitate evaporative cooling through a thick, waterproofed pelt. Latherin binds temporarily to hydrophobic surfaces, and so may also have a disruptive effect on microbial biofilms. It may consequently have a dual role in horse sweat in both evaporative cooling and controlling microbial growth in the pelt that would otherwise be resourced by nutrients in sweat. Latherin is also present at high levels in horse saliva, where its role could be to improve mastication of the fibrous diet of equids, and also to reduce microbial adherence to teeth and oral surfaces. Neutron reflection experiments indicate that latherin adsorbs to the air/water interface, and that the protein undergoes significant conformational change and/or partial unfolding during incorporation into the interfacial layer.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Kennedy, Professor Malcolm
Authors: Kennedy, M.W.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences
Journal Name:Biochemical Society Transactions
ISSN:0300-5127

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record