Article
Transglutaminase-Catalyzed Reaction Is Important for Molting of Onchocerca volvulus Third-Stage Larvae
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
(1995)
Abstract
Highly insoluble proteins, which are probably cross-linked, are common in the cuticle and epicuticle of
filarial parasites and other nematode species. We have investigated the possible involvement of transglutaminase
(TGase)-catalyzed reactions in the development of Onchocerca volvulus fourth-stage larvae (L4) by testing
the effects of TGase inhibitors on the survival of third-stage larvae (L3) and the molting of L3 to L4 in vitro.
The larvae were cultured in the presence of three specific TGase inhibitors: monodansylcadaverine, cystamine,
and N-benzyloxycarbonyl-D,L-b-(3-bromo-4,5-dihydroisoxazol-5-yl)-alanine benzylamide. None of the inhibitors
reduced the viability of either L3 or L4. However, the inhibitors reduced, in a time- and dose-dependent
manner, the number of L3 that molted to L4 in vitro. Molting was completely inhibited in the presence of 100
to 200 mM inhibitors. Ultrastructural examination of L3 that did not molt in the presence of monodansylcadaverine
or cystamine indicated that the new L4 cuticle was synthesized, but there was an incomplete
separation between the L3 cuticle and the L4 epicuticle. The product of the TGase-catalyzed reaction was
localized in molting L3 to cuticle regions where the separation between the old and new cuticles occurs and in
the amphids of L3 by a monoclonal antibody that reacts specifically with the isopeptide «-(g-glutamyl)lysine.
These studies suggest that molting and successful development of L4 also depends on TGase-catalyzed
reactions.
Disciplines
Publication Date
1995
DOI
10.1128/AAC.39.9.1913
Publisher Statement
This is an article from Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 39 (1995): 1913, doi:10.1128/AAC.39.9.1913
Posted with permission. Copyright 1995 American Society for Microbiology
Citation Information
Sara Lustigman, Betsy Brotman, Tellervo Huima, Arlindo L. Castelhano, et al.. "Transglutaminase-Catalyzed Reaction Is Important for Molting of Onchocerca volvulus Third-Stage Larvae" Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy Vol. 39 Iss. 9 (1995) p. 1913 - 1919 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/ravindra-singh/16/