Lysozyme Gene Research Articles

Three in one: Identification, expression and enzymatic activity of lysozymes in amphioxus

The lysozymes identified so far in animals belong to the g-type, c-type, and i-type. Vertebrate animals possess only the former two types, i.e., g- and c-types, while all the three types have been reported in invertebrates. Here we demonstrate that (1) three cDNAs that encode g-, c-, and i-type lysozymes, respectively, were identified in a single species of the amphioxus Branchiostoma japonicum; (2) all the 3-type genes displayed distinct tissue-specific expression pattern; (3) recombinant g-, c-, and i-type lysozymes all exhibited enzymatic activities; and (4) native g-, c-, and i-type lysozymes were identified in the different tissues of amphioxus. Collectively, these results suggest the presence of all the 3-type lysozymes in a single animal species, first such data ever reported. The presence of biologically active i-type lysozyme in amphioxus also suggests that i-type lysozyme gene is retained at least in Protochordata, contrasting to the previous proposal that i-type lysozyme gene has been lost in a common ancestor of all chordates.

Molecular characterization, gene structure and antibacterial activity of a g-type lysozyme from the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.)

In fish, the first line of defense is represented by the innate immune system and the lysozyme is one of the molecules involved in this mechanism of protection. Three types of lysozymes have been identified in metazoan, the c-type (chicken or conventional), the g-type (goose-type) and the i-type (invertebrate type). They are all involved in the hydrolysation of the bacterial cell wall. Our work has been focused on the molecular characterization, expression analysis by real-time PCR, both at basal condition and after in vivo challenges, and 3D structural studies on the g-type lysozyme from sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.). Moreover, a recombinant sea bass lysozyme has been produced in Escherichia coli and used to investigate the activity of the enzyme at different pH and temperatures and to perform antibacterial assays against typical fish pathogens. The cloned sea bass cDNA for g-type lysozyme (accession number FN667957) consists of 742bp and translates for a putative protein of 188 amino acids. The molecular weight is 20.251, 41Da with a theoretical pI of 8.53, two cysteine residues along the sequence and no putative signal peptide. These features of the enzyme are in agreement with the expected characteristics of a proper g-type lysozyme, except for the cysteine residues that in fish are quite variable in number. An alignment between known g-type lysozyme sequences evidences that the amino acid residues thought to be involved in the enzyme catalysis (Glu71, Asp84 and Asp95 in sea bass) are quite well conserved between mammalian, avian and fish sequences. The sea bass g-type lysozyme gene is composed of four exons and three introns and this gene structure is more compact compared to other known fish lysozyme homologues. Modeling of 3D structure has been performed on the template structure of g-type lysozyme from Atlantic cod. The catalytic site appears well conserved when compared with known structures of fish g-type lysozymes (cod and salmon). The basal expression of lysozyme transcripts is highest in gills, followed by head kidney and peripheral blood leukocytes. The lysozyme expression is up regulated in head kidney leukocytes both after challenge with the fish bacterial pathogen Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida. The lytic activity, determined using as substrate Micrococcus lysodeikticus, was optimal at pH 5.5 and at a temperature of 30°C. In conclusion, these results suggest that the identified g-type lysozyme should be involved in the innate immune responses of sea bass.

Scaffold/matrix attachment regions from CHO cell chromosome enhanced the stable transfection efficiency and the expression of transgene in CHO cells

Two scaffold/matrix attachment regions (S/MARs) from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell chromosomes were identified computationally and cloned as the domain boundaries regions. As partition chromosomes in independently regulated units to increase the exogenous gene expression, these two S/MARs (MAR1 and MAR6) flanked expression vectors were respectively transfected into CHO cells. The results showed that MAR1 and MAR6 were much more potent to increase the stable transfection efficiency than the chicken lysozyme gene 5' S/MARs, which had been experimentally identified to increasing the expression of heterologous gene. Moreover, MAR6 is more active in mediating high and consistent gene expression in CHO cells than the chicken lysozyme gene 5' S/MARs.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a new G-type lysozyme gene (Ec-lysG) in orange-spotted grouper, Epinephelus coioides

Lysozyme acts as an innate immunity molecule against pathogen infection. In this study, a new G-type lysozyme gene with a typical G-type lysozyme domain (designated as Ec-lysG) was cloned and characterized from the orange-spotted grouper, Epinephelus coioides. The full-length Ec-lysG cDNA contains 1419bp and encodes a 256-residue protein containing a 25-residue signal peptide at the N-terminus. BLAST analysis reveals Ec-lysG shares 64% identity with Siniperca chuatsi, but 63% to another reported G-type lysozyme from orange-spotted grouper (OSG-lysG). The genomic DNA of Ec-lysG contains four exons and three introns, with a total length of 2062bp. An amino acid sequence alignment showed that Ec-lysG shares the fundamental structural features of G-type lysozyme, including the catalytic residues, substrate binding sites, and soluble lytic transglycosylase domain. Quantitative PCR showed that Ec-lysG transcript is most abundant in the head kidney, and less abundant in the heart. The expression of Ec-lysG was differentially upregulated in the head kidney after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide, Vibrio alginolyticus, and Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV). A subcellular localization analysis showed that Ec-lysG is distributed predominantly in the cytoplasm. Recombinant Ec-lysG (rEc-lysG) has optimal activity at pH 7.5 and 35°C. rEc-lysG showed lytic activities against Gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus iniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Micrococcus lysodeikticus, and the Gram-negative bacterium V. alginolyticus. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that rEc-lysG acts on M. lysodeikticus cell walls. The overexpression of Ec-lysG in grouper cells did not significantly delay the occurrence of the cytopathic effect (CPE) induced by SGIV, and did not inhibit viral gene transcription. In conclusion, Ec-lysG might be a potent antibacterial protein, with a role in innate immunity.

Selection and characterization of potential probiotic bacteria for Litopenaeus stylirostris shrimp hatcheries in New Caledonia

Abstract In New Caledonia, shrimp hatcheries are confronted with mass mortality in the larval stages, a phenomenon poorly understood as no specific causative agent has been identified. This has resulted in an excessive use of prophylactic antibiotics, although their adverse effects in aquaculture are notorious. The present work was thus aimed at selecting potential probiotic strains for penaeid hatcheries. From a pool of more than 400 marine bacterial isolates sampled from the local marine environment seven strains exhibited in vitro antagonistic activity toward Vibrio harveyi . These isolates were characterized both phenotypically and genotypically using a biochemical approach and 16S rDNA sequencing. Six out of these seven strains were found to belong to the genus Pseudoalteromonas , the last one belonging to the Vibrionaceae family and related to the Harveyi clade. Selected probiotic candidates were individually tested for antagonistic activities in vitro using a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled transconjugant of V. harveyi and for inherent pathogenicity toward cultured shrimp larvae at two different developmental stages. This approach enabled rapid processing and selection of candidates to be tested in our experimental hatchery. Four different experiments were conducted to test candidate strains either alone or in combination. Repeated trials showed that postlarval survival was significantly improved by adding the strain NC201 individually to the rearing water compared to unchallenged controls. The analysis of immune-related gene expressions showed that the Litsty PEN3 transcript abundance of larvae was significantly increased after being reared in probiotic-containing water; however no significant difference in lysozyme gene expression was recorded in this study. Together, these results open new insights into the use of these strains as potential substitutes to antibiotherapy in shrimp larval rearing in New Caledonia.

Temporospatial fate of bacteria and immune effector expression in house flies fed GFP‐Escherichia coliO157:H7

The house fly Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) harbours and transmits a variety of human enteropathogens including Escherichia coli (Enterobacteriales: Enterobacteriaceae) O157:H7. Interactions between ingested bacteria and the fly gut directly impact bacterial persistence, survival and ultimately fly vector competence. We assessed the temporospatial fate of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing E. coli O157:H7 (GFP-ECO157) in house flies along with fly antimicrobial responses up to 12 h post-ingestion. In flies fed GFP-ECO157, culture and microscopy revealed a steady decrease in bacterial load over 12 h, which is likely to be attributable to the combined effects of immobilization within the peritrophic matrix, lysis and peristaltic excretion. However, flies can putatively transmit this pathogen in excreta because intact bacteria were observed in the crop and rectum. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and lysozyme gene expression showed minimal upregulation in both the gut and carcass of house flies fed GFP-ECO157. However, these genes were upregulated in fly heads and salivary glands, and effector proteins were detected in the gut in some flies. Collectively, these data indicate that house flies can serve as reservoirs of E. coli O157:H7 for up to 12 h, and factors in addition to AMPs and lysozyme may contribute to bacteria destruction in the gut.

Generation of mastitis resistance in cows by targeting human lysozyme gene to β-casein locus using zinc-finger nucleases

Mastitis costs the dairy industry billions of dollars annually and is the most consequential disease of dairy cattle. Transgenic cows secreting an antimicrobial peptide demonstrated resistance to mastitis. The combination of somatic cell gene targeting and nuclear transfer provides a powerful method to produce transgenic animals. Recent studies found that a precisely placed double-strand break induced by engineered zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs) stimulated the integration of exogenous DNA stretches into a pre-determined genomic location, resulting in high-efficiency site-specific gene addition. Here, we used ZFNs to target human lysozyme (hLYZ) gene to bovine β-casein locus, resulting in hLYZ knock-in of approximately 1% of ZFN-treated bovine fetal fibroblasts (BFFs). Gene-targeted fibroblast cell clones were screened by junction PCR amplification and Southern blot analysis. Gene-targeted BFFs were used in somatic cell nuclear transfer. In vitro assays demonstrated that the milk secreted by transgenic cows had the ability to kill Staphylococcus aureus. We report the production of cloned cows carrying human lysozyme gene knock-in β-casein locus using ZFNs. Our findings open a unique avenue for the creation of transgenic cows from genetic engineering by providing a viable tool for enhancing resistance to disease and improving the health and welfare of livestock.

Expression, Purification, and Characteristic of Tibetan Sheep Breast Lysozyme Using Pichia pastoris Expression System.

A lysozyme gene from breast of Tibetan sheep was successfully expressed by secretion using a-factor signal sequence in the methylotrophic yeast, Pichia pastoris GS115. An expression yield and specific activity greater than 500 mg/L and 4,000 U/mg was obtained. Results at optimal pH and temperature showed recombinant lysozyme has higher lytic activity at pH 6.5 and 45°C. This study demonstrates the successful expression of recombinant lysozyme using the eukaryotic host organism P. pastoris paving the way for protein engineering. Additionally, this study shows the feasibility of subsequent industrial manufacture of the enzyme with this expression system together with a high purity scheme for easy high-yield purification.

Molecular cloning, recombinant protein expression, tissue distribution and functional analysis of a new c-type lysozyme from Lezhi black goat rumen

Zhang, P., Wang, Y., Jiang, M., Zhu, L., Li, J., Luo, M., Ren, H. and Liu, L. 2014. Molecular cloning, recombinant protein expression, tissue distribution and functional analysis of a new c-type lysozyme from Lezhi black goat rumen. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 27–34. Three major distinct types of lysozymes have been identified in the animal kingdom and most lysozymes cloned from ruminants belong to the chicken-type (c-type). In this study, a new c-type lysozyme gene, named LZRLyz, was cloned and sequenced from the Lezhi black goat rumen. The LZRLyz cDNA has a 444 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a 147 amino acid polypeptide. The encoded polypeptide is predicted to have an 18 amino acid signal peptide, and a 129 amino acid mature protein with an isoelectric point (pI) of 6.08. The LZRLyz amino acid sequence shares 70.27% identity with the Capra hircus blood lysozyme and is grouped with other ruminants c-type lysozymes using the phylogenetic tree estimated by Neighbor-Jointing method. The recombinant expressed LZRLyz protein (pET-rLZR) shows a molecular mass of ∼33 kDa, which is consistent with the predicted fusion protein molecular mass and shows antimicrobial activity. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR analyses revealed that LZRLyz transcripts are expressed in all tested tissues with the predominant expression being observed in rumen and the weakest one in spleen. Results of this study suggest that the LZRLyz gene represents a new c-type lysozyme gene that likely functions in Lezhi black goat host immunity and digestive systems.

The effects of dietary Immunogen® on innate immune response, immune related genes expression and disease resistance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

This study investigates the effects of prebiotic Immunogen® on lysozyme, TNFα and HSP70 gene expression in head kidney, humoral innate immune parameters and resistant to Aeromonas hydrophila of rainbow trout. 120 healthy rainbow trout (81.65 ± 1.49 g) were distributed in six fiberglass tanks assigned to two groups fed control or diet supplemented with 2 g kg−1 Immunogen® for 45 days. The results revealed that administration of Immunogen® significantly (P < 0.05) up regulated lysozyme and TNFα gene expression. HSP70 gene expression was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in Immunogen® fed fish at the end of trial. Humoral innate immune parameters (lysozyme activity, ACH50 and bactericidal activity) were significantly (P < 0.05) increased whether 15 or 45 days after feeding on Immunogen® supplemented diet. However, significant (P < 0.05) increase in agglutination antibody titer observed just after 45 days feeding on Immunogen®. Rainbow trout fed with 2 g kg−1 Immunogen® showed remarkably higher resistance against A. hydrophila (64.44% survival) compared to the control group (24.44% survival). These results confirm that Immunogen® can up regulates immune related genes expression, stimulates immune response that per se enhances disease resistance in rainbow trout.

Binary Vector Construction and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated Transformation of Lysozyme Gene in Seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii

Ice-ice disease is the biggest problem in the cultivation of seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii. The disease is caused by bacterial infection and induced by drastic changes of water quality. Lysozyme has the ability to break down bacterial cell wall. The purpose of this research was to construct of a binary vector pMSH1-Lys carrying chicken Lysozyme (Lis) gene and introduce pMSH1-Lis on K. alvarezii. The binary vector expression was transformed into Agrobacterium tumefaciens LBA4404 by triparental mating. Thallus was inoculated with A. tumefaciens carrying pMSH1-Lis and then the transformed thallus was selected by adding 20 mg/L hygromycin to the culture medium. PCR analysis showed that the construction of the binary plasmid pMSH1-Lys was established. Percentage of transformation of pMSH1-Lis on K. alvarezii was 23.56%, while the efficiency of regeneration was 11.32%. PCR analysis showed that three of the regenerated thallus contained Lysozyme gene. Thus, transgenic K. alvarezii was produced successfully and this can be useful for studying the mechanisms of seaweed defense against bacterial infection.

Dose Dependent Effects of Dietary Immunostimulants on Rainbow Trout Immune Parameters and Susceptibility to the Parasite Ichthyophthirius Multifiliis

Immunostimulants offered to fish in feed are considered to confer protection against various bacterial diseases but the effects on the antiparasitic response are largely unknown. Therefore effects of dietary β-1,3-glucan on innate immune parameters of juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and on susceptibility to the skin-parasitic cili- ate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) have been investigated. A basal diet (dry pelleted feed) was supplemented with 0% (control), 0.2% (low), 2.0% (medium), and 5.0% (high) of the β-1,3-glucan particulate insoluble algae glucan, paramylon, from Euglena gracilis. Fish (total 440) were divided into four groups each with 110 fish (kept in duplicate tanks of 55) and each diet was fed to two replicate groups at a daily feeding rate of 1.5% of fish biomass for 56 consecutive days. Liver and plasma sampling was performed at day 0 and after feeding with β-1,3-glucans for 14, 28, 42, and 56 days and subsamples of fish were exposed to Ich at day 14 and 45. Gene expression in trout liver was investigated by real-time qPCR and genes encoding immune molecules including acute phase proteins (SAA, hepcidin, and precerebellin), immunoglobulins (IgM and IgT), cytokine (IL-1β), and lysozyme were investigated. In addition plasma lysozyme activity was recorded. At the start of the experiment the 5.0% glucan supplemented fish became more infected by parasites compared to control fish (0.0%) but after 45 days feeding they obtained signifi - cantly fewer trophonts. Plasma lysozyme activity of fish fed low (0.2%) and medium (2.0%) glucan supplementation fluctuated, while high (5.0%) glucan was associated with an elevation of lysozyme activity. Plasma lysozyme activity was positively correlated to expression of the lysozyme gene and to body mass of fish. Groups fed low (0.2%) and medium (2%) glucan diets showed a trend for down-regulation of immune relevant genes whereas the group fed with high (5%) glucan showed a trend for up-regulation of genes especially the acute phase reactant SAA.

221 SOMATIC CELL GOAT CLONING USING ALLOGENEIC OR SYNGENEIC TRANSGENIC CELL LINES

The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of goat cloning by using cell lineages from distinct transgenic backgrounds. Primary fibroblast skin cell cultures from 2 females (allogeneic), transgenic for the human lysozyme gene (hLZ), were established following standard procedures. Cells from one hLZ genotype were used for the establishment of 2 double transgenic syngeneic cell lines by cell transfection (Nucleofector®, Lonza, Germany) with transgene cassettes containing either the human glucocerebrosidase gene (hGC) and neomycin resistance gene, or the human lactoferrin gene (hLF) with no selection gene. The hGC-transfected hLZ cells were antibiotic-selected (G418, Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA) until the isolation of positive cell colonies, whereas hLF-transfected hLZ cells were seeded onto 100-mm culture plates (100 cells/plate) to allow colony outgrowth from individual cells. Isolated colonies were screened by PCR using specific primers for each transgene (hGC or hLF) and for hLZ and GAPDH (controls). Positive cells from one hLZ-hGC and one hLZ-hLF colony were used for cloning at passage 9, whereas hLZ cells from the other genotype were at passage 4. Cells were synchronized by high confluence and 24 h of serum starvation. Goat cloning was performed according to standard procedures (Feltrin et al. 2012 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 25, 163). Briefly, cumulus-oocyte complexes from abattoir ovaries were in vitro-matured for 20 h. Oocyte enucleation and hLZ, hLZ-hGC, or hLZ-hLF donor cell insertion were done by micromanipulation. Reconstructed structures were fused by two 1.2-KV cm–1 DC pulses for 20 μs. Cloned embryos were cultured for 1 h in cytochalasin B and then activated in ionomycin/6-DMAP. After 12 h of in vitro culture in G-1™ medium (Vitrolife, USA), 1-cell stage embryos were transferred into the oviduct of synchronous females (Keefer et al. 2002 Biol. Reprod. 66, 199-203). Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasonography on Day 30, with weekly monitoring afterwards. Preliminary data from 6 replicates were analysed by the chi-square test (P &lt; 0.05). Maturation rate and survival after enucleation were 42.8% (610/1425) and 72.9% (291/399), respectively. A total of 271 structures were reconstructed using the 3 donor cell lines. Fusion rates did not differ between hLZ (59.5%), hLZ-hGC (47.5%), and hLZ-hLF (48.5%) groups. A total of 68 hLZ, 92 hLZ-hGC, and 39 hLZ-hLF-derived embryos were transferred to 5, 7, and 3 recipients, respectively. No pregnancies were detected with the use of hLZ and hLZ-hLF cells. However, 3 pregnancies (one nonviable) were detected on Day 30 with hLZ-hGC cells (42.9%), with both viable pregnancies lost on Days 40 and 130 of gestation. Molecular analyses confirmed both concepti as transgenic clones from the hLZ-hGC cell line. In summary, antibiotic selection of positive colonies was effective at maintaining cell viability, with a positive response when used for cloning. Replications are in progress to evaluate the effect of cell colony isolation from individual cells (e.g. hLZ-hLF cells) on cell viability over time and on cloning outcome.

Analysis of two lysozyme genes and antimicrobial functions of their recombinant proteins in Asian seabass.

Lysozymes are important proteins of the innate immune system for the defense against bacterial infection. We cloned and analyzed chicken-type (c-type) and goose-type (g-type) lysozymes from Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer). The deduced amino acid sequence of the c-type lysozyme contained 144 residues and possessed typical structure residues, conserved catalytic residues (Glu50 and Asp67) and a “GSTDYGIFQINS” motif. The deduced g-type lysozyme contained 187 residues and possessed a goose egg white lysozyme (GEWL) domain containing three conserved catalytic residues (Glu71, Asp84, Asp95) essential for catalytic activity. Real time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed that the two lysozyme genes were constitutively expressed in all the examined tissues. The c-type lysozyme was most abundant in liver, while the g-type lysozyme was predominantly expressed in intestine and weakly expressed in muscle. The c-type and g-type transcripts were up-regulated in the kidney, spleen and liver in response to a challenge with Vibrio harveyi. The up-regulation of the c-type lysozyme was much stronger than that of the g-type lysozyme in kidney and spleen. The recombinant proteins of the c-type and g-type lysozymes showed lytic activities against the bacterial pathogens Vibrio harveyi and Photobacterium damselae in a dosage-dependent manner. We identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the two lysozyme genes. There were significant associations of these polymorphisms with resistance to the big belly disease. These results suggest that the c- and g-type genes play an important role in resistance to bacterial pathogens in fish. The SNP markers in the two genes associated with the resistance to bacterial pathogens may facilitate the selection of Asian seabass resistant to bacterial diseases.

Transcriptome Profiling Reveals Insight into Distinct Immune Responses to Aeromonas salmonicida in Gill of Two Rainbow Trout Strains

The fish gills represent a crucial organ for the communication with the aquatic environment. Transcriptional changes in gills of two hatchery rainbow trout strains in response to injection with the potent pathogen Aeromonas salmonicida were detected by global gene expression profiling using a 4×44K oligonucleotide microarray. Emphasis was placed on "day 3 postinfection" representing a decisive time point for the resolution of inflammation. The comparison of features and pathways differentially regulated in branchial tissues revealed that the local breeding strain BORN and imported American rainbow trout apply common and specific immune strategies. In gills of infected BORN trout, we observed a dynamic regulation of genes controlling NF-κB pathways and the induction of factors promoting the development of myeloid cells, whereas an increased expression of lysozyme and immunoglobulin genes was obvious in gills of infected import trout. In order to prove the relevance of the array-predicted candidates as well as well-known immune genes for gill immunity, a subsequent in vitro experiment was conducted. Altogether, we uncovered dynamic but moderate changes in the expression of a broad range of immune-relevant features implying the gill's involvement in pathogen defense strategies.

A novel SNP of Lysozyme Gene and Its Association with Mastitis Trait in Chinese Holstein

Abstract. Mastitis is the most frequent and important disease in the dairy industry worldwide, which leads to great economic losses in the dairy industry (Nash et al. 2003). Direct selection for resistance to clinical mastitis may be very difficult and indirect selection has been practiced widely. The recommended measure is to record herd milk somatic cell scores (SCS) based on the positive correlation between clinical mastitis and milk SCS (Rupp et al. 1999).

A Preliminary Genetic Map in Solea senegalensis (Pleuronectiformes, Soleidae) Using BAC-FISH and Next-Generation Sequencing

This article presents the first physical mapping carried out in the Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis), an important marine fish species of Southern Europe. Eight probes were designated to pick up genes of interest in aquaculture (candidate genes) from a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library using a method of rapid screening based on a 4-dimension PCR. Seven known and 3 unknown clones were isolated and labeled. The 10 BAC clones were used as probes to map the karyotype of the species by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Nine out of the 10 clones were localized in only 1 chromosome pair, whereas the remaining one hybridized on 2 chromosome pairs. The 2-color FISH experiments showed colocation of 4 probes in 2 chromosome pairs. In addition, 2-color FISH was carried out both with 5S rDNA and the BAC containing the lysozyme gene published previously. This first genetic map of the Senegalese sole represents a starting point for future studies of the sole genome. In addition, 7 out of the 10 BAC clones were sequenced using next-generation sequencing, and bioinformatic characterization of the sequences was carried out. Hence the anchoring of the sequences to specific chromosomes or chromosome arms is now possible, leading to an initial scaffold of the Senegalese sole genome.

Isolation of Lactic Acid Bacteria from Kuruma Shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus) Intestine and Assessment of Immunomodulatory Role of a Selected Strain as Probiotic

Fifty-one lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains were isolated and identified based on 16S ribosomal DNA sequence from the intestinal tracts of 142 kuruma shrimps (Marsupenaeus japonicus) collected from Kanmon Strait, Fukuoka and Tachibana Bay, Nagasaki, Japan. Cellular immunomodulatory function of 51 isolated LAB strains was assessed by measuring the level of interferon (IFN)-γ induction in mouse spleen cell culture. The strain Lactococcus lactis D1813 exhibited the highest amount of IFN-γ production and also bactericidal activity and was selected for testing its immunomodulatory role as a probiotic in kuruma shrimp. We also assessed the effect of dietary incorporation of this probiotic on resistance to Vibrio penaeicida infection in the kuruma shrimp. Our results demonstrate that probiotic L. lactis D1813-containing diet-fed (10⁵ cfu g⁻¹) shrimps displayed a significant up-regulation of lysozyme gene expressions in the intestine and hepatopancreas. However, insignificantly higher expression of anti-lipopolysaccharide factor, super oxide dismutase, prophenoloxidase, and toll-like receptor 1 was recorded in the intestine of shrimps fed the probiotic diet. Moreover, significantly increased (P < 0.01) resistance to the bacterial pathogen in term of better post-infection survival (61.7 %) was observed in the shrimps fed with the probiotic-incorporated diet compared with the control diet-fed group (28.3 %). The present study indicates the immunomodulatory role of the LAB L. lactis D1813 on the kuruma shrimp immune system and supports its potential use as an effective probiotic in shrimp aquaculture.

Characterisation of Lyzls in mice and antibacterial properties of human LYZL6

C-type lysozyme genes (Lyzls) belong to the class of lysozymes and are highly expressed in the testis and epididymis. The members Lyzl4 and Spaca3 have been reported to play a role in sperm-egg binding and fertilisation in mice. However, the function of the remaining two mouse c-type lysozyme genes, Lyzl1 and Lyzl6, is still not clear. In the present study, we analysed the tissue expression and androgen-dependent expression of mouse c-type lysozyme genes and the possible contribution of human recombinant LYZL6 (rLYZL6) to immunity. The expression of Lyzls was detected by RT-PCR, Western blots, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The bacteriolytic activity of rLYZL6 was analysed by a colony-forming assay. In mice, the expression of Lyzl genes was mainly in the testis and epididymis in a developmentally regulated manner and androgen- or testicular factor-regulated manner. Immunodetection revealed the presence of LYZL6 protein in primary spermatocytes and round spermatids of the testis and on the post-acrosomal area and midpiece of mature epididymal spermatozoa. The rLYZL6 protein exhibited antibacterial activity. From the results, Lyzls may play a role in mitochondrial function of spermatozoa and LYZL6 may contribute to the innate immunity of the male genital tract.

Functional Characterization of a c-type Lysozyme from Indian Shrimp Fenneropenaeus indicus

Lysozyme gene from Fenneropenaeus indicus was cloned, expressed in Escherichia coli and characterized. The cDNA consists of 477 base pairs and encodes amino acid sequence of 159 residues. F. indicus lysozyme had high identity (98%) with Fenneropenaeus merguiensis and Fenneropenaeus chinensis and exhibits low to moderate identities with lysozymes of other invertebrates and vertebrates. This lysozyme is presumed to be chicken types as it possesses two catalytic and eight cysteine residues that are conserved across c-type lysozymes and a c-terminal extension, which is a characteristic of lysozymes from marine invertebrates. Further, the antimicrobial properties of the recombinant lysozyme from F. indicus were determined in comparison with recombinant hen egg white lysozyme. This exhibited high activity against a Gram-negative pathogenic bacterium Salmonella typhimurium and two fungal strains Pichia pastoris and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in turbidimetric assay. Distribution of lysozyme gene and protein in tissues of shrimps infected with white spot syndrome virus revealed that the high levels of lysozyme are correlated with low and high viral load in abdominal muscle and tail, respectively. In conclusion, lysozyme from F. indicus has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial properties, which once again emphasizes its role in shrimp innate immune response.