Bioinformatic analysis of a novel Echinococcus granulosus nuclear receptor with two DNA binding domains

PLoS One. 2019 Nov 11;14(11):e0224703. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224703. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

Nuclear receptors are ligand-activated transcription factors capable of regulating the expression of complex gene networks. The family includes seven subfamilies of proteins with a wide phylogenetic distribution. A novel subfamily with two DNA-binding domains (2DBDs) has been reported in Schistosoma mansoni (Platyhelminth, Trematoda). This work describes the cDNA cloning and bioinformatics analysis of Eg2DBDα, a 2DBD nuclear receptor isoform from the parasite Echinococcus granulosus (Platyhelminth, Cestoda). The Eg2DBDα gene coding domain structure was analysed. Although two additional 2DBD nuclear receptors are reported in the parasite database GeneDB, they are unlikely to be expressed in the larval stage. Phylogenetic relationships between these atypical proteins from different cestodes are also analysed including S. mansoni 2DBD nuclear receptors. The presence of two DNA binding domains confers particular interest to these nuclear receptors, not only concerning their function but to the development of new antihelminthic drugs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Computational Biology
  • Echinococcus granulosus / genetics
  • Echinococcus granulosus / metabolism*
  • Helminth Proteins / genetics
  • Helminth Proteins / metabolism*
  • Phylogeny
  • Protein Isoforms / genetics
  • Protein Isoforms / metabolism
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / genetics
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / metabolism*

Substances

  • Helminth Proteins
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear

Grants and funding

This work was financially supported by the Sectoral Commission for Scientific Research (Grant Nª C206-348) (UdelaR) and the National Agency for Research and Innovation (Grant ANII-FCE 2017_1_136527), http://www.anii.org.uy/. The author responsible for the project is Gabriela Alvite. The funders only accepted the project, they did not participated in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.