Synthesis of Stable Microcapsules from Trematode Eggshell Components.
Abstract
Four Dopa-containing proteins have been isolated from Fasciola hepatica and purified to homogeneity (72kd, 31kd, 21kd, 12kd); the proteins are synthesized in the worm vitellaria and are strongly implicated as precursors of the quinone-tanned eggshell. Amino acid composition of the four proteins has been determined and tryptic fragments of the 31kd and 12kd have been sequenced. All proteins are similar in solubility and isoelectric point and are extremely rich in glycine and dihydroxphenylalanine. Sequence data (31kd, 12kd) indicate that modified tyrosine residues are flanked by glycine (gly-dopa-gly) and that large regions of polyglycine are present in the protein. Rabbit antisera has been utilized to isolate putative gene copies of the 20kd and 31kd genes from newly synthesized cDNA libraries. In addition, a battery of monoclonal antibodies has been raised against the 31kd protein as a tool to probe production and modification of the eggshell proteins in vivo and in vitro. Monoclonal antibody developed against components of Mehlis' gland, uterus, ootype and vitellaria are also being evaluated. Keywords: Synthesis (Chemistry); Microcapsules; Capsules; Dopa-proteins; Trematode; Crosslinks.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 29, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA195286
Entities
People
- Allison R. Ficht
- Barbara L. Doughty
- J. H. Waite
- W. M. Kemp
Organizations
- Texas A&M University