Expression and functional characterization of three peptidoglycan recognition proteins, PGRP-L1, PGRP-L2 and PGRP-S in snakehead (Channa argus)
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) are evolutionarily conserved pattern recognition receptors critical for antibacterial immunity across vertebrates and invertebrates. In this study, two long-type (CaPGRP-L1, -L2) and one short-type (CaPGRP-S) PGRP genes were identified in snakehead ( Channa argus ), an economically important aquaculture species. Sequence analysis revealed that all three PGRPs contain a conserved Zn²⁺-binding site (composed of two His, one Tyr, and one Cys), essential for amidase activity. Tissue distribution profiling showed distinct expression patterns, with high transcript levels detected in liver, intestine or gill. Functional assays demonstrated that recombinant CaPGRP-L1, -L2, and -S bound peptidoglycan (PGN), displayed Zn²⁺-dependent amidase activity, and inhibited Aeromonas hydrophila infection. Furthermore, three PGRPs activated NF-κB promoter reporter plasmid in a dose-dependent manner, while NF-κB subunits c-Rel and p65 upregulated the transcriptional activity of CaPGRP-L1, -L2, and -S luciferase promoters, suggesting that snakehead PGRPs are involved in NF-κB signaling. Collectively, this study has explored the function of snakehead PGRPs, and deepens our understanding on innate immune mechanisms in fish, which should provide a theoretical foundation for the application of snakehead PGRPs in preventing and controlling diseases in aquaculture.
Source: Comparative Immunology Reports
Authors: Zhen Yu Zhou, Wei Hao, Pin Nie, Shan Nan Chen, Jing Hou
Language: English
Subfield: Immunology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,800
Awards: G3620052759, G7310893884, G7723438298
OpenAlex ID: W4413981939