A scavenger receptor B (CD36)-like protein is a potential mediator of intestinal heme absorption in the hematophagous ectoparasite Lepeophtheirus salmonis

Overview
TitleA scavenger receptor B (CD36)-like protein is a potential mediator of intestinal heme absorption in the hematophagous ectoparasite Lepeophtheirus salmonis
AuthorsHeggland EI, Eichner C, Støve SI, Martinez A, Nilsen F, Dondrup M
TypeJournal Article
Journal NameScientific reports
Volume9
Issue1
Year2019
Page(s)4218
CitationHeggland EI, Eichner C, Støve SI, Martinez A, Nilsen F, Dondrup M. A scavenger receptor B (CD36)-like protein is a potential mediator of intestinal heme absorption in the hematophagous ectoparasite Lepeophtheirus salmonis. Scientific reports. 2019 Mar 12; 9(1):4218.

Abstract

Intestinal absorption of heme has remained enigmatic for years, even though heme provides the most bioavailable form of iron. The salmon louse, Lepeophtheirus salmonis, is a heme auxotrophic ectoparasite feeding on large quantities of blood from its host, the salmon. Here we show that a scavenging CD36-like receptor is a potential mediator of heme absorption in the intestine of the salmon louse. The receptor was characterized by a heme binding assay using recombinantly expressed protein, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, as well as functional knockdown studies in the louse. A computational structural model of the receptor predicted a binding pocket for heme, as also supported by in silico docking. The mRNA and protein were expressed exclusively in the intestine of the louse. Further, knocking down the transcript resulted in lower heme levels in the adult female louse, production of shorter egg strings, and an overall lower hatching success of the eggs. Finally, starving the lice caused the transcript expression of the receptor to decrease. To our knowledge, this is the first time a CD36-like protein has been suggested to be an intestinal heme receptor.

Author Details
Additional information about authors:
Details
1Erna Irene Heggland
2Christiane Eichner
3Svein Isungset Støve
4Aurora Martinez
5Frank Nilsen
6Michael Dondrup
Properties
Additional details for this publication include:
Property NameValue
Publication ModelElectronic
ISSN2045-2322
eISSN2045-2322
Publication Date2019 Mar 12
Journal AbbreviationSci Rep
DOI10.1038/s41598-019-40590-x
Elocation10.1038/s41598-019-40590-x
LanguageEnglish
Language Abbreng
Publication TypeJournal Article
Journal CountryEngland
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DatabaseAccession
PMID: PMID:30862948