Identification of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) binding motifs in Biomphalaria glabrata

• NF-kappaB-binding motifs (κB) were identified for the first time in Biomphalaria glabrata.
• B. glabrata Rel homology domain (RHD) was able to bind κB motifs in EMSAs.
• B. glabrata RHD also able to bind a vertebrate κB motif in EMSAs.

Biomphalaria glabrata acts as the intermediate host to the parasite, Schistosoma mansoni, and for this reason, the immune system of B. glabrata has been researched extensively. Several studies have demonstrated that the transcriptome profile of B. glabrata changes following exposure to a variety of pathogens, yet very little is known regarding the regulation of gene expression in this species. Nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) homologues have recently been identified in B. glabrata but few functional studies have been carried out on this family of transcription factors. The aims of this study therefore were to identify NF-κB binding sites (κB motifs) in B. glabrata and examine them via functional assays. Two different κB motifs were predicted. Furthermore, the Rel homology domain (RHD) of a B. glabrata NF-κB was able to bind these κB motifs in EMSAs, as well as a vertebrate κB motif.