Molecular structure and functional characterization of the gamma-interferon-inducible lysosomal thiol reductase (GILT) gene in largemouth bass (Microptenus salmoides)

• This is the first cloning of the GILT gene in largemouth bass (Microptenus salmoides) using RACE technology.
• lbGILT is constitutively expressed in a tissue-specific manner.
• lbGILT expression is up-regulated in spleen and kidney cells following LPS stimulation.
• The recombinant protein lbGILT was expressed in Escherichia coli Arctic.
• lbGILT exhibited thiol reductase activity in vitro.

The enzyme gamma-interferon-inducible lysosomal thiol reductase (GILT) plays a role in facilitating the processing and presentation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II-restricted antigens and is also involved in MHC I-restricted antigens in adaptive immunity catalyzing disulfide bond reduction in mammals. In this study, we cloned a GILT gene homolog from largemouth bass (designated ‘lbGILT’), a freshwater fish belonging to Perciformes and known for its nutritive value.We obtained the full-length cDNA of lbGILT by reverse transcription PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends. This cDNA is comprised of a 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of 87 bp, a 3′-UTR of 189 bp, and an open reading frame of 771 bp. It encodes a protein of 256 amino acids with a deduced molecular weight of 28.548 kDa and a predicted isoelectric point of 5.62.The deduced protein possesses the typical structural features of known GILTs, including an active site motif, two potential N-linked glycosylation sites, a GILT signature sequence, and six conserved cysteines. Tissue-specific expression of lbGILT was shown by real-time quantitative PCR. The expression of lbGILT mRNA was obviously up regulated in spleen and kidney after induction with lipopolysaccharide. Recombinant lbGILT was produced as an inclusion body with a His6 tag in ArcticExpress (DE3), and the protein was then washed, solubilized, and refolded. The refolded lbGILT showed reduction activity against an IgG substrate. These results suggest that lbGILT plays a role in innate immunity.