Characterization of TsMRP-L28, a mitochondrial ribosomal protein L28 from the parasitic nematode Trichinella spiralis

A cDNA encoding mitochondrial ribosomal protein (MRP)-L28 was isolated and cloned from Trichinella spiralis, an economically important parasitic nematode. The predicted TsMRP-L28 protein consists of 276 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that TsMRP-L28 was closely related to Caenorhabditis elegans mitochondrial ribosomal protein L28. The TsMRP-L28 transcript was expressed in newborn larvae, muscle larvae and male and female adult worms. Western blot showed that TsMRP-L28 was expressed in muscle larvae and adult worms. Immuno-localization revealed that TsMRP-L28 was ubiquitously distributed in newborn larvae, muscle larvae and adult worms, and that TsMRP-L28 was enriched in cells with higher protein synthesis activity, such as in newborn larvae and the cytoplasm of different developmental stages of embryos. These data suggest that TsMRP-L28 is required for the early development of T. spiralis.

Graphical abstractA mitochondrial ribosomal protein L28 gene from Trichinella spiralis was cloned and characterized in transcription and protein levels. The immunolocalization of TsMRP-L28 in different stages was detected.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (256 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A mitochondrial ribosomal protein L28 gene was cloned from Trichinella spiralis. ► The transcript of TsMRP-L28 was present in the different stages of T. spiralis. ► TsMRP-L28 protein was expressed in muscle larvae and adult worms. ► TsMRP-L28 was distributed in embryos, newborn larvae, muscle larvae and adult worm.