The N-terminal peptide generated after activation of prophenoloxidase affects crayfish hematopoiesis

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dci.2020.103687Get rights and content
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Highlights

  • The proPO activating system plays a major role in regulating hemocyte homeostasis.

  • The released N-terminal proPO peptide, mediates mobilization of new hemocyte s.

  • ProPO activation links immunity to hematopoiesis.

Abstract

The circulating hemocytes of invertebrates are important mediators of immunity, and hemocyte homeostasis is of high importance for survival and health of crustaceans. The prophenoloxidase (proPO)-activating system is one of the most essential immune reactions, which can be activated by pattern recognition proteins from microorganisms. Activation of proPO by the proPO activating enzyme generates an N-terminal peptide, with cleavage site after Arg176, as well as the active enzyme phenoloxidase, which is the key enzyme for melanization. In the present study we demonstrate a role for the N-terminal proPO-peptide in hematopoiesis. Injection of this proPO-peptide increased the number of circulating hemocytes and especially granular hemocytes. We also show that the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the anterior proliferative center was enhanced after proPO peptide injection, which is a prerequisite for rapid hemocyte release from the hematopoietic tissue. Moreover, this peptide had an effect on ROS production in in vitro cultured hematopoietic cells and induced spreading of these cells within 72 h. Taken together, our findings show a role of the N-terminal proPO peptide in stimulation of hematopoiesis in crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus.

Keywords

Crustacean
Hematopoiesis
Hemocyte
N-terminal proPO-peptide
Prophenoloxidase
Reactive oxygen species (ROS)

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This manuscript was handled by Miodrag Belosevic