Galectins are a family of soluble 2-galactoside-binding proteins. Several galectin types have been described (proto, chimera, and tandem-repeat), each endowed with a unique molecular structure, biochemical properties, and taxonomic distribution. Embryonic expression patterns and affinity for extracellular matrix glycoproteins have led to propose that galectins mediate developmental processes, whereas their expression in macrophages, eosinophils and basophils suggests, and their recently established recognition properties for microbes, suggest their functions in immunity. Because of its external fertilization and development, transparent embryos, short generation time, powerful genetic systems, and extensive genomic resources, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a useful model for in vivo studies of development and immunology. We have made substantial contributions to the biochemical, structural, and evolutionary characterization of galectins in zebrafish: we identified proto, chimera, tandem-repeat, and chimeric tandem-repeat galectins, and characterized their developmental expression and tissue distribution. We performed preliminary functional analyses: knockdown embryos for proto type galectins exhibit disrupted muscle fiber organization, retinal regeneration, and an underdeveloped heart, while chimera, tandem-repeat, and chimeric tandem-repeat galectins are up-regulated upon immune challenge. We hypothesize that (I) the proto galectins Drgal1-L2 and Drgal1-L4 play a critical role in notochord development, and are indirectly involved in myoblast differentiation and heart development through signals from the notochord or neural tube. Further, (II) the proto galectin DrGRIFIN plays an important role in eye lens development. Finally, (III) the chimeric and tandem-repeat galectins (Drgal3-L1, Drgal9-L3, and Drgal9-L4) are directly involved in innate immune responses by interacting with potential pathogens and/or by recruiting phagocytic cells to sites of acute inflammation, and/or indirectly, by interacting with receptors on their surface, inducing their activation upon infectious challenge. The proposed studies will yield (a) novel information on the biological role(s) of galectins in development and immunity in the zebrafish model;(b) novel information concerning the molecular mechanisms of cell-cell, cell-ECM, and cell-pathogen interactions that modulate embryonic development and immune functions shared between teleost fish and higher vertebrates, including man, and (c) molecular tools and resources for functional analysis of galectins in the zebrafish model that will be shared with the scientific community.

Public Health Relevance

The goal of the proposed studies is to gain further insight into the biological functions of galectins (2- galactoside-binding proteins) using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model organism. Results will yield fundamental knowledge concerning their roles in embryonic development and immune functions in higher vertebrates, including man, and useful molecular tools/resources for the scientific community.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01GM070589-07
Application #
8294645
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-BDA-C (02))
Program Officer
Marino, Pamela
Project Start
2004-09-20
Project End
2014-05-31
Budget Start
2012-06-01
Budget End
2013-05-31
Support Year
7
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$297,000
Indirect Cost
$99,000
Name
University of Maryland Baltimore
Department
Microbiology/Immun/Virology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
188435911
City
Baltimore
State
MD
Country
United States
Zip Code
21201
Vasta, Gerardo R; Feng, Chiguang; González-Montalbán, Nuria et al. (2017) Functions of galectins as 'self/non-self'-recognition and effector factors. Pathog Dis 75:
Nita-Lazar, Mihai; Mancini, Justin; Feng, Chiguang et al. (2016) The zebrafish galectins Drgal1-L2 and Drgal3-L1 bind in vitro to the infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) glycoprotein and reduce viral adhesion to fish epithelial cells. Dev Comp Immunol 55:241-252
Feng, Chiguang; Ghosh, Anita; Amin, Mohammed N et al. (2015) Galectin CvGal2 from the Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) Displays Unique Specificity for ABH Blood Group Oligosaccharides and Differentially Recognizes Sympatric Perkinsus Species. Biochemistry 54:4711-30
Nita-Lazar, Mihai; Banerjee, Aditi; Feng, Chiguang et al. (2015) Galectins regulate the inflammatory response in airway epithelial cells exposed to microbial neuraminidase by modulating the expression of SOCS1 and RIG1. Mol Immunol 68:194-202
Vasta, G R; Feng, C; Bianchet, M A et al. (2015) Structural, functional, and evolutionary aspects of galectins in aquatic mollusks: From a sweet tooth to the Trojan horse. Fish Shellfish Immunol 46:94-106
Nita-Lazar, Mihai; Banerjee, Aditi; Feng, Chiguang et al. (2015) Desialylation of airway epithelial cells during influenza virus infection enhances pneumococcal adhesion via galectin binding. Mol Immunol 65:1-16
Feng, Chiguang; Nita-Lazar, Mihai; González-Montalbán, Nuria et al. (2015) Manipulating galectin expression in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Methods Mol Biol 1207:327-41
Wang, Xian-Wei; Xu, Ji-Dong; Zhao, Xiao-Fan et al. (2014) A shrimp C-type lectin inhibits proliferation of the hemolymph microbiota by maintaining the expression of antimicrobial peptides. J Biol Chem 289:11779-90
Cammarata, Matteo; Parisi, Maria Giovanna; Benenati, Gigliola et al. (2014) A rhamnose-binding lectin from sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) plasma agglutinates and opsonizes pathogenic bacteria. Dev Comp Immunol 44:332-40
Shi, Xiu-Zhen; Wang, Lei; Xu, Sen et al. (2014) A galectin from the kuruma shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus) functions as an opsonin and promotes bacterial clearance from hemolymph. PLoS One 9:e91794

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