Structural studies of cod bactericidal permeability-increasing protein/lipopolysaccaride-binding protein (BPI/LBP)

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Project leader: Professor Trond Ø. Jørgensen

The Atlantic cod protects itself against infections using specific as well as unspecific immune mechanisms. The project aims at studying antibacterial molecules of the innate immune system of this teleost. Leukocyte specific cDNA clones of the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) have earlier been identified through a differential screening approach. This led to the cloning of the cod bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein/lipopolysaccharide binding protein (BPI/LBP), which represents an evolutionary precursor of the mammalian BPI and LBP (1). Mammalian BPI and LBP are important in the mammalian host defence against invading bacteria. Mammalian BPI is a constituent of azurophilic granules of neutrophilic granulocytes and has bacteriolytic properties. LBP is an acute phase protein, synthesized and released by liver after stimulation, and act as a lipopolysaccaride (LPS)-carrier being important in activation of the innate immune system. The project has so far been occupied with studies on the expression pattern of cod BPI/LBP and characterization of BPI/LBP-producing cells. One of the aims of these studies has been to investigate whether the function of cod BPI/LBP is BPI-like or LBP-like.

Crystallographic studies are in progress.

Stenvik, J., Solstad,T.,  Leiros,I. & .Jørgensen, T.Ø. (2004). ”Cloning and analysis of the BPI/LBP gene of the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua  L.).” Journal of Developmental and Comparative Immunology, Vol.28, 307-325.