Characterization of a Gene Coding for the Complement System Component FB from Loxosceles laeta Spider Venom Glands.

ABSTRACT: The human complement system is composed of more than 30 proteins and many of these have conserved domains that allow tracing the phylogenetic evolution. The complement system seems to be initiated with the appearance of C3 and factor B (FB), the only components found in some protostomes and cnidarians, suggesting that the alternative pathway is the most ancient. Here, we present the characterization of an arachnid homologue of the human complement component FB from the spider Loxosceles laeta. This homologue, named Lox-FB, was identified from a total RNA L. laeta spider venom gland library and was amplified using RACE-PCR techniques and specific primers. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence and the domain structure showed significant similarity to the vertebrate and invertebrate FB/

SUBMITTER: Myamoto DT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4714745 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature