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Alpha-glucosidases from Non-hematophagous Organisms Crystallize Heme in Vitro

Author

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  • Marilvia Dansa de Alencar
  • Lígia Souza Ferreira
  • Gabriela Calegário
  • Flávia Borges Mury

Abstract

Hemozoin (Hz), a heme crystal first known as a malaria pigment, reduces heme toxicity to hematophagous organisms such as protozoans, worms, and insects. The mechanism of Hz synthesis remains poorly understood, but studies on the blood-sucking insect Rhodnius prolixus indicate the involvement of an α-glucosidase enzyme. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that α-glucosidases from other organisms also have the ability to form Hz in vitro. This hypothesis was tested using protein extracts from non-hematophagous insects and non-insect organisms. Our results indicate that protein extracts from several sources have the potential to crystallize heme in vitro. This activity is likely associated with α-glucosidases. Thus, these enzymes seem to have the secondary capacity of detoxifying heme even in nonhematophagous organisms. This latent function may represent a crucial pre-adaptive evolutionary step in the adoption of hematophagy in hemoparasites.

Suggested Citation

  • Marilvia Dansa de Alencar & Lígia Souza Ferreira & Gabriela Calegário & Flávia Borges Mury, 2015. "Alpha-glucosidases from Non-hematophagous Organisms Crystallize Heme in Vitro," International Journal of Sciences, Office ijSciences, vol. 4(08), pages 24-33, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:adm:journl:v:4:y:2015:i:8:p:24-33
    DOI: 10.18483/ijSci.791
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marcus F. Oliveira & José R. Silva & Marílvia Dansa-Petretski & Wanderley de Souza & Ulysses Lins & Cláudia M. S. Braga & Hatisaburo Masuda & Pedro L. Oliveira, 1999. "Haem detoxification by an insect," Nature, Nature, vol. 400(6744), pages 517-518, August.
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