Functional analysis of novel sulfotransferases in the silkworm Bombyx mori. Issue 3 (29th March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bairam, Ahsan F.; Kermasha, Zainab W.; Liu, Ming‐Cheh; Kurogi, Katsuhisa; Yamamoto, Kohji
• Is Part Of: Archives of insect biochemistry and physiology. Volume 104:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-03-29
• Subjects: Bombyx mori -- detoxification -- pentachlorophenol -- sulfotransferase -- xanthurenic acid; Insects -- Physiology -- Periodicals; Insect biochemistry -- Periodicals; 595.701572
• DOI: 10.1002/arch.21671
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0739-4462

Abstract

Abstract: Sulfoconjugation plays a vital role in the detoxification of xenobiotics and in the metabolism of endogenous compounds. In this study, we aimed to identify new members of the sulfotransferase (SULT) superfamily in the silkworm Bombyx mori . Based on amino acid sequence and phylogenetic analyses, two new enzymes, sw SULT ST1 and sw SULT ST2, were identified that appear to belong to a distinct group of SULTs including several other insect SULTs. We expressed, purified, and characterized recombinant SULTs. While sw SULT ST1 sulfated xanthurenic acid and pentachlorophenol, sw SULT ST2 exclusively utilized xanthurenic acid as a substrate. Based on these results, and those concerning the tissue distribution and substrate specificity toward pentachlorophenol analyses, we hypothesize that sw SULT ST1 plays a role in the detoxification of xenobiotics, including insecticides, in the silkworm midgut and in the induction of gametogenesis in silkworm ovary and testis. Collectively, the data obtained herein contribute to a better understanding of SULT enzymatic functions in insects. Abstract : The analysis of [ 35 S] sulfated products generated by sw SULT ST1 was done using different substrates. Autoradiographs taken from thin‐layer chromatography plates after analyte elution are shown. Numbers indicate (1) control (without substrate), (2) xanthurenic acid, (3) kynurenic acid, (4) estrogen, (5) pentachlorophenol, (6) 4‐nitrophenol, (7) dopamine, and (8) epinephrine. The arrows indicate the sulfated derivatives of each substrate. The substrate concentration was 50 µM. Research Highlights: We identified two novel sulfotransferases, sw SULT ST1 and ST2, in silkworm, which are selective for xanthurenic acid. Our findings suggest that sw SULT ST1 and ST2 play critical roles in detoxification and induction of gametogenesis in silkworm.