Exploration of protein–protein interaction effects on α-2-macroglobulin in an inhibition of serine protease through gene expression and molecular simulations studies

Abstract

In Prophenoloxidase (ProPO) cascade, two targets namely serine protease and α-2-macroglobulin are key regulators involved in the defense system of crustaceans. In biological systems, routine role of cell systems requires the understanding in protein–protein interactions through experimental and theoretical concepts, which might yield useful insights into the cellular responses. Response of cells to regulating the immune system is governed by the interactions-involved biomolecular simulations. Unfortunately, studies on the inhibitors (SP and α-2M) that negatively regulate the proPO system or melanization in penaeid shrimp are not yet available. In order to understand how these interactions change the proPO mechanism in Indian white shrimp Fenneropenaeus indicus was determined. In F. indicus, innate immune system is in a sensitive balance of intricate interactions; elucidating these interactions by the integration of in silico and in vitro has great potential. We have determined the expression of both the SP and α-2M enzymes in regulatory mechanism, which are analyzed through qRT-PCR, protein–protein docking, and simulation studies. From this work, we propose a novel approach for studying an organism at the systems level by integrating genome-wide computational analysis and the gene expression data.

Keywords:

• serine protease
• α-2-macroglobulin
• qRT-PCR
• molecular simulation
• protein–protein interactions

Funding

This work was supported by DBT, New Delhi, India [grant number BT/PR11907AAQ/03/459/2009]. JSV gratefully acknowledges the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi for the financial assistance Rendered [Ref: 9/ 688 (0023) / 2013, EMR-I]. CS and SKS also acknowledge the CSIR for research funding [grant number 37(1491)/11/EMR-II].