Molecular Characterization of EmABP, an Apolipoprotein A-I Binding Protein Secreted by the Echinococcus multilocularis Metacestode

Abstract

Cestodes are unable to synthesize de novo most of their own membrane lipids, including cholesterol, and have to take them up from the host during an infection. The underlying molecular mechanisms are so far unknown. Here we report the identification and characterization of a novel gene, Emabp, which is expressed by larval stages and adults of the fox-tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. The encoded protein, EmABP, displays significant homologies to apolipoprotein A-I - binding protein (AI-BP) of mammalian origin and to metazoan YjeF_ Show more