Transglutaminase inhibition stimulates hematopoiesis and reduces aggressive behavior of crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus.

Junkunlo K, Söderhäll K, Söderhäll I

J Biol Chem 294 (2) 708-715 [2019-01-11; online 2018-11-13]

Transglutaminase (TGase) is a Ca2+-dependent cross-linking enzyme, which has both enzymatic and nonenzymatic properties. TGase is involved in several cellular activities, including adhesion, migration, survival, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix (ECM) organization. In this study, we focused on the role of the TGase enzyme in controlling hematopoiesis in the crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus We hypothesized that a high TGase activity could mediate an interaction of progenitor cells with the ECM to maintain cells in an undifferentiated stage in the hematopoietic tissue (HPT). We found here that the reversible inhibitor cystamine decreases the enzymatic activity of TGase from crayfish HPT, as well as from guinea pig, in a concentration-dependent manner. Cystamine injection decreased TGase activity in HPT without affecting production of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, the decrease in TGase activity in the HPT increased the number of circulating hemocytes. Interestingly the cystamine-mediated TGase inhibition reduced aggressive behavior and movement in crayfish. In conclusion, we show that cystamine-mediated TGase inhibition directly releases HPT progenitor cells from the HPT into the peripheral circulation in the hemolymph and strongly reduces aggressive behavior in crayfish.

PubMed 30425101

DOI 10.1074/jbc.RA118.005489

Crossref 10.1074/jbc.RA118.005489

pmc: PMC6333896
pii: S0021-9258(20)40382-5