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Neuroimmunological Evidence and Enzymatic Characterization of a Novel Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfotransferase in Drosophila Brain
Author(s) -
Liu TzuAnn,
Yang YuhShyong
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.20.5.a1211
Subject(s) - sulfotransferase , drosophila melanogaster , biochemistry , sulfation , dehydroepiandrosterone , biology , hormone , hydroxysteroid , drosophila (subgenus) , cytosol , enzyme , microbiology and biotechnology , androgen , gene , dehydrogenase
Sulfonation of biomolecules is responsible for a variety of critical biological functions including detoxification, hormone regulation and the dynamic balance of catecholamine hormones and neurotransmitters. Drosophila melanogaster has been perpetually utilized as models for pathological and neuropharmacological research. At least in part, this insect is able to mimic the intricate neuroregulation that is effective for most of the neuronal network in human beings. However, no evidence has been revealed that cytosolic sulfotransferase is in attendance on this animal model. The aim of this study is to determine for the first time the protein expression of cytosolic sulfotransferase, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfotransferase (DHEA‐ST), has subsisted in Drosophila neuronal system. Results from immunoblot analysis demonstrated the protein expression of DHEA‐ST was present in brain homogenates of Drosophila. Drosophila DHEA‐ST enzymatic activity was also detected in fly brain lysates by using a sensitive fluorometric assay. Moreover, six populations of DHEA‐ST immunoreactive neurons were observed in frontal section of Drosophila brain and DPM2, and several bundles of positive neuron fibers were visualized as well. These data firstly demonstrated the presence of DHEA‐ST in Drosophila brains and provided a foundation for the future investigation of cytosolic sulfotransferase in invertebrate species.