Cellular localization and expression of gp63 homologous metalloproteases in Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis strains
Authors: Constan√ßa Britto
Bianca A Silva
Patricia Cuervo
Andr√© L S Santos
Octavio Fernandes
Elisa Cupolillo
Jose Batista De Jesus
Carlos R Alves
Gustavo C Menezes
Journal: Acta Tropica (2008)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis; American tegumentary leishmaniasis; metalloprotease activities; gp63; clinical isolates
Affiliations: Laborat√≥rio de Pesquisa em Leishmanioses, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Abstract:  Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis is the major causative agent of American tegumentary leishmaniasis, a disease that encompasses a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. In a previous study, we showed that Brazilian and Colombian L. braziliensis strains, isolated from patients with distinct clinical manifestations, display different pattern of metalloprotease activities. Following these results, we investigated the cellular localization of these molecules and their relation to the major surface protease (gp63) of Leishmania. Comparative analyses of metalloprotease expression among different clinical isolates as well as an evaluation of the effect of long-term in vitro passage on the expression pattern of these metalloproteases were also performed. Western blot analysis, using an anti-gp63 antibody, revealed polypeptide patterns with a similar profile to that observed in zymographic analysis. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy analyses corroborated the presence of metalloproteases with homologous domains to gp63 in the parasites and revealed differences in the expression level of such molecules among the isolates. The cellular distribution of metalloproteases, assessed by confocal analysis, showed the existence of intracellular metalloproteases with homologous domains to gp63, predominantly located near the flagellar pocket. Finally, it was observed that differential zymographic profiles of metalloproteases exhibited by L. (V.) braziliensis isolates remain unaltered during prolonged in vitro culture, suggesting that the proteolytic activity pattern is a stable phenotypic characteristic of these parasites. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Retracted on 1 December 2021: https: link.springer.com article 10.1007 s12517-021-09145-1  The Editor-in-Chief and the Publisher have retracted this article because the content of this article is nonsensical. The peer review process was not carried out in accordance with the Publisher s peer review policy. Xiaoyu Fan has not responded to correspondence regarding this retraction. The Publisher has not been able to obtain a current email address for authors Yaotao Li and Lina Luo. Retraction followed after earlier Editorial Expression of Concern: https: link.springer.com article 10.1007 s12517-021-08470-9  Following the publication of this topical collection of the Arabian Journal of Geosciences, the Publisher became aware of serious research integrity concerns within the collection. The peer review process was not carried out in accordance with the Publisheru2019s peer review policy (see https: www.springer.com gp editorial-policies peer-review-policy-process), and may have been deliberately manipulated. All articles in this topical collection are currently being assessed. The Publisher will take further editorial action where appropriate, once this investigation is complete. The authors were informed of the publication of this Editorial Expression of Concern using email addresses provided at submission. This topic has been covered by Retraction Watch: https: retractionwatch.com 2021 09 28 springer-nature-slaps-more-than-400-papers-with-expressions-of-concern-all-at-once ,