Taxonomic distribution of proteins containing PGRP domains

The tree below includes only several representative species and genera. The complete taxonomic breakdown of all proteins containing PGRP domains can be accessed here. Click the counts or percentage values to display the corresponding proteins.

A peptidoglycan recognition protein in innate immunity conserved frominsects to humans.

Kang D, Liu G, Lundstrom A, Gelius E, Steiner H
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1998; 95: 10078-82

Innate nonself recognition must rely on common structures of invadingmicrobes. In a differential display screen for up-regulated immune genesin the moth Trichoplusia ni we have found mechanisms for recognition ofbacterial cell wall fragments. One bacteria-induced gene encodes a proteinthat, after expression in the baculovirus system, was shown to be apeptidoglycan recognition protein (PGRP). It binds strongly toGram-positive bacteria. We have also cloned the corresponding cDNA frommouse and human and shown this gene to be expressed in a variety oforgans, notably organs of the immune system-i.e., bone marrow and spleen.In addition, purified recombinant murine PGRP was shown to possesspeptidoglycan affinity. From our results and the sequence homology, weconclude that PGRP is a ubiquitous protein involved in innate immunity,conserved from insects to humans.

Molecular cloning and characterization of the mouse tag7 gene encoding anovel cytokine.

Kiselev SL, Kustikova OS, Korobko EV, Prokhortchouk EB, Kabishev AA, Lukanidin EM, Georgiev GP
J Biol Chem. 1998; 273: 18633-9

Cloning of the mouse tag7 gene encoding a novel cytokine is described. TheTag7 protein consists of 182 amino acids. Genomic organization of the tag7gene and its promoter region remind those of the genes of the tumornecrosis factor locus, although the tag7 gene is not linked to this locus.The gene is located on chromosome 7 at the area that corresponds to band7A3, which has genetic linkage with lupus-like disease in mouse models.tag7 transcription is essential for lymphoid organs. It is also detectedin certain areas of lungs, brain, and intestine and in some tumors. Tag7protein is detectable in both cell-associated and soluble forms. Thesoluble form of Tag7 triggers apoptosis in mouse L929 cells in vitro anddoes not involve NF-kappaB activation. The relationship between Tag7 andtumor necrosis factor family of ligands is discussed.