Characterization of the proteins present in the mucus of the flatworm Artioposthia triangulata (Dendy)

In common with other terrestrial flatworms, the mucus produced by Artioposthia triangulata may have a number of functions, including protection from environmental factors and from predators, and it provides the flatworm with lubrication for movement and adhesion. No previous work has been carried out on the characterization of proteins present in the mucus of A. triangulata and this study was a preliminary investigation of the mucus. Mucus was analysed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, biotinylated peptide affinity probes and the API ZYM enzyme detection kit. Results have revealed the presence of at least 40 polypeptides in the mucus and further studies with biotinylated probes have characterised one of them as a chymotrypsin-like serine protease. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.