Characterization of anopheles gambiae transglutaminase 3 (AgTG3) and its native substrate plugin

Abstract

Background: A. gambiae transglutaminase AgTG3 cross-links Plugin within seminal fluids. Results: AgTG3 and Plugin were purified and their structure and activity characterized in vitro. Conclusion: AgTG3 forms a dimer in solution, analogous to human FXIII. Plugin is nonglobular in solution. AgTG3 is Ca dependent and prefers Plugin as a substrate. Significance: Inhibition of AgTG3 cross-linking of Plugin is a possible method to chemosterilize male Anopheles mosquitoes.© 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.