Identification of species-specific and gender-specific proteins and glycoproteins of three human schistosomes.

Species-specific and gender-specific polypeptides of Schistosoma haematobium, Schistosoma japonicum, and Schistosoma mansoni have been identified. Proteins of these schistosomes were metabolically labeled in vitro with 35S-methionine and their total proteins, concanavalin-A binding glycoproteins, released (shed or secreted) proteins, and released glycoproteins compared by two-dimensional polyacrylamide electrophoresis. Many of the released proteins were glycosylated, and most of the synthesized glycoproteins were released. The most striking gender-specific and species-specific differences were observed in the released glycoproteins. These results provide a basis for investigating the molecular evolution of schistosomes, the occurrence of dioecy in the schistosomatidae , and for the development of improved serodiagnostic reagents.