Tissue-specific distribution of serine/threonine protein phosphatase 1 of Toxocara canis.

Serine/threonine protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) is expressed in developing and reproductively active male Toxocara canis. To investigate the tissue-specific expression of PP1 in T. canis, the PP1 protein was expressed in Escherichia coli, and the recombinant protein was used to generate a rabbit polyclonal antiserum. Indirect fluorescence immunohistochemical analysis of adult male T. canis showed that PP1 was expressed in the germ line tissues, primarily in the testis, seminal vesicle, vas deferens, and sperm cells, indicating the potential roles of PP1 in spermatogenesis. What's more, structural predictions of PP1 in T. canis were performed. The predictions of the structure indicated that PP1 may be a potential target for antihelmintic drugs. This is the first report of the tissue distributions and structural prediction of PP1 in T. canis, which might lead to the development of novel, innovative strategies for controlling T. canis infestations.