Molecular cloning, phylogenetic analysis and developmental expression of a vitellogenin (Vg) gene from the intertidal copepod Tigriopus japonicus

Overview
TitleMolecular cloning, phylogenetic analysis and developmental expression of a vitellogenin (Vg) gene from the intertidal copepod Tigriopus japonicus
AuthorsLee KW, Hwang DS, Rhee JS, Ki JS, Park HG, Ryu JC, Raisuddin S, Lee JS
TypeJournal Article
Journal NameComparative biochemistry and physiology. Part B, Biochemistry & molecular biology
Volume150
Issue4
Year2008
Page(s)395-402
CitationLee KW, Hwang DS, Rhee JS, Ki JS, Park HG, Ryu JC, Raisuddin S, Lee JS. Molecular cloning, phylogenetic analysis and developmental expression of a vitellogenin (Vg) gene from the intertidal copepod Tigriopus japonicus. Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part B, Biochemistry & molecular biology. 2008 Aug; 150(4):395-402.

Abstract

Vitellogenin (Vg) is the precursor of egg yolk protein vitellins, which serve as energy resource for embryonic development. Vg measurement has been used as a biomarker of exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Therefore, Vg gene structure has been identified from several species used in environmental monitoring of EDCs. Among the copepods, except from the salmon louse, there is no report on Vg genes or their products. By using molecular cloning, we determined the full Vg gene sequence from the intertidal copepod, Tigriopus japonicus. The full cDNA sequence was of 5692 bp containing 5529 bp of open reading frame (ORF) encoding for 1842 amino acids. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that T. japonicus Vg is distinct from the other arthropods as it formed a clade with salmon louse only. The expression of Vg transcripts was negligible in nauplii; detectable only at the copepodid stage 3. Females expressed over 270 times more Vg transcripts than males. The promoter sequence of T. japonicus Vg gene revealed an estrogen receptor (ER) half site and a metal response element (MRE). When copepods were exposed to trace metals, cadmium after 96 h exposure caused significantly higher induction of Vg transcripts. Taken together, molecular analysis of T. japonicus Vg would be helpful in understanding its role in development. Previous studies have established T. japonicus as a potential model for testing of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The study of T. japonicus Vg will fuel momentum in using this species in comparative molecular endocrinology and biomonitoring of EDCs.

Author Details
Additional information about authors:
Details
1Kyun-Woo Lee
2Dae-Sik Hwang
3Jae-Sung Rhee
4Jang-Seu Ki
5Heum Gi Park
6Jae-Chun Ryu
7Sheikh Raisuddin
8Jae-Seong Lee
Properties
Additional details for this publication include:
Property NameValue
Publication ModelPrint-Electronic
ISSN1096-4959
pISSN1096-4959
Publication Date2008 Aug
Journal AbbreviationComp. Biochem. Physiol. B, Biochem. Mol. Biol.
DOI10.1016/j.cbpb.2008.04.009
Elocation10.1016/j.cbpb.2008.04.009
LanguageEnglish
Language Abbreng
Publication TypeJournal Article
Journal CountryEngland
Publication TypeResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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PMID: PMID:18539492