Chitin synthesis and degradation in Lepeophtheirus salmonis: Molecular characterization and gene expression profile during synthesis of a new exoskeleton

Overview
TitleChitin synthesis and degradation in Lepeophtheirus salmonis: Molecular characterization and gene expression profile during synthesis of a new exoskeleton
AuthorsHarðardóttir HM, Male R, Nilsen F, Eichner C, Dondrup M, Dalvin S
TypeJournal Article
Journal NameComparative biochemistry and physiology. Part A, Molecular & integrative physiology
Volume227
IssueN/A
Year2018
Page(s)123-133
CitationHarðardóttir HM, Male R, Nilsen F, Eichner C, Dondrup M, Dalvin S. Chitin synthesis and degradation in Lepeophtheirus salmonis: Molecular characterization and gene expression profile during synthesis of a new exoskeleton. Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part A, Molecular & integrative physiology. 2018 Oct 13; 227:123-133.

Abstract

Animals with exoskeleton need to molt to grow and develop. Molting is well described in some arthropods especially insects. Chitin is a polymer of N-acetylglucosamine, and one of the major components of the exoskeleton of arthropods. Chitin is synthesized and degraded by a series of enzymes during the molting cycle. However, the presence and function of these enzymes are largely unknown in copepods such as the ectoparasite salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) a major pest in salmonid aquaculture. Here we describe six genes found in the L. salmonis genome (LsCHS1, LsCHS2, LsGFAT, LsGNA1, LsAGM, and LsUAP) with high homology to enzymes in the chitin synthesis pathway. The transcription profiles of these enzymes together with three chitinases enzymes (LsChi1, LsChi2, and LsChi4), which have been characterized before, were examined during the synthesis of a new exoskeleton and revealed a dynamical expression concurrent with the morphological changes during the molt cycle. Further understanding of chitin metabolism and its regulation may prove useful tool to develop new pesticides.

Author Details
Additional information about authors:
Details
1Hulda María Harðardóttir
2Rune Male
3Frank Nilsen
4Christiane Eichner
5Michael Dondrup
6Sussie Dalvin
Properties
Additional details for this publication include:
Property NameValue
Publication ModelPrint-Electronic
ISSN1531-4332
eISSN1531-4332
Publication Date2018 Oct 13
Journal AbbreviationComp. Biochem. Physiol., Part A Mol. Integr. Physiol.
PIIS1095-6433(18)30246-0
Elocation10.1016/j.cbpa.2018.10.008
DOI10.1016/j.cbpa.2018.10.008
CopyrightCopyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.
LanguageEnglish
Language Abbreng
Publication TypeJournal Article
Journal CountryUnited States
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PMID: PMID:30326269