Cloning and characterization of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-1 and -2 from the brook trout ovary

S B Roberts1, D M Langenau, F W Goetz

  • 1University of Notre Dame, Department of Biological Sciences, P.O. Box 369, Notre Dame, IN 46556-0369, USA.

Insights

This study characterizes prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-1 (PGS-1) and -2 (PGS-2) cDNAs in brook trout, revealing their presence and regulation, particularly PGS-2

Area of Science:

  • Comparative genomics
  • Fish reproductive biology
  • Prostaglandin synthesis pathways

Background:

  • Prostaglandin endoperoxide synthases (PGS) are key enzymes in prostaglandin synthesis.
  • Understanding PGS function in non-mammalian vertebrates is crucial for comparative physiology.
  • This research focuses on brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) as a model organism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and characterize prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-1 (PGS-1) and -2 (PGS-2) cDNAs from brook trout.
  • To investigate the tissue distribution of PGS-1 and PGS-2 transcripts in brook trout.
  • To examine the regulation of PGS-2 expression in brook trout ovaries.

Main Methods:

  • cDNA isolation using reverse transcription-PCR and library screening.
  • Sequence analysis to determine protein identity and homology to mammalian PGS.
  • Transcript distribution analysis via detection of PGS-1 and PGS-2 mRNA in various tissues.
  • Hormonal induction studies using phorbol ester and calcium ionophore to assess PGS-2 regulation in ovaries.

Main Results:

  • Brook trout PGS-1 cDNA encodes a 598 amino acid protein, 69% identical to mammalian PGS-1, with widespread tissue distribution.
  • Brook trout PGS-2 cDNA encodes a 607 amino acid protein, 69% identical to mammalian PGS-2, found in skin, gills, stomach, and heart.
  • PGS-2 transcripts were significantly upregulated in ovaries upon stimulation with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate and A23187.
  • PGS-2 was notably absent in ovaries of brook trout undergoing natural oocyte maturation and ovulation.

Conclusions:

  • This is the first characterization of non-mammalian PGS-1 and PGS-2 cDNAs, providing insights into fish prostaglandin synthesis.
  • Differential expression and regulation of PGS-2 in brook trout ovaries suggest a role in reproductive processes.
  • The absence of PGS-2 during natural ovulation warrants further investigation into its specific role in fish reproduction.

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