Molecular cloning, characterization and expression analysis of the complement component C6 gene in grass carp

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Genetics
• Aquaculture

Background:

• The complement system is vital for innate immunity and host defense against pathogens.
• Complement component 6 (C6) is essential for forming the membrane attack complex (MAC).

Purpose of the Study:

• To clone and characterize the grass carp complement component C6 (gcC6) gene.
• To investigate the expression patterns of gcC6 in various tissues and its response to bacterial challenge.

Main Methods:

• Gene cloning and sequencing of grass carp C6 (gcC6).
• Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) to analyze gcC6 expression in different tissues and developmental stages.
• Analysis of gcC6 expression following Aeromonas hydrophila infection.

Main Results:

• The gcC6 gene possesses a 2724bp open reading frame (ORF) with significant sequence identity to zebrafish and rainbow trout C6.
• gcC6 is widely expressed in grass carp tissues, with highest levels in the spleen and liver.
• Expression of gcC6 was significantly altered in response to Aeromonas hydrophila infection, and its transcripts were maternally derived in early embryos.

Conclusions:

• The gcC6 gene is a key component of the grass carp complement system involved in immune response.
• Tissue-specific expression and dynamic changes in gcC6 levels indicate its role in host defense and development.
• Maternal contribution of complement C6 transcripts is significant in early grass carp development.