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Published on: September 25, 2019
Cloning, characterization, and expression of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor gene from the Pacific white
1Guangxi Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genetic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Guangxi Institute of Fisheries, Nanning, China.
Abstract:
The macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an important proinflammatory cytokine that mediates both innate and adaptive immune responses. In this study, we identified a homolog of MIF in the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. The MIF cDNA contained a 363-bp open reading frame encoding a 120-amino acid protein with a calculated molecular mass of 13.442 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point of 6.57. The L. vannamei MIF shared high amino acid identity with MIFs of other invertebrates. Tissue distribution analysis by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) revealed that the L. vannamei MIF was abundantly expressed in the blood, heart, and hepatopancreas, was moderately expressed in the gill, and was weakly expressed in the muscle and intestine. Furthermore, in order to gain a basic understanding of the role of MIF in the shrimp immune response against viral infection, its mRNA expression was determined in the hepatopancreas of L. vannamei at different stages after white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) challenge using qRT-PCR. The result indicated that the expression of MIF was significantly upregulated after WSSV injection, suggesting that MIF may be involved in the response to viral infection in shrimp.
Insights
Researchers identified macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in shrimp. MIF gene expression increased significantly after white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection, suggesting its role in shrimp antiviral immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Marine Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a key proinflammatory cytokine involved in immune responses.
- Understanding immune factors in invertebrates like shrimp is crucial for aquaculture and disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) homolog in the Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei.
- To investigate the expression pattern and potential role of L. vannamei MIF in response to viral infection.
Main Methods:
- MIF cDNA identification and sequence analysis.
- Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for tissue distribution and gene expression analysis after white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) challenge.
Main Results:
- A MIF homolog was identified in L. vannamei, sharing high amino acid identity with other invertebrates.
- L. vannamei MIF showed abundant expression in blood, heart, and hepatopancreas, with lower levels in gills, muscle, and intestine.
- MIF mRNA expression significantly upregulated in the hepatopancreas following WSSV infection.
Conclusions:
- The identified L. vannamei MIF is a conserved invertebrate immune factor.
- MIF plays a role in the shrimp immune response against viral pathogens like WSSV.
- Further research into MIF's function could aid in developing strategies against shrimp viral diseases.
