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The MCP-8 gene and its possible association with resistance to Streptococcus agalactiae in tilapia
Gui Hong Fu1, Zi Yi Wan1, Jun Hong Xia1
1Molecular Population Genetics Group, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore.
Abstract:
Mast cell proteases play an important role in the regulation of the immune response. We identified the cDNA of the mast cell protease 8 (MCP-8) gene and analyzed its genomic structure in tilapia. The ORF of the MCP-8 was 768 bp, encoding 255 amino acids. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that the MCP-8 gene was expressed predominantly in spleen, moderately in liver, blood, brain, gill, intestine, skin, and weakly expressed in kidney, muscle and eye. After a challenge with Streptococcus agalactiae, the gene was induced significantly (p < 0.05) in intestine, kidney, spleen and liver. Furthermore, we identified five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the MCP-8 gene and found that three SNPs were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with resistance against S. agalactiae. However, we found no association between four SNPs and growth traits (p > 0.05). These results suggest that the MCP-8 gene play an important role in the resistance to S. agalactiae in tilapia. The SNP markers in the MCP-8 gene associated with the resistance to the bacterial pathogen may facilitate selection of tilapia resistant to the bacterial disease.
Insights
The mast cell protease 8 (MCP-8) gene in tilapia is crucial for immune response against Streptococcus agalactiae. Specific genetic variations (SNPs) in MCP-8 are linked to disease resistance, aiding selective breeding for healthier fish.
Area of Science:
- Aquatic immunology
- Fish genetics
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Mast cell proteases are key regulators of immune responses.
- Understanding fish immune genes is vital for aquaculture.
- Tilapia aquaculture faces challenges from bacterial diseases like Streptococcus agalactiae.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize the mast cell protease 8 (MCP-8) gene in tilapia.
- To investigate the expression patterns of the MCP-8 gene.
- To explore the association of MCP-8 gene variations with resistance to Streptococcus agalactiae and growth traits.
Main Methods:
- cDNA identification and genomic structure analysis of the tilapia MCP-8 gene.
- Quantitative real-time PCR for gene expression analysis.
- Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) identification and association analysis with disease resistance and growth traits.
Main Results:
- The tilapia MCP-8 gene has an open reading frame of 768 bp, encoding 255 amino acids.
- MCP-8 gene expression is highest in spleen and liver, with moderate expression in other tissues.
- Expression significantly increased in intestine, kidney, spleen, and liver after Streptococcus agalactiae challenge.
- Three out of five identified SNPs in the MCP-8 gene were significantly associated with resistance to S. agalactiae.
Conclusions:
- The MCP-8 gene plays a significant role in tilapia's resistance to Streptococcus agalactiae infection.
- Identified SNP markers in the MCP-8 gene can be utilized for selective breeding programs to enhance tilapia disease resistance.
- Further research can leverage these genetic markers to improve tilapia aquaculture sustainability.
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