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Systematic identification of seven ribosomal protein genes in bighead carp and their expression in response to
1School of Petrolchemical Engneering, Changzhou University, China.
Abstract:
Microcystin-LR (MCLR) is one of the most toxic cyanotoxins produced in algal blooms. The toxic effects of MCLR on the expression of some organelles genes (mitochondrion, endoplasmic reticulum, and cytoskeleton etc) have been widely investigated, but little is known how it impacts on the expression of ribosomal genes. In this study we identified seven ribosomal protein genes RPS6, RPS12, RPS24, RPS27a, RPL12, RPL27 and RPL29 in bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis), whose expression was regulated by MCLR. The amino acid sequences of those 7 genes shared more than 90% identity with corresponding sequences from zebrafish, and were well conserved throughout evolution. The 3D structure prediction showed that the structures of these ribosomal proteins were conserved, but had species specificity. Q-PCR analysis revealed that expression of seven genes changed dramatically at 3 hr, then went back to a moderate change- level at 24 hr in almost all tested tissues (liver, kidney, intestine, heart, spleen and gill) post MCLR injection, but in brain expression of the seven genes stayed same as the normal level. This study will help us to know not only about the evolution and functions of ribosomal proteins in anti-MCLR response in bighead carp, but also about the MCLR toxicity and its impact on aquaculture and human health.
Insights
Microcystin-LR (MCLR) affects ribosomal gene expression in bighead carp. This study identifies seven key ribosomal protein genes regulated by MCLR, offering insights into cyanotoxin impacts on aquatic life and human health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Aquatic Toxicology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Microcystin-LR (MCLR) is a potent cyanotoxin impacting aquatic ecosystems.
- While MCLR's effects on organelle genes are known, its impact on ribosomal gene expression remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify and characterize ribosomal protein genes in bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis).
- Investigate the regulatory effects of MCLR on the expression of these identified ribosomal protein genes.
- Assess the evolutionary conservation and species-specific structural features of these proteins.
Main Methods:
- Gene identification and sequence analysis in bighead carp.
- 3D structure prediction of ribosomal proteins.
- Quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) to analyze gene expression changes post-MCLR exposure in various tissues.
Main Results:
- Seven ribosomal protein genes (RPS6, RPS12, RPS24, RPS27a, RPL12, RPL27, RPL29) were identified and found to be highly conserved with zebrafish.
- MCLR significantly altered the expression of these seven genes in liver, kidney, intestine, heart, spleen, and gills within 3 hours, with moderate changes at 24 hours.
- Brain tissue showed no significant change in the expression of these ribosomal genes following MCLR exposure.
Conclusions:
- The identified ribosomal protein genes play a role in the anti-MCLR response in bighead carp.
- MCLR exposure impacts ribosomal gene expression in a tissue-specific manner, with the brain being less affected.
- Findings contribute to understanding MCLR toxicity, its evolutionary implications, and potential risks to aquaculture and human health.
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