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Mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 from disk abalone (Haliotis discus discus): Roles in early development and
N C N Perera1, G I Godahewa1, Jehee Lee1
1Department of Marine Life Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 63243, Republic of Korea; Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 63243, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is involved in the regulation of cellular events by mediating signal transduction pathways. MAPK1 is a member of the extracellular-signal regulated kinases (ERKs), playing roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, and development. This is mainly in response to growth factors, mitogens, and many environmental stresses. In the current study, we have characterized the structural features of a homolog of MAPK1 from disk abalone (AbMAPK1). Further, we have unraveled its expressional kinetics against different experimental pathogenic infections or related chemical stimulants. AbMAPK1 harbors a 5' untranslated region (UTR) of 23 bps, a coding sequence of 1104 bps, and a 3' UTR of 448 bp. The putative peptide comprises a predicted molecular mass of 42.2 kDa, with a theoretical pI of 6.28. Based on the in silico analysis, AbMAPK1 possesses two N-glycosylation sites, one S_TK catalytic domain, and a conserved His-Arg-Asp domain (HRD). In addition, a conservative glycine rich ATP-phosphate-binding loop and a threonine-x-tyrosine motif (TEY) important for the autophosphorylation were also identified in the protein. Homology assessment of AbMAPK1 showed several conserved regions, and ark clam (Aplysia californica) showed the highest sequence identity (87.9%). The phylogenetic analysis supported close evolutionary kinship with molluscan orthologs. Constitutive expression of AbMAPK1 was observed in six different tissues of disk abalone, with the highest expression in the digestive tract, followed by the gills and hemocytes. Highest AbMAPK1 mRNA expression level was detected at the trochophore developmental stage, suggesting its role in abalone cell differentiation and proliferation. Significant modulation of AbMAPK1 expression under pathogenic stress suggested its putative involvement in the immune defense mechanism.
Insights
This study characterizes AbMAPK1, a mitogen-activated protein kinase in disk abalone. Its expression patterns suggest roles in abalone development and immune defense against pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Marine Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways regulate crucial cellular events.
- MAPK1, a member of extracellular-signal regulated kinases (ERKs), is vital for cell proliferation, differentiation, and development in response to various stimuli.
- Understanding MAPK homologs in invertebrates like disk abalone can reveal conserved biological functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the structural and functional properties of a disk abalone MAPK1 homolog (AbMAPK1).
- To investigate the expression kinetics of AbMAPK1 under different experimental conditions, including pathogenic infections and chemical stimulants.
- To elucidate the potential roles of AbMAPK1 in abalone development and immune responses.
Main Methods:
- In silico analysis of AbMAPK1 gene structure and protein features, including UTRs, molecular mass, pI, and conserved domains (S_TK, HRD, ATP-binding loop, TEY motif).
- Homology assessment and phylogenetic analysis to determine evolutionary relationships with other MAPK proteins.
- Quantitative analysis of AbMAPK1 mRNA expression across different disk abalone tissues and developmental stages.
- Monitoring AbMAPK1 expression levels following exposure to pathogenic challenges and chemical stimuli.
Main Results:
- AbMAPK1 possesses characteristic MAPK structural features, including conserved domains and motifs essential for its function.
- Phylogenetic analysis indicates AbMAPK1 is closely related to molluscan MAPK orthologs, with high sequence identity to ark clam MAPK1.
- Constitutive AbMAPK1 expression was detected in various tissues, with peak levels in the digestive tract, gills, and hemocytes.
- AbMAPK1 mRNA expression was highest during the trochophore developmental stage and significantly modulated by pathogenic stress.
Conclusions:
- AbMAPK1 shares conserved structural and functional domains with other MAPK proteins.
- The expression profile of AbMAPK1 suggests a role in disk abalone cell differentiation, proliferation, and development.
- Modulated AbMAPK1 expression under stress indicates its involvement in the abalone immune defense mechanism.
