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CpMCA, a novel metacaspase gene from the harmful dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides and its expression during

Hui Wang1, Bum Soo Park2, Weol-Ae Lim3

  • 1Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung University, Seoul 03016, South Korea.

Gene
|February 7, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Researchers identified a novel metacaspase gene in Cochlodinium polykrikoides. Its expression increased with algicide exposure, suggesting a role in programmed cell death (PCD).

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Marine Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Metacaspases (MCAs) are cysteine proteases homologous to caspases.
  • MCAs are implicated in programmed cell death (PCD).
  • Dinoflagellates like Cochlodinium polykrikoides are significant marine organisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Identify and characterize a novel MCA gene in C. polykrikoides (CpMCA).
  • Investigate the expression patterns of CpMCA in response to algicide-induced cell death.
  • Elucidate the potential role of CpMCA in dinoflagellate cell death pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Gene identification and sequencing of CpMCA from C. polykrikoides.
  • Bioinformatic analyses including multi-sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis.
  • Gene expression analysis using quantitative methods following exposure to copper sulfate and oxidizing chlorine.

Main Results:

  • A novel MCA gene, CpMCA, was identified in C. polykrikoides.
  • CpMCA cDNA analysis revealed a typical structure with a unique N-terminal region.
  • Phylogenetic analysis suggests potential horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of the MCA gene from bacteria.
  • CpMCA expression significantly increased upon treatment with copper sulfate and oxidizing chlorine.

Conclusions:

  • CpMCA is a type I metacaspase with distinct structural features.
  • The study provides evidence for potential bacterial origin of the MCA gene in C. polykrikoides via HGT.
  • Upregulation of CpMCA under algicide stress suggests its involvement in algicide-induced programmed cell death in dinoflagellates.
Keywords:
AlgicideCochlodinium polykrikoidesCpMCAHGTPCDTranscriptional response

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