Functional characterization of a matrix metalloproteinase 2 gene in Litopenaeus vannamei

Area of Science:

• Aquaculture
• Marine Biology
• Immunology

Background:

• Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are crucial in tissue remodeling and immune responses.
• MMPs can regulate pathogen infection processes through various mechanisms.
• Understanding MMP roles in invertebrates like shrimp is vital for disease management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clone and characterize a matrix metalloproteinase-2 (LvMMP-2) from Litopenaeus vannamei.
• To investigate the role of LvMMP-2 in shrimp innate immunity and response to stress and infection.
• To explore the regulatory mechanisms of LvMMP-2 expression.

Main Methods:

• Gene cloning and expression analysis (real-time RT-PCR).
• Subcellular localization studies in S2 cells.
• Promoter activity assays using transcription factors NF-E2-related factor 2 and c-Jun.
• Functional analysis through gene knockdown and assessment of mortality rates under stress and infection.

Main Results:

• LvMMP-2 was cloned and found to be highly expressed in the epidermis, localized to the endoplasmic reticulum.
• LvMMP-2 expression was induced by unfolded protein response and oxidative stress, but not heat shock.
• Down-regulation of LvMMP-2 reduced mortality under oxidative stress and infections with Vibrio alginolyticus and white spot syndrome virus (WSSV).
• LvMMP-2 enhanced the promoter activity of antimicrobial peptide genes, and its knockdown reduced penaeidin2 and β-Defensin expression.

Conclusions:

• LvMMP-2 is involved in the innate immune response of shrimp.
• LvMMP-2 plays a dual role, contributing to both immune defense and tissue injury during WSSV infection.
• Targeting LvMMP-2 presents a potential strategy for enhancing shrimp disease resistance.