Dynamic Expression Pattern of SERPINA1 Gene from Duck (Anas platyrhynchos)

SERPINA1 is a member of serine protease inhibitors and is increasingly considered to be a regulator of innate immunity in human and animals. However, the expression and function of SERPINA1 gene in immune defense against viral infection remain unknown in ducks. The full-length du SERPINA1 cDNA sequence was obtained using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). It contained 1457 nucleotide, including 47-bp 5' UTR, 135-bp 3' UTR, and 1275-bp open reading frame (ORF), and encodes a 424-amino acid protein. Then, the tissue expression profile of du SERPINA1 gene was determined. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time qPCR) analysis revealed that du SERPINA1 mRNA is ubiquitous in various tissues, but higher expression levels were observed in lung and liver tissues. In addition, the expression pattern was investigated when the ducklings were challenged with duck hepatitis virus 1(DHV-1) and polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid (poly I:C). After DHV-1 injection or poly I:C treatment, du SERPINA1 mRNA was up-regulated in the liver and kidney tissues. However, the peak time in two tissues was not consistent. In kidney, the expression lever of SERPINA1 increased immediately after the treatment while in liver tissue it kept steady until 12 h post-infection. Our results indicate that SERPINA1 has an active role in the antiviral response, and thus improve our understanding of the role of this protein.