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Published on: April 22, 2019
Molecular characterization of myelin basic protein a (mbpa) gene from red-bellied pacu (Piaractus brachypomus)
Juan Sebastian Cruz-Méndez1, María Paula Herrera-Sánchez1, Ángel Enrique Céspedes-Rubio2
1Research Group in Immunobiology and Pathogenesis, Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad del Tolima, Santa Helena Highs, 730006299, Ibague, Tolima, Colombia.
Background:
Myelin basic protein (MBP) is one of the most important structural components of the myelin sheaths in both central and peripheral nervous systems. MBP has several functions including organization of the myelin membranes, reorganization of the cytoskeleton during the myelination process, and interaction with the SH3 domain in signaling pathways. Likewise, MBP has been proposed as a marker of demyelination in traumatic brain injury and chemical exposure.
Methods:
The aim of this study was to molecularly characterize the myelin basic protein a (mbpa) gene from the Colombian native fish, red-bellied pacu, Piaractus brachypomus. Bioinformatic tools were used to identify the phylogenetic relationships, physicochemical characteristics, exons, intrinsically disordered regions, and conserved domains of the protein. Gene expression was assessed by qPCR in three models corresponding to sublethal chlorpyrifos exposure, acute brain injury, and anesthesia experiments.
Results:
mbpa complete open reading frame was identified with 414 nucleotides distributed in 7 exons that encode 137 amino acids. MBPa was recognized as belonging to the myelin basic protein family, closely related with orthologous proteins, and two intrinsically disordered regions were established within the sequence. Gene expression of mbpa was upregulated in the optic chiasm of the chlorpyrifos exposed fish in contrast to the control group.
Conclusions:
The physicochemical computed features agree with the biological functions of MBP, and basal gene expression was according to the anatomical distribution in the tissues analyzed. This study is the first molecular characterization of mbpa from the native species Piaractus brachypomus.
Insights
This study characterizes the myelin basic protein a (mbpa) gene in red-bellied pacu, revealing its structure and function. Mbpa gene expression increased in fish exposed to chlorpyrifos, suggesting its role in neuroprotection.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Myelin basic protein (MBP) is crucial for myelin sheath structure and function in the nervous system.
- MBP plays roles in membrane organization, cytoskeleton dynamics, and signaling pathways.
- MBP is a potential biomarker for demyelination in conditions like brain injury and chemical exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform the first molecular characterization of the myelin basic protein a (mbpa) gene in the native fish species, Piaractus brachypomus (red-bellied pacu).
- To analyze the phylogenetic relationships, physicochemical properties, and structural features of the mbpa gene and its protein product.
- To investigate mbpa gene expression patterns under different experimental conditions.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic analyses were employed to determine phylogenetic relationships, physicochemical characteristics, exon-intron structure, intrinsically disordered regions, and conserved domains of mbpa.
- Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) was used to assess mbpa gene expression.
- Three experimental models were utilized: sublethal chlorpyrifos exposure, acute brain injury, and anesthesia.
Main Results:
- The complete open reading frame of mbpa was identified, comprising 414 nucleotides across 7 exons, encoding a 137-amino acid protein (MBPa).
- Phylogenetic analysis confirmed MBPa belongs to the myelin basic protein family, showing close relationships with orthologous proteins.
- Two intrinsically disordered regions were identified in the MBPa sequence. Mbpa gene expression was significantly upregulated in the optic chiasm of chlorpyrifos-exposed fish compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- The calculated physicochemical properties of MBPa are consistent with the known biological functions of myelin basic protein.
- Basal gene expression levels align with the observed anatomical distribution of mbpa in the analyzed tissues.
- This research provides the foundational molecular characterization of the mbpa gene in Piaractus brachypomus.
