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Genes encoding giant danio and golden shiner ependymin
D S Adams1, M Kiyokawa, M E Getman
1Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA.
Neurochemical Research
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Researchers identified and characterized two ependymin (EPN) genes, gd and sh, in giant danio and shiner fish. These findings classify GD and SH proteins as true EPNs, crucial for brain function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Ependymin (EPN) is a brain glycoprotein with neurotrophic roles in goldfish optic nerve regeneration and memory.
- True epn genes were previously only known in the fish order Cypriniformes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the complete ependymin (EPN) genes, gd and sh, from giant danio and shiner.
- To classify proteins previously identified as EPNs into true EPNs and non-EPN cerebrospinal fluid glycoproteins.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) were used to analyze the complete gd (1480 bp) and sh (2071 bp) genes.
- Southern hybridizations confirmed one copy of each gene per haploid genome.
- Gene sequencing and protein homology analysis were performed.
Main Results:
- The gd gene encodes a 218-amino acid protein (GD) 93% conserved to goldfish EPN.
- The sh gene encodes a 214-amino acid protein (SH) 91% homologous to goldfish EPN.
- Both GD and SH proteins possess hallmark features of true EPNs.
Conclusions:
- The study presents evidence classifying proteins previously termed "EPNs" into true EPNs and non-EPN cerebrospinal fluid glycoproteins.
- Proteins GD and SH from giant danio and shiner are confirmed as true EPNs.
- This expands the known characterization of ependymin genes within the Cypriniformes order.
