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Immunoglobulin joining (J) chain and its expression in the Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis)

Z Xu1, M X Chang, Z T Qi

  • 1College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.

Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology
|May 5, 2009
PubMed

Insights

The immunoglobulin (Ig) joining (J) chain is crucial for polymeric Ig formation and secretion. This study cloned the J chain from the Chinese soft-shelled turtle and found its expression increases in response to bacterial infection, highlighting its immune role.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Aquaculture

Background:

  • The immunoglobulin (Ig) joining (J) chain is essential for the assembly and secretion of polymeric immunoglobulins.
  • Understanding the J chain's role is vital for immune response studies in various species.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To clone and characterize the J chain cDNA from the Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis).
  • To investigate the expression patterns of the J chain in response to bacterial infection.

Main Methods:

  • Cloning of J chain cDNA using reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE).
  • Sequence analysis to determine the open reading frame and deduce amino acid sequence.
  • Real-time quantitative RT-PCR to analyze J-chain transcript levels in different tissues after bacterial challenge.

Main Results:

  • The J chain cDNA sequence from Pelodiscus sinensis was successfully cloned, with an open reading frame encoding 160 amino acids.
  • The deduced amino acid sequence showed high homology with other reported turtle and chicken J chains.
  • Significant upregulation of J-chain transcripts was observed in spleen, kidney, and blood following Aeromonas hydrophila injection.

Conclusions:

  • The cloned J chain sequence provides a valuable genetic resource for studying Ig function in Pelodiscus sinensis.
  • The findings indicate a significant immune role for the J chain in the turtle's response to bacterial infections.
  • This research contributes to understanding the innate and adaptive immune mechanisms in aquatic reptiles.

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