Characterization and expression pattern of Wnt5b gene in Pelodiscus sinensis

Abstract

Wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 5B (Wnt5b) regulates life activities such as cell proliferation, tissue morphogenesis and embryo development. We investigated the role of Wnt5b in sex differentiation in Pelodiscus sinensis by analyzing its expression in diverse tissues and embryonic gonads using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Moreover, Wnt5b expression in gonads of P. sinensis embryos treated with three concentrations of a Wnt agonist was also measured. Sequence alignment indicated that P. sinensis Wnt5b (psWnt5b) protein shared a high sequence similarity with that of Trachemys scripta elegans. Wnt5b gene was highly expressed in embryonic gonads at stages 14–16, but the expression level decreased significantly at stage 17, and Wnt5b expression at stage 14 was significantly higher in female gonads than that in male gonads. Wnt5b had significantly higher expression level in the ovaries than in other tissues. Wnt agonists (5 μg/μl) significantly affected the expression of Wnt5b in male and female embryonic gonads. After Wnt agonists was injected, the expression level of the Wnt5b increased firstly and then decreased overtime. The results suggested that Wnt5b may play a potential important role in gonad development of P. sinensis during the early embryonic stages.