Abstract
Genes that influence the growth of Pacific abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) may improve the productivity of the aquaculture industry. Previous research demonstrated that the differential expression of a gene encoding a C-type lectin domain-containing protein (CTLD) was associated with a faster growth in Pacific abalone. We analyzed this gene and identified an open reading frame that consisted of 145 amino acids. The sequence showed a significant homology to other genes that encode CTLDs in the genus Haliotis. Expression profiling analysis at different developmental stages and from various tissues showed that the gene was first expressed at approximately 50 days after fertilization (shell length of 2.47 ± 0.13 mm). In adult Pacific abalone, the gene was strongly expressed in the epipodium, gill, and mantle. Recombinant Pacific abalone CTLD purified from Escherichia coli exhibited antimicrobial activity against several Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus iniae, and Lactococcus garvieae) and Gram-negative bacteria (Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio harveyi). We also performed bacterial agglutination assays in the presence of Ca2+, as well as bacterial binding assays in the presence of the detergent dodecyl maltoside. Incubation with E. coli and B. subtilis cells suggested that the CTLD stimulated Ca2+-dependent bacterial agglutination. Our results suggest that this novel Pacific abalone CTLD is important for the pathogen recognition in the gastropod host defense mechanism.
Highlights
Introduction iationsThe Pacific abalone Haliotis discus hannai is one of the most commercially valuable shellfish species in northeast Asia [1]
Most of the rAbCTLD was detected in the pellet containing bacterial cells upon the addition of either Gram-negative E. coli or Gram-positive B. subtilis. These results show that rAbCTLD bound to bacterial cells
We identified AbCTLD, a novel C-type lectin gene in Pacific abalone
Summary
The Pacific abalone Haliotis discus hannai is one of the most commercially valuable shellfish species in northeast Asia [1]. Researchers have screened for faster growth in Pacific abalone to reduce the time necessary for the shellfish to reach a marketable size. We screened differentially expressed genes associated with faster growth in Pacific abalone and identified three genes involved in immune-related responses [5,6]. The immune system plays a critical role in its protection against pathogens. Most organisms have two types of protection systems: an innate immunity, which provides a general response to pathogens, and an adaptive immunity, which elicits a more specialized
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