Chitin synthesis and degradation in Lepeophtheirus salmonis: Molecular characterization and gene expression profile during synthesis of a new exoskeleton

Abstract

Animals with exoskeleton need to molt to grow and develop. Molting is well described in some arthropods especially insects. Chitin is a polymer of N-acetylglucosamine, and one of the major components of the exoskeleton of arthropods. Chitin is synthesized and degraded by a series of enzymes during the molting cycle. However, the presence and function of these enzymes are largely unknown in copepods such as the ectoparasite salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) a major pest in salmonid aquaculture. Here we describe six genes found in the L. salmonis genome (LsCHS1, LsCHS2, LsGFAT, LsGNA1, LsAGM, and LsUAP) with high homology to enzymes in the chitin synthesis pathway. The transcription profiles of these enzymes together with three chitinases enzymes (LsChi1, LsChi2, and LsChi4), which have been characterized before, were examined during the synthesis of a new exoskeleton and revealed a dynamical expression concurrent with the morphological changes during the molt cycle. Further understanding of chitin metabolism and its regulation may prove useful tool to develop new pesticides.