Characterization and Expression Analysis of Genes from <i>Megalobrama amblycephala</i> Encoding Hemoglobins with Extracellular Microbicidal Activity
Hemoglobin (Hb) usually comprises two α and two β subunits, forming a tetramer responsible for oxygen transportation and storage. Few studies have elucidated fish hemoglobin immune functions. <i>Megalobrama amblycephala</i> is a freshwater-cultured fish prevalent in China. We identified...
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MDPI AG
2023-10-01
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| author | Qijun Wang Xiaoheng Zhao Yunlong Liu Juan Zheng Hujun Cui Haotong Wang Houxu Ding Hong Liu Zhujin Ding |
| author_facet | Qijun Wang Xiaoheng Zhao Yunlong Liu Juan Zheng Hujun Cui Haotong Wang Houxu Ding Hong Liu Zhujin Ding |
| author_sort | Qijun Wang |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Hemoglobin (Hb) usually comprises two α and two β subunits, forming a tetramer responsible for oxygen transportation and storage. Few studies have elucidated fish hemoglobin immune functions. <i>Megalobrama amblycephala</i> is a freshwater-cultured fish prevalent in China. We identified two <i>M. amblycephala</i> hemoglobin subunits and analyzed their expression patterns and antibacterial activities. The respective full-length cDNA sequences of the <i>M. amblycephala Hb α</i> (<i>MaHbα</i>) and <i>β</i> (<i>MaHbβ</i>) subunits were 588 and 603 bp, encoding 143 and 148 amino acids. MaHbα and MaHbβ were highly homologous to hemoglobins from other fish, displaying typical globin-like domains, most heme-binding sites, and tetramer interface regions highly conserved in teleosts. In phylogenetic analyses, the hemoglobin genes from <i>M. amblycephala</i> and other cypriniformes clustered into one branch, and those from other fishes and mammals clustered into other branches, revealing fish hemoglobin conservation. These <i>M. amblycephala Hb</i> subunits exhibit different expression patterns in various tissues and during development. <i>MaHbα</i> is mainly expressed in the blood and brain, while <i>MaHbβ</i> gene expression is highest in the muscle. <i>MaHbα</i> expression was detectable and abundant post-fertilization, with levels fluctuating during the developmental stages. <i>MaHbβ</i> expression began at 3 dph and gradually increased. Expression of both <i>M. amblycephala Hb</i> subunits was down-regulated in most examined tissues and time points post-<i>Aeromonas hydrophila</i> infection, which might be due to red blood cell (RBC) and hematopoietic organ damage. Synthetic MaHbα and MaHbβ peptides showed excellent antimicrobial activities, which could inhibit survival and growth in five aquatic pathogens. Two <i>M. amblycephala</i> hemoglobin subunits were identified, and their expression patterns and antibacterial activities were analyzed, thereby providing a basis for the understanding of evolution and functions of fish hemoglobins. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-11T10:15:11Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-d7199d96b5b740d4b4aee06654418281 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2073-4425 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-11T10:15:11Z |
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| spelling | doaj.art-d7199d96b5b740d4b4aee066544182812023-11-16T10:29:58ZengMDPI AGGenes2073-44252023-10-011410197210.3390/genes14101972Characterization and Expression Analysis of Genes from <i>Megalobrama amblycephala</i> Encoding Hemoglobins with Extracellular Microbicidal ActivityQijun Wang0Xiaoheng Zhao1Yunlong Liu2Juan Zheng3Hujun Cui4Haotong Wang5Houxu Ding6Hong Liu7Zhujin Ding8Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Qinling Ecological Security, Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Xi’an 710032, ChinaCo-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, ChinaCo-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, ChinaShaanxi Environmental Survey and Evaluation Center, Xi’an 710054, ChinaCo-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, ChinaCo-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, ChinaCo-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, ChinaCollege of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, ChinaCo-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, ChinaHemoglobin (Hb) usually comprises two α and two β subunits, forming a tetramer responsible for oxygen transportation and storage. Few studies have elucidated fish hemoglobin immune functions. <i>Megalobrama amblycephala</i> is a freshwater-cultured fish prevalent in China. We identified two <i>M. amblycephala</i> hemoglobin subunits and analyzed their expression patterns and antibacterial activities. The respective full-length cDNA sequences of the <i>M. amblycephala Hb α</i> (<i>MaHbα</i>) and <i>β</i> (<i>MaHbβ</i>) subunits were 588 and 603 bp, encoding 143 and 148 amino acids. MaHbα and MaHbβ were highly homologous to hemoglobins from other fish, displaying typical globin-like domains, most heme-binding sites, and tetramer interface regions highly conserved in teleosts. In phylogenetic analyses, the hemoglobin genes from <i>M. amblycephala</i> and other cypriniformes clustered into one branch, and those from other fishes and mammals clustered into other branches, revealing fish hemoglobin conservation. These <i>M. amblycephala Hb</i> subunits exhibit different expression patterns in various tissues and during development. <i>MaHbα</i> is mainly expressed in the blood and brain, while <i>MaHbβ</i> gene expression is highest in the muscle. <i>MaHbα</i> expression was detectable and abundant post-fertilization, with levels fluctuating during the developmental stages. <i>MaHbβ</i> expression began at 3 dph and gradually increased. Expression of both <i>M. amblycephala Hb</i> subunits was down-regulated in most examined tissues and time points post-<i>Aeromonas hydrophila</i> infection, which might be due to red blood cell (RBC) and hematopoietic organ damage. Synthetic MaHbα and MaHbβ peptides showed excellent antimicrobial activities, which could inhibit survival and growth in five aquatic pathogens. Two <i>M. amblycephala</i> hemoglobin subunits were identified, and their expression patterns and antibacterial activities were analyzed, thereby providing a basis for the understanding of evolution and functions of fish hemoglobins.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/14/10/1972<i>Megalobrama amblycephala</i>hemoglobin subunitscharacterizationexpression patternantimicrobial activity |
| spellingShingle | Qijun Wang Xiaoheng Zhao Yunlong Liu Juan Zheng Hujun Cui Haotong Wang Houxu Ding Hong Liu Zhujin Ding Characterization and Expression Analysis of Genes from <i>Megalobrama amblycephala</i> Encoding Hemoglobins with Extracellular Microbicidal Activity Genes <i>Megalobrama amblycephala</i> hemoglobin subunits characterization expression pattern antimicrobial activity |
| title | Characterization and Expression Analysis of Genes from <i>Megalobrama amblycephala</i> Encoding Hemoglobins with Extracellular Microbicidal Activity |
| title_full | Characterization and Expression Analysis of Genes from <i>Megalobrama amblycephala</i> Encoding Hemoglobins with Extracellular Microbicidal Activity |
| title_fullStr | Characterization and Expression Analysis of Genes from <i>Megalobrama amblycephala</i> Encoding Hemoglobins with Extracellular Microbicidal Activity |
| title_full_unstemmed | Characterization and Expression Analysis of Genes from <i>Megalobrama amblycephala</i> Encoding Hemoglobins with Extracellular Microbicidal Activity |
| title_short | Characterization and Expression Analysis of Genes from <i>Megalobrama amblycephala</i> Encoding Hemoglobins with Extracellular Microbicidal Activity |
| title_sort | characterization and expression analysis of genes from i megalobrama amblycephala i encoding hemoglobins with extracellular microbicidal activity |
| topic | <i>Megalobrama amblycephala</i> hemoglobin subunits characterization expression pattern antimicrobial activity |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/14/10/1972 |
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