Identification and characterization of an insulin-like receptor involved in crustacean reproduction

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Identification and characterization of an insulin-like receptor involved in crustacean reproduction

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Title: Identification and characterization of an insulin-like receptor involved in crustacean reproduction
Author/Creator: Sharabi, O | Manor, R | Weil, S | Aflalo, E D | Lezer, Y | Levy, T | Aizen, J | Ventura, T | Mather, P B | Khalaila, I | Sagi, A
Description: Sexual differentiation and maintenance of masculinity in crustaceans has been suggested as being regulated by a single androgenic gland (AG) insulin-like peptide (IAG). However, downstream elements involved in the signaling cascade remain unknown. Here, we identified and characterized a gene encoding an insulin-like receptor in the prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii (Mr-IR), the first such gene detected in a decapod crustacean. In mining for IRs and other insulin signaling related genes, we constructed a comprehensive M. rosenbergii transcriptomic library from multiple sources. In parallel we sequenced the complete Mr-IR cDNA, confirmed in the wide transcriptomic library. Mr-IR expression was detected in most tissues in both males and females, including the AG and gonads. To study Mr-IR function, we performed long-term RNAi silencing in young male prawns. While having no effect on growth, Mr-IR silencing advanced the appearance of a malespecific secondary trait. The most noted effects of Mr-IR silencing were hypertrophy of the AG and the associated increased production of Mr-IAG, with an unusual abundance of immature sperm cells being seen in the distal sperm duct. A ligand blot assay using de novo recombinant Mr-IAG confirmed the existence of a ligand-receptor interaction. While these results suggest a role for Mr-IR in the regulation of the AG, we did not see any sexual shift following silencing of Mr-IR, as occurred when the ligand-encoding Mr-IAG gene was silenced. This suggests that sexual differentiation in crustaceans involve more than a single Mr-IAG receptor, emphasizing the complexity of sexual differentiation and maintenance.
Relation: Endocrinology / Vol. 157, No. 2, pp.928-941
Relation: http://dx.doi.org/10.1210/en.2015-1391
Year: 2016
Publisher: Endocrine Society
Subject: FoR 07 (Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences) | FoR 11 (Medical and Health Sciences) | FoR 06 (Biological Sciences)

Collection(s): Research Publications
Resource Type: Journal Article
Identifier: ISSN: 0013-7227
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