Ultrastructure of putative germ granules in the penaeid shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus

Knowledge about the specification of the germ line in penaeid shrimp would allow development of techniques to control germ cell formation and/or fate to produce reproductively sterile shrimp for genetic copyright purposes. Recent studies have traced the localization of an RNA–enriched intracellular body (ICB) in the putative germ line of four penaeid shrimp species. It is hypothesized that the ICB may serve as a putative germ granule and marker of germ line fate. In this study semi-thin and ultra-thin sections of Marsupenaeus japonicus embryos were prepared, and the dimensions and ultrastructure of the ICB was examined at different stages of embryogenesis. The ICB was an aggregation of electron dense granules, small vesicles and multi-vesicular bodies (MVBs), similar to germ granules from other species. Lamellar membranes and mitochondria were localized at the periphery of the ICB. Using fluorescence microscopy, microtubules were also observed between the centrosome and the ICB. The localization of the ICB in the D lineage and putative germ cell line, the enrichment of RNA in the ICB, and the ultrastructural similarities to other germ granules characterized in this study support the hypothesis that the ICB contains germ granules.     

Ovarian primary tissue culture of the kuruma shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus

Cell growth in ovarian primary culture of the kuruma shrimp, Marsupenaeus japonicus, was examined under various culture conditions. The best growth of ovarian cells was obtained in a culture system consisting of double strength of Leibovitz-15 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, glucose (1 g/L), proline (0.1 g/L), TC-Yeastolate (1 g/L), and lactalbumin hydrolysate (1 g/L). The cells survived in this medium at 25 degrees C for 45 d. The epithelial-like cells predominated in 10-d-old cultures, covering >80% of the surface area on the bottom of flask. Cells in mitosis were often observed. Cell proliferation was monitored by incorporation of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU), an analog of thymidine. 5-Bromo-2'-deoxyuridine-associated cells accounted for 11.5 and 35.0% of cell populations at 2 and 24 h, respectively, after BrdU treatment. Our results provide an improved culture technique for ovarian tissue of the kuruma shrimp.     

An increase of uricogenesis in the Kuruma shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus under nitrite stress

Kuruma shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus Bate, under the stress of 0.36 and 1.39 mM nitrite at 30 per thousand (parts per thousand, g kg(-1)) for 48 h, were examined for nucleotide-related compounds, specific activities of xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH), xanthine oxidase (XOD), and uricase. The levels of total nucleotide-related compounds, including xanthine and hypoxanthine, in the gill increased directly with ambient nitrite, whereas the levels of total nucleotide-related compounds, including xanthine and hypoxanthine, in the hepatopancreas were inversely related to ambient nitrite. Specific activity of XOD in the hepatopancreas increased directly with ambient nitrite, whereas no significant difference in uricase activity in the hepatopancreas was observed among three treatments. In another experiment, M. japonicus, following 48 h exposure to 0.36 and 1.39 mM nitrite, were examined for ammonia, urea, and urate levels in tissues. Hemolymph urea and exoskeleton urate levels increased directly with ambient nitrite, whereas hemolymph urate and exoskeleton urea levels were inversely related to ambient nitrite. It is concluded that M. japonicus exhibited uricogenesis and uricolysis, and an increase of uricogenesis occurred for the shrimp under nitrite stress. Urate produced in the hepatopancreas was transported and accumulated in the epidermis, and removed along with the exoskeleton at the time of molting.     

Regulation of phagocytosis against bacterium by Rab GTPase in shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus

Rab GTPases, members of the Ras superfamily, play important roles in phagosome formation and maturation. However, the involvement of Rab protein in phagocytosis against invading pathogens in crustacean remains unknown. In the present study, the RNAi and mRNA overexpression assays were conducted to elucidate the function of shrimp Rab gene (designated as PjRab) in hemocytic phagocytosis against bacterium. The results indicated that the phagocytic percentage and phagocytic index using FITC-labeled Vibrio parahemolyticus were significantly decreased when the PjRab gene was silenced by sequence-specific siRNA, suggesting that the PjRab protein was essential in hemocytic phagocytosis. On the other hand, the overexpression of PjRab gene leaded to the increase of phagocytic percentage and phagocytic index. The findings indicated that the PjRab protein was involved in the regulation of hemocytic phagocytosis of shrimp. Our report on the regulation of phagocytosis by Rab GTPase would contribute a better clue to realize the still poorly understood molecular events involved in shrimp as well as crustacean immune response.     

Supplemental effects and metabolic fate of crystalline arginine in juvenile shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus

Feeding experiments with juvenile kuruma shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus) were conducted to understand the effects of supplemental levels of crystalline arginine hydrochloride on the growth and assimilation of arginine. In experiment 1 the juvenile shrimp were maintained on diets with and without arginine supplements. The addition of 3.0% arginine to a casein-based diet was slightly effective in improving the growth of the juveniles. In experiment 2, tracer experiments using [14C] arginine were conducted to clarify the ingestion and assimilation of arginine, 9 and 24 h after feeding, at different levels of supplemental arginine. Tracer experiments showed that the leaching rate of arginine 1 h after feeding ranged from 16 to 26% in the diets with different levels (0, 0.1, 1.5, 3.0 and 6.0%) of supplemental arginine; that is, 74-84% of the given arginine was actually ingested by the shrimp fed the diets. However, with increasing levels of supplemental arginine the incorporation rate of arginine into the whole body decreased and the utilization of absorbed arginine for body protein synthesis was reduced, whereas the excretion of absorbed arginine was increased. Thus, the absorbed arginine was not effectively utilized for body protein synthesis when large amounts of arginine were supplemented to the diets.     

Increase of uricogenesis in the kuruma shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus reared under hyper-osmotic conditions

Tissues of kuruma shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus Bate (5.7+/-1.1 g) reared in salinities of 18, 26, 34 and 42 were examined for levels of nucleotide-related compounds, ammonia, urea and uric acid, and activities of xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH), xanthine oxidase (XOD) and uricase. Levels of total nucleotide-related compounds, including xanthine and hypoxanthine, in gill increased directly with salinity, whereas these same levels in hepatopancreas were inversely related with salinity. Hemolymph ammonia, urea and uric acid levels, and epidermal ammonia, urea and uric acid levels increased directly with salinity, whereas hepatopancreas ammonia and uric acid and gill uric acid levels were inversely related to salinity. Activities of XDH and XOD in hepatopancreas increased directly with salinity level, whereas no significant difference of uricase activity in hepatopancreas was observed among the four salinities. It is concluded M. japonicus exhibited uricogenesis and uricolysis, and an increase of uricogenesis occurred for the shrimp under hyper-osmotic conditions (salinity of 42). Uric acid produced in the hepatopancreas was transported and accumulated in the epidermis, and removed along with the spongy connective tissue at the time of molting.     

Ribosomal protein L20 can replace the assembly-initiator protein L24 at low temperatures

The assembly of the 50S subunit from Escherichia coli ribosomes is initiated by two ribosomal proteins, L24 and L3. A mutant lacking the assembly-initiator protein L24 shows distinct phenotypic features (temperature sensitivity, growth rate reduced by a factor of 6 at permissive temperatures below 34 degrees C, underproduction of 50S subunits), which could be traced back to assembly effects caused by lack of L24 [Herold, M., Nowotny, V., Dabbs, E. R., & Nierhaus, K. H. (1986) Mol. Gen. Genet. 203, 281-287]. As expected, only one assembly protein was effective during in vitro assembly at nonpermissive temperatures, whereas surprisingly the restoration of active particle formation at permissive temperatures was paralleled by the reappearance of two initiator proteins. Here we analyze the initiation of assembly at permissive temperatures in the absence of L24. We demonstrate in a series of reconstitution experiments with purified proteins that the two initiator proteins are L20 and L3. Thus, L20 can replace L24 for the initiation of assembly at permissive temperatures.     

Cloning and characterization of three novel WSSV recognizing lectins from shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus

C-type lectins (CTLs) acting as pattern recognition receptors play essential roles in shrimp innate immune responses. Using WSSV envelope proteins (VP26, VP28, and VP281) to screen a phage display library of Marsupenaeus japonicus, three lectins (termed as MjLecA, MjLecB, and MjLecC) were found to interact with WSSV. Sequence analysis revealed that these MjLecs shared low similarities with each other. Phylogenetic analysis indicated MjLecA and MjLecB are likely to belong to the same lectin sub-family, while MjLecC belongs to another sub-family. These MjLecs showed broad, unique carbohydrate binding spectra. Also, the three MjLecs could interact with several envelope proteins of WSSV and could recognize a wide range of microorganisms. Moreover, binding of MjLecA or MjLecB to WSSV reduced the viral infection rate in vitro. These results suggest that various kinds of CTLs with structural and functional diversities may constitute a recognizing network against invading pathogens such as bacteria and virus, and play essential roles in the defence system of shrimp.     

Deciphering the DNA repair protein, Rad23 from kuruma shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus: full-length cDNA cloning and characterization

Aims: Lesions of DNA are removed by nucleotide excision repair (NER) process in the living systems. NER process‐related host factors are believed to aid recovery steps during viral integration. Here, we report identification and characterization of a DNA repair molecule Rad23 from kuruma shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus. Methods and Results: The full‐length cDNA of M. japonicus Rad23 gene (MjRad23) has 1149 bp coding for a putative protein of 382 amino acids with a 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of 92 bp and 3′ UTR region of 1116 bp. Quantitative expression analysis revealed MjRad23 is constitutively expressed in all the organs of healthy shrimp, whereas with high level in muscle tissue. Although MjRad23 expression is observed in every haemolymph samplings to post‐white spot syndrome virus infection, high expression is recorded at 2 h post infection (h.p.i.). MjRad23 consists of putative functional domains including one ubiquitin domain (UBQ), two ubiquitin‐associated domains (UBA) and one heat‐shock chaperonin‐binding motif (STI1). Multiple alignment of MjRad23 with Rad23 of other species showed highly significant identity ranging from 37 to 53%; however, high homology is observed with Rad23 of Bombyx mori (BmRad23). UBQ domain region alignment revealed maximum of 66% homology with Rad23 of Apis melifera (AmRad23). MjRad23 clustered with invertebrate sector along with insect species in evolution analysis. Three‐dimensional structural analyses demonstrated the highest identity between MjRad23 and human Rad23A (hHR23A). Conclusions: The present work revealed the presence of MjRad23 gene, which is essential in DNA repair process. Further studies are required to clarify the involvement of MjRad23 in NER process. Significance and Impact of the Study: This is the first report on identification and characterization of DNA repair protein in crustaceans, which will lead to further investigation to explore the molecular mechanisms behind the NER process.     

Molecular cloning and expression analysis of alpha 2-macroglobulin in the kuruma shrimp, Marsupenaeus japonicus

The cDNA encoding the kuruma shrimp, Marsupenaeus japonicus alpha(2)-macroglobulin (alpha(2)M) was obtained by screening a haemocyte cDNA library and 5' RACE PCR amplification. The full length cDNA of 4748 bp contains an open reading frame of 4518 nucleotides that translates into a 1505-amino acid putative peptide, with a 5'untranslated region (UTR) of 59 bp and a 3'UTR of 171 bp. The open reading frame encodes an N-terminal signal sequence of 17 residues and a mature protein of 1488 residues. The entire amino acid sequence is similar to the alpha(2)M sequences of arthropods (30-31% identity), mammals (26-27% identity) and fish (25-28% identity). The M. japonicus alpha(2)M sequence contains putative functional domains including a bait region, an internal thiol ester site, and a receptor-binding domain, which are present in mammalian alpha(2)Ms. In a healthy shrimp, the mRNA of alpha(2)M was mainly expressed in haemocytes. In addition, the expression level of alpha(2)M mRNA was dramatically increased by through time upon oral administration of peptidoglycan (PG), which is an immune stimulant. The highest expression of alpha(2)M mRNA was observed 7 days after feeding with PG. These results suggest that the shrimp alpha(2)M is an important molecule in immune system.     

Ribosomal protein S24 gene is mutated in Diamond-Blackfan anemia

Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a rare congenital red-cell aplasia characterized by anemia, bone-marrow erythroblastopenia, and congenital anomalies and is associated with heterozygous mutations in the ribosomal protein (RP) S19 gene (RPS19) in approximately 25% of probands. We report identification of de novo nonsense and splice-site mutations in another RP, RPS24 (encoded by RPS24 [10q22-q23]) in approximately 2% of RPS19 mutation-negative probands. This finding strongly suggests that DBA is a disorder of ribosome synthesis and that mutations in other RP or associated genes that lead to disrupted ribosomal biogenesis and/or function may also cause DBA.     

Yolk protein is expressed in the insect testis and interacts with sperm

Background  

Male and female gametes follow diverse developmental pathways dictated by their distinct roles in fertilization. While oocytes of oviparous animals accumulate yolk in the cytoplasm, spermatozoa slough off most of their cytoplasm in the process of individualization. Mammalian spermatozoa released from the testis undergo extensive modifications in the seminal ducts involving a variety of glycoproteins. Ultrastructural studies suggest that glycoproteins are involved in sperm maturation in insects; however, their characterization at the molecular level is lacking. We reported previously that the circadian clock controls sperm release and maturation in several insect species. In the moth, Spodoptera littoralis, the secretion of glycoproteins into the seminal fluid occurs in a daily rhythmic pattern. The purpose of this study was to characterize seminal fluid glycoproteins in this species and elucidate their role in the process of sperm maturation.     

Molecular cloning and characterization of a class II ADP ribosylation factor from the shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus

In shrimp, small GTPases in the Ras superfamily can regulate hemolytic phagocytosis against WSSV infection. However, the ADP ribosylation factors (Arfs), also belonging to the regulatory GTP-binding proteins and playing a central role in membrane trafficking, have not been reported yet in shrimp and their relationship with WSSV infection is completely unknown to date. Here, a novel class II Arf (designated as MjArf4) was cloned and characterized from the shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus. Like other Arfs, MjArf4 contains an N-terminal myristoylated site, a p loop, switch regions, as well as an interswitch region. In High Five cells, when MjArf4 was in its GDP-bound form, it dispersed into the whole cell, whereas in the GTP-bound form it promoted formation of a punctuate Golgi-like structure, indicating that the MjArf4 distribution was dependent on its GDP/GTP binding. After challenge with WSSV, the mRNA level of MjArf4 was up-regulated significantly as WSSV propagated. Thus, a member of the Arf family was characterized for the first time in shrimp and found to be involved in WSSV infection.     

Effect of sulfide on the immune response and susceptibility to Vibrio alginolyticus in the kuruma shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus

Kuruma shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus held in 34 per thousand seawater were injected with tryptic soy broth (TSB)-grown Vibrio alginolyticus (2.7x10(6)cfu shrimp(-1)), and then placed in water containing concentrations of sulfide at 0 (control), 51, 106, 528 and 1050microgl(-1), respectively. After 12-144h, mortality of V. alginolyticus-injected shrimp exposed to 528 and 1102microgl(-1) sulfide was significantly higher than that of shrimp exposed to 51microgl(-1) sulfide and the control solution. In another experiment, M. japonicus which had been exposed to 0, 56, 112, 525 and 1076microgl(-1) sulfide for 6, 12, 24 and 48h were examined for immune parameters, and phagocytic activity and clearance efficiency of V. alginolyticus. Sulfide concentrations at 525microgl(-1) or greater for 12h resulted in decreased total haemocyte count (THC) and phenoloxidase activity, phagocytic activity and bacterial clearance efficiency, whereas a sulfide concentration at 1076microgl(-1) for 24h caused a significant increase in respiratory burst and superoxide dismutase activity of M. japonicus. It is concluded that concentrations of sulfide at 528microgl(-1) or greater increased the susceptibility of M. japonicus against V. alginolyticus infection by a depression in immune ability. The increased production of superoxide anion by M. japonicus exposed to 525microgl(-1) sulfide or greater was considered to be cytotoxic to the host.     

Enzymatic elucidation of haemocyanin from Kuruma shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus and its molecular recognition mechanism towards pathogens

Haemocyanin is an important non-specific immune protein present in the hemolymph of invertebrates, which have the ability to recognize the microbial pathogens and trigger the innate immune system. In this study, we isolated and purified the haemocyanin using gel filtration chromatography and investigated its microbial recognition mechanism against the invading pathogens. Kuruma shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus haemocyanin showed the single band with a molecular weight of 76?kDa on SDS-PAGE and its molecular mass was analysed through the MALDI. Pathogen recognition mechanism of M. japonicus haemocyanin was detected through bacterial agglutination, agglutination inhibition and prophenoloxidase activity. M. japonicus haemocyanin agglutinate all human blood RBC types and showed the bacterial agglutination against all tested Gram positive Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Bacillus subtilis and Gram negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris and Vibrio parahaemolyticus at the concentrations ranging from 30 to 50?μg/ml. Agglutination was inhibited by 50–200?mM of N-acetylneuraminic acid, a-D-glucose, D-galactose and D-xylose. Our results suggest that, 76?kDa subunit of M. japonicus haemocyanin recognize the pathogenic surface proteins which are present on the outer membrane of the bacteria and mediates the bacterial agglutination through haemocytes. This bacterial agglutination was visualized through Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM). This present study would be helpful to explore the importance of haemocyanin in innate immune response of M. japonicus and its eliciting pathogen recognition mechanism leads to the development of innate immunity in crustaceans.