Transferrin Identification in Sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) Reproductive System

摘要

Sturgeon is an ancient and unique fish species. Most of sturgeon are listed as critically endangered species due to habitat alteration and overharvesting. Study of sturgeon reproductive system and sperm is important for aquaculture and conservation programs. Transferrin is recognized as a multiple task protein, positively correlated with spermatogenesis and sperm quality. Thus, we tried to detect transferrin in spermiating and out-of-spawning sterlet reproductive organs and sperm. Two transferrin genes, serotransferrin and melanotransferrin, have been identified in reproductive organs of sterlet males. The serotransferrin was expressed higher in reproductive organs of spermiating than out-of-spawning sterlet males. Furthermore, transferrin was detected in sterlet seminal plasma. This information contributes to the existing information on the variability of transferrin proteins and the potential role of transferrin in chondrostean fishes.