Leptin receptor overlapping transcript: characterization, tissue distribution and changes in gene expression in response to eyestalk ablation in the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

摘要

The leptin receptor overlapping transcript (LEPROT), which arose evolutionarily before the leptin receptor, is involved in the nutritional regulation of metabolism and reproduction. Eyestalk ablation is performed on brood stock to induce rapid gonad development in the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. To clarify the role of L. vannamei leprot (Lvleprot) in gonadal development, Lvleprot cDNA was isolated and a phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the LEPROT amino acid sequences of shrimp, other invertebrates and vertebrates. The resulting topology clearly reflected the taxonomic relationships of the selected organisms. Alignment of LEPROT amino acid sequences showed that there was very high similarity between LvLEPROT and LEPROT from other invertebrates. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that Lvleprot expression was highest in the gonads and intestine, moderate in the hepatopancreas, androgenic gland and muscle, and lowest in gill, heart and stomach, without a sexually dimorphic pattern difference between males and females. After eyestalk ablation, the gonadosomatic index increased significantly, but the hepatosomatic index decreased significantly. In addition, Lvleprot transcript levels in the gonads and intestine decreased significantly, but were significantly increased in the hepatopancreas after eyestalk ablation. These results indicate the significant roles of Lvleprot in the nutritional regulation of reproduction during the period of rapid development in Pacific white shrimp.