THE FULL-LENGTH cDNA CLONING AND EXPRESSION PROFILES OF 14-3-3 GENES FROM THE MUD CRAB SCYLLA PARAMAMOSAIN ESTAMPADOR, 1949

Two full-length cDNA sequences of 14-3-3 genes were isolated from the mud crab, Scylla paramamosain Estampador, 1949, using RT-PCR and RACE (rapid-amplification of cDNA ends). Sequence analysis indicates that both 14-3-3 genes contain an open reading frame of 744 bp with a deduced 247-amino-acid protein. The gene and protein sequences of Sp14-3-3 genes show 96 and 97% identity, respectively, and both Sp14-3-3 cluster together with other animal 14-3-3 proteins in phylogenetic tree analysis. Tissue specific expression analysis reveals that both Sp14-3-3 genes are ubiquitously expressed, however, their expression patterns are different from each other. Expressions of both Sp14-3-3 genes are sensitive to salinity decrease, even a 5 ppt drop from 30 ppt to 25 ppt, indicating that Sp14-3-3 genes are involved in osmoregulation. Our observations may contribute to a better understanding of the molecular and functional evolution of the 14-3-3 family in both crustaceans and (in) vertebrates as a whole.