A Functional Study of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta from the Gonad of Pacific Oyster Crassostrea gigas

The transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta superfamily is a group of important growth factors involved in multiple processes such as differentiation, cell proliferation, apoptosis and cellular growth. In the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas, the oyster gonadal (og) TGF-beta gene was recently characterized through genome-wide expression profiling of oyster lines selected to be resistant or susceptible to summer mortality. Og TGF-beta appeared specifically expressed in the gonad to reach a maximum when gonads are fully mature, which singularly contrasts with the pleiotropic roles commonly ascribed to most TGF-beta family members. The function of og TGF-beta protein in oysters is unknown, and defining its role remains challenging. In this study, we develop a rapid bacterial production system to obtain recombinant og TGF-beta protein, and we demonstrate that og TGF-beta is processed by furin to a mature form of the protein. This mature form can be detected in vivo in the gonad. Functional inhibition of mature og TGF-beta in the gonad was conducted by inactivation of the protein using injection of antibodies. We show that inhibition of og TGF-beta function tends to reduce gonadic area. We conclude that mature og TGF-beta probably functions as an activator of germ cells development in oyster.

Keyword(s)

Transforming growth factor-beta, Bacterial expression, In vivo antibody inhibition, Reproduction, Crassostrea gigas, Marine bivalve

Full Text

FilePagesSizeAccess
Publisher's official version
10410 Ko
Author's final draft
17362 Ko
How to cite
Corporeau Charlotte, Groisillier Agnes, Jeudy Alexandra, Barbeyron Tristan, Fleury Elodie, Fabioux Caroline, Czjzek Mirjam, Huvet Arnaud (2011). A Functional Study of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta from the Gonad of Pacific Oyster Crassostrea gigas. Marine Biotechnology. 13 (5). 971-980. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10126-010-9361-4, https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00042/15371/

Copy this text